People's Post Claremont | Rondebosch - 30 June 2020

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People’s Post

EDUCATION

Online learning lessons NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM

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s anxiety surrounding the return of learners to schools continue to rise, more parents are looking to online learning and the stability it offers in these uncertain times.

Ongoing reports of temporary closure of schools – either because of learners or staff testing positive for Covid-19 or due to protest action by union groups – has led to more parents considering home-schooling as a viable alternative.

People’s Post spoke to Dr Rebecca Felix and David Martin, founders of the Grassroots Preparatory School in Kenilworth, for advice on what parents should bear in mind when considering an online education provider.

According to them, factors to consider include the curriculum, the format classes are being presented in, the degree of online support provided and the calibre of the teaching staff.

Prior to lockdown, the Grassroots Preparatory taught learners from Pre-grade R to Grade 2. Its online offering caters for Pre-grade R to Grade 7.

Distance learning Distance curriculum learning is probably the one most parents are familiar with. It has a very limited online component and parents must either assume the role of the teacher or hire a tutor to do so.

Parents also have to ensure their child is registered with the Western Cape educaiton department (WCED). Learners have to complete set tasks or exams and submit them to the curriculum provider. This portfolio of evidence is then sent to WCED by the provider.

This home-schooling option does allow for flexibility and, if the services of a tutor are not required, it could be the least expensive.

Impaq is one of the country’s leading distance curriculum learning providers. According to its website, the fees for its grades R to 12 Caps-related curriculum ranges from R602 to R15 617, depending on the grade and package selected. Parents can pay a once-off fee or choose from various payment schemes. However, it does require parents to be more hands-on.

Live sessions Grassroots Preparatory too recently extended its offering to include virtual learning. Its Grassroots Online school follows a live model where learners are taught the Caps curriculum via live class sessions, enabling them to interact with the teacher and other learners in the class.

With its online school programme for their Pre-grade Rs to Grade 2s, already up and running, the offering for Grade 3 to Grade 7 is set to commence on 15 July.

Felix says their online teaching model places the accountability for learners’ understanding of the material and progress on the teacher, alleviating the pressure on parents.

“Parents will need to register their learners with WCED as a home-schooler.

Grassroots Online will assist parents with this process,” she adds.

All of the school’s teachers have a bachelor of education degree and are registered with the South African Council for Educators, (Sace). Martin says this is something parents need to look at before enrolling their

child with an online learning provider.

“Are the teachers who are presenting these classes qualified to provide quality learning?” he adds.

School fees at Grassroots Online school amount to R1 950 a month, payable over 12 months as well as a R250 application fee.

Learners are also required to purchase textbooks as and when needed.

Mixed offering Some virtual schools implement a combined approach. The content provider Think Digital College, for example, offers two models – one with tutor online support or one without – for Grades R to 12.

It provides both the South African and British International aligned curricula and is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (Sacai).

The virtual school lists its engaging content and the flexibility of its programmes among its main drawcards. Its website states that learners can log onto their profile, access their subjects and work on the

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Depending on which model and curriculum parents decide to go with, fees range from R3 750 to R14 500 per year. A 25% deposit is payable at enrolment and the rest can be paid off over five months. Learners who opt for the CAPS-aligned syllabus also have to pay additional examination fees. The virtual school, however, is offering a 30% discount at present for learners who join in term 3.

In the end, Martin says, it is up to parents to decide which offering they feel most comfortable with. “Are parents happy with just being handed a memo, or do they want to register with a provider that offers a live, online setting? The costs of the options also vary dramatically. A lot is going to depend on the home situation and what parents can afford,” he says.

V For more information on Grassroots Preparatory, visit the school’s website or call 021 671 1568.

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2 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

OPINION

The Red Dot Service: A sign of better taxis?

MIKHAIL MANUEL

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he minibus-taxi industry is in urgent need of reform. Passengers, fellow road users and the government all agree. The question is, how?

Safety procedures in the minibus-taxi industry, necessitated by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, have pitted two strategies against each other: government-led conditional financial relief or leveraging innovation and opportunity to incentivise voluntary reform.

The former has led to a financial relief battle between the government and the minibus-taxi industry with each flexing their political muscles. Following announcements of increased taxi fares earlier this month, the power struggle reached a boiling point on Monday 22 June when the minibus-taxi industry shut down their services in Gauteng in protest. Passengers were left stranded, motorists were intimidated and highways were blocked. police and soldiers used rubber bullets to clear the operators blocking traffic. The latter – a new, relatively untest-

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ed approach – resulted in something very different happening here in the Western Cape. With all the drama happening upcountry, the Western Cape branch of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) decided not to join the strike action of their Gauteng counterparts and agreed to delay fare increases to September-November. Santaco provincial chair Nazeem Abdurahmaan and provincial transport minister Bonginkosi Madikizela cite the negative impact it will have on the livelihood of passengers during this difficult time and that the Western Cape government has approached the engagement constructively.

Voluntary reform This demonstrates a totally different political relationship to the one between the national government and the national structure of Santaco. The most impressive outcome from this political relationship in the Western Cape was the quick partnership developed between the regional minibus-taxi industry and the provincial government to launch the innovative Red Dot Services. An operating company, Umanyano Travel Services, was quickly formed

by Santaco Western Cape. The service began with 100 vehicles and has since increased to 200 vehicles; the company can operate 400 vehicles in total.

Umanyano is formally contracted by the provincial government to provide services to front line health care workers and residents who require transport to public quarantine and isolation facilities. The service is recognised by the red dot on the vehicle.

The most promising feature of the service is the monitoring of each vehicle’s performance through an on-board tracker. Reform of minibus-taxi type services around the world has shifted towards using technology developments in cellphones and vehicle trackers. This combination allows a city to harness the flexibility of the minibus-taxi system, overcome the complexity of contracting with thousands of individual operators, improve profitability for the taxi owners, and improve the passenger experience. Similar innovations are already in use in the Cape Town scholar transport industry, has been piloted by a Mitchell’s Plain-based association in partnership with the City of Cape Town, was piloted in Durban, and is currently part of a research project in Nairobi, Kenya. The Red Dot Service is the catalyst that the minibus-taxi sector needs to formalise in a way that is financially sustainable for the government, beneficial for the industry, and improves services for passengers. The Western Cape

seems to have demonstrated the vital ingredients needed to drive reform – industry buy-in, good political relations between the government and industry stakeholders, a passengercentred demand for safe and hygienic services, and a potentially low-cost subsidy model that could improve passengers’ experience.

vices in South Africa are private sector businesses that naturally respond to supply and demand forces to ensure their sustainability.

In response to the fare increases, by Monday 8 June, the minister of transport, Fikile Mbalula, threatened to take the minibus-taxi industry to the Competition Commission for unfair increases that negatively impact upon the poor. At the same time, the national minister announced that the government was finalising relief for the industry.

