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Deaths continue to rise amid lockdown
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MANY people either look forward to the festive pe riod and begin their countdown to Christmas in Oc tober, while others are left running for the hills to avoid the ‘silliness’ that comes with the season. As we get ready to wind down and take a breath er, we decided to reflect on some of the wonderful reasons to celebrate the year that was. Yes, we can talk about some of the lowlights as well (no pun on the word ‘lights’), but that would not be very festive at all. The team at the Fever has had a wonderful year and has shared some truly remarkable memories with you. We’ve had an actionpacked year from meeting wonderful individuals who are slowly changing their communities one step at a time to covering campaigns that shows a proactive community who are willing to fight for their beloved home towns. To those people who are continuously going the
extra mile to serve others, we would like to salute you and thank you for allowing us to share your sto ries. This year South Africans voted hoping for the best – many are now glued to the parliament ses sion coverage because you never know what to ex pect. In 2015 we will be joining the queues for the byelections and once again, hoping for positive change. We know we live in a beautiful city and another reason to be a proud Durbanite is Durban has been voted an official new Seven Wonder City of the world. The picturesque beaches, rolling hills and breathtaking skyline together with a host of won derful inhabitants, sets us apart from the rest of South Africa. After 40 years, the Miss World title is held by a South African.
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continues to destroy some of our communities. However, the one thing that continues to stand undefeated is the spirit of the Upper Highway community. Through the difficult times, our readers have once again proven that we are, without a doubt, among the most resilient and strong-willed. We have weathered all the storms that came our way and have demonstrated that we can be a community to be proud of - from our disabled horse rider achieving his goals to a local woman beating breast cancer and becoming an inspiration to others - our community stands together proud! We are confident that 2015 will be better than ever. We, at The Hillcrest Fever, have faced our
8 April 2020
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Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss World at the weekend and now features in a long list of remarka ble women who continue to make a difference to the countries they live in and the world. South Africans also took time through out the year to remember Nelson Mandela and do their bit to fulfill his legacy. It’s been a year since his death and many ques tioned the stability and patriotism of South Afri cans. The good news is, it seems as if communities are now more united than ever. Many believe his spirit still lives on calling it a sprinkling of ‘Madiba magic’. Clearly South Africans will continue to make great strides despite the negative news that some times comes to the fore. The Fever would like to wish all our fantastic cli ents and readers a wonderfully happy festive sea son and here’s to welcoming 2015 in style.
Dear Readers, TODAY marks the end of another year for the Hillcrest Fever, and as the festivities kick off for this season, let us reflect on moments that touched our lives and the community this past year. 2014 has been marked by persistent challenges in our economy with price inflations (food, electricity, fuel, etc.). We had weather catastrophes and crime
own challenges this year, but as we enter 2015 we renew our pledge to you to do our very best to continue to be the most accurate, fair and balanced source of news, opinion, features, sports and entertainment in the Upper Highway Area. We will continue to be open and honest with our readers and we assure you that the new year will be one never to be forgotten. Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones this year and those experiencing difficulties of all types this holiday season. We extend sincere and warm wishes to our Hillcrest Fever family for a safe and peaceful festive season, and a happy and prosperous 2015. Kalisha Naicker Senior Journalist Hillcrest Fever
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k e e W y l o H f o n o i t a v r e s b The o Hillcrest Fever
PURNAL POONUSAMY >>Purnal.Poonusamy@media24.com
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OLY Week is regarded as one of the most important weeks of the Christian calendar, which commenced with Palm Sunday (on April 5). This week tells the story of Jesus Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem, his subsequent betrayal by Judas during the Last Supper, his crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday. According to Catholic.org they state: “All of this is done by our Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and for life everlasting with Him. God so loved us, that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, so that our sins maybe forgiven.” Elaborating further on Good Friday, Catholic.org stated that this day is the solemn commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion, and is observed by almost all denominations of Christians. This day is also a legal holiday in many countries across the world. They state that the events of Good Friday are commemorated in the Stations of the Cross, a 14-step devotion often performed by Catholics during Lent and especially on Good Friday. The Stations of the Cross are commonly recited on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent. Another devotional, the Acts of Reparation, may also be prayed. Good Friday is a day of fasting within the Church. Traditionally, there is no Mass and no celebration of the
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Eucharist on Good Friday. A liturgy may still be performed and communion, if taken, comes from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. Baptism, penance, and anointing of the sick may be performed, but only in unusual circumstances. Church bells are silent. Altars are left bare. The solemn, muted atmosphere is preserved until the Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Christ. This marks the end of Holy Week, Lent and the Easter Triduum (Holy thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday); and the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. Catholic.org states that as Easter represents the fulfilment of God’s promises to mankind, it is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. Sharing his views, Reverend Andrew Manning of the St Marys Anglican Church said: “Good Friday is the celebration of God overcoming the power of sin and death through the death of Jesus, His only Son on the cross. I encourage you to listen to one of the many Good Friday services that will be available online or on TV over this Easter weekend. I don’t know of a time that church has been so available to so many. As we face this Covid19 pandemic and the necessary lockdown, may the message of the Cross be for you a symbol of hope for the world, and may the Christ of the Cross be that hope, and bring that joy that His victory over death offers to all.”
