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

Est 2009 Issue 13 - 2021

Tel : 011 616 1523 Inner-City Gazette

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

29 April - 13 May 2021

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

Inner City Gazette

Forum mobilises investment in Africa Climate-resilient infrastructure offers investment potential of between $130 billion and $170 billion

African Union commissioner Josefa Sacko

Johannesburg - The European Investment Bank recently convened a hybrid forum to mobilise private and public capital towards the green transition in Africa.

The European Union-Africa Green Investment Forum brought together leading government and business figures, international and development financial institutions, civil society and academia.

Agriculture potentially offers massive investments in climate-smart crops to build more resilient food systems; and climateresilient infrastructure offers investment potential of between $130 billion and $170 billion.

Speakers emphasised the need to build back greener collectively. Several congratulated the US, after President Joe Biden on commitment to cut carbon emissions by 505 to 52% below 2005 levels by 2030.

African Union (AU) commissioner Josefa Sacko said: “We need to bring everyone on board. We call for a just transition that recognises the historical responsibility of the developed world for climate change; and measures taken should not push vulnerable populations into greater poverty,” she added.

European Investment Bank president Werner Hoyer said the partnerships forged in addressing the Covid-19 crisis must now be applied to climate change.

“Africa may be most vulnerable to the

immediate effects of climate change, but it is responsible for some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per head. This is also the continent where mistakes made elsewhere can be avoided. Africa can invest in innovative technologies and make the right choices for a sustainable and inclusive future,” Hoyer said.

United Nations (UN) secretary-general António Guterres said the gathering was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and boost investment in Africa for the benefit of all.

“I see agendas converging around financing a green transition and greater resilience. African countries are rapidly scaling up renewables, particularly solar and wind power,” Guterres said.

African Development Bank (ADB) president Dr Akinwumi Adesina reminded global audiences of the continent’s vast opportunities for green growth.

With abundant solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy resources, Africa’s energy transition alone presents a $100 billion per year investment opportunity, he indicated.

“Africa is a huge market offering incredible opportunities; the recovery pathway offers enormous opportunities. Recovery must be green, build climate resilience and boost green investments,” he said.

Adesina identified energy, agriculture and infrastructure as key areas of invest-

ment potential for a post-Covid-19 recovery in Africa.

While climate change is a huge challenge for Africa, Adesina urged investors to seize on the opportunities it presents, which would be worth $3 trillion by 2030.

The African Development Bank is the vanguard of investment in climate adaptation, he said, but over 70% of the financing needed will need to come from the private sector to complement public investments.

“The private sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is critical in mitigating climate change and implementing adaptation methods. This calls for innovative approaches to attract and steer financial flows toward low carbon and climate resilient development,” he said.

A greener Africa must also focus on the circular economy, in which waste can be recycled and turned into wealth.

Commending the European Commission’s External Investment Plan, Adesina said the bank looked forward to building a strong partnership with the commission to deliver more in the context of the new EU strategy with Africa.

“Africa is already green; it just needs to get greener. What is needed now is more Euros to back Africa’s green growth.

Think about the tremendous investment opportunities available today and many more that will emerge into the future.

Think differently, think Africa,” he said.

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Inner-city Gazette

News

BCom Human Resource Management: A Modern Approach to People-Management

By Dr Hendrik Botha and Dr Janet Viljoen

Picture this: you are the Human Resource Manager at a small, Silicon-valley style tech start-up in Cape Town. You might rollerblade between your office and the canteen to take ‘stock’ with a colleague over a cup of coffee. Your role as HR specialist will primarily revolve around understanding the needs of the start-up so as to actively recruit the most qualified and tech-savvy individuals who can realise the company’s dream (vision and goals) while fitting into the culture perfectly.

It is a new dawn for Human Resource (HR) Management: no longer is “HR” only about personnel administration and “hiring and firing”. Today’s modern HR Manager is pivotal to the company’s strategic success, is fully involved in talent management, coaching, organisational development and is a leader in the creation of the organisation’s culture. The HR specialist is responsible for specifically delegated statutory and management advice, building teams of talent within the organisation and inspiring employee empowerment. The person who holds this position is enthusiastic, peoplefocussed, and participates in - and is inspired by - the strategic goals of the organisation. Stephen Hawking has been credited with noting that in the age of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, “only the most caring, creative and supervisory roles will remain of importance”: in other words, the human element that does remain will become ever-more valuable and important to the overall business venture.