On Friday 19 June, Mbalula announced a R1.135 billion relief package for the minibustaxi industry. The package is designed with the aim of formalisation and eventually subsidisation of the industry. To receive the relief, taxi operators need to be formally registered businesses, registered for income tax, with employees registered for UIF, the Compensation Commission, and the skills development levy. The following Monday, 22 June, Santaco in Gauteng went on strike in protest against the government’s financial relief package.

Never before has the public witnessed the two extremes of what is being tried to reform the minibus-taxi industry. Government-led Covid-19 responses have only seen a flip-flopping between decisions, a hefty price tag on relief, and a paralysing strike; while on the other hand, a voluntary partnership-based Covid-19 response has seen innovative use of mobile technology, improved services for residents, and increased profitability for taxi businesses. The latter is a step in the right direction, but it is yet to be seen if the Western Cape government will achieve reform.

V Mikhail Manuel is a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Transport Studies, University of Cape Town.

Financial relief For the past 26 years, the minibus-taxi industry has won most of its battles with the government; but the passenger and fellow road users are the ones coming out most bruised. Throughout the national lockdown, we again saw the political strength of the minibus-taxi industry at play. The lockdown started at midnight, on Thursday 26 March, restricting public transport carrying capacity to 50%. Within a week, by Thursday 2 April, the national department had both completely lifted restrictions for minibus-taxi services and increased capacity to 70% following a public outcry. With the capacity restrictions issue resolved, the industry launched the battle for Covid-19 government financial relief.

On Sunday 5 April, the government had stated that it had no money left and could not provide financial relief to the minibus-taxi industry. In response, Santaco launched a R3.5 billion relief fund, overseen by two independent law firms, to support the industry.

To fill the relief fund, the national taxi mother body called on the private sector and the government to donate to the fund given the minibus-taxi industry’s vital role in the economy. However, by May, the fund was yet to see any significant activity. Santaco also has not seemed to embark on any additional marketing to attract donations to the fund – little mention of it can be found in the media besides the announcement of its launch.

On Saturday 19 April, the national government reported that it was in talks with the taxi industry about relief.

The financial relief battle continued into June with the taxi industry announcing fare increases, with some associations in Johannesburg announcing increases above 100% to The City’s Mayco member for transport, councillor Felicity Purchase, combat the lockdown ca- visited minibus-taxi facilities across Cape Town in June to advise pacity restrictions. The commuters on how to care for their masks. Opinion writer Mikhail industry is well within Manuel believes good political relations between the government their right to do this be- and industry stakeholders is key to drive reform in the taxi cause minibus-taxi ser- industry.

‘Thank you for interesting articles’ I enjoyed reading (Samantha Lee-Jacob’s) articles last week, particularly the one covering “Dangers of home-made alcohol” (People’s Post 23 June). It was balanced and should be of benefit to the community at large.

During past weeks I have been assisting others in the media with information on related subjects. Particularly on the potential dangers of “congeners” which are often formed during fermentation processes and then condensed during

distillation.

As a local microbiologist and biochemist I have a particular interest in these subjects as well as in the field of virology.

Another subject which has not escaped notice has been the random temperature taking of members of the public when they enter certain buildings or businesses (“Sorry, you are too hot to enter”, People’s Post, 16 June). The readings that I have observed have sometimes been so inaccurate as to be ridiculous. This may

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well be due to the fact that these many electronic thermometers have possibly not been properly calibrated. And perhaps the operators not sufficiently trained so as to fully understand the concept of “normal human body temperature ranges”. Thank you once again for your useful and interesting articles which will benefit the community by promoting a better understanding of the Coronavirus.

DR GERARD NORRIS, Email

NEWS 3

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

CITY

Recipients hold silicone breast prostheses which are wrapped up for safekeeping.

Home away from home KAYLYNNE BANTOM

the country, close to hospitals and reira, owner of Salt Boutique clinics, have signed up to the plat- Guesthouse in Blouberg, says her form. She adds that more than 227 business has been badly affected health care workers have been by the lockdown. She says when placed. The NPO aims to place 2 500 they heard about the initiative and health care workers countrywide. learnt the values of Ubuntu Beds, Ndlovu says she has found ac- they didn’t hesitate to hop on commodation at self-catering Har- board. bouredge Apartments in the V&A “We’ve opened our guest house Waterfront which is only six min- to all essential workers. We have utes away from the CTICC. “This been able to provide accommodainitiative has been the most amaz- tion for two health care workers ing thing for me. I finish my shift who have tested positive. We prolate at night and this takes away vide our guests with a relaxing enadded stress of having to travel vironment and home cooked home for more than an hour after meals.” a long day.”

She says the response from the The doctor says both she and her medical workers has been amazsister are in the medical profes- ing. “They are very appreciative.” sion. To her, living in isolation V Health care workers or hospitality busifrom her mom and younger sister nesses who want to sign up can visit https:/ who is an asthmatic, gives her /www.ubuntubeds.org/ piece of mind.

“I have been here for two weeks, and I have been told that my stay has been extended by another two weeks.”

Ndlovu says the peak of the virus is fast approaching as the Hospital of Hope now admits more than 40 patients per day.

Staying close to work is now an option for public health Carla Fer- care workers.

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Cape Town doctor who currently works at the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s (CTICC) Hospital of Hope, says a weight has been lifted off her shoulder as she no longer fears infecting her family.

As the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic is fast approaching, Dr Thobile Ndlovu (32) together with hundreds of other health care workers now have the option of staying closer to work and safeguarding their families from the possible spread of the virus.

This is thanks to the Ubuntu Beds initiative, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that aims to unite hospitality businesses that now stand empty, by offering a safe harbour to doctors and nurses.

Several hostels, hotels, B&Bs and guest-houses, which have been hard hit by travel bans and the lockdown, have opened their doors to provide accommodation to front line workers free-of-charge.

In March after contracting the Coronavirus herself, hotel owner Kim Whitaker launched the initiative. Ubuntu Beds, with the support of the financial services group, FirstRand Spire fund, hopes to raise enough funding through private donations and corporate sponsorship to accommodate up to 2 500 public healthcare workers over the next four months.

Whitaker says to date just over 993 establishments with approximately 15 709 beds situated across

Breast cancer support group in dire need for new premises The Cape Peninsula branch of the breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery is appealing to landlords who are able to assist them with premises for their Ditto Project.

Launched in 2011, the project raises funds for external silicone breast prostheses that are then fitted and provided free of charge to state patients who have undergone mastectomies.

More than 6 500 women have been assisted since its launch.

The support group’s current office space has been sold and without reliable, accessible premises it is unable to operate. It is looking for a space of approximately five by four metres with sufficient storage cupboards and enough room to hold support group meetings when lockdown regulations again allow.

Stephanie van Deventer, the national manager of Reach for Recovery, says the Ditto Project has been on hold during lockdown as they have not been able to fit the prostheses due to social distancing protocols and to protect the health of both volunteers and patients.

