Greytown Gazette 27052020

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Greytown Gazette

Greytown

GAZETTE Umvoti | Kranskop | New Hanover | Msinga Magisterial Districts 10 000 copies weekly| Est. 1903

FREE 033 413 2735 Fax 033 413 1933

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2020

SAPS accused of ‘theft’ ANDILE SITHOLE >>Andile.sithole@media24.com “SANDF members and the police broke into my business and stole R8000 cash that was in the safe and walked away with liquor that has been stored before the inception of the lockdown. Their conduct reminded me of the ‘apartheid police’ that used to abuse state resources and terrorise the innocent people.”

These are the words from a fuming businessman from Makhabelini area in Kranskop, Siyabonga Makhaye, who claims that police gained entry into his shop and removed the liquor and cash that was kept inside on May 19. He also alleged that surveillance cameras that were fitted in his shop were removed.

Makhaye said that when the incident occurred, community members gathered outside his shop and tried to take pictures of the police and the members of the army while in the process of “breaking” into his business.

“I received frantic calls from strangers alerting me about what was happening at my shop. At first, I could not believe it until I received another call from my brother-inlaw informing me about the burglary in progress at my shop,” Makhaye said.

He said when he arrived at the scene, the members of the army, in full uniform were on standby while the police were still trying to gain entry at his business.

Makhaye said he sells liquor at his tavern, but when the country was forced into the nationwide lockdown and liquor was classified ad non-essential, he stopped selling it to the public.

He said the police suspected him of flouting the rules of the lockdown of Level 4 that prohibits the sale of alcohol.

“The police told me that they were following up on the information about my business contravening the Disaster Management Act of the lockdown Level 4 that prohibits the sale of alcohol to the public.

“I have been a law-abiding citizen since the inception of the lockdown. But I’m disap-

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A door that was broken at a tavern at Makhabeleni. pointed at the way the police and soldiers conducted themselves. I was not even given a search warrant or anything to confirm that the search was indeed within the framework of the law,” Makhaye said.

He said when he asked as to why the police were breaking into the shop, the members of the army told him to ‘shut up’.

“They also removed cash that was in a safe and cigarettes.

“I reported the matter at Kranskop SAPS. Station Commander Colonel [Caroline] Minnaar told me to open a case. But she didn’t dispatch other police officers to go and investigate what was happening at my business.

“I am furious because as they only returned the money that is less than R1000.

If I was contravening the act, the police should have set up a trap and catch me redhanded selling liquor.

“They didn’t even open a case after confiscating liquor from my shop. The CCTV cameras that were fitted in my business were removed by the police after breaking into my business,” Makhaye said.

The leader of Abantu Batho Congress (ABC) Philani Mavundla called on Police Minister Bheki Cele and Provincial Commis-

sioner Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula to launch a special investigation on the conduct of the police.

“The nationwide lockdown which was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa throughout the country and implemented by way of reliance on the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 has exposed various cracks in the country’s justice system.

“There have been reports of assault’s which have at times resulted in the loss of life (the Khoza case being the flagship example in this regard).

“As scathing as the judgement by [Hans] Fabricius was, there have been further examples of opportunistic criminal elements abusing the system to advance agenda’s which only they are best placed to pronounce upon.

“The SANDF and SAPS personnel gained unlawful entry into the premises using tools which were at their disposal, without a warrant and they among other things, removed all the stock which had been locked in the tavern since the inception of the lockdown, removed the surveillance equipment, and damaged the door and other aspects of the building.

“Station Commander Colonel Caroline Minnaar was informed of the conduct of her subordinates but there was no seeming willingness to halt the unlawful proceedings.

“It is worth noting that there were dozens of witnesses observing the proceedings from close proximity, some who were assaulted by the perpetrators over and above having their personal belongings cell phones in particular unlawfully seized the members on scene.

“We as the ABC would appreciate if General Bheki Cele, Provincial Commissioner Lt General Jula, and Colonel Minaar could pronounce on the illegality of the conduct of their troops whilst ensuring that the losses suffered are duly compensated and reimbursed.”

All attempts to get comments from police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo failed at the time of going to press.

Naidoo did not respond to email questions sent to him on Monday, May 25.

MLETHI SECURITY AND TRAINING • Security courses • Grade EDC Greytown Tel: 033 417 1331/9 Cell: 082 360 7711 | 079 579 4327 e-mail Andile.sithole@media24.com

SA to enter Level 3 on June 1

See page 2 for story.

Coronavirus hotspots.

Summary of alert levels.

PHOTOS: SOURCED

More points for level three.

Prevent infection

Wash your hands frequently

Page 2

Greytown Gazette

27 May 2020

Mixed reactions as SA moves to Level 3 SPAR KZN ANDILE SITHOLE >>Andile.sithole@media24.com SOUTH Africans danced and ululated after President Cyril Ramaphosa eased some of the lockdown restrictions when he delivered his speech on Sunday, May 24.

In his speech Ramaphosa said the country will be implementing Level 3 of lockdown starting from Monday, June 1.

He urged the citizens to continue washing their hands regularly, wearing a face mask and keeping at least a 1.5 metre distance from other people “The number of infected people could have been much higher had we not acted when we did to impose drastic containment measures.