Another scene: you are part of the Human Resource Management team for a multinational with offices on every continent.

You are used to taking calls at odd hours of the morning given the time difference between your base in Johannesburg and the headquarters in Brisbane, Australia. Your role includes oversight of legal compliance for all talent recruitment and appointment, but equally important is your team’s role in maintaining healthy employee-employer relations, cross-continentally.

Boston’s brand-new programme offering is the Bachelor of Commerce specialising in Human Resource Management (BCom HRM). It has been designed with the needs of tomorrow’s economy in mind, and it boasts bespoke modules that have been informed by careful research into the modern role of the Human Resource specialist: HR as strategic partner, employee advocate, and champion for change. Today’s HR Manager is situated front and centre of the executive team and it is to this specialist that

Dr Janet Viljoen leadership will turn for advice and business solutions that make best use of the most important resource the company has to offer: its talent.

It would be fair to say that the modern BCom graduate who holds a specialisation in HR is multi-talented. Not only have you assimilated the fundamental commercial acumen that the BCom degree offers you, but you’ve added to that a layer of crisp, clear people-management, understanding of team dynamics, and the management of metrics associated with performance goals. The foundation of a BCom degree is modules including Strategic Management, Financial Management, Economics, Business Ethics, Research Methods and Project Management. Boston’s core set of BCom modules included in the BCom HRM have a proven track record, with a supportive team of educators and exceptional learning mate-

rial backing your journey toward successful graduation and entry into the workplace. To this we add the exciting modules specific to developing tomorrow’s Human Resource Manager, including Workplace Psychology, International HRM, Performance & Reward Management Systems, Human Resource Analytics, Employee Relations and Labour Law, and Organisational Development & Skills Administration.

What role do you see yourself playing in an organisation once you have graduated?

Do you dream of positively influencing organisational culture, ensuring that individuals’ wellbeing is prioritised alongside their productivity? Have you ever dreamed of combining your love of all things commercial with your ability to engage people? This is the perfect qualification to prepare you for a role that is at once people-centred, and business-focussed. Ever wondered if you could combine your BCom with your ability to social influence? This is your opportunity.

Start your higher education journey today.

You do not need to wait to “see what happens with COVID-19”. Rest assured that Boston has implemented the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the national regulations in place for Higher Education Institutions. In keeping with our studentcentred approach to education, we are committed to ensuring, as new regulations become live at the different risk-assessment levels of national government, that we maintain clear communication channels with our students across various media platforms. Boston has also implemented several interventions to support the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) commitment to “Save the Academic Year, Save Lives.”

The journey doesn’t end with your BCom HRM… that is merely the beginning of your adventure into the fast moving space that is the modern business-place. Further study is possible after completing your BCom HRM and the options are endless – your choices include postgraduate programmes in many commercial specialities such as Management, Corporate Governance or Leadership as examples, or deeper specialisation in Human Resource Management such as Labour Relations, etc. Don’t limit your vision: the step you take to apply today and register to start in July could be the first step toward your MBA degree.

Africa is ready for a new crop of leaders.

Boston is ready to partner with you!

Chat to a training advisor on 011 551 2000 or visit www.boston.co.za for more info.

29 April - 13 May 2021

Interpol joins fight against cyber abuse Ten key actors in the global cybersecurity ecosystem have created a global initiative to support to survivors of domestic violence

Tech Reporter

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he International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) is set to enhance global law enforcement by investigating the use of stalkerware and support victims who require assistance.

Monitoring someone through their phone or computer is a form of violence and causes considerable fear for victims. Stalkerware, commercial software that allows perpetrators to secretly monitor others through their devices, has become a rapidly evolving threat, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Domestic violence intensified since the outbreak of the pandemic, with the United Nations calling violence against women during Covid-19, a ‘shadow pandemic’.

Ten key actors in the global cybersecurity ecosystem have created the Coalition Against Stalkerware, a global initiative to provide support to survivors of domestic violence, to combat the use of stalkerware and work towards increasing public awareness around this issue. The coalition has grown to more than 35 members around the world, gaining momentum in helping to combat and educate against these threats.