“I pray that this Easter as the church broadcasts this message through every available platform and not just within the walls of its buildings, I pray that you too will hear God’s voice saying to you – “Forgive them Father,” that you will hear the voice of God comforting His people, with the assurance of God’s presence among us. I pray that you will journey to the cross on Good Friday and beyond to receive and celebrate the Resurrection (Sunday, April 12). The road to resurrection is crucifixion. Your road to new life is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pray that this Friday will indeed be a Good Friday for you as you seek and find the Christ of Calvary, that won your life for you, that sets you free from the fear of sin and death and offers you the life of resurrection. Be assured of our prayers for you as we journey together through this season and as we rebuild our lives thereafter,” he said. The management and staff of the Amanzimtoti Fever would like to wish all our readers observing, a blessed and safe Easter. Celebrating #stayhome Easter is Allison Ivy Padachy. PHOTO: PURNAL POONUSAMY
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April 8, 2020
SPCA operations during lockdown PURNAL POONUSAMY >>purnal.poonusamy@media24.com
Pollution monitoring satellites have depicted the decreases in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over China PHOTO: NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY
Preserving the earth after lockdown PURNAL POONUSAMY >>purnal.poonusamy@media24.com
D
UE to the Covid-19 pandemic, just like most of the world, South Africans went into lockdown as per the instructions of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Due to this lockdown, many environmental changes occurred due to the industry ceasing. Social media users across the world, noted many changes across the world prompting the chorus of ‘we are the virus’ across these platforms. However, when the lockdown is over, its back to work, the damage will recommence. This makes a unique opportunity for the community to reflect and reassess how they can help preserve this healing steps the Earth has taken. Sharing his input, chairperson of the Amanzimtoti Conservancy, Reverend Andrew Manning said: “The true healing that is required is a healing of our minds. When our minds are healed, we will look at the world differently and treat the world differently. This is evident in that it is the change of behaviour that is showing a healing of ecosystems throughout the world. Our challenge is to see how these behaviour changes can become sustainable in the future.” “We live in a world of cause and effect; sadly, human beings have come to think that this ‘rule of nature’ does
not apply to them. We have become so controlling and powerful in our own minds that we have forgotten that we are not at the centre of the universe.” “Humanity is no stranger to disease, pestilence, pandemic and the reality of death. Every creature on earth is in a struggle for survival and no creature gives up the struggle just because there is one. Every day is a battle for survival. That battle requires adaptation to circumstances and adaptation to changes. Human beings prefer to adapt their exterior world rather than change within themselves. This is one of the primary changes that we are being forced into, a change of our own behaviour. A chance to see the world differently, live in the world differently. Nobody wants this lifestyle to be the new norm, but we have to face that fact that there are many things that we are realising, as we sit in lockdown, that we want to change as well and there are many things that we have the opportunity to change and not just go back to doing things as we did before as we rebuild our world.” “If anything, the pandemic is one of fear. Fear has embraced the world: the fear of change, the fear that we are reaping what we have sown, the fear of being out of control, the fear of tumbling markets and of being robbed of our lifestyle. Fear causes a flight or fight response and with a lockdown being declared we are reduced to only
one option, ‘fight’. But the fight is not against the virus, the fight is within, it’s a fight to redefine the people that we have become.” “It is true that throughout the world there has been positive change in our environments especially the habitats over stressed by human activity. The question is, is it possible to go back to normal and still have these ecosystems function as they are now? We all know the answer to that. We need to reintegrate with the world with a different attitude.” “The lockdown will end and hopefully we will reintegrate with life, with a new gratitude for the everyday things. A new gratitude for the beauty of the earth, a new gratitude for how integrated everything in the world is and how we need to consider others and not just ourselves, in every decision, every action. This time of reflection is a gift to us all, but an expensive gift; some people are paying with their lives, and some with their livelihoods. The least we can do is honour the fallen by changing the way that we will live in the world going forward.” “All creation is groaning in anticipation: are you listening? Are you responding? And yes, we do have a response, we do have a way forward, we can all bring back some balance to our planet and live in harmony. Hopefully this experience will give us that necessary push, to live out what we believe,” concluded Manning.