We are consequently in a much better position than many other countries were at this stage in the progression of the disease.”

A Nhlalakahle resident Fano Dlamini said: “I am not happy with the reopening of schools because our schools are not ready.

“The government has not provided the teachers with Personal Protective Equipment.

Also I think the government should have not allowed the sale of alcohol, because it is a contributing factor to the increase of gender-based violence,” he said.

Mondli Khanyile said: “The President made a wise move when he allowed the sale of alcohol on Level 3.

We can drink at our homes and keep social distance.”

Another resident Khanyisani Ntuli: “He should have at least allowed alcohol to be sold only Fri-

day and Saturdays because people will not adhere to the lockdown regulations if they are drunk.”

“The groups we consulted are as diverse and as varied as the South African people themselves, and all agree that we acted appropriately and decisively to slow the spread of the virus,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said the country introduced the five-level Covid-19 alert system to manage the gradual easing of the lockdown.

Ramaphosa said moving to alert Level 3 marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to the pandemic.

“This will result in the opening up of the economy and the removal of a number of restrictions on the movement of people, while significantly expanding and intensifying our public health interventions.

“Even as we move to alert Level 3 it is important that we should be aware that there are a few parts of the country where the disease is concentrated and where infections continue to rise,” he said.

The following metros have been identified as coronavirus hotspots, Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Cape Town.

The other areas that are hotspots are West Coast, Overberg and Cape Winelands district municipalities in the Western Cape, Chris Hani district in the Eastern Cape and iLembe district in KwaZulu-Natal.

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS AND CHANGES: People will also be able to exercise at any time during the day, provided this is not done in groups.

>The curfew on the movement of people will be lifted. >Alcohol may be sold for home consumption only under strict conditions, on specified days and for limited hours. >The sale of tobacco products will remain prohibited in alert level 3 due to the health risks associated with smoking. >All gatherings will remain prohibited, except for funerals with no more than 50 people or meetings in the workplace for work purposes. >Any place open to the public where cultural, sporting, entertainment, recreational, exhibitional, organisational or similar activities may take place will remain closed. >Wholesale and retail trade will be fully opened, including stores, spaza shops and informal traders.

E-commerce will continue to remain open. >Other sectors that opened previously, such as agriculture and forestry, utilities, medical services, food production and manufacture of hygiene products will remain fully opened.

HIGH-RISK ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES WILL REMAIN PROHIBITED: > Restaurants, bars and taverns, except for delivery or collection of food. > Accommodation and domestic air travel, except for business travel, which will be phased in on dates to be announced. > Conferences, events, entertainment and sporting activities. > Personal care services, including hairdressing and beauty services. > The return to work will be

BID NO. Q2020/06/02 CPG WARD 12

CONSTRUCTION OF HLALAPHANSI COMMUNITY HALL IN WARD 12 – EXTERNAL WORKS, PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE B1.1: BID NOTICE AND INVITATION TO BID A. BID INVITATION The main contractor has been appointed for the Construction of Hlalaphansi Community Hall in Ward 12 by Umvoti Local Municipality. It is desired that portion of the works be subcontracted to suitable local sub-contractors from WARD 12.

The Contractor, Buzakithi Trading Cc, hereby invites Quotations from only ward 12 experienced Contractors for the Construction of Hlalaphansi Community Hall in Ward 12 – External works, plumbing and drainage.

This bid is only open to Bidders who are registered with the CIDB and have a valid CIDB Contractor Grading Designation of Grade 2GB with primary company address indicating locality within ward 12 in uMvoti Local Municipality boundaries. Failure to provide required address will result to the Bid to be invalid.

Bidders must note that Compulsory Site Briefing Session is schedule to take place at 11h00 on 02 June 2020, and will be held on site accessible coordinate (28 51’54.66’’S and 30 40’37.22’’ E) . Documents will be issued free to Subcontractors.

Requirements for sealing, addressing, delivery, opening and assessment of Quotations are stated in the Quotation Data.

Points will be awarded as follows: Maximum points on price Maximum points for BBBEE Maximum points Note: Quotation Validity Period is 90 days.

80 points 20 points 100 points

phased in so that the workplace can be made coronavirus- ready.

It must be done in a manner that avoids and reduces risk of infection.

EDUCATION: > Classes for Grades 7 and 12 pupils will resume from June 1. Strict infection control measures and, where necessary, additional water and sanitation infrastructure are being put in place to enable social distancing, regular hand washing and learner safety. > All public universities are expected to implement remote teaching and learning strategies to ensure that all students are given a fair opportunity to complete the 2020 academic year. > With the start of alert Level 3, no more than a third of the student population will be allowed to return to campuses on condition that they can be safely accommodated.

Institutions will open up further as the coronavirus alert level changes.

TRAVEL >All borders will remain closed, except for the transportation of goods and repatriation of citizens.

PROHIBITED ON LEVEL 3 > Consumption of food and alcohol in restaurants, bars sheebens and taverns > Cinemas, theatres, museums and entertainment venues > Hotels and accommodation for leisure > Gyms and fitness centres > Personal care services, where social distancing is not possible > Conferences, events and gatherings

winter warmer challenge

WHILE the Covid-19 national lockdown may have forced most South Africans to stay at home to ensure their safety, lots of people used this as an opportunity to ‘spring clean’ way ahead of spring, clearing out their unwanted clothes from cupboards.