The coalition’s partners drive outcomes through their collaboration, including improving technical detection of stalkerware; developing a stalkerware sample and metadata information sharing mechanism; and providing informational and technical assistance seminars to support organisations working with survivors of domestic violence, and other individuals targeted by stalkerware.

Interpol Cybercrime director Craig Jones

Representative of the Coalition Against Stalkerware Tara Hairston says all key partners must fight against this pervasive tactic of abuse.

“It’s great to see that Interpol is devoted to working with their global community around the topic of intimate partner violence, unwanted surveillance and abuse. Alongside Interpol and partners, we will ensure nobody falls victim to stalkerware again,” Hairston says.

Interpol will promote training sessions developed by the Coalition to its 194 member countries, to enhance the ability to investigate the use of stalkerware, support victims requesting assistance, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Interpol director of Cybercrime, Craig Jones says Interpol is committed to supporting the Coalition Against Stalkerware in its fight against abuse, stalking, and harassment via the use of stalkerware.

“To this end, we will continue to raise awareness within the global law enforcement community about intimate partner violence, unwanted surveillance, and abuse,” he adds.

29 April - 13 May 2021

Inner-city Gazette

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News

Sanral warns about email tender scam

Part of the meeting at Westbury Hall

City officials meet community members Ayanda Radebe City of Joburg officials recently attended an Integrated Development Plan meeting with community members at Westbury Hall, Region B. The officials included Mayor Geoffrey Makhubo, who was accompanied by Speaker of Council Nonceba Molwele, Development Planning MMC Thapelo Amad and regional director Mohau Ntheli.

Region B encompasses all races and religions, and is characterised by glaring differences in socio-economic conditions between the rich and the poor.

Makhubo said: “We have to find a balance between dealing with poverty and creating an environment for

businesses to thrive in this region.”

The challenge of fire management in residential areas was raised by several community members.

John Abrahams, who has resided in Westbury for over 35 years said: “There are no fire hydrants in Westbury and Riverlea flats, even if there is a small fire it can become a serious problem.”

Another resident, George Hendrik raised the issue of the poor state of City buildings and lack of grass cutting.

“Some of the materials used to maintain flats are of poor quality; one strong wind and the roofs will collapse,” he said.

Other issues raised by some community members included lack of

recreational facilities in the area.

“Riverlea does not have enough recreational facilities and the existing facilities are in poor condition,” said Ricardo Samuels.

Residents in informal settlements requested that the city electrify the areas; provide taps and better ablution facilities.

Makhubo thanked the community members for voicing their challenges and assured them that the City is gearing towards being more efficient and practical in dealing with community issues.

Some of the City’s projects in Region B are the renewal of water and sewer pipeline infrastructure; rehabilitation of Braamfontein Spruit and social housing projects.

Johannesburg - The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has been made aware of a scam inviting the public to tender on its contracts, and asserts that the invitation is fraudulent and does not emanate from Sanral.

Spokesperson Vusi Mona said: “The invitations are made in the name of a Ms Wendy Mhlanzi, supposedly an employee of our supply chain management department. No such individual works or is employed by Sanral.”

He added that the telephone and fax numbers, as well as the email address used in the scam are also

Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona

not Sanral’s official contact details.

“Sanral email addresses always include NRA, an abbreviation for National Roads Agency. We apologise for inconvenience this may have caused, and we assure members of the public that we are investigating this matter,” said Mona.

The email address used in the scam is fake and the public must not respond to it. It is listed as XXXXX@nra-agency.co.za.

Building manager held for rape Johannesburg - On Monday police arrested a man for alleged rape at the Asmar building at corner Helen Joseph and Mooi streets.

Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said the 45- year-old building manager allegedly raped a 29-year-old woman at the building on 23 April 2021.

“The victim used to live at the

same building and later moved out.

The building manager allegedly called her, and when she arrived he forced himself on her and raped her,” Mbele said.

Johannesburg Central station Commander Brigadier Perumal commended swift response by the police that led to the arrest of the suspect, Mbele said.

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Inner-city Gazette

29 April - 13 May 2021

New payment platform for SMEs Money Message has been specifically developed to process payments for merchants and small businesses Jenna Delport

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Nedbank executive Chipo Mushwana

partnership involving Nedbank, Mastercard and Ukheshe has launched a new payment platform that lets small businesses receive secure in-chat payments from their customers via WhatsApp. A first in South Africa, the solution called Money Message is expected to enable merchants to send an invoice requesting payment from any

customer seamlessly through WhatsApp; and the customers can settle payment directly from the platform.