THE Amanzimtoti SPCA has been considered an essential service during the lockdown, this means that they will be operation during the 21day period, however it will only conduct limited services. Speaking on how this time affects them, the SPCA’s Michelle Hannan said: “This shutdown is going to be absolutely devastating for us. The loss of revenue from our charity shops and boarding facilities is going to hit us extremely hard. The animals continue to pour in, even more so now, due to misinformation that animals carry the virus.” On how the SPCA will operate during this time, their management provided us with the following information: • The SPCA will not be open for vaccinations, animal boarding, adoptions, or dog walking. • All of the charity shops will be closed. • They will still respond to reports of animals cruelty, or animal related emergencies. But please keep in mind, they will be spread very thin during this time. • To report animal cruelty, contact their reception on 031 904 2424, or email them on info@spcatoti.co.za. Please ensure there is physical evidence of the cruelty that can be seen, either by looking at the animal, or in video or photographic evidence. • Our after hours number is 072 122 7288, and is only for emergencies, i.e. an injured or dying animal. Please do not use this number to query adoptions, boarding or vaccinations.
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Toti SPCA’s Michelle Hannan. • No member of the public will be allowed onto the SPCA’s premises, is assistance is required for one of the following reasons, please press the buzzer at the gate and wait to be attended to. • Handing in a stray, or surrendering a pet. • Need to buy pet food or medications (Monday to Friday only). • Would like to make a donation of pet food. • Please contact the SPCA if you know of anyone who has caught the virus, who needs assistance with their animals. “We know this is a really tough time for everyone, but if you can spare even a small donation, it will really make a difference to us,”added Hannan. Banking details for the Amanzimtoti SPCA: Amanzimtoti SPCA First National Bank Current account Acc no: 62807184552 Branch code: 220127
For the love of reading PURNAL POONUSAMY >>purnal.poonusamy@media24.com AIMING to promote and inspire the love of reading to young children, International Children’s Book Day was held on April 2. This day usually falls around the birthday of world renowned author, Hans Christian Anderson since 1967. According to days of the year, this day is celebrated in a number of ways, such as parents or grandparents recall their favourite story as a child and read through it again to the children at home. Awarenessdays.com states that this day can help children learn and
develop, and give access to resources for those children who do not have the means. They further add that this day not only encourages children to pick up a book and read, but to also influence their habits for the future. Speaking on her love of reading and why she choses to share it, Rani Singh said: “I picked up the love of reading from my parents at a young age, and so I introduced my favourite children’s book, Shadow the Sheepdog, to my children and more recently to my grandchildren. It was such heart-warming story of love between a boy and his dog. Reading takes me into a different world, and I had to share that feeling with my family.”
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April 8, 2020
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Covid-19 related statistics as of Monday, April 6. Eastern Cape: 32 Limpopo: 19 North West Province: 11 Northern Cape: Eight Unallocated: 77 President Cyril Ramaphosa urged members of the community to always follow the lockdown protocols and said that offenders will be charged. *Numbers of cases supplied by DOH and NICD at time of going to press.