“The Covid-19 pandemic also af-

fects our fundraising efforts so the loss of the premises is a big concern. Breast cancer has not stopped in this pandemic and finding a location and safe space to store stock and operate from is imperative so that we can resume our support services as soon as we can.”

Reach for Recovery is able to pay some rental, but can afford a maximum of R4 000 a month.

According to Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, a supporter of the Ditto Project and a specialist surgeon with an interest in breast health as well as soft tissue surgical oncology, the majority of the project’s patients come from state hospitals and Covid-19 hotspots.

“The Ditto Project is an essential service that needs to be able to resume as soon as it can. Apffelstaedt & Associates are assisting them in their search as we recognise women’s need for prostheses and the subsequent emotional and mental benefits. We appeal to landlords who are able to assist to please get in touch.”

V To assist, contact Carla Lind, the Reach for Recovery chair, on 083 280 3456.

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4 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

HEALTH

Surviving Covid-19 SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121

W

ith the number of cases edging closer and closer to the suspected peak, the likelihood of being infected with Covid-19 increases rapidly.

While the country has recorded more than 138 000 cases and the Western Cape contributing around 60 000 of these, there is hope as recovery numbers are high and death rates remain relatively low.

For Cameron, who only wanted to be named by his first name out of fear of stigmatisation, having been infected with Covid-19 was scary.

“We knew so little about the virus at that time, all we saw was the devastation and death it caused in other countries. When I got diagnosed, I really thought I signed my death sentence,” he says.

He adds: “People look at you as if you are a walking disease when they know you had the virus. It wasn’t even my fault that I got it. I only went out to the shops, sanitised and wore my mask every day, but I still got the virus.”

Cameron was diagnosed in April and has since made a full recovery.

In a recent statement by the Western Cape department of health, Nosisi Jacobs from Langa also described how stigma drove her from her home.

“I would stand at my window and see how people would walk by and look at my house, chatting, staring and pointing fingers. I realise now that it was the fear of the virus itself that made my community scared and that they never thought it would reach our community. But back then I felt scared and un-

supported,” she says.

She was diagnosed late May and self-isolated with her children in one of the department’s off-site isolation facilities. She described the facility as efficient, friendly and says they were well taken care of. Now that she has returned home she has shared her story with her community.

“Now that I am home I am no longer afraid. My community can see that I am alive and well. Initially the fear of the unknown was what caused them to react the way they did. Now I am able to share my experience and they understand that anyone can get it, like me,” she says.

For Jaydine, an essential worker in the banking industry, performing her daily tasks got her infected.

“There were two days that I couldn’t get up as I had no strength to do anything, that was the hardest part physically. Otherwise I was doing okay, but mentally it was hard because I had to keep myself positive (in) all the negative stuff I read online and (saw) on the news. It was emotionally draining because I am an overthinker,” she says. “The most difficult part was the not knowing if I will be okay because one day you’re feeling great and the next day you’re sick again. The symptoms are not consistent.”

Having stopped looking up anything Covid-19-related online, Jaydine says her belief in God and the support of her family is ultimately what got her through.

She was confined to a room and could only use the bathroom to minimise the risk of infecting her brother, who she lives with.

Both Jaydine and Cameron say they practised all the necessary safety precautions to keep themselves safe.

“Before I was very cautious, protecting myself for our customers and in the stores,

but not (as much) when it came to the staff in the branch,” she says.

“Now I am more cautious than before. I just wish everyone would listen and be careful because it’s not a joke. I was lucky that I didn’t get it that bad, but if I listen to my other colleagues and how they had it, I feel sorry for them.

Prevention is better than cure because there is nothing the Nosisi Jacobs from Langa says self-isolating at a department facility doctors can give you helped her cope with discrimination. to make you feel better and the headaches you get are terrible. Even it. Be careful,” he says. now after my 14 days there are some days Jaydine agrees.

I still get nausea and headaches,” she says.

“Please be careful, please be cautious beFor Cameron, symptoms also lasted cause a lot of people can’t self isolate at home longer than 14 days. He says he has become and they send you to a Covid-19 centre. You more cautious and actually afraid that he wouldn’t be able to see your family for two might get it again and get it much worse. weeks and a lot of people are dying from this “I was so careful, but I can only think that virus. It is no joke as two of my neighbours I got this virus from someone who was not have died due to Covid-19,” she says. “For being careful, who did not care who they in- the younger people, yes, you would not fected. We need to go out sometime or anoth- (probably) get it that bad, but what about er, and soon many of us will go back to for- your grandmother or mother even with othmal work places. I have had the virus and er diseases, those are the people that get it I don’t ever want to feel what I did again. I the worst.” had mild symptoms and it was the worst feelJacobs says: “We must support each other, ing I have ever had, never mind those who because when you test positive, you need the are critical or die from it. That pain must support from your family and your commube unimaginable,” he says. nity. Anyone can get the Coronavirus. You “Please people, you never know if you never know who in your own life will be afwould get a mild or serious case and even fected or infected next by this virus. Rememif you are mild or have no symptoms, you ber, they are also scared. Be kind to those can give it to someone who could die from who get sick and offer to help them.”

NEWS 5

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Parents urged to accept 2021 placements Just over a month ago, the Western Cape education department (WCED) announced revised dates for the 2020 school admissions process in the province.

The first phase of offers is now underway and parents would have heard the outcome of their applications by Monday 22 June.

It is crucial that parents accept their offers

Provincial education minister, Debbie Schäfer.

of places by Friday 3 July at the latest, and the sooner they do so, the sooner schools can determine how many spaces they have left.

Parents can accept by going onto the system under “Track applications” and confirming their final choice, or they can hand in a confirmation letter/reply slip to the school where their application was successful.

If a child has been accepted at more than one school, the parent must confirm acceptance at one of the schools on the list where the application was successful. If multiple places are being held for a single learner, this makes it much harder for other learners to find places. If parents do not make their choice by Friday 3 July, the WCED will start allocating learners to their highest choice, and will remove them from the lists of other schools PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS they applied to.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that we don’t have enough space for all the learners that apply. There is a high demand for places. (A total of) 382 169 individual applications to schools were completed and submitted by parents during the month-long window for applications this year, an increase on last year’s figures. Even taking into account that parents submitted multiple applications, the demand for space is clear,” says provincial minister, Debbie Schäfer. “This means that learners might not be able to be placed at their first choice of school. We ask parents to be understanding in this regard. They are of course welcome to contact their school of choice and appeal to the SGB, as well as ask that their child be placed on the waiting list in case any spaces become available.”

Parents who receive notifications that their applications have been unsuccessful from all schools they applied to must remain calm, she says.

“It is important to understand that the process is not yet complete. Once parents who have received offers of a place have accepted these, the WCED and schools will have a better idea of where there are still spaces available. Schools will apply their admission policies in terms of their waiting lists and they could accept learners who have been on waiting lists. I urge all parents to read the frequently asked questions on the WCED enrolment page for more information.”