Emerging payments executive at Nedbank Chipo Mushwana say: “The need for a diverse range of contactless payment methods is more important today than we could have imagined, as we seek to rebuild the economy by giving businesses ability to transact in a safe and secure way. To support entrepreneurship

and business growth across all markets, we need to deliver low-cost, accessible and flexible solutions that leverage widely accessible technologies. Money Message looks to overcome a variety of cost, security and technical barriers by enabling micro-merchants and their customers to transact with each other easily on an existing platform, WhatsApp.” Anyone with a valid South African identity document and bank account can access Money Message.

Merchants need to first register for the service, which is completed within minutes, and can immediately initiate a payment request. The business owner sends a request-topay message to the customer and for first-time users, a notification is sent via SMS prompting

them to register for the service. The customer simply puts in their name, surname and registers their card details to make the payment securely.

This means that customers can make cardless payments via their cellphone numbers or QR codes.

While other institutions have released banking functionality that works through WhatsApp, Money Message has been specifically developed to process payments for merchants and small businesses.

Ukheshe co-founder Mike Smits says chat commerce is seeing exponential growth across the globe.

“We look forward to helping our customers remain innovative through the use of market-leading transactional platforms,” he adds.

Country manager at Mastercard South Africa Suzanne Morel says every business owner is looking for ways to increase sales and reach new customers using different channels.

“By enabling smaller businesses to request digital payment through WhatsApp, smaller businesses can achieve these goals and create greater customer loyalty with little to no investment beyond the phone they already have,” she says.

A beta version of the Money Message platform has been available to a small selection of micro-merchants for just over a month, and will gradually reach the broader market during the rest of the year.

29 April - 13 May 2021

Inner-city Gazette

SAMRO chairperson Nicholas Maweni

should be considered as ‘seed-capital’ to assist many music composers in completing their creative projects. “We have noted that the majority of responders to this request for funding expressed a need for assistance with recording their music and to create videos. This initiative is one of many interventions by the SAMRO Foundation aligned with the mission of enabling music creators to manage sustainable music businesses,” Maweni adds.

Four people shot dead Brixton - Police are investigating four murder cases after four people were shot dead in two incidents at the Slovo Park informal settlement near Brixton.

Officials received a tip-off from a member of the public about a shooting incident in the area last Friday, saying there had been multiple gunshots and there were two dead bodies of male victims near his shack. A third victim was wounded and taken

to hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said in the second incident paramedics found a 24-year-old woman dead and an eight-year-old girl wounded.

“The motive behind both incidents is yet to be determined while police hunt for unknown suspects. It is unclear at this stage whether the two incidents are linked,” Peters said.

Knifeman jailed for attempted murder Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Regional Court has sentenced a 31-year-old Zimbabwean man to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder and aggravated robbery.

Police spokesperson Captain Xoli Mbele said the convict; Lucky Masuku stabbed and robbed a 38-year-old male victim with three of his accomplices on 18 February 2020.

“The victim was walking in the street when he was confronted by the suspects. The convict stabbed him twice in the upper body, while his accom-

plices took his Huawei cellphone before they fled the scene. Police on routine crime prevention saw the accused stabbing the victim and arrested him, while his three accomplices fled the scene with the victim’s cellphone,” Mbele said.

He added that the conviction is a result of diligent work done by the investigating officer Sergeant Gaserotse of Johannesburg Central detectives.

“We hope this sentence will scare away would be offenders from committing the same crime,” he said.

Burglar gets eight years jail

congratulated the member and Cleveland - The Johannesburg said this must serve as a warnMagistrate’s Court has sening to all criminals and wouldtenced a 27-year-old man to eight years imprisonment for be criminals,” Jordaan said. breaking into business premises.

Cleveland police dmirall olutions spokesperson Captain Johan Jordaan Garage Doors Motors said Nkululeko Sithole broke into Alarm Systems business premises Electric Fencing in Heriotdale, on 17 Gate Motors April 2020 and stole tissue packets worth TV Mounting R5 000.