Khanya Hospice bids farewell to Sister KHANYA Hospice staff had to say goodbye to Sister NC Mbatha who has retired for the ‘10th time’. According to Hospice CEO, Neil McDonald, Mbatha retired from GJ Crooks Hospital a few years ago and joined Khanya Hospice. “After a few years, she ‘retired’ and the Hospice called her back to come and help out – and that lasted a few
months, then she ‘retired’. She is still too young to sit at home and Hospice asked her again to come and help out. And then she ‘retired’, and yes so it went on. And now – officially she retired. After some tea and cake, the staff said good bye to her. We wishing her all the best for the future, a pleasant retirement with good health. Thanks for
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A SUSPECT wanted for at least two cases of theft in the Amanzimtoti area, was arrested recently by members of Blue Security. Eugene Engelbrecht, tactical ambassador for Amanzimtoti said: “I was contacted by a client who reported seeing the suspect in the Umdoni Road area and reaction officers responded immediately.” The suspect, who has distinctive features, had been identified from CCTV footage during the theft incident on premises in South Coast Industrial Park. “He had been previously seen around the CBD and Amanzimtoti taxi rank,” Engelbrecht added. The Blue Security unit swooped on the area while calling for backup. “The suspect was swiftly apprehended, arrested and transferred to Amanzimtoti SAPS. During questioning additional information was received about the accomplices in two of
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According to the Department of Health (DoH) and National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) the number of cases now stands at 1686, with 12 deaths, and 95 recoveries THE NUMBER OF CASES CONFIRMED PER PROVINCE, ARE AS FOLLOWS: Gauteng: 713 (one death) KZN: 257 (seven deaths) Western Cape: 462 (three deaths) Mpumalanga: 18 Free State: 89 (one death)
0860 037 566 080 131 3013 080 131 3013 083 393 5066 080 131 3111
always being there for Khanya Hospice and its patients,” said McDonald. Khanya Hospice offers Free Palliative Nursing care to people with life threatening diseases. Should anyone need to contact Khanya Hospice, you may do so on 083 597 8985 or hospice@khanyahospice.co.za — Supplied.
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the theft cases which the suspect is linked to. This was a very satisfactory arrest as the suspect had been wanted for questioning for some time,” he said. In a separate incident, two suspects were apprehended and arrested for trespassing by Blue Security response officers in Amanzimtoti. “The suspects were observed by a security guard jumping over a wall from a neighbouring property into business premises. “The guard immediately contacted our control centre and our officers were dispatched to the scene where the suspects were caught red-handed,” Engelbrecht said. The owner of the property confirmed that no entry had been gained into the building and nothing was taken. The suspects were handed over to Amanzimtoti SAPS and charged with trespassing. — Supplied.
Neighbours’ observations lead to arrest AN observant neighbour in Illovo South, Amanzimtoti, alerted a Blue Security reaction officer on patrol that a housebreaking had occurred next door on Sunday, April 5. “The resident confirmed that he had arrived home to discover the door open and a number of items stolen,” said media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios. “Another neighbour then reported seeing a man pushing a wheelbarrow down the street laden with various goods. A case was opened with Amanzimtoti SAPS and investigations led to the arrest of the suspect at his home. He was still in possession of the stolen items,” Mathios said.
“It’s gratifying to see how neighbours are on the alert and looking out for each other during this lockdown period,” Mathios said. “Although there should be minimal pedestrian movement at this time the criminal element is still at large and looking for opportunities to commit crime. “Make contact with neighbours to check on them or their property if they are out of town. “Check that security installations on property are in good working order and, above all, contact your security provider immediately should you observe suspicious activity in your area,” Mathios said. — Supplied.
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to rise amid lockdown NTERING the second week of the 21-day lockdown, many are still anxious as the numbers of positive cases continue to rise steadily, and several deaths being announced. On Friday, April 3, it was revealed that three patients had died from Covid-19 at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital in a span of 72 hours, this is according to Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of the Netcare Group. Friedland said: “We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the patients’ loved ones, and pray for them in this time of great loss and sadness.” In a statement, Friedland stated the situation prompted Netcare and Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital, in close collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (KZN DoH), to take the precautionary decision to test all healthcare and support workers who may have come into contact with the three patients for Covid-19 infection. “We immediately put further measures in place, including the closure of the hospital’s emergency department and stopping all new admissions into the hospital,” he added.
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8 April 2020
The observation of Holy Week PAGE 1
amanzimtoti FEVER
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SPORT
Preserving the earth after lockdown
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Training tips for beginners FEVER REPORTER
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YM bunnies in the area have had to put their daily training routines on hold and opt for home training to get them fit during the national lockdown. For some getting fit is easier said than done, so the Amanzimtoti Fever approached some successful gym enthusiasts for their tips on starting the journey to fitness for beginners.
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Chyvan Mahabeer (24) natural bodybuilder: “Growing up ‘heavy’ I always wanted to look physically fit and healthy. Five years into my fitness journey I realise it is more about the mental transformation your body goes through rather than the physical transformation that makes being healthy worthwhile. It has motivated me to now try my shot at professional natural body building. With fitness I always say, the longer you do it the better you get at it and that forces you to want to learn more. Once you start learning more you start seeing results and once you see the results that you’ve worked for, you don’t want to stop.”
