GETTING STEAMED UP WILL NOT SAVE YOU FROM COVID

Wednesday 17th February
                                      2021, 0145

Real News. Scrolla.Africa

GETTING STEAMED UP WILL NOT SAVE
YOU FROM COVID
Everson Luhanga

From behind a curtain in Charles Gezani Mahumane’s one-
room house, people get steamed up. Some go in naked and
some fully dressed up. They claim that they are healing
themselves of Covid-19.

But doctors have warned that steaming is not a cure for the
deadly virus which has claimed many lives across the globe.
Dr Angelique Coetzee who is the Chairperson of the South
African Medical Association said steaming does help alleviate
symptoms but doesn’t add much value in the healing of Covid-
19 patients.

“Steaming should be done as nebulising with 3% Saline,
normally 4ml in the machine. It helps loosen phlegm and
coughing is then easier. It adds no other value,” she said.

But many people don't buy that medical explanation. Instead,
they take a short left to the traditional healers’ yards.

When Cebokazi and her friend developed Covid-19 symptoms,
they were terrified of what the disease would do to them, but
they didn’t go to hospital.

The two women, who share a room in Alexandra township in
Joburg, went to a traditional healer in Alex’s Stjwetla informal
settlement, the place where the first coronavirus patient was
found.

“I had a fever and a headache. I lost appetite and had a dry
cough. I suspected this could be Covid-19,” said 24-year-old
Cebokazi.

“I couldn’t wait. I have seen close friends and family in the
Eastern Cape dying from the virus. I rushed to him.”

Traditional healer, Charles Gezani Mahumane steams his
customers when they show Covid-19 symptoms. Cebokazi said

she has seen many people in the township get help through
steaming from the healer’s yard.

When Scrolla.Africa visited Gezani there were many people
queuing outside his one-room brick house.

Inside his room, behind a curtain, two people at a time are
covered with a big white plastic sheet with a 25-litre plastic
bucket filled with boiling water. Most of them are instructed to
remove their clothes when steaming, some go in dressed up.
People spend about five minutes in the room and come out
covered in sweat.

Gezani said since March he has been in contact with many
people who come to his house to steam.
“I have never been infected because I steam after my long day
with customers,” he said.

He said during the second wave he had many patients with
Covid-19 symptoms coming to him.

“I don’t give them any muthi. I steam and advise them to
isolate. Some have come back to thank me,” he said.

Gezani said there are many people who steam from their
houses. He explained that the steaming is practised widely
across South Africa and other African countries like Tanzania
and Madagascar.

He said some people don’t go to hospitals because they think
hospitals are places one could easily catch the virus.

Italian researchers at Meyer Children's University Hospital, in
Florence, Italy, have published a study on the efficiency of
steam inhalations as a possible treatment to help mitigate
SARS-CoV-2 infection. The research suggests that steam
inhalation cycles can be considered to be useful in preventing
infection.

Included among high profile people who have claimed to have
beaten the virus through streaming are Saftu general secretary
Zwelinzima Vavi and songbird Gabisile Tshabalala.

At last! South Africa’s vaccine rollout
gets underway
Arthur Greene

              80,000 Johnson & Johnson (J&J) jabs will arrive in
              South Africa on Tuesday and be distributed to 16
              sites across the country where healthcare
workers will be vaccinated.

This is the first of four batches of the J&J vaccine set to be
distributed across South Africa every two weeks. The first three
batches will consist of 80,000 doses and the fourth will have
60,000.

Once the 300,000 doses have been administered, the
government has the option of taking a further 200,000.

Unlike the other vaccines which are currently being
administered in other countries, the J&J jab only needs a single
dose. This makes the vaccine considerably easier to administer
because healthcare workers don’t have to spend time and
resources making sure that people return for their second shot.

As of tomorrow, South Africa will make history by becoming the
first country to administer the J&J Covid-19 vaccine to its
population.

This wasn't always the government’s plan of action.

It seems like ages since the Health Minister Zweli Mkhize was
pleased to announce in January that the country had purchased
1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Since then, however, news emerged that the AstraZeneca
vaccine was considerably less effective against the South
African strain of the virus, with an efficacy rate as low as 10%.