SPAR KZN is reaching out to its communities to dig deep, take up the challenge and donate unwanted, gently used outer clothes to those that will desperately need it this coming winter. Shoppers are encouraged to drop off clothes at their local SPAR store to spread the warmth this winter.

Most KWIKSPAR, SPAR and SUPERSPAR stores in the region will set up a collection point at the front of each store, which will indicate the name of the charity to which they have chosen to donate the clothing collection. Clothing donations can be dropped off from May 26 to July 31.

Plus, there is a bonus for customers.

If you upload your selfie, photo, or video clip, challenging three other people to do the same, you stand a chance to win one of 30 R2000 SPAR Grocery Vouchers.

See in-store for more details.

In these uncertain and difficult times, we must continue to be there for our communities by inspiring our people to do and be more.

-Supplied.

BID NO. Q2020/05/02 CPG WARD 14

CONSTRUCTION OF EMSENGENI COMMUNITY HALL IN WARD 14 – STRUCTURAL & INTERNAL FINISHINGS, FENCING AND INSTALLATION OF KERBS B1.1: BID NOTICE AND INVITATION TO BID A. BID INVITATION The main contractor has been appointed for the Construction of Emsengeni Community Hall in ward 14 by Umvoti Municipality. It is desired that portion of the works be subcontracted to suitable local subcontractors from WARD 14.

The Contractor, Buzakithi Trading cc, hereby invites Quotations from only ward 14 experienced Contractors for the Construction of Emsengeni Community Hall in Ward 14 – Structural & Internal Finishing’s, Fencing and Installation of Kerbs.

This bid is only open to Bidders who are registered with the CIDB and have a valid CIDB Contractor Grading Designation of Grade 2GB with primary company address indicating locality within ward 14 in uMvoti Local Municipality boundaries. Failure to provide required address will result to the Bid to be invalid.

Bidders must note that Compulsory Site Briefing Session is schedule to take place at 11h00 on 02 June 2020, and will be held on site accessible via D78 (Coordinates 28 53’21.87” S 30 38’32.15” E). Documents will be issued free to Subcontractors.

Requirements for sealing, addressing, delivery, opening and assessment of Quotations are stated in the Quotation Data.

Points will be awarded as follows: Maximum points on price Maximum points for BBBEE Maximum points Note: Quotation Validity Period is 90 days.

80 points 20 points 100 points

B. QUOTATION SUBMISSIONS The completed Quotation Document as well as any supporting documentation shall be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “CONSTRUCTION OF HLALAPHANSI COMMUNITY HALL IN WARD 12 – EXTERNAL WORKS, PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE and deposited in the Quotation Box at the CRM Centre of uMvoti Municipality, 41 Bell Street, Greytown, 3250, not later than 12:00 on the 12th June 2020.

B. QUOTATION SUBMISSIONS The completed Quotation Document as well as any supporting documentation shall be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “CONSTRUCTION OF EMSENGENI COMMUNITY HALL IN WARD 14 – STRUCTURAL & INTERNAL FINISHINGS, FENCING AND INSTALLATION OF KERBS and deposited in the Quotation Box at the CRM Centre of uMvoti Municipality, 41 Bell Street, Greytown, 3250, not later than 12:00 on the 12th June 2020.

ENQUIRIES Mr. H. Zwane Tel No.: 073 355-3259 Email Address: hlanganani@mgamule.co.za Mr. S. Mathe Tel No.: 073-862-8185 Email Address: buzakithi@telkomsa.net

ENQUIRIES Mr. H. Zwane Tel No.: 073 355-3259 Email Address: hlanganani@mgamule.co.za Mr. S. Mathe Tel No.: 073-862-8185 Email Address: buzakithi@telkomsa.net

Greytown Gazette

27 May 2020

Page 3

PHOTO: SOURCED

Traditional doctor Elliot Ndlovu warns the public about destroying artemisia herb.

PHOTO: SOURCED

Artemisia herb.

Conservationist warns about the possible decline of artemisia herb ANDILE SITHOLE >>Andile.sithole@media24.com AS the world is battling to flatten the curve of Covid-19, conservationists have warned residents to refrain from destroying traditional herbs. The high demand of the artemisia plant (umhlonyane) in KwaZulu-Natal has prompted traditional healers to send a stern warning to the public to refrain from destroying artemisia (umhlonyane).

Traditional doctor, Elliot Ndlovu, said the herb has been used by people for many decades to treat flu related ailments.

“In 1918 the world was hit by the Spanish Flu and many people died. Our forefathers survived because they used traditional herbs, that were known to them. When I visited [the late] Shaman Credo Mutwa in 2014, he said we should all go back to our roots and reconnect with our lost identities,” Ndlovu said.

According to Ndlovu, a person who uses traditional herbs has a stronger immune system than a person who does not. he said artemia can be mixed with other herbs to treat flu related ailments such asthma, sinus problems and malaria.

“However, I am worried about the massive use of this herb by our people. I feel that it will decline. And if that happens, we will find it difficult to use it for medical purposes in the future,” Ndlovu said.