Covid-19 tests limited to ‘high risk’ residents Going forward, the Western Cape government will only test those who are at highest risk and most vulnerable of getting severe Covid-19 in the Cape Town metropole.

“It will enable us to better protect our elderly and most vulnerable residents, including our healthcare-workers, who we need to care for our loved ones when they get very sick,” a statement read.

Only those meeting the following criteria will get tested for Covid-19 if you are: . Admitted to hospital with symptoms. . Over 55 and have Covid-19 symptoms. . Of any age, have Covid-19 symptoms, and have one or more of these conditions: Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment, cancer on treatment, tuberculosis on treatment, HIV with poor adherence to ARVs, and chronic lung disease on treatment (for example, asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis). . A healthcare worker and you have Covid-19 symptoms. . Live in a care or old age home and have Covid-19 symptoms.

The provincial government can help anyone needing to isolate or quarantine with free, comfortable and safe alternative accommodation. Transport, meals, and a laundry service will be provided.

V Contact 021 202 0938; DOH-WSSS.COVID19@westerncape.gov.za to arrange alternate accommodation.

EDUCATION

Fate of pre-schools in the balance NETTALIE VILJOEN

W

orking parents and crèche owners were undoubtedly holding their breath on Thursday 25 June, hoping the minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, would shed some light on the fate of early childhood development centres (ECDs). But with no mention made of ECD’s during her briefing to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the doors of pre-schools remain firmly shut.

The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) has come out in support of ECD centres, saying centres are under tremendous financial strain after months of receiving minimal fees from parents.

“ECD centres are desperate to re-open, to bring in some funds, but also to care for children who are in vulnerable positions with parents returning to work,” a statement released by CECD last week read.

The last time Motshekga directly addressed the issue was on Tuesday 19 May when she said regulations for level three were being finalised and that she believed there would be a solution to this matter very soon. “We understand that ECD centres also provide the necessary caring and feeding services for children from families. Due and careful consideration will be made to ensure that we maintain the delicate balance be-

tween allowing ECDs to operate, alongside the safety and health of the children and their caregivers. We are working together with the department of social development on this matter as it straddles both departments at the moment,” she said.

According to the General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa, over two million children receive some form of ECD services. Of this number, 800 654 children are currently accessing registered ECD programmes by the Department of Social Development.

While a statement issued by the department on Thursday 4 June acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, it reiterated that ECD centres would remain closed under level three regulations.

“As more parents/caregivers return to work, one of their major concerns is around child care arrangements and the reopening of early childhood development (ECD) centres,” the statement read.

The department did, however, announce that it had set up eight workstreams that would conduct a sector-wide risk assessment, state of readiness and make recommendations on health and hygiene measures and protocols to contain Covid-19 outbreak. “These measures may include limiting the number of children a centre can

Tips for educational support AVRIL FILLIES AVRIL.FILLIES@MEDIA24.COM

It’s no secret that parents are experiencing unprecedented challenges in their child’s educational journey in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many parents feel at the end of their rope trying to juggle home-schooling with their own workload – but what if a child is also struggling with language, reading and other learning difficulties?

Edublox investigates the merits of online and home-based intervention programmes for households with internet connections and provides tips to parents on how to navigate this difficult situation as we embark on a post-lockdown world.

According to Susan du Plessis, director of educational programmes at Edublox, parents might be more aware than ever that their children are struggling with a reading or learning difficulty. “Many parents, in an attempt to keep their children entertained and

feeling secure during an uncertain emotional time, have read aloud and together more often than usual. In the past, it was usually poor end-of-term report cards that indicated a problem – but after ten weeks of quality time and home-schooling, parents have experienced first-hand which specific struggles are frustrating their children academically.”

She adds: “Another reason why the need to tackle a reading, learning or language difficulty has become urgent, is because certain schools provide remedial services, but parents and learners are unable to access them during lockdown. The result is that children are regressing in terms of the progress they have made so far.”

The good news is that online programmes may provide a tangible solution for some of the academic difficulties while children are unable to return to their normally full schedules. Du Plessis shares some tips on identifying providers that can deliver seamless online support programmes: . It might seem like a bad time to start searching for solutions while parents are still

take care of, ensuring proper cleaning and disinfecting of the centre, routine screenings and rearranging spaces to encourage social distancing.”

The department has since stated that ECD centres will need to comply with extensive health regulations before they would be considered ready to re-open (once the re-opening date is announced by the minister of social development, Lindiwe Zulu).

The list of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that each ECD centre is required to have, include: . two adult cloth masks for every adult at the centre. . An additional face mask/visor if a child becomes ill at the site (one additional for every 10 children). . A temperature gun or thermometer. . An empty (1F) spray gun for cleaning and sanitising. . Water-soluble sanitiser tablets. . Duct tape or similar for physical distancing marking. . Rubber gloves for cleaning and managing waste. . 30 cleaning cloths. . 5F bleach. . Tippy taps if extra water points are needed. . Tissues and/or toilet paper.

. Disposable hand paper towels (for drying hands instead of towels). . Soap bars (pack of 12). . 5F dishwashing liquid. . 5F disinfectant.

Bridget Kahts, programme manager at the CECD, says, considering the financial challenges centres had to face during the lockdown, many ECD centres simply do not have the means to purchase the necessary PPE. “They need our support in order to re-open (or may face permanent closure),” Kahts said.

To assist preschools to obtain the prescribed PPE in order to re-open, CECD has launched the #PPEforECD campaign.

CECD is currently working with approximately 600 ECD centres. With a comprehensive PPE package costing roughly R4 000 per centre, the total target amount which needs to be raised is R2.4 million.

“Please consider partnering with CECD to support this campaign and allow ECD centres to get back onto their feet. You can support financially (via EFT, using the reference #PPEforECD, or SnapScan using the barcode), contact us if you would like to deliver items from this list, or help us share this campaign far and wide,” Kahts said.

V The campaign has been launched on the CECD’s Facebook page and Twitter account.

unsure of when exactly will their children return to school, , but it can be a saving grace for a child to start with a suitable programme in the interim.

It can be a positive experience to start a structured programme that a child can be comfortable with before they are uprooted again, and the everyday pressures of school resume (in addition to the pressures of adhering to Covid-19 safety measures). . In most cases, assisting children with language and reading problems does not always require formal assessments or medical diagnoses, but some guidance is required.

Search for providers that are able to perform online, interactive home-based assessments to guide you around products and services that can help tackle a child’s difficulties if the lockdown levels in a specific province does not allow for physical appointments. Edublox, for example, focuses on identifying which cognitive skills areas are lacking and makes recommendations based on the results of an in-house assessment tool. . Parents might feel burned out by their efforts to wear the hat of a teacher and may be weary of programmes that require them to take on even more teaching responsibilities.

