MAHALA! IT’S FRE
E!
TAKE ON E City Of Ekurhuleni
Gauteng COVID-19 cases DOUBLE in one week! Over the past seven days (June 4-11), positive COVID-19 cases in Gauteng have doubled, with hospital admissions increasing and 20 more people dying as a result of COVID-19. “Gauteng has entered a new period in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is gaining momentum. We must face this reality head-on and mobilise all resources and energy to save lives,” said the Gauteng Premier David Makhura, pictured. As of June 11, the province had a total of 7 953 COVID-19 cases, 4 948 active cases, 2 948 recoveries and 57 deaths. The province has screened 7 458 034 people and conducted 338 211 tests. The Premier recently led the Provincial Command Council media briefing as the provincial government provided an update on COVID-19. “Cumulatively, 1 033 patients were admitted in hospital, 476 of whom were discharged and 57 succumbed to the infection. Currently, 493 patients are admit-
Since March, 335 public servants in Gauteng have tested positive for the virus. This includes public Health workers and Educators. “Like all other patients, affected staff and their family members are receiving care and treatment in line with the World Health Organisation protocols. All other staff members,
Ratanda-born Rapper is now in the mainstream music scene. Kgotso Makgale, popularly known as King SweetKid has been awarded the 011 Artist of The Year 2020 recently. This adds to his many accolades received over the past few years. His music is now playing on mainstream music channels like Channel O and Slikour on Life. Find King Sweet Kid on all popular social media platforms or visit www.kingsweetkid.co.za.
Story who werecontinues in contact withinside... those who
in a special VIRTUAL Council Meeting
25 June 2020
a partnership that works
King Sweet Kid!
Public servants affected by COVID-19
BUDGET SPEECH 2020
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
Congrats,
ted in hospital, 22 of whom are ventilated and 124 on oxygen,” he said.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Economic Development Cllr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza delivers the
Mayoral Committee Member for Finance and Economic Development Cllr Nkoslndlphlle Xhakaza
12-19 JUNE 2020 (ISSUE #7)
www.mapepeza.online/newspaper
I
BROADCAST LIVE ON: • • • •
Screens in Council buildings CoE social media platforms Business Day TV (channel 412) Kasie FM, EK FM, VOT
10h00
I) CityOfEkurhuleni
CJ @City_Ekurhuleni
VIRTUAL BUDGET SPEECH
20 years ofa responsive and modern public service partner that fosters change towards building a better Ekurhuleni
8 @CityOfEkurhuleni City of Ekurhuleni
SHARE YOUR STORY OR PLACE YOUR ADVERT, KINDLY CONTACT US 078-221-8002 (Whatsapp incl) mapepezacn@gmail.com wwww.mapepeza.online
News 2
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
www.mapepeza.online
Ekurhuleni to table its 2020/21 Budget,IDP
Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance and Economic Development Cllr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, will on Thursday, 25 June table the Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2020/2021 financial year at the Germiston Council Chamber through virtual platforms. Councillors will participate in the Council sitting remotely through virtual connection. Following public participation processes with the citizens of Ekurhuleni, MMC Xhakaza will among other things outline how the city will continue to ensure that poverty and unemployment is addressed through inclusive economic growth in Ekurhuleni. Members of the public wishing to follow the virtual budget speech address my go to the following platforms: • Business Day TV – DSTV Channel 412 • KasieFM, Voice of Tembisa and EKFM • Link – will be send to social media platforms (Facebook, website and Twitter) and it will automatically lead to You-tube were the speech will be broadcasted for the public. • Live-streaming – Rates Hall and Clinics and will be able to see and hear the budget speech through screens.
Suspect arrested for the murder of Tshegofatso Pule!
Gauteng police have arrested a 31-year-old man suspected of having killed the late Tshegofatso Pule, a 28-year-old pregnant woman whose body was found stabbed and hanged in a veld in Roodepoort recently. Pule was laid to rest last week in Soweto. Following a crime intelligence operation, the suspect was arrested on his way from Mpumalanga and has appeared in the Roodepoort Court. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the detectives for their swift response in the investigation into the death of 8 months pregnant woman. As the investigations are still continuing, General Mawela appealed to communities for any further information that could lead to more arrests. “This arrest came swiftly after another suspect, a 50-year-old man was nabbed in Eldorado Park on Monday, 15 June 2020
in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old woman in Eersterust over the weekend. The team of detectives, crime prevention and Tshwane district task team followed information to where the suspect was hiding,” said the police in a statement. Gauteng police not only arrest the suspect in the Pule killing, but have also arrested suspects in connection with the attack that occurred at Jabulani hostel last week. A multi-disciplinary team of detectives arrested two suspects in KwaZulu-Natal and recovered two firearms including an AK47. The suspects led police to a further 5 suspects in Gauteng. The suspects in Gauteng were found with a further five firearms. General Mawela has applauded the team for their prompt response in the matter. Some of the suspects have been linked to other cases including murder.