Ndlovu grows the artemisia and other herbs in his farm in Mooi River near Greytown.

A resident from uMzinyathi Nkanyiso Cebekhulu said there are a variety of herbs that are being used by local people to treat the flu during the winter season.

“I grew up in the rural area and I am very much aware of the medical use of [artemisia] and other herbs such as iboza [ginger bush] that are very useful to treat flu. When it’s Winter season we use herbs that we get from the bush. But people must be careful when using herbs like umhlonyane for flu. They should not overdose,” he said.

Another KZN tradition healer Sazi Mhlongo warned the residents to be careful of buying the artemisia herb from “bogus” traditional healers.

The medical use of the umhlonyane herb became popular after Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina announced that artemisia is among the herbs that are being used in his country to cure Covid-19. However, the World Health Organisation warned that the herb “should be tested for efficacy and adverse side effects.”

In a statement WHO stated that “Afri-

cans deserve to use medicines tested to the same standards as people in the rest of the world”.

“WHO is working with research institutions to select traditional medicine products which can be investigated for clinical efficacy and safety for Covid-19 treatment. In addition, the organisation will continue to support countries as they explore the role of traditional health practitioners in prevention, control, and early detection of the virus as well as case referral to health facilities. Over the past two decades, WHO has been working with countries to ensure safe and effective traditional medicine development in Africa by providing financial resources and technical support,” the organisation said in a statement.

Ndlovu could not comment on whether artemia can be used to cure the coronavirus but confirmed that the plant has been used to treat flu and other ailments in the past.

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala unveiled a clinical laboratory which will be used to conduct research on indigenous plants and herbs in search for a possible cure of the coronavirus on Friday, May 22.

The clinical laboratory was unveiled at the Cedara Agricultural College. The office of the premier said in a statement, the laboratory will allow for clinical examination of indigenous herbs and plants.

Artemia is among other herbs being processed in the laboratory as one of the herbs widely respected by African communities for its potential.

“This laboratory will be our arsenal in the fight Covid-19. This laboratory which has the capacity to produce one thousand 300 ml bottles of hand sanitisers per day has produced sanitisers for use by various departments and for dissemination to various communities,” said Zikalala.

“We are also pleased by the research that the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development research team is continuously conducting research into indigenous plants, vegetables and herbs.

“Some of these indigenous vegetables which are being researched can be used to complement our micronutrient deficiency strategies. Through this laboratory, indigenous traditional healers and African medicine that is proffered as a possible solution to our Covid-19 crisis will be clinically tested. This will be a critical site or research so that our African scientists or traditional healers can have their experience tested.

“It is also possible that a cure that may eventually become a formula to save the

world from Covid-19 will arise from the collaboration between indigenous health practitioners and those applying western scientific approaches,” said Zikalala.

Zikalala said by tapping into the indigenous knowledge they want to explore on

how some of the indigenous plants and herbs can help to fight ailments.

“I must stress that we are in no way suggesting that these should replace Western medicine and pharmaceutical interventions,” Zikalala added.

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Page 4

Greytown Gazette

27 May 2020

Home-care for the elderly

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A sanitiser tunnel that will be used at Wembley College.

Wembley receives a sanitiser tunnel ABOUT two weeks ago the Wembley College was looking at quotes for sanitising tunnels.

The quotes were too high and the tunnels could not be made locally.

The school approached Dieter Meyer and his son Josh (former pupils) to make them as they were at home due to Covid-19.

They accepted the challenge and after many different options they settled on the

one given to the school.

Josh said: “I enjoyed working with my father”. The cost to the school is substantially less than the original quote. Josh is grateful to headmaster Dederick Swart for giving him the opportunity to take on this project.

Josh is an engineering master’s student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg. — Supplied.

BID NO. Q2020/06/02 CPG WARD 7 ENHLALAKAHLE URBAN RENEWAL IN WARD 7 – PAINTING, PAVING, PLUMBING, ELECTRIFICATION, SOFT LANDSCAPING AND INSTALLATION OF BUS SHELTERS B1.1: BID NOTICE AND INVITATION TO BID A. BID INVITATION The main contractor has been appointed for the Enhlalakahle Urban Renewal in ward 7 by Umvoti Local Municipality. It is desired that portion of the works be subcontracted to suitable local sub-contractors from WARD 7.

The Contractor, DNA Structures, hereby invites Quotations from only ward 7 experienced Contractors for the Enhlalakahle Urban Renewal in ward 7 – painting, paving, plumbing, electrification, soft landscaping and installation of bus shelters.

This bid is only open to Bidders who are registered with the CIDB and have a valid CIDB Contractor Grading Designation of Grade 2GB with primary company address indicating locality within ward 7 in uMvoti Local Municipality boundaries. Failure to provide required address will result to the Bid to be invalid.

Bidders must note that Compulsory Site Briefing Session is schedule to take place at 11h00 on 02 June 2020, and will be held on site accessible next to Greytown Hospital. Documents will be issued free to Subcontractors.

Requirements for sealing, addressing, delivery, opening and assessment of Quotations are stated in the Quotation Data.

Points will be awarded as follows: Maximum points on price Maximum points for BBBEE Maximum points

-

80 points 20 points 100 points

Note: Quotation Validity Period is 90 days.