Mkhize announced today that the 1 million doses of
AstraZeneca which have already arrived in the country will be
offered to other African nations.

He said, “'The AstraZeneca doses we purchased have been
offered to the AU platform, of which we are part, and the AU
will distribute to those countries that have already expressed
interest in acquiring the stock.”

Unlike the AstraZeneca jab, however, the J&J vaccine has been
shown to be effective against the new strain of the virus,

offering 57% protection against moderate to severe disease
caused by Covid-19.

The rollout will begin at midday on 17 February and everyone
who is eligible to get vaccinated must register on the online
electronic vaccination data system (EVDS).

Image source: @AFP

How to register to get vaccinated
Arthur Greene

At midday on Wednesday 17 February, the South
African government will begin administering
Covid-19 vaccines to the country’s healthcare
workers.

The vaccine will be available to all healthcare workers: public,
private, clinical and non-clinical.

All of those who are eligible and want a vaccine must register
for one online.

The registration process is quick and easy. Here is all the
information you need to register now:

  ● You must register on the government’s online electronic
    vaccination data system (EVDS). Registration is now open
    and available here.
  ● This will record your name, ID number, address, whether
    you have medical aid and some other details.
  ● The system will then let you know if you are eligible to
    receive the vaccine.
  ● If you are confirmed as eligible, you will receive a text
    message saying where and when you will be vaccinated.
  ● You will also receive a unique code you must give to the
    vaccinator, along with your ID.
  ● Once you’ve had your jab you will receive an electronic
    vaccination certificate.

Image source: @dw_europe

The Zuma way: when in trouble, attack
the judges
Lungani Zungu

When Jacob Zuma faces a legal revolt, he resorts to accusing
the judiciary of being unfair to him, and his supporters follow
him.

Monday was no different after the former president launched a
blistering attack on the country’s judiciary system in a 12-page
statement.

Without mentioning names, he accused some judges of helping
President Cyril Ramaphosa cover-up what he said seemed like
bribes to win the ANC conference in 2017.

“We sit with judges who have assisted the incumbent president
to hide from the society what on the face of it seem to be
bribes obtained in order to win an internal ANC election.

“We sit with judges who sealed those records simply because
such records may reveal that some of them while presiding in

our courts have had their hands filled with the proverbial 30
pieces of silver.”

His utterances were triggered by Deputy Chief Raymond
Zondo’s announcement that he would ask the Constitutional
Court to arrest Zuma, following his snubbing of the state
capture commission of inquiry on Monday.

Zuma was set to appear at the commission for the whole week.

The bullish Zuma maintained that he respected the law, but
was fighting against “lawlessness judges”.

He said: “It is not the law that I defy, but a few lawlessness
judges who have left their constitutional post for political
expediency. I protest against those in the judiciary that have
become an extension of political forces that seek to destroy
and control our country.”

Zuma described the Constitutional Court order telling him to go
back to the state capture commission as a travesty of justice.

“None can claim not to see that the recent judgement of the
Constitutional Court is a travesty of justice.”

The Gauteng High Court Judge President Dunstan Mlambo was
not spared Zuma’s vitriol. He was accused of “flip-flopping”
when it came to judgements involving him.

Mlambo has yet to respond.

Zuma said there were inconsistencies in the judiciary that
applied only to him, vowing to fight back.

Legal expert Ulrich Roux said Zuma’s behaviour was scandalous.

“He is clearly not leading by example as a former president of
the country. He is at odds with the same Constitution he took
an oath to protect.”

Picture source: @PresJGZuma

Firefighters fight potholes
Kabelo Tlhabanelo

                Three Free State firefighters have decided to do
                something about a pothole on the N8 near
                Botshabelo that's been wrecking cars.

The firefighters - Lawrence Mosala, Clinton Lemmetjies and
Jonathan Boucher - raised R250 between them to buy cement
to close the dangerous pothole.

Mosala told Scrolla.Africa: “That problem is sorted, now we’ll
go after other potholes to fix.”

Local motorists are delighted.