Shival Surajballi: “I have been in the fitness game for six years. I started my training at the age of 16 driven by the motive to get bigger, stronger and aesthetically pleasing. Working out on a regular basis and following a routine doesn’t just improve your strength and physical appearance but also regulates mood and helps you sustain positive hormonal balance. Over the years I’ve gained vast knowledge on training and here I would like to share a pro tip. Developing a well defined back is essential for good posture and overall strength. It will take time, patience and a lot of hard work but with the help of a super exercise called pull-ups, anyone can achieve a well developed back. Pull-ups target your back muscles as well as other secondary supportive muscles such a biceps and abs. The reason why pull-ups leave room for endless progress is because this exercise can be performed in a variety of ways for targeting different areas of the back. Research the techniques and be sure to perform pull-ups on a regular basis.” Yogan Naidoo: “Back in 2017 I started Crossfit and honestly I never really understood what it was about until I had my first class. Crossfit training is not your regular biceps, back, shoulder, leg, chest or triceps workout but rather a combination of those in different forms. It is very important to ensure that in whatever type of training you do, they key is getting your form correct in order to reap the benefits of definition or power. People are often mistaken that working towards a summer body starts around October or November. Training is all about consistency, dedication and perseverance. One needs to make training a lifestyle in order to reap all its benefits. Training helps overcome a lot of obstacles and personally it has helped me with my asthma. Training has allowed me to move away from medication and sustain a normal life and minimal use of my asthma pump. Along the way you learn to take advice from others to help improve form and build confidence.” Reshmi Singh, weight training/ body building for 10 years as a vegetarian: “I have grown into this sport confidently over the years and it has become my passion. I have recently studied a course on vegetarian sport nutrition. I train five days a week and my favourite muscle group is shoulders. Apart from weight training I also do mountain climbing, I find this a fun way to get my cardio in as I equally enjoy the outdoors. My tips for beginners are limit sugar and processed foods, stick to a diet that consists of mostly whole foods (fruit/ veg). Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, as a beginner it is important that you enquire about correct form as you don’t want to pick up injuries early into your training days. Especially for the ladies, do not be intimidated to lift heavy weights or to enter the weight section of the gym. For all my friends seeking a ripped core, a thousand crunches just won’t do it if you do not stick to a clean diet and remember to enjoy the training process whilst focusing on your gym goals.”
Quraisha Roopnarain, IMF Gym general manager: “A beginner who would like to start their fitness journey would need to understand that it is not just training that will get you to achieve your goals but your diet plays a big role. It is important to understand how food has an impact in daily living and your fitness journey. During my time working in the fitness industry many woman have always asked me how to lose belly fat. I can recommend a hundred exercises that you could do daily but if you’re eating is not in line with your goal, losing belly fat could take much longer than expected. Below is just a basic understanding of how food has a 80% impact and exercise is 20%. The key to successful weight loss is taking in fewer calories than you burn. To lose one kilogram, you need to achieve a 3 500-calorie deficit. If you’re following the 80/20 rule, this means you’d want to shoot for about 750 calories burned through exercise and the rest cut through dietary changes. You would need to run seven to 10 miles a day to lose a kilogram a week. The average person can’t keep up this pace without suffering injury and significantly increasing their calorie intake in order to fuel them through workouts. It’s easier to see results when you combine moderate exercise with thoughtful eating. It all comes down to the fact that it’s much easier to cut out a few hundred calories from your diet than burn a few hundred calories through exercise. Basically, eating mindfully will help you lose weight more quickly than working out a lot, but you’ll see better results and help you achieve bigger goals in the long run if you incorporate exercise as well.”
Seeshan Moodley: “I started gyming about five years ago. I was 97kgs, when I started. My first year in the gym, mainly consisted of cardio, light weighted exercises, and most importantly a 100% clean diet. My diet consisted of four small meals a day. In my first year of training, I dropped down to 60kgs and thereafter started gaining muscle mass, by increasing my diet and going form four small meals a day to six medium size meals a day. Within two years I went from 60kgs to 87kgs and back down to 67kgs, as of January 2020 all through having a solid diet, which consists of low calorie and high protein meals. Cardio was mainly 45 minutes, five times a week and when it came to lifting weights, I followed my brothers workout routine. Tips for beginners: you need to have a strong mindset and consistency, you need to go to gym at least five times a week. Find a workout routine that you’re comfortable with and stick with it. Be confident and train hard. Make sure your form is good. Never feel shy to ask someone for help, if you don’t know what you’re doing. Lifting weights is only 30% of the battle the other 70% is having a diet, whether you want to lose weight or gain weight.”