B.

QUOTATION SUBMISSIONS

The completed Quotation Document as well as any supporting documentation shall be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked “ENHLALAKAHLE URBAN RENEWAL IN WARD 7 – PAINTING, PAVING, PLUMBING, ELECTRIFICATION, SOFT LANDSCAPING AND INSTALLATION OF BUS SHELTERS and deposited in the Quotation Box at the CRM Centre of uMvoti Municipality, 41 Bell Street, Greytown, 3250, not later than 12:00 on the 12th June 2020.

ENQUIRIES Mr. S. Mthembu Tel No.: 073-172-2460 Email Address: skura@striation.co.za Mr. M. Mkhize Tel No.: 065-951-0286 Email Address: sindy@dnastructures.co.za

THE coronavirus epidemic is shining a light on caregivers. Now more than ever, we’re seeing how critical their service is. But what exactly does home care look like in these unprecedented times?

CAN LOVED ONES LIVING AT HOME STILL RECEIVE CARE DURING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD? Yes. Home care agencies are essential services and will still be able to provide care throughout the lockdown period. That said, not all of them are up and running. Some, like CareChamp, have the operational backbone to keep their business going.

WHAT’S THE SAFEST WAY FOR LOVED ONES TO STAY AT HOME? The less people your caregiver—and your loved one, by extension—comes into contact with, the better. By avoiding public transportation, a 24/7 live-in shift will mean your caregiver can minimise the risk of infection.

Agencies like CareChamp have adapted. At your request, they’ll make available to you a dedicated caregiver who is able to quarantine with your loved one for the duration of the lockdown period (and after).

IS HOURLY CARE STILL AN OPTION? Yes, but keep in mind that your caregiver won’t be able to avoid public transportation (which can be a tricky situation). Although more expensive, one could cover the cost for your caregiver to use Uber instead.

ON THAT NOTE, HOW HAS TRANSPORT BEEN AFFECTED? Minibus taxis and private transport options such as “Uber” are allowed to transport essential workers (from 5-10 a.m. and again from 4-8 p.m). Each minibus taxi is allowed to only carry a maximum of 10 passengers.

CAN CAREGIVERS BE ROUTINELY TESTED? It’s important that Covid-19 tests are made available to those who really need them.

That’s why the tests are reserved for those who meet specific criteria, i.e. if you have

symptoms, if you’ve been exposed to someone confirmed positive for the coronavirus, or if you’ve travelled to a Covid-19 high-risk country (in the last 14 days). If and only if a caregiver fits this criteria, then they’ll be directed where to go for testing.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD HOME CARE AGENCIES BE TAKING TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND SAFETY? Communication is key right now to ensuring health and safety. Ask your home care agency about protective measures they’re taking.

A HOME CARE AGENCY SHOULD: • Adhere to the South African government’s official guidelines.

• Provide caregivers with an official CIPC document verifying the agency they work for as an essential service provider.

• Share their infection protocol with you.

• Provide face masks and hand sanitisers to caregivers working with clients during this crisis.

• Have a solid “Stay Home When You’re Sick” policy already in place. It should be nothing new for caregivers to check for symptoms before entering a client’s home. The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are: fever, cough/ sore throat, shortness of breath, and nausea.

• Be prepared with back-up caregivers.

• Stay in touch with caregivers and share information and recommendations.

HOW CAN CAREGIVERS MAKE THINGS EASIER? CareChamp caregivers, for instance, have hands-on experience with giving baths, assisting with exercise, administering medical treatments, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Since older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions should stay at home at all times—the exception being urgent medical appointments—if you need medication or food, then consider having your caregiver run these types of errands for you. — Supplied.

How to make your workspaces safe after lockdown?

THE Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown has had an unprecedented impact on how businesses operate. Negatives aside, this pandemic is an opportunity to push workspaces into the future with new health technologies.

According to Raghmah Solomon, at Vortex Design Solutions, an Interior Design company specialising in compliance of building fire, HVAC and electrical systems to obtain Occupation Certification from City Council.

“In our experience we know creating a working environment in which employees are safe and free to flourish, is extremely beneficial for both a company’s culture and bottom-line.”

HERE ARE THE TOP EIGHT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SAFEGUARD YOUR BUILDING AND/OR WORKSPACE: • Educate your staff. Go the extra mile to make sure your staff members understand how the new health and safety regulations work and why they are in place.

No measures you adopt are going to be effective if your staff members are not educated in-situ on how to use them or on the facts about how Covid-19 is transmitted.

• Re-evaluate your access control systems. Some buildings use finger biometrics for security reasons.

These are easily replaced with card-controlled access systems which eliminate the risk posed by employees touching the same touch pad continuously.

• Automate your doors. Many doors have no closing mechanism which means staff must touch the handles.

Automating doors with a door clos-

er and a no-touch sensor button is an easy and unobtrusive step towards safety.

• Clear the clutter. Apart from having proven psychological benefits, a clean workspace will eliminate possible places for the virus to linger.

• Redesign the workspaces. Areas of top priority are worktops that are not hygiene friendly in reception areas and canteen areas, as well as sale points at retail spaces which should have sneeze guards.