“We are appealing to people with information to can call the SAPS Emergency Number 10111 before a crime is committed or when a crime is in progress,” SAPS explained. Callers that want to remain anonymous may contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send a tip-off via MySAPS App which can be downloaded on any android or iPhone. All information received will be treated with confidentiality.
‘Graveyard-shift’ nyaope dealer nabbed! On Wednesday afternoon (June 10) the EMPD Drug Enforcement Unit Members arrested a male suspect selling narcotics in Vosloorus. “On Hatting drive by the cemetery, a 30-year old idling ille-
gal merchant, who noticed patrolling EMPD Squad closing in, made a duck attempt to evade an arrest. However, eyehawked and prepared officers cornered and handcuffed the suspect after 35 knotted plastics containing nyaope were
AFFORDABLE HOME BUILDING & IMPROVEMENTS *Housing Construction * Renovations and Repairs * Paving, Fencing etc. Registered Home Builder
(082) 397 5122 / (081) 121 9157 thulani.malwande@gmail.com
Free Quotation
uncovered following a body search. The drugs are set to worth an estimated R1500. Charges of possession and dealing in illicit substance, were registered against the offender, at the Vosloorus police station.
? ELLIOT PLUMBING & ENTERPRISES
084 726 0571 076 087 0946 CALL US TODAY AND DONT DELAY!
Mapepeza Newspaper
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
Dumping sites open, residents can dump limited waste for free! The City of Ekurhuleni’s waste disposal sites and mini disposal sites are open after the lockdown closures, and residents can now dump limited general and non-hazardous solid waste for free. Residents can dispose of the following at the disposal sites free of charge closer to where they stay: garden waste, rubble less than 1(cubic meter) m3, recyclables paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, wood and metal. Disposal of general and nonhazardous solid waste in excess of 1 000Kg is charged a standard tariff fee of R260.40 per kilogram. For patrons to gain entry into council-owned waste disposal sites, they need to enter the sites only at authorised access points, provide officials onsite with particulars required with
SASSA begins R350 relief grant payments!
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has kept its promise to pay at least 100 000 clients who had applied for the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant. According to SASSA, by 31 May 2020, 116 867 clients were paid for the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant. To date, over 35 million applicants were checked to confirm if they are either active SASSA grant recipients; are on the UIF database or receive an NSFAS stipend. “We have received approximately 13 million enquiries/ applications about the temporary special COVID-19 SRD grant as at Monday, 25 May 2020. About 6.3 million of these were valid complete applications. The rest were either duplicate applications, incomplete, had inconsistent data or were just pure enquiries,” said SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela. Applicants are reminded to respond immediately to the SMS received from SASSA and provide their banking details through the secure link. This will enable SASSA to ensure payments are processed without delay to all eligible applicants. Citizens are reminded that there is no cut-off date for applications for this special relief grant. Anyone who meets the qualifying criteria, should lodge an application without delay. Beneficiaries can also check the status of their applications online on https://srd.sassa. gov.za/sc19/status or by adding GovChat whatsapp on 082 046 8553, open chat, type “Status” and Send.
regard to the composition of the refuse they want to dispose, follow instructions given regarding the disposal point for their specific waste. The measures are to prevent informal waste pickers who occasionally attempt to gain unauthorized entry. No person shall bring any intoxicating liquor onto a landfill site or refuse transfer station or mini disposal site. The City has recently revamped some of its mini disposal sites, including revamping of Leondale and Vosloorus disposal sites to promote cleanliness and eradicate the scourge of illegal dumping in townships. “We are gradually running out of space and need to do everything necessary to minimize amount of waste reaching our disposal sites. It is our wish that these
facilities must serve as catalysts to promote local economic development activities such as composting,” MMC for Environment and Waste Management Services Khosi Mabaso said. The sites are open seven days per week, including public holidays except on Christmas day. During the months from April to September the sun sets earlier
3
and it becomes too dark and unsafe for the public and staff due to reduced visibility. Therefore, the operating hours for the sites are categorized into two, i.e. winter/other, and summer/other periods of the year as follows: April to September Daily from 07h00-18h00 October to March Daily from 07h00-19h00
4
www.mapepeza.online
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
85% Gauteng schools reopen!