Motorist Lebogang Tlotleng from Botshabelo said the same
pothole damaged two of the rims on his Opel Astra.

“I was coming from a funeral during the evening over the
weekend when I saw cars with their hazards on,” he said.

“I didn’t know what was happening so I didn’t slow down and
hit the pothole. That’s when I saw other drivers next to the

road changing tyres. Another car hit the pothole while I was
busy. There were about six of us changing tyres.”

Bongani Ngono from Selosesha, ThabaNchu said the pothole
left his Peugeot 207 with a damaged wheel last Wednesday.

Taxi driver Mosimane Lephoi thanked the firefighters for their
help.

“Only those who are familiar with the road can avoid it,” he
said.

“What those guys did needs to be applauded. They are real life
savers. I wish them success in their work and hope they get
promoted because that’s what they deserve.”

Parents cancel classes until filthy school
is cleaned up
Mkhuseli Sizani

Schools are supposed to be safe places for
children.

But parents at the Alfonso Arries Primary School in Booysens
Park, Nelson Mandela Bay, say their school is so filthy that they
won't allow their children back unless something is done.

“Out of the 54 toilets only two are working and the rest are full
of maggots,” parent, Ncediswa Memani told Scrolla.Africa.

“Bringing our children here is like taking them to a dumpsite.
Both inside and outside the school is filthy. We can’t let our
children study at this rotten school. We will close it until the
department fixes it.”

On Monday morning the parents sent 1,500 learners home and
burnt tyres outside the school, demanding to see the school
maintenance budget.

The prefab school building was built in 2012 as a temporary
measure. Most of the residents were relocated here from
wetlands around Nelson Mandela Bay.

Luyanda Jonas, SGB chairperson said a maintenance budget of
R521,000 was approved for 2019 and in 2020 another R480,000
was approved.

“But that money has not been released by the District Office.”

Jonas said they have 48 classrooms and 11 of them are
completely unserviceable and the floors are damaged.

“We have no electricity and the two toilets shared by the
learners are leaking."

Vuyiseka Mboxela, spokesperson of Education MEC Fundile
Gade, said the school leadership with the principal at the helm
should find out why the money was withheld if that is in fact
the case.

“The principal has a direct line to his Circuit Manager and
District Director.

"There is no school that can be prejudiced by the Department
especially in this environment of Covid-19,” she said.

“The Department is doing everything possible to redirect funds
for the provision of an environment conducive to learning. We
are available to solve any deadlock situation the school may be
facing.”

She said the principal must call her on 071 713 2222.

Ngozi comes in swinging
Arthur Greene

                Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has made history
                as the first African as well as the first woman to
                be named head of the World Trade Organization
(WTO).

This is one of the most important posts in the global economy.

On Monday, the WTO’s 164 members voted unanimously to
appoint the 66-year-old development economist to serve a
four-year term as director general.

Okonjo-Iweala said she was “honoured” to have been selected
as the head of the body, which governs rules on trading
between nations.

Nigeria’s former finance minister, whose moves can be seen in
the above clip, is set to shake things up in her new role.

Speaking after her appointment, Okonjo-Iweala said her top
priority was to ensure the WTO does more to address the
coronavirus pandemic.

Describing herself as a fighter, she has promised to take on the
challenges that the world is now facing because of Covid.

“A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from
the devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. I look
forward to working with members to shape and implement the
policy responses we need to get the global economy going
again,” she said.

She was one of eight candidates who put themselves forward
to replace the outgoing chief.

Trump threatened the WTO that he would veto her
appointment at the time and put his support behind another

candidate, South Korea trade minister Yoo Myung-hee. It is
unclear whether this ultimately helped Okonjo-Iweala’s bid to
secure the role.

Either way, Trump’s fortunately no longer in a position to veto
anybody’s job - except perhaps for the staff on his golf courses.

Picture source: @IgboHistoFacts

Video source: @QulshTM

World holds its breath for showdown
between Serena Williams and Naomi
Osaka
Arthur Greene

After knocking out Simona Halep, Serena
Williams has set up a sensational semifinal
against Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open
tennis championship.