Look for tutor-based programmes where tu-

tors/educational professionals interact live with children in small groups, or online platforms that are designed for minimal input from the parents. . Ensure that the provider is knowledgeable in presenting educational support content via services like Zoom, Google Classrooms and Skype. It’s not enough to simply “show up” online – the lessons must be engaging, quality controlled and suited towards the online medium. . It’s also important for parents to consider whether a provider poses long-term opportunities for the child and has a variety of options and services available once the lockdown levels allow physical attendance of classes. This way, parents can ensure that their children continue their journey without being disrupted.

Du Plessis concludes: “Our lives and our children’s education have been disrupted by the pandemic in many ways, but I’m confident that language and reading difficulties can be tackled where professionals and providers have opted to redefine their services for a new reality. Parents, there is hope – and you are doing a stellar job navigating your children through this crisis. I am cheering you on!”

6 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Online security: danger ahead T

he Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown has led to an unprecedented rise in the use of digital communication in most countries. With this in mind, and with June being Youth month, now is an important time to again raise the issue of online security for children.

Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT, says the internet can be a dangerous space for anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable. Parental guidance is the best defense for youngsters online.

“Being a responsible online citizen goes hand in hand with being a responsible community citizen. In real life – in the neighbourhoods we live in, the schools we go to and the places we visit – there are rules and warning signs to help us navigate our way through life safely.

“The online world is not that well signposted, to warn us there is danger ahead. It is up to the individual user to learn the risks and watch out for them. This is why it is so important to know what your child is consuming online and to be able to talk to them openly and often about the digital world,” Hattingh says.

Cyber bullying is but one example of what can go wrong for children online.

Other risk factors include: . Scams: Adults get conned online every day, even by the most ludicrous of emails, like those which state you have been left a fortune by a long-lost relative overseas. Children are not likely to fall for these types of scams, but they could be tempted by free online music or games. Criminals usually ask for credit card information in order for the child to redeem their “special offer”. Teach

your children that offers which seem too good to be true usually are. . Cyber predators: Children can be stalked by someone pretending to be their age and lured into a dangerous personal encounter. These types of predators are prevalent on social media and gaming platforms. . Downloading malware: Cyber criminals can lure children into downloading something enticing like a free game for example, which is actually harmful software (malware). Once downloaded, criminals could access personal information from the computer the child is using to steal from their parents’ bank accounts or perform other actions to put the family in jeopardy. . Making private stuff public: Innocently, children could make information or photos which reveal where they live or go to school, public. Personal information should stay just that – personal, for only authorized friends and family to see. . What is done is done: Children need to learn that what is put online, stays online.

It is nearly impossible to erase something from the internet. A seemingly innocent Instagram post or a comment made on a friend’s status at the age of 15 could be damaging when they are applying for a job years later. Encourage them to stay out of topics and conversations they are not comfortable with, even if “everyone” is commenting, and to never engage in online behaviour which can be harmful, hurtful or criminal (such as hate speech).

Hattingh concludes that communication between parents and children is paramount to ensuring the online world brings only positive interactions and experiences to your child.

CCTV surveillance – a partner in crime prevention Seven of the 21 arrests made last week were test action in Philippi. A metro police vehicle the result of CCTV surveillance. was damaged during the melee.

In addition, the City of Cape Town’s traffic “Our resources have been stretched with service and metro police department issued the many different demands over the past few approximately 22 000 fines for various trans- months. gressions, including contravention of Covid“In addition to the enforcement of lock19 lockdown regulations. down regulations drafted in terms of the NaOn Saturday 20 June, metro police CCTV tional Disaster Management Act, we have alsurveillance cameras once again proved to be so seen an increase in crime in general in rea valuable tool in fighting crime when video cent weeks – particularly gang conflict,” says footage transmitted to the control room Smith. showed six suspects at the station deck in “Add to that the ongoing protest action in Cape Town stealing from a vendor’s contain- numerous areas within the metropole, and er. The police and the central city improve- the workload becomes apparent. We need to ment district security reacted to the call and impress upon the public the need to work all suspects were apprehended. The suspects, with our enforcement agencies to help ease between the ages of 30 and 42, were arrested the load. The lockdown regulations are in for housebreaking and theft and detained at place for a reason – public health and safety the Cape Town central police station.

– and that really should be sufficient motivaIn Observatory, video footage from CCTV tion for people to adhere to the rules.” surveillance cameras at the N2 and Main On the roads, the Cape Town traffic service Road led to the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect, arrested five suspects on various charges and on hospital bend, for the possession of copper impounded five vehicles. cables. The suspect was detained at WoodOfficers recorded 3 797 Covid-19 lockdownstock police. related charges and issued 17 852 fines for “The City’s CCTV cameras play an impor- various other offences. tant role in the early detection of criminal behaviour. Cameras increase our visible policing footprint and enable rapid responses in instances where criminal activity is detected. These arrests also show that metro police officers work closely with the police and other enforcement agencies.

In most cases where officers were notified by the CCTV control room, they were able to stop the criminal activity or arrest the suspects in the act,” says Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.

On Tuesday 16 June, the metro police tactical response unit assisted with the arrest of seven peo- The City of Cape Town’s CCTV network has proven to be ple for public violence during pro- a valuable crime-fighting tool. PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

NEWS 7

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

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healthcare professional. Whilst people with uncontrolled asthma may be in a high-risk group for severe illness from Covid-19, recent studies have shown this is not the case in well-controlled asthmatics,” she says.

“Do not stop taking prescribed allergy or asthma medications, including inhaled or oral corticosteroids. Find ways to access care and medication that limits potential exposure to the virus. For example, have medication delivered, or send someone to collect. A telephone appointment with your doctor may be an option rather than going to the clinic or surgery.”

Symptoms of allergies and Covid-19 can be similar, which has been a source of concern for many. Coughing, for example, is common to asthma and Coronavirus; yet fever, body aches and pains which are usually experienced during Coronavirus are rarely related to asthma.

“If you have asthma, continuing to control it could help you defend against the virus.

Taking prescribed controller therapy daily, whether you have symptoms or not, helps repair swelling and inflammation in the lungs so that you’re better able to fight off viruses – including the Coronavirus,” says Royal.

“There is no evidence that the use of inhaled or nasal steroids increases one’s risk of contracting Covid-19, and using them regularly might even help prevent you from getting the infection or from suffering with more severe symptoms.”

Nebulisers are not recommended, as they can increase the risk to those around you.

Levin advises using an asthma pump with a spacer, rather than a nebulizer. “Spacers deliver medication to the airways more effectively than a pump on its own,” he says.

According to Dr Motohiro Ebisawa, president of the World Allergy Foundation: “Professional help is essential to understanding what is causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Patients should not assume these symptoms are either from their asthma or Covid-19 but consult their physicians immediately in case emergency care is needed.”

way that is hard for others to understand.

Immediately get emergency help.

Call an ambulance at 10177 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency centre. If you have not previously had a stroke, staff at local clinics can help you to determine your risk for having a stroke and making changes to lower your risk.