• Have mobile hand sanitiser units at as many common touchpoints as possible for people to disinfect should they touch a shared space.

• Restructure open-plan layouts.

The safest way to be in a shared space is to adhere to the 2m distancing as per the office quarantine solutions guidelines.

Invest in mindful, sustainable technology for teams to restructure their collaborative meetings and team huddles, as well as information signage to keep all members of your company in contact and up to date.

We already know that a virus will survive on many surfaces that make up our office spaces and this means the potential risks for virus transmission in the workplace are everywhere.

Health and safety regulations will adapt to protect our labour force and it is the responsibility of every business owner to adapt with them.

It is the hope of the team behind Vortex Design Solutions, that their expertise on creating beautiful, optimal working environments, can help move South African businesses into a safer, cleaner and more productive future — Supplied.

27 May 2020

Greytown Gazette

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Greytown Gazette

27 May 2020

READERS WRITE ...

Worries over stress levels THE media has reported a concerning increase in the number of gender-based violence incidents.

Precious Robinson, chairperson of SACSoWACH, a coalition of 33 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which is supporting the Department of Health with its Covid-19 response, expressed their concern: “The national government’s gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide command centre, which runs a toll-free, 24-7 emergency call centre, recorded that more than 120 000 victims rang the national helpline for abused women and children in the first three weeks after the lockdown started; double the usual volume of calls.”

The same concern was echoed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his recent address to the nation.

Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT, says they have starting to sense an increase in stress at households in the Fidelity ADT footprint judging by the comments on WhatsApp and social media community groups regarding people requesting assistance from neighbours when they hear screams.

There are also a number of angry and threatening messages directed at neighbours and those breaking the lockdown rules.

“While this is not yet being reflected in the SAPS statistics, it is definitely

f

something to watch, as evidenced by the increase in calls and the number of loud family disturbances the company is responding to,” she said.

Hattingh says they don’t have any firm stats yet but in general, mental wellbeing is as big a concern under Covid-19 as is physical health. “Although relatively little official research has been conducted around the effects of the pandemic on mental health, many of our customers are living with the emotional fallout of the crisis. From fear and anxiety of becoming infected and what that might mean for their families, to the stress of trying to keep children entertained (not to mention shielding them from the harsh realities of the current circumstances), to the isolation and loneliness that comes with being locked down and the frustration with spending prolonged periods with family members.

The majority of South Africans are riding an emotional roller coaster, and that’s before you factor in the considerable strain introduced by reduced income and concerns around how to manage one’s financial obligations during these highly volatile times,” she said.

Hattingh says the level of mental stress could climb the longer we are on lockdown and that if you are feeling stressed you do not need to deal with it alone.

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UMVOTI MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC NOTICE CALLING FOR INSPECTION OF SUPPLEMENTARY VALUATION ROLL 6 AND LODGING OF OBJECTIONS Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 49(1) (a) (i) of the Local Government Municipal Property Rates Act, of 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), hereinafter referred to as the “Act”, that the supplementary valuation roll for the period ending 30 June 2020 for the financial year 2019/2020 is open for public inspection at the Municipal Offices, King Dinizulu/Bell Street from 20 May 2020 until 20 June 2020.

An invitation is hereby given in terms of Section 49(1)(a)(ii)of the Act that any owner of property or other person who desires to, should lodge an objection with the Municipal Manager in respect of any matter reflected in, or omitted from the Valuation Roll within the above mentioned period.

Attention is specifically drawn to the fact that in terms of Section 50(2) of the Act an objection must be in relation to a specific individual property and not against the Valuation Roll as such.

The prescribed forms for the lodging of an objection are obtainable at the Municipal Offices.

The completed objection forms must be addressed to: The Municipal Manager and handed in at the Umvoti Municipal Office, King Dinizulu/Bell Street or sent by registered post to: P O Box 71, Greytown, 3250, and must be received by the close of business, 20 June 2020 or e-mailed to: objections@umvoti.gov.za For enquiries please telephone: Mr V. Ori on tel. (033) 413 9143.

MRS T.N. NGIBA: MUNICIPAL MANAGER

www.thecandocompany.co.za 48479KZN

NOTICE NO: 4567

www.ayandambanga.co.za

READERS WRITE Correspondence - Names and addresses of correspondents must in all cases, accompany the communications, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. A free interchange of matters of public interest will be encouraged but we are not held responsible as endorsing the opinions of our correspondents.

Open letter to the president THE country and the world over has in recent times encountered an adversary like none previously encountered before; this has resulted in contradictory views as to whether to prioritise economic stability or the lives of countless citizens.

As is to be expected, the president of the country the honourable Cyril Ramaphosa duly spearheaded the campaign in response to the pandemic.

The manner in which he has conducted himself since the pandemic started ought to be commended because the situation has called for tough decisions in the face of conflicting interests.

The implementation of the nationwide lockdown can be deemed as having proven to be a success at its initial stages (five weeks) but subsequent to that has resulted in dire economic consequences which will, if not abated, result in further economic turmoil and distress which will have farreaching consequences for the next decade at the very least.