There is little doubt that Williams, 39, is back to her formidable
best as she saw off the Romanian, winning 6-3 6-3 on Tuesday.

Later that evening, Japan’s Osaka, 23, confirmed that she had
been watching the match from her hotel room, though not
necessarily to see who she would be facing in the semis.

“I always watch Serena play,” Osaka said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Osaka cruised past Hsieh Su-wei in just 66
minutes to reach the last four, after beating the Taiwanese
player 6-2 6-2.

Osaka and Williams will now face off on Thursday, the first
meeting between the pair since their infamous 2018 US Open
final.

Then, Osaka emerged as the victor, claiming her maiden major
title, while Williams accused the umpire of the match, Carlos
Ramos, of being a “thief”.

In some of the most dramatic scenes at a Grand Slam Final in
history, Williams then accused Ramos of sexism after he docked
her a game, saying “He's never taken a game from a man
because they said 'thief'."

Significantly, however, both Williams and Osaka demonstrated
wonderful sportsmanship at the end of the match, with the
former congratulating the winner when the two met at the net.

On Thursday, Osaka will be playing a much fiercer opponent
than the one she beat in straight sets in 2018, however.

Williams looks fitter and more focused than she has in recent
years, and the match seems certain to be a much closer affair
than it was three years ago.

Picture source: @YOMZANSI

Bongo expected back in court fighting corruption charges

Lungani Zungu

Former state security minister Bongani Bongo is back at the
Western Cape High Court today.

It is alleged that Bongo, now ANC MP, tried to bribe Ntuthuzelo
Vanara, who was at the time the parliamentary head of legal
affairs, for him to stop the Eskom inquiry in 2017.

On Monday Vanara told Western Cape Judge President John
Hlophe how Bongo pestered him, asking him to name his price
to drop the inquiry.

Vanara, who’s now the legal head at the SABC said Bongo also
allegedly asked him to fake an illness during the parliamentary
Eskom inquiry which would have inevitably delayed the inquiry.

Vanara alleged that Bongo was acting on behalf of the former
acting Eskom board chairperson Zethembe Khoza.

Bongo, who was expected to testify today, has repeatedly
denied all the allegations against him.

Bongo was among the ANC MPs who are facing the chop as the
ruling party forges ahead with the step aside policy. The policy
targets office bearers who are facing charges for them to step
aside until cleared.

The case continues.

Picture source: @justicemalala

Strong local flavour in Netflix
blockbuster Coming 2 America
Tebogo Moobi

Local artists are among a long list of Africans featured in the
sequel of Eddie Murphy's Coming 2 America.

Anatti, Prince Kaybee and Nasty C are among those whose hits
will be on the soundtrack for the upcoming movie directed by
Craig Brewer. The songs will form a full 16-tracked album for
the movie.

Nasty C's Black and White, which features Ari Lennox, Prince
Kaybee's Fetch Your Life and Anattii and Gemini’s Loke Loke
Song are all featured.

Joining the local names in the album is Njelic and Mthusa for
their collaboration, Shesha and Tellaman featuring Sha Sha for
the song Overdue.

Artists from other African countries include Larry Gaaga, Tekno,
Diamond Platnuz and Tiwa Savage.

It seems the production wanted to go full-African with their
team as Xhosa dresses are also donned as attire for the females
in the movie.

The decisions were influenced by the CEO of Universal Music
South Africa, Sipho Dlamini during his visit to Los Angeles in
2019 when he got involved in the project.

He said after the visit he started contacting the production
team and was involved in the creation of the soundtrack.

"I am proud to be featured on the album especially because the
whole world will be watching and listening to African culture,"
said Prince Kaybee.

Coming to America 2 is scheduled to be released on 5 March
2021.

Picture source: BestToppers.com

The African Giant is hot for love - and so
much more
Arthur Greene

             The African Giant strolls along sun-basked
             Ghanian streets in the delightful new visuals to
             his afrobeats tune “Onyeka”, which dropped
over the weekend.

“Onyeka” is the fifth video release from Burna Boy’s studio
album, “Twice As Tall”, which was released last August.