Going for regular blood pressure and blood sugar tests are essential.

People who have had a stroke in the past have a higher risk for having another stroke. You can reduce your chances of getting a stroke by quitting smoking, drinking more water and less alcohol, managing your stress by regular exercise and including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you suffer from a chronic condition such as hypertension or diabetes, it is important to continue with your treatment and medication according to what your healthcare practitioner advised. Never stop your treatment without consulting your doctor. As chronic patients have a higher risk of contracting severe Covid-19, you can arrange with your clinic to deliver your medication (if they offer this service) or to provide you with two months’ supply to reduce the number of times you will need to visit the clinic.

LENINGS

he Coronavirus pandemic is a time of anxiety for most people, particularly those with existing health concerns.

Millions of South Africans live with longterm conditions, including coeliac disease and allergic disorders such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children.

This year’s World Allergy Week campaign, commemorated from Sunday 28 June to Saturday4 July, focuses on Covid-19 and allergies. According to Professor Michael Levin, head of allergy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and CEO of Allergy Foundation South Africa (Afsa), there is potentially harmful misinformation around Coronavirus and allergies circulating.

“Patients are unsure about symptoms and whether their allergies increase the risk of serious Covid-19 complications. We want to reassure people and enable them to manage their allergies as well as possible during this time. To do this, we’re providing factual, upto-date resources and support for allergy patients and caregivers, thanks to the generous support of Sanofi,” he says.

Levin stresses that people with allergies and asthma should always take good care of themselves, whether or not there is a pandemic.

“It is conservatively estimated that 80% of asthma deaths could be prevented with better treatment and access to medication. Not managing your condition does not only negatively impact your health, it can be fatal,” Levin says.

Dr Candice Royal and Professor Claudia Gray of the KidsAllergy Paediatric and Allergy Centre in Cape Town will be available for two Facebook Live events during World Allergy Week to answer questions on allergies and Covid-19.

Royal agrees the most important message for allergy sufferers is to continue good care.

“Allergic disorders are systemic diseases and should not be looked at in isolation. They can be well-managed with education, correct medication and ongoing support from your

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LENINGS

Allergies and the Covid-19 pandemic

A stroke is an emergency – even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Across the world a drop in the number of stroke patients seeking emergency care in this time is reported, which can have a major impact in the recovery of these individuals.

Western Cape government health facilities still offer emergency care to patients and take precautions to protect visitors from Covid-19 infection. “It seems that less people are seeking emergency care if they think they are having a stroke,” says Dr Colette Gunst, a family physician in the Cape Winelands.

In the province, strokes are among the top five natural causes of death. “Quick action, within the first four hours after you notice symptoms, can mean the difference between life, death and permanent disability,” says Gunst.

A stroke occurs when the oxygen-rich blood supply is cut off from the brain. If you suddenly notice these new symptoms, you may be having a stroke: . A loss of balance or coordination; . Blurry vision or a loss of vision; . One corner of your mouth or face droops; . Weakness in an arm or leg; or . If you struggle to speak or speak in a

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PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

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NEWS 9

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Art treats Covid-19 trauma

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n a time when people are more concerned about how they’re going to put food on the table than anything else – and rightfully so – a child’s trauma caused by all the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 could be overlooked.

But the Butterfly Art Project is tending to the needs of children in under-resourced communities and offering them a healthy outlet to express their feelings – through art. By distributing 4 209 of its specially-designed healing art packs within the first six weeks of lockdown, the non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Vrygrond was able to help many young children like sevenyear-old Jack who has trouble expressing his fears.

Zaid Philander, the art partner support manager at the project, says art brings relief.

“People are suffering trauma, not only the pain of losing family members due to the virus, but also the results of unemployment, isolation, lack of movement and lack of educational support for their children.

Doing art during lockdown takes the stress out of tense family situations,” a statement released by the project facilitators read.

Zaid explains many people might feel that keeping their children busy during the lockdown is key, but the project believes that simply giving them something to do is not enough.

“This is not about occupying our kids with activities. These are activity sheets and lessons aimed at stabilising our children during unstable times. The activities in these kits aim to provide learners with opportunities to address their concerns and monsters they face. It’s an opportunity to work through thoughts and be better human beings who are stable and know how to healthily address life’s challenges,” Zaid explains.

He adds: “When we are traumatised or when a traumatic event has happened, our physical and astral bodies become out of synch. This is where art therapy is introduced as an intervention to realign the bodies once again.”

The project also empowers adults to deal with trauma through art by training community art facilitators (Cafs). During the lockdown, they have been trained online through webinars to use art for good during the pandemic.

“Cafs can learn skills to assist their work in these times such as how to make fabric masks, how to teach art lessons through alternative channels (like WhatsApp), selfcare and resilience workshops, practising harmony and stability through art and more,” says Zaid.

The project is in the process of raising funds to put together another 2 000 healing art packs.

It has opened access to healing art activities via its online platforms for everyone to make use of.

V Visit the Butterfly Art Project and access its activities online at www.butterflyartproject.org/my-monster-art-project or www.butterflyartproject.org/lockdown.

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10 NEWS

PEOPLE'S POST | RETREAT Tuesday, 30 June 2020

PROPERTY

Avoid rent cancellation costs M

any tenants will now be looking to downgrade to more affordable premises and will need to cancel their leases.

If you are unable to keep up with your

You can cancel your lease without hidden costs.

monthly rental, then the sooner you take action to move to a more affordable rental, the better.

You will need to take care though to ensure that you cancel your lease properly and downgrade safely without incurring further costs. Here is how, says Seeff:

Cancelling your existing lease agreement You can cancel your existing lease in terms of the Consumer Protection Act (the CPA), section 14, by giving twenty business days’ notice, but ensure this is done in writing.

You will be responsible for your rent until your notice period ends. If you are in ar-

rears, make payment arrangements or negotiate a compromise with your landlord as you will need a good credit record if you want to apply for a new rental property.

The landlord can charge a reasonable cancellation fee which will take into account the time that it will take to get a new tenant and the costs of securing the new tenant. Most contracts now stipulate a reasonable penalty.

Seeff contracts for example include a maximum of two months’ rental.

At the end of the notice period, your deposit and interest must be refunded to you within 14 days in terms of the Rental Housing Act. The landlord can, however, deduct outstanding rent, a reasonable penalty, and the cost of damage repairs.

To avoid damage repair costs, ensure that the property is in the same condition as it was when you took occupation. Make sure you attend the exit inspection with the agent and/ or landlord to agree on damage and the cost of repairs (if any) and to return the keys. If you do not attend, you could be vulnerable in terms of what the landlord could deduct for damages.

Important points about your new lease Before you take occupation, ensure that you enter into a professionally drawn up lease agreement which protects your interest as well as that of the landlord. Ensure there is upfront stipulation of what the reasonable penalty would be should you need to terminate it early.