We further note that Judge [Hans] Fabricius in the Khoza judgement was scathing in his criticism of the brutality by police and soldiers who have been deployed as a means of containing the virus; this was with the understanding that the law enforcement authorities would have a significant and meaningful role to play in assisting the country to ensure that its civilians adhere to the rule of law, and thus ensure that fewer cases are recorded over a longer period of time (which was the entire aim of imposing the lockdown).

Regrettably, there have been instances where certain Metro’s and towns appear to be failing to contain the spread of the virus, with Durban and Pietermaritzburg being two prime examples of such areas in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Health Ministry in KwaZulu-Natal has been battered and found wanting, and the intervention of Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize ensured that the appropriate mechanisms were put in place in a time when it appeared that the office of the Health MEC was not in touch with what was transpiring on the ground.

There have been other notable disappointments such as the Minister of Basic Education being only able to pronounce on the readiness of Grades 7 and 12 respectively.

MOVING FORWARD WE AS THE ABANTU BATHO CONGRESS(ABC) WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE THAT

THE NATIONAL CORONA VIRUS COMMAND COUNCIL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: 1.LIFTING THE ENTIRE LOCKDOWN ALTOGETHER: This will ensure that departments, businesses and industries return to full production and this will ensure that the country does not haemorrhage further jobs.

2.REPRIORITISE FUNDS SPENT ON ACQUIRING FREE CONDOMS: The drastic reduction of funds spent on condoms and having them directed towards ensuring that every citizen has three cloth face masks will ensure that the spread of the virus is curtailed.

3.PLACING MUNICIPALITIES FAILING TO PROVIDE WATER UNDER ADMINISTRATION: A number of municipalities have failed to ensure that residents have access to clean drinking water in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic; any and all municipalities which continue to fail to ensure that residents are provided with water ought to receive assistance from the higher echelons of government.

4.RESTRUCTURING OF CABINET: This point falls exclusively within the scope and ambit of the president’s control and domain; however, we would propose that the Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi be afforded an opportunity to assume the role of the minister of education. The premier of KZN could consider acquiring the services of a better equipped person for the role of Health MEC. All persons whose departments/portfolios have been founding wanting during this pandemic ought to be relieved of their duties because one cannot quantify the cost of life - which their mistakes have come at.

5.INDUSTRILISATION AND GREATER CAPACITATION OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA: The country currently requires a plan which will ensure that we as a country create jobs, strengthen the economy and create entrepreneurs that will be able to trade on a global level.

Industrialisation and capacitating the manufacturing sector will ensure that all these aims are achieved. The need to ensure that the majority of the population is in possession of the means of production will ensure that the economic recovery plan bares fruit.

St Cathryn’s news HAVE you ever wondered what the modern golfer will look like after lockdown? We thought it good to try and describe them.

He or she will have long, uncontrolled hair. The ladies will have these nails that look like claws. If the golfer would walk down the street, or ever get on the first tee, they would not be recognisable because of the mask.

When they get to play their first shot? A shank for non-golfers is a golf

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shot that takes off in a 45 degree angle to the right, and that is normally not in the direction the hole should be played. This shot is normally accompanied by a few swear words and the hitting of the club into the ground.

Please stand back, for the biggest shank due to the ban on playing of any golf. All these changes have taken just sixty days to be created in the golfers’ appearance. Under Lockdown Level 3, the hairdressers and nail salons and golf courses are all still closed. Now if you are a consumer of the brown beverages and take the odd puff, well that golfers - is still undesirable. Golfers will be drinking a blend of homemade pineapple drinks and smoking “Horse paddock blend”, all bought from a non-registered vendor operating from the back of a car or on a street corner.

Monday was day 60 of lockdown and only a few professional golfers have ever

6.ENSURING FOOD SECURITY AND REVENUE: We note the grants that the president has pronounced, but sadly enough the South African Social Security Agency has proven to be poorly capacitated and resourced to deal with the influx of requests for aid. The Department of Social Development in some instances only earmarked 10 food parcels per ward and the bulk of these food parcels were misappropriated by greedy and inconsiderate councillors (who were mainly of one particular political party).

This department alongside that of labour is another which requires better equipping of personnel and upgrading of the systems which they use because currently the country is battling a second plague that of starvation which is creeping in and being aided by opportunistic elements in the system such as greedy politicians, incompetent officials and poorly maintained technological resources in the respective departments.

In the long term reconfiguration of the entire geographical landscape by way of reducing the number of provinces from the current number of nine (9) to five (5).

Amalgamations between the Western and Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and a tri-cameral amalgamation between the Free State, North West and the Northern Cape would and could drastically ensure greater expenditure on areas which lack the requisite resources for self-sustenance or those which, due to the current shortcomings in their provincial revenue generation capacity, do not receive adequate grants on which development can arise from. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng would remain unchanged given their respective population sizes and development.

We have at our disposal submissions, which offer great detail and insight as to how the reduction of the number provinces, and districts within the respect provinces will prevent fruitless expenditure and reduce the possibility of exorbitant amounts being unaccounted for whereas the funds could be directed towards initiatives which require it more.

These are the means we believe will aid the country in its bid to be steered to safer waters.

INTERIM PRESIDENT OF ABANTU BATHO CONGRESS PHILANI GODFREY MAVUNDLA broken 60 on their scorecards in a professional 18 hole game to record a 59. Some members sniggered at a score of 60 on a nine hole game that is now going to be a score to aim “fore”.