Intercoms “He was arrested CCTV / DSTV by security personnel and handed over New Installations, to the police. InvesRepairs & Upgrades tigation Officer D/ Sergeant Mocheke contributed to this Contact 074 901 6329 hefty sentence. Staadmirallsystems@gmail.com tion commander Colonel Motaung

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Health authority launches vaccine side effects app

Micro-grants to support music businesses Johannesburg - The Southern Africa Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Foundation has approved micro-grants for 100 members as part of the SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund.

SAMRO chairperson Nicholas Maweni says the grants were approved based primarily on the soundness of proposals.

“Following the request for proposals from members, the foundation received 265 applications, and 100 were selected by the independent adjudication committee to receive up to R20 000 each. The successful applicants had to demonstrate that their idea was both creatively and financially sound and also stood a good chance of yielding positive results in the marketplace,” says Maweni.

The foundation set up this fund to help SAMRO members to keep creating. Maweni says the micro-grants

News

“The purpose of the data reported through the safety app is to contribute to the understanding of medicines’ safety profiles of marketed medicines, including that of Covid-19 vaccines.”

Johannesburg - The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has launched the globally utilised Med Safety App to make reporting side effects of medication and vaccines, including those of Covid-19, much easier.

The app is designed to help SAHPRA improve its data collecting abilities and bring greater awareness to medical safety. Side effects can be reported without having to go to a doctor; and the latest SAHPRA updates on drug testing will be made available on the app; which is available for free on iOS and Android.

The Med Safety App aims to simplify reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including those found after immunisation (AEFIs).

CEO of SAHPRA Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela said: “In an era where mobile technology is predominant, this application will be a huge benefit for all South Africans who encounter ADRs. The app allows for seamless reporting of all ADRs and

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AEFIs related to Covid-19 vaccines and will accelerate how SAHPRA manages the reports.”

The app will also bring a greater awareness to pharDr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela macovigilance, the practice The WEB-RADR 1 project origiof medical safety.

In a statement SAHPRA said: nated in September 2014; seeking “The purpose of the data reported to utilise social media and new through the Med Safety App is to technology to improve healthcare contribute to the understanding of awareness. By 2018 they began to medicines’ safety profiles of mar- roll out the app, and in collaboraketed medicines, including that of tion with the World Health Organisation (WHO) it was launched in Covid-19 vaccines.”

The app which was developed by countries like Armenia, Botswana, the European Union based WEB- Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, EthioRecognising Adverse Drug Reac- pia, Uganda, Zambia and Ghana.

The Med Safety App is currently tions (WEB-RADR), allows users to create a watch list to follow med- available in English only, and SAHPRA intends to soon provide it in icines of interest, enabling them other South African languages. to view relevant information.

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Inner-city Gazette

29 April - 13 May 2021

29 April - 13 May 2021

Inner-city Gazette

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UJ delivers playwriting

Bag Factory hosts anniversary expo Newtown - The Bag Factory in Newtown is celebrating three decades of their legacy as a non-profit visual arts organisation by looking through archives and highlighting their long-standing relationship with artists.

The organisation was founded in 1991 by Dr David Koloane, British philanthropist Robert Loder and arts administrator Sandra Burnett; with support from artists like Kagiso Mautloa, Sam Nhlengethwa and many others.

It is an interactive studio space for a cross-generational community of visual artists where exchange of ideas is stimulated.

Through their creative programme, the organisation makes innovative projects accessible to a wide audience by creating synergy between their exhibitions, residencies and artist development activities.

More than 80 works dating from 1991 are drawn from a collection of artworks bestowed to them over the years by studio artists, award recipients and visiting artists who participated in their internationally renowned artist in residence programmes.

The Bag Factory has a long list of celebrated alumni who have developed international and prize-winning careers, who include co-founder the late Koloane, Nhlengethwa, Kagiso Mautloa, Mmakgabo Sebidi,

The Arts

masterclass series

The series is presented at no cost to all playwrights Lakin Morgan-Baatjies

Visual artist Thenjiwe Nkosi

Penny Siopis, Tracey Rose, Thenjiwe Nkosi, Lady Skollie and Blessing Ngobeni.

The exhibition highlights the artistic programme which combines artmaking with cultural debate and art exhibitions.

“We are grateful to the network of artists, patrons, and friends that contributed throughout the years.

We look forward to celebrating our story and the alumni artists who continue to support our organisation and the work we do. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we plan a scaled down opening accompanied by a series of intimate engagements throughout the exhibition,” the organisation said.