You will need a deposit equivalent to one to two month’s rent as well as the first month’s rent to pay upfront. There will also be an admin or contract fee that you will need to pay upfront as well.

Make sure there is an incoming inspection with the agent and/or landlord. All defects and damages should be stipulated in an addendum to the lease agreement. This will be vital when it comes to getting your deposit refunded.

Remember to maintain a good credit record by paying your rent on time. By looking after the property and keeping it neat and maintained and raising maintenance issues with the landlord, you can ensure you can get as much of your deposit back at the end of the lease agreement.

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RACINE EDWARDES racine.edwardes@media24.com

With the interest rate down to the lowest level in fifty years, it offers an unprecedented opportunity to invest in your own home or bring your debt down, says Samuel Seeff, chair of the Seeff Property Group.

The 2.75 percent reduction in the interest rate provided as part of the Covid-19 lockdown relief has brought the prime lending rate (which is also the base home loan rate) down to 7.25%, resulting in a saving on debt repayment costs of almost one third (30%).

It has made it cheaper to service debt and brought repayments down, providing savings which has put more money back into household budgets. For some, it is the perfect opportunity to buy a house, others may use it to settle their debt or create savings.

Seeff gives seven tips for households to leverage the historically low interest rate to their advantage. . Reduce your mortgage balance. If you already have a property with a mortgage loan, you can keep your payments at the original level and use the difference to pay your loan off faster. This will also create a financial buffer to enable you to absorb any future interest rate hikes as you will be used to paying the higher amount. . Swop your rental for your own home.

The lower interest rate means that in some areas it will now almost cost less to buy than to rent, or there will be very little difference.

If you qualify for a mortgage loan, then now is an excellent time to buy. Since the repayments on mortgage loans have come down, your earnings required to qualify will also be lower. . Buy a new house. If you are thinking about trading up, this could be an opportune time to do so as you can benefit from the interest rate saving which will make your new

Henry Ford, the founder of Ford, one of the most successful motor vehicle manufacturers, once said: “Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.”

Since the turn of the digital age, companies have been prioritising advertising – online and in print – more highly; even including advertising in budgeting plans rather than using ad hoc spend to buy ad space – and only as an afterthought. So in a time where advertising reaches so much further and so many more potential customers, should businesses be cutting their ad spend in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Firewater’s chief executive officer (CEO) and chief digital officer (CDO) say no.

The founders of the 20-year-old digital marketing and public relations (PR) agency, Mark Stecker (CEO) and Alon Berman (CDO), say based on their decades of experience, now is the most important time to maintain a digital presence. “People are sitting at home with more time on their hands, and glued to their devices,” explains Berman.

“Many are using this time to research ideas, plans or projects they’ve put on the backburner. Say some of them are planning a wedding for a year down the line – there’s no reason why an events or venue-hire company, for example, shouldn’t be taking enquiries instead of just shutting shop and not doing any business.”

Karey Evett, founder and director of Wired Communications, a 20-year-old Cape Townbased PR and communications agency shares a similar view. She adds: “Obviously, companies are prioritising as best they can at this

time but if they haven’t got the money to advertise, then there’s no argument here.”

She says what will be remembered though is how businesses communicated at this time and with what message. “Bland brand messaging will not cut it; awareness-promotion will work if it is in context and relevant to the audience.” According to Evett, businesses should show their strength and solidarity during this time; and encourage positive outcomes by telling their good news stories.

Michele van Heerden, demand director at brand and communication agency Matter Advertising, advises business leaders to urgently identify critical drivers that will support day-to-day operations and put recovery plans in place for after the crisis.

“One of these business drivers is marketing although currently, for many, this feels wrong – even wasteful. However, companies still need to communicate with their customers in these tough times in order to minimize the impact on the business,” she says.

Van Heerden says sales drive may be effectively supported online with tactical campaigns. “These campaigns could, for example, demonstrate how certain critical products and services can assist companies and their employees in working remotely. These campaigns take on a rational approach of addressing needs and providing solutions. In turn, they will elicit responses which will, ultimately, translate into sales.”

Firewater’s advice to businesses is: “Instead of being paralysed with fear, you need to use this time effectively: set up that mailing list; get that big website update sorted; review your marketing and sales collateral. Do all of that now, while you’ve got capacity, so that you’re ready to go once this Covid-19 nightmare is over.”

property almost at the same rate as the current home. You could also potentially find your dream house at a good price, depending on the area and price band. . Build a cash reserve. If you are financially secure, you can keep your mortgage payment at the old rate and invest the difference into a savings account. If you are renting and have other debt, you could keep your repayment at the same level and can tuck away the interest rate savings into your housing deposit account. . Reduce your car debt. There is a big advantage to owning your car and by keeping your car repayments at the original amount, the difference could go towards reducing your car debt. It could also create a buffer against future interest rate hikes. If you are thinking about trading up, a paid off car will come in handy as a deposit on the new car. . Reduce credit card, short-term loans and store card debt. Since this type of debt carries a higher interest rate, typically twice the prime rate plus, you should always aim to pay it off as quickly as possible. If you do not need the savings, keep your repayments at the original level so that you can reduce some of the debt. . Take a short-term loan to expand or start a business. If you have a small business or are thinking of starting a business, now could be a good time to take advantage of the cheaper borrowing costs. You should however ensure you are financially secure and plan for future interest rate hikes.

Whatever you choose, you should always be sensible about the interest rate saving. Do not take on more debt and bear in mind that at some future point, the interest rate will rise again, so be sure not to overextend yourself at this time.

Landlords and tenants face challenging times RACINE EDWARDES racine.edwardes@media24.com With lockdown regulations affecting residents’ ability to work, thousands of people have been unable to bring in an income for their families and to cover their expenses, including rent and repayments.

But landlords, confronted with the absence of their supplementary income, are also facing challenges.

A Grassy Park homeowner, Ron Johnson, says his tenants appealed to him for leniency in March. Of the three sets of tenants on his property, only one has been able to pay their full rental since the start of lockdown.

“One tenant is an essential worker. One of the others is a mechanic and the third is in the hiring and catering business. But now people aren’t hiring anything because funerals are limited and no one is throwing birthday parties, so she is completely out of work,”

he explains.

He says he received partial payment from one of the tenants and no rental from the other who is currently out of work.

“But I am human, of course. I understand their plight and I feel their pain with them and, therefore, I have to bear the burden with them,” he sympathises.

“It has put a dent into my savings, which I have been using to make ends meet since the start of the lockdown – savings which I’ve been keeping for a rainy day. My father always taught me to keep savings for a rainy day, but this has become a rainy season and so my savings is being depleted.”

Communicare, a company which owns and manages more than 3 300 properties in Cape Town, has also offered its tenants rental relief during this trying time.