Schools in Gauteng recorded an 85% attendance of learners and educators for the first day of reopening of schools on Monday, June 8. Gauteng Education (GDE) MEC Panyaza Lesufi provided an update of the first day of schools reopening since the country went into lockdown on 27 March 2020, to curb the spread of COVID-19. On educator attendance, Lesufi said most districts reported no problems with attendance also estimated at over 85% with the absence of some teachers attributed to them having comorbidities (related illnesses). “On comorbidities, we have no-
ticed some absence of educators last week and today, due to having underlying conditions,” he said. The MEC appealed to all educators to comply with the guidelines by contacting the school principal and district for clarity on whether their application is approved and not just stay away. “A number of teachers who have not attended claim to have comorbidities but they have not applied to work from home. A number of teachers submitted medical reports without application or filling in a sick leave forms,” said Lesufi. According the provincial depart-
ment, 11 schools where deemed not to be ready to open on the first day. “Reports from districts show that two of these schools were opened successfully. The remaining schools did not open mainly due to infrastructure issues which are currently being addressed,” said the MEC. In cases where the department is unable to resolve challenges immediately, Lesufi said the department is using alternative measures including temporary relocation of learners to neighbouring schools.
COVID-19 cases in schools
A number of cases of COVID-19
positive teachers were reported by the Department of Health. In the main, these cases arose prior to schools reopening for teachers. “Currently we have recorded 39 COVID-19 positive, from 38 schools and 38 cases under investigation,” said the MEC. To assist with screening at schools, the provincial department recruited COVID-19 brigades many of whom are in the process of being deployed to schools. Lesufi said the brigades are an additional resource to schools but that other personnel have been assigned to deal with screening and other issues.
GP Commission of Inquiry into Taxi Violence extended!
The Commission of Inquiry into Taxi Violence in Gauteng has been granted an extension of six months until August 2020. The commission is set to finalise its report in September 2020. The commission was set up following Proclamation 101 of 2019 to investigate the underlying reasons for the recurring conflict, violence, fatalities and instabilities in the taxi industry in Gauteng. “Under the current level 3 of COVID-19 Regulations, the commission will proceed with its hearings during the week of 15 June 2020 and a detailed schedule will be published to inform the public on which days and at what times hearings will take place,” the commission said.
The hearing venue is fully compliant to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus, with social distancing and sanitisation being strictly observed. The commission has called on any person or section of the public, including community structures, members of relevant communities and of the public, minibus taxi-type service associations, drivers, operators, conductors and rank marshals to contact the commission should they wish to give evidence. Witnesses requiring assistance with the drafting of relevant legal documents will be assisted free of charge. All potential witnesses are encouraged to contact the Commission Secretary on 066 390 0303.
Endorsed
Member
News-site: http://www.mapepeza.online Mapepeza Newspaper subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code please contact the Press Ombudsman at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619 Website: www.presscouncil.org.za
NEWSPAPER CREDITS EDITOR/MANAGER:
Stephen Seakgwe DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: Anatola Mofoka (Lolliepop) EKURHULENI REPORTER:
Esau Dlamini (freelancer)
CONTRIBUTORS:
Nkululeko Xaba, GCIS (SA News), Bheki J. Radebe, Ekurhuleni Media, Gauteng Department of Social Development, Health-e News, GroundUp, The Conversation COLUMNIST:
SEDIBENG REPORTER: Lesego Mohlamme (freelancer)
Lebohang Mashiloane
Published by:
Supported by:
Lolliepop Trading and Projects (Pty)Ltd Reg: 2012/104980/07 Director(s): A.S. Mofoka
Printed by:
Novus Print (Pty)Ltd 83 Heidelberg Road. City Deep, Production Park, Johannesburg
Media Development and Diversity Agency Tel: 011 643 1100, www.mdda.org.za
AUDITED BY ABC GRASSROOTS
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Editor reserves the right to determine whether material submitted for publication shall be printed and reserves the right to edit as needed, for space, libellous statements and personal unwarranted attacks. All material submitted must signed (name withheld upon request). Opinions expressed by the writers of the articles in the newspaper are those of the individual and not necessarily those of the editor or the publication workforce. Articles submitted for publication must deal with issues, not personalities.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights and reproductions of all reports, photographs, graphical illustrations and all materials published in the Mapepeza Newspaper are hereby reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act: 96 of 1978 and any ammendments thereof.