The exhibition runs from 1 May to 19 June 2021 on a limited capacity of 15 people per walkabout.

For more information send an email to info@bagfactoryart.org.za.

UJ Arts & Culture has announced this year’s Playwriting Masterclass Series to run from the end of April 2021.

The series is presented at no cost to all aspirant and established playwrights.

Four professionals including Makhaola Ndebele, Princess Zinzi Mhlongo, Tlotlego Gaogakwe and Selloane Mokuku will cover a range of playwriting topics while Ilyana van Tonder and Andi Mgibantaka will join Arts & Culture’s Jade Bowers to discuss Intellectual Property (IP), Copyright and Publication.

Former artistic director of Joburg City Theatres, Ndebele brings over 25 years of experience across various dramatic disciplines including acting, writing and directing for film, TV and theatre.

He has worked on a diverse range of projects including Nomzamo, Zone 14, Crossing the Line, Gaz’lam and Dube. Ndebele will cover the essential elements of performative storytelling with emphasis on structure, conflict, and exposition.

Seasoned theatre director Princess Zinzi Mhlongo will focus on how a published script is brought to life with emphasis on the original intension of the playwright. Mhlongo has over 20 years of experience as a di-

rector. Her professional directing debut, And the girls in their Sunday dresses, met with critical acclaim both in South Africa and at the Edinburgh Festival and Afrovibes Festival in the United Kingdom.

Tlotlego Gaogakwe will explore some of the fundamentals of constructing effective characters that allow the audience to become invested in the unfolding journey of the play, and also see some aspect of their own real joys, griefs and longings reflected.

Gaogakwe is an English Language and Literature teacher Theatre director Princess Zinzi Mhlongo from Gaborone and an avid participant in the world of theatre. centralise power of any language,” He is an advocate for theatre educa- says Mokula. tion and reform in Botswana. His latThe IP, Copyright and Publication est play, When things fall together, is masterclass will be a joint discussion being produced by Wits’ Drama for between Jade Bowers, who previLife Theatre Collective and will de- ously worked at DALRO in Theatribut at the end of April 2021. cal Licensing, Ilyana van Tonder, an Selloane Mokula is an experienced expert in Copyright and Licensing theatre maker, storyteller, academic, who previously managed DALRO, as writer and performer. She has worked well as Andi Mgibantaka, CEO and with young people internationally, owner of Junkets Publisher. This will through organisations such as UNI- delve into how copyright works and CEF and Save the Children UK. how to look at publishing as an artist “I will tackle language to demon- in South Africa. strate how ways of knowing and beAttendance is free, for those intering are rooted in language. Moreover, ested to register get to https://arts.

I will explore translanguaging to de- uj.ac.za/series/MasterClass21/

SA team in tough Olympics group

South Africa is to face hosts Japan on 22 July at the Tokyo stadium, before playing France at Saitama stadium on 25 July. They will round off their group stage matches with another tough encounter against Mexico at the Sapporo Dome on July 28.

Sports Reporter

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t a virtual draw recently held in Zurich, Switzerland for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic football tournament the South African under-23 men’s national team was drawn against hosts Japan, France and Mexico in Group A. The tournament was postponed last year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is now scheduled to run from 22 July to 7 August 2021.

South Africa is to face hosts Japan

on 22 July at the Tokyo stadium, before playing France at Saitama stadium on 25 July. They will round off their group stage matches with another tough encounter against Mexico at the Sapporo Dome on July 28.

Coach David Notoane has acknowledged that his team is in a very tough group, but said he is relishing the challenge and is ready to give it a go.

“It is tough draw but a good one and I am very excited. This is a

group in which preparations are critical. If we apply ourselves fully, we can get to the knock-out stages,” he said.

Speaking ahead of draw, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and everyone involved for their efforts in ensuring that the Tokyo Olympic football draw finally took place.

“I congratulate FIFA president Gianni Infantino and everyone involved for their hard work and co-

operation. I thank their efforts that we are able to welcome the Tokyo 2020 Olympic football tournament draw. We now have less than 100 days to go until the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and I would like to express my respect and thanks to all athletes and their staff, who despite the Covid-19 situation have been training hard and preparing for these games. I would like the Tokyo 2020 Games to act as a shining light of hope for people all over the world,” Hashimoto said.

SA Under-23 coach David Notoane