On the course we have mowed under the pine trees on the 8th and 17th holes. It has given that hole a cleanshaven look. On the machinery front we are hoping to get two more pieces of equipment into running condition, because the greenkeeper has tidied all the cupboards in the house, done three puzzles over a thousand pieces each and has now put his hand to mechanical maintenance. Knitting and baking during the lockdown wasn’t his forte. The mature equipment in their late eighteen years of age, when they are “running “ will be able to cut the green surrounds, neater and quicker. The other mower is a 1993 Fairway mower to assist in cutting of the fairways where the kikuyu grass needs a firm cut.

Until we meet again, keep warm, keep safe, wash your hands and wear your mask and practice on your back lawn.

PIET NEL

Greytown Gazette

27 May 2020

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Greytown GAZETTE

27 May 2020

SPORT NEWS Two more test positive for Covid-19 in Premier League

Bulls eye Mbonambi LLOYD BURNARD THE Bulls, starting fresh under new director of rugby Jake White, are interested in securing the services of Springbok and Stormers hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

The 29-year-old, who was the starting hooker when the Boks won the 2019 World Cup in Japan, is contracted to Western Province until the end of October 2021.

Afrikaans newspaper Rapport suggested on Sunday that a clause in Mbonambi’s contract allowed him to leave after the completion of Super Rugby this year.

While White has confirmed his interest in the player, Stormers coach John Dobson told Sport24 yesterday that there was no such release clause in Mbonambi’s contract.

“Bongi is a world-class player and we’re thrilled to have him, as we are all of our Springboks who have committed their futures to the union,” Dobson said.

“He is a fantastic guy and while

we understand that there will always be interest in him, we expect him to serve out the rest of his contract with us.”

The Stormers have only just recovered from a chaotic couple of weeks involving the future of 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Having exited his contract with Western Province during a 21-day window period that allowed players to do so, Du Toit has since recommitted his future to the union and withdrawn his contract termination.

That matter has not been entirely put to bed, though, with the South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation (SAREO) seeking clarity on how Du Toit’s negotiations with the union unfolded.

Unions were not allowed to negotiate finances with their players during the 21-day window and the Stormers have since confirmed that Du Toit, like every other player, has taken a pay cut as SA Rugby carry out their extensive cost-cut-

ting across the board in light of Covid-19 crisis.

Sport24 further understands that Western Province’s leadership is largely relaxed on the matter given that they consulted their legal team at length throughout the Du Toit saga.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are also understood to be off-loading a number of other players with Rosko Specman and Cornal Hendricks two of those.

Specman’s contract at Loftus expires at the end of October this year.

While Newlands has been identified as one possible destination for the player, the Stormers are unlikely to make that move given that Specman is already 31 and a similar type of player to 25-year-old Seabelo Senatla.

With Super Rugby 2020 still suspended indefinitely as South Africa continues its fight against Covid19, there is no certainty when franchises in the country will return to play.

— Sport24

YOUR

NUMBER 1

PAPER ONLINE

tested positive for the virus.

The Cherries confirmed the player has contracted the virus after the latest round of tests for top flight clubs.

No matches have been played in the Premier League since March, but the government has given the green light for elite sport to resume from June 1, including the top-flight football.

The Premier League’s “Project Restart” hopes to resume action in June, although no date has been fixed.

Another round of tests are scheduled to take place today and tomorrow. All 20 clubs will hold a meeting on Wednesday to decide whether they can move to phase two of the restart and allow full-contact training.

Chief executive Richard Masters said on Friday the Premier League is “as confident as we can be” about a resumption of the top flight and that the remaining 92 games would be completed. “We wouldn’t have taken the first step to get back to training if we weren’t convinced we had created a very safe environment for our players,” he said.

Britain’s death toll from Covid19 is the highest in Europe with an official figure of 36 675 as of this article being published.

Germany’s Bundesliga returned to action last week with matches in empty stadiums and strict safety protocols.

Spain’s government on Saturday gave the go-ahead for LaLiga to resume from Monday, June 8.

— Reuters

Watford’s Adrian Mariappa is one of the people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Premier League.

PHOTO: GETTY

Image Source: rawpixel.com / Freepik

PHOTO: GALLO IMAGES

Bongi Mbonambi during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final match between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 2, 2019 in Tokyo.

TWO people from two Premier League clubs have tested positive for Covid-19 after a second batch of testing, the Premier League said on Saturday.

Since the players returned to limited group training on Tuesday, eight positive tests for the virus have been confirmed from England’s top-flight clubs.

“The Premier League can confirm that on Tuesday, May 19, Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22, 996 players and club staff were tested for Covid-19. Of these, two have tested positive from two clubs,” the statement said.

“The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.”

The Premier League said it would not be providing details of the identities of the two new positive tests.

A total of 748 tests of players and club staff made up the initial round of testing on May 17 to 18.

Watford’s Adrian Mariappa, two members of the club’s nonplaying staff and Burnley assistant manager Ian Woan were among six positive tests.

They are all still in their sevenday isolation period.

Two other Watford players are also self-isolating after coming into close contact with people who tested positive, according to manager Nigel Pearson.

On Sunday, Bournemouth announced one of their players has