©2020 Mapepeza Community Newspaper (Pty)Ltd
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020 Mapepeza Newspaper
5
Story continues here...
‘We call for behavioural change’-Makhura tested positive, have been tested and will follow all protocols to prevent the spread of the virus,” Makhura said. There is ongoing decontamination of all public buildings regularly, as part of the measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. In addition, public servants undergo daily screening and some are referred for testing, as part of continuous medical surveillance protocol. In its efforts to save lives, the province is planning to meet with the Minister of Health in the coming week for reinforcement and further support in order to strengthen government’s response.
“We call for significant behavioural change among the residents of our province: wear masks, wash your hands, sanitise and observe physical distance. We are deeply concerned about the surge in the number of trauma cases related to alcohol abuse,” the Premier said.
The Premier urged that everyone must take the necessary precautionary measures to stop the spread of the pandemic. “Based on the current patient load, we have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock. However, we continue to order more stock for the next phases of the pandemic,” he said. Premier Makhura emphasised that surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for use only by frontline healthcare workers. “Priority is on the empowerment of local manufacturing companies; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and township businesses,” he said.
firmed COVID-19 cases. In some of these instances, we are awaiting the report from the Department of Health to confirm that it is safe to reopen. “Both learner and teacher attendance has been above the 85%. A detailed assessment will be done at the end of the week. Many teachers, who have not returned, are teachers with co-
morbidities (illnesses related to COVID-19),” the Premier said. Most of the learners, who did not return to school, have comorbidities or parents chose not to send them back to school. “We are consolidating figures for educators and learners with comorbidities, which could influence the attendance rate in our schools,” the Premier said.
Schools reopening
Most schools have now reopened, while some remain closed for various reasons, primarily due to issues relating to infrastructure, and specifically the supply of water, as well as the availability of ablution facilities. “A number of schools have been temporarily closed due to con-
Post Office open for vehicle licence renewals!
Motorists and fleet-owners, whose car licences expired during the lockdown, can skip the long queues at the Traffic Department by renewing them at their local Post Office during level 3. According to the Post Office’s spokesperson, Johan Kruger, the service has resumed at all Post Office branches that offer it. He reminded people to carry their identity document and that both cash and card payments are accepted. However, motorists are advised to avoid the period between the 4th and 7th of every month, as branches are usually packed with South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) customers. “Another date to avoid is the 21st of every month. Car owners receive 21 days grace after the expiry of their car licences, and Post Offices find that customers flock to the branches on this day to renew at the last minute,” he explained. Kruger said most branches also do renewals offer a bulk renewal service for fleet owners, however, customers are advised to enquire with their local branches first. He said the service was available in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can download the form at https:// www.postoffice.co.za/Products/Domestic/ vehiclelicenserenewalform... and complete it in advance to save time.
Congrats to this week’s Cellphoto winners Congratulations to Vincent and Simphiwe for winning the latest SPAR Heidelberg/ Mapepeza Cellphone Photo Competition. The theme was pets and the winners took impressive pictures that the judges chose. Each winner gets a R500 gift card voucher courtesy of SPAR Heidelberg. More competitions will be announced on the Mapepeza Newspaper Facebook page. For daily specials, visit SPAR Heidelberg at corner Merz & Vootrekker Street (open daily from 7am to 8pm).
6
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
www.mapepeza.online
DISTRIBUTED IN TOWNSHIPS/COMUNNITIES OF : • SEDIBENG DISTRICT • CITY OF EKURHULENI • DIPALESENG (MPUMALANGA) • JOHANNESBURG
MAHALA!
IT’S FRE
EVERY M O
E!
NTH
Read the digital copy eMapepeza on www.issuu.com/mapepeza
Whatsapp: 0782218002 Facebook: @mapepeza Twitter: @mapepeza_media
For daily local news, content and information, please visit website www.mapepeza.online
Mapepeza Newspaper
7
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
Spot the Difference
Sudoku 19-22
P
APER LAY
Sudoku is a great activity to sharpen the mind. The object of Sudoku is to ямБll in the empty spaces of a 9x9 grid with numbers 1-9 in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains all numbers 1 through 9. It's fun and challenging for all ages.
Zoo Animals
Musical Instruments Find and circle all of the musical instruments that are hidden in the grid below. The remaining letters spell a secret message.