In a statement, Anthea Houston, chief executive officer (CEO) of Communicare, said: “I am pleased that the president announced in-

creases in the grants for Sassa pensioners and in the child support grant. This will go some way to relieving the pressure on our most vulnerable tenants. However, we recognise that for many of our tenants, this may not be sufficient to relieve the impact this lockdown is having on their households.”

The statement continued on to say that tenants who had been financially affected by the national lockdown would have the opportunity to apply for special rental relief.

“Each application will be reviewed individually to consider what relief can be extended to the tenant. Relief may be in the form of rental deferment, rental reduction or use of the deposit,” it read.

Houston added that Communicare is also going through a tough time. “All developments have ground to a halt, and we are currently uncertain what the impact will be on the planned new housing developments we have in the pipeline. We are planning for

Challenging times lie ahead for landlords and tenants as the lockdown continues.PHOTO: SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS

tough times ahead,” she said.

Marlene Maynier, a Simon’s Town resident, says she’s relieved that her tenant’s inability to pay his rent in full has not affected her as badly.

“It’s a sensitive topic, but so many South Africans are in this together now. Luckily, I am still able to work and support my family; and the partial income that is received by my tenant still covers their municipal services,” she says.

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TUESDAY 30 June 2020 | People's Post | Page 12 | 0021 910 6500

A heart bigger than any field EARL HAUPT EARL@MEDIA24.COM @EARLHAUPT

O

ne of Hanover Park’s most beloved daughters, Desiree Ellis, has reiterated the increasing need for people to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, especially during these trying times.

The Banyana Banyana coach has been at home with her mother for the duration of the lockdown.

On Wednesday 24 June, Ellis, representing her foundation (the Desiree Ellis Foundation), as well as representatives from the Alcardo Andrews Foundation received a donation from mayor Dan Plato.

“The whole idea is to feed as many people as we can. The Alcardo Andrews Foundation has fed people for a very long time, so they are an established organisation.

“I also get a palette of vegetables every week from Balls-n-Books, who assists libraries, especially in Khayelitsha,” says Ellis.

She adds that her foundation has helped numerous other communities as well, which then filters down to other feeders and satellites in the area to reach as many people as possible.

“I have always wanted to give back, I come from Hanover Park, and I think it is important that we show the people that there is good that comes out of Hanover Park because most of the stories you read are of gangsterism, drugs and people getting killed, but it is good in Hanover Park and we just want to make sure that, through the donation from the mayor, we reach as many people as possible.

“At night when you get into bed, you pray that nobody goes to sleep without food and that they at least have a place to sleep as well.

The donation we got from the mayor will help us reach more people in Hanover Park who do not have a plate of food,” Ellis adds.

The effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on sport is not lost on Ellis, but she maintains her role as a coach extends beyond the white lines and goalposts.

“The most important thing for us at this moment is to take care of each other, to make sure everyone is safe. We decided to divide our group, which is a core group of 38, into three. So I take a group of players and the assistant coach Thinasonke (Mbuli) and the performance analyst Shilene (Booysen) each take a group.”

She says they try to stay in contact as often as they can.

“We sometimes have a Zoom meeting and those players who are available come on. We laugh at each other because of the current hairstyles, but it is just to make sure everyone is okay, including the overseas-based players. I also send out a regular training programme every day.

“I know the clubs have also given them programmes, but we want to limit the impact Covid-19 has had. We don’t know when we are going to play. We don’t know when we are going to be able to get onto the field, but we want to make sure that when it does restart, we are ready.

For now, football has taken second place,” she explains.

During lockdown, Ellis used her time constructively.

“I went on a coaching course online with Safa Cape Town. I also do webinars and go into online courses which I might not have been able to have done while I was busy coaching.”

Last week, the minister of sport Nathi Mthethwa approved plans by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to resume training.

This was great news for Ellis, naturally, as it could set the ball rolling for when she can return to working with the national team. “(PSL restarting) is a step in the right direction, obviously there is still a lot of medical protocols which need to take place. We have seen that happen with all the leagues around the world which are currently playing,” she says, adding that she will wait on Safa to get the go-ahead “Safety is key for everyone and we need to make sure that this is the most important thing at the moment. Yes, we would love to be on the soccer field and play some matches, but at the moment we have to make sure everyone is safe.”

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Boks visit Peak View Secondary A group of Peak View Secondary School learners were in for a treat on Thursday 25 June when Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and fellow Rugby World Cup (RWC) winners Damian Willemse and Herschel Jantjies delivered food parcels and a message of hope to the school in Bridgetown, Athlone.

The trio of Springbok RWC winners – who were accompanied by Blitzbok and Imbokodo captains, Siviwe Soyizwapi and Zintle Mpupha, as well as representatives of the Athlone-based Gift of the Givers – also challenged other schools across the country to get involved with the campaign.

The school that sells the most tickets in the raffle, which forms part of the campaign, will win a “visit” from the Webb Ellis Cup. Also up for grabs are 44 unique prizes – memorabilia donated by players.

Last week, People’s Post reported that SA Rugby’s #StrongerTogether for R32-12 relief campaign had gathered momentum in its awareness campaigns across Cape Town in recent weeks (“Boks in strong show of support”, 23 June).

Kolisi and the players received a roaring welcome at Peak View Secondary from the Grade 12 learners who were allowed to return to school from 1 June according to level three lockdown regulations.

The Bok skipper and his fellow players handed over food parcels and school stationery to 67 matriculants at the school.

Willemse and Jantjies, the youngest members of the RWC-winning squad, said they were excited to be part of the proceedings and the fundraising campaign.

Kolisi shared a few words of inspiration with the learners before the handover of the

food parcels.

“I am always excited to visit a school and even more so during this challenging time,” said Kolisi, who donated a match jersey worn in one of the RWC pool matches last year.

“We know that your very important school year was severely disrupted by the coronavirus and that your communities are suffering because of the negative impact. However, it is important that you show determination to finish your academic year and I want to urge you to work so much harder and just give it your best.”

He said their RWC win of last year was the result of a lot of hard work, teamwork and effort.

“So you must approach your studies and exams with just as much determination. You are the leaders of tomorrow and even though it is tough at the moment, persevere and do your best to prepare as much as you can for your exams.”

Jantjies said it felt good to give back some of their time to the learners and the community and urged the public who haven’t yet bought raffle tickets to do so before the end of the campaign early next week.

“It is an amazing campaign and I am honoured to play my part in the Springboks’ initiative,” said Jantjies, whose prize includes a RWC match jersey and a “Champions” cap.

Willemse, who donated a Springbok RWC T-shirt and match shorts, said: “The #StrongerTogether for R32-12 campaign is nearing its end.

We would like to encourage people to visit www.springboks.rugby, buy a raffle ticket for only R32-12 to win one of those amazing prizes.

This campaign works closely with Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers. They are making a huge difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans with a helping hand where possible.

The SA Rugby group and representatives of Gift of the Givers at Peak View High School in Bridgetown last week.

PHOTO: ASHLEY VLOTMAN/GALLO IMAGES

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