ACCORDION BAGPIPE BALALAIKA BANJO BASS BODHRAN CABASAS CELLO CHIMES CITTERN CLARINET
CONGA CORNET COW BELL DIDGERIDOO DRUM EUPHONIUM FLUTE FRENCH HORN GUITAR HARP
HURDY-GURDY LAOUTA MANDOLA MARACAS MELODICA MIZMAR OBOE OUD PENNYWHISTLE PICCOLO
More GAMES on the next edition of Mapepeza Newspaper.
SAZ SITAR TARKA TRIANGLE TROMBONE UKULELE VEENA VIBRAPHONE VIOLIN XUN
Find and circle all of the zoo animals that are hidden in the grid below. The words may be hidden in any direction.
ALLIGATOR BAT ELEPHANT FLAMINGO GIANT PANDA GIRAFFE GORILLA
Spot the Difference
IGUANA LION ORANGUTAN OSTRICH PEACOCK POLAR BEAR
PUMA PYTHON STORK TIGER TORTOISE ZEBRA
8
VOL. 7 ISSUE #7 - 12-19 JUNE 2020
www.mapepeza.online
Sports
WINNER OF 2019 GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year
Gauteng relief funds for sports, arts sectors open! The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture an Recreation has opened their budget and request organizations in the sports, arts and culture sectors to apply for the relief funding. “Eligible to apply are Sport athletes, coaches, technical personnel, Arts and Culture organisations and structures, film productions cast and crew who directly support the affected athletes/ artists,” said the department in a statement. According to the department, only applicants affected by an event or events cancelled for the period 16 March to end-June 2020. (from when the President made a State of Disaster announcement to June 2020).
Criteria
All applicants legible to obtain this financial relief / assistance need to adhere to the following guidelines: a) Confirmation of the financial impact per Sports Federation, Arts and Culture Organisation, Structure, Recreation entity, Film Productions & Freelancers or project. b) Validation of any loss that is being claimed (Proof of any work executed prior the declaration of the National disaster announcement building up to the actual event/ programme). c) Use of previous events to
qualify loss of income or in the case of a new project (budget projections). d) Proof that individuals such as visual and performing artists, cast and crew in the film & TV industry, creative Gauteng businesses, coaches, aerobics instructors, fitness instructors, event managers, athletes, technical officials, administrators were earning an income and are now out of pocket. e) Coaches and technical support personnel who work with athletes whose sporting events have been cancelled or postponed (due to COVID-19) and make their earnings solely from these events. (Evidence of earnings must be presented). The same will apply for Arts and Culture events that have been cancelled or postponed. f) Athletes from the Departments Academy programme who are preparing for the 2021 Olympics and Paralympics and are hopefuls / potential, for Team South Africa selection for those and other major international championships and events. (These athletes must not be on SASCOC’s OPEX programme and specific criteria will be set here). g) Innovative and adaptable digital videos through a myriad of social network platforms taking into account inequalities with exercises, call to action programmes suitable for athletes with a disability, children,
the elderly and those who lack space which demonstrate social cohesion to keep citizens healthy from all walks of life in Gauteng. h) The Department will accept proposals that respond to digital solutions, for the creatives/ sport personnel to continue working during this period. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: • Emanating from sport, cultural & creative disciplines, the content can also respond to the Covid-19 in the Sport, Arts and Culture sectors. • In the form of video online, streaming, podcasts, animation and documentaries to mention a few. The department strongly urged that assistance will be given to
TELL US WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS! CONTACT US 078-221-8002 (Whatsapp incl) AND ADVERTISE. mapepezacn@gmail.com | wwww.mapepeza.online Mapepeza Community Newspaper publishes 10 000 copies fortnightly with average monthly reach to about 35000 people in the southern region of the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces (highveld region). The free newspaper can be accessed at qualified retailers, government/municipal offices, libraries, community centres, shools etc. Street agents in taxi rank, CBDs and townships, Door-to-door delivery at clients/ stakeholders’ offices and events etc. The digital copy is distributed through the following platforms: Email database, Issuu, Whatsapp, Facebook and website.
applications that meet the listed criteria. Registered businesses and their employees may not qualify for this Relief. They may explore other Relief Interventions available to businesses and labour. “Stringent and audit/ checking processes will be put in place taking the above factors into consideration. An oversight body might be instituted to conduct oversight and monitoring of the funds,” the department said. Application forms can be accessed on the Gauteng Government website (www.gauteng. gov.za) or email SACR.Communications@gauteng.gov.za. The closing date is on March 26.