The song, as the video suggests, is a romantic ode to his lover.
He opens the chorus singing “One time for my baby, my baby,
oh,” while in the video his smiling sweetheart sways lovingly
behind him.

However, like so many of Burna Boy’s songs, it is also about so
much more.

“Onyeka” is a reference to the legendary Nigerian singer and
activist Onyeka Onwenu, known affectionately by the media as
the “elegant stallion”.

Previously, Burna Boy had said of her, “she was huge back in
the day—she was fine! Well, that’s what everyone used to say. I
wouldn’t be able to say who’s the ‘Onyeka’ right now. There
are way too many women that I think could take that spot!”

So while the song is a loving dedication to his partner, it is also
about the West African musical heritage which Onwenu
represents.

The track’s gloriously traditional percussion speaks to this,
while the video’s shots of Ghanainan streets are a singularly
West African sight.

The “Onyeka” video is a warm contrast to Burna Boy’s previous
release, the ice-cold track “Siberia”, which dropped just a day
earlier.

On it, he showcases his versatility as he raps alongside UK
grime artist Headie One.

Picture source: Youtube

Another travel hurdle for Chiefs
Menzi Magubane

Kaizer Chiefs’ debut match in the CAF Champions League group
stages has met with yet another complication.

Last Saturday Chiefs’ game against Wydad Casablanca was
abandoned when Chiefs didn’t get visas to enter Morocco.

On Monday afternoon Amakhosi got an email from CAF via
SAFA that suggested that the game between the two teams be
replayed on Friday at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

But Chiefs have replied saying there are visa and travel logistics
problems.

“Given three days notice, the club will still face the same
challenges with the Egyptian Embassy because it takes a
minimum of seven working days to get approval for visas.
Securing flights will also pose a challenge as some airlines are
not operational due to restrictions," said Chiefs.

"Based on the above, this may have a negative impact on the
Champions League game against Horoya AC scheduled for
Tuesday, 23 February.”

The club then proposed that the game be played at a later
stage which will enable them to honour the Champions League
games on 23 February and 5 March.

Amakhosi also said they will wait to hear from CAF with a
suitable date.

On Wednesday Amakhosi play Usuthu at FNB Stadium in
Soweto at 3pm. Chiefs will be hoping to get maximum points
that will take them back into the top eight while Usuthu will be
looking to jump from seventh to sixth.

In the other match on Wednesday, league leaders Mamelodi
Sundowns take on 10th place Baroka at Lucas Moripe Stadium
in Tshwane at 5pm. Downs will be hoping to extend their lead
to five points over second place SuperSport United.

Picture source: @kaizerchiefs

Can Juventus end 25 years of
Champions League drought?
Menzi Magubane

              While legendary Italian team, Juventus have
              dominated Serie A, winning nine consecutive
              titles from 2012 to 2020, this coming May marks
25 years since Juventus last lifted the UEFA Champions League
trophy.

And to make the evasion even more painful, since winning the
trophy in 1996, beating Ajax Amsterdam on penalties, they
have played in five finals and lost. Losing to Borussia Dortmund
(1997), Real Madrid (1998 and 2017), AC Milan (2003) and
Barcelona (2015).

On Wednesday, at the Estadio Do Dragoa, Portugal at 10pm,
they face 2004 champions FC Porto in the round of 16, the
same stage at which they were eliminated last season.

Juve's star man, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 23 goals in 26
matches this season and he will be hoping his form will
continue on Wednesday..

Former AC Milan centre-back Alessandro Costacurta praised
the 36-year-old Ronaldo saying the Bianconeri do not play for
Ronaldo but with Ronaldo.

“He is very good at being in the right place. He has the ability to
get rid of a man like no one in the world," said Costacurta on
Juventus website.

According to Transfermarket Ronaldo scores a goal every 90
minutes of game time in the Champions League and every 96
minutes in the league.

Meanwhile, Porto are looking at emulating the class of 2004
that lifted this trophy. Jose Mourinho was the coach back then
and Benni McCarthy was one of his players. Last season Porto
did not make it to this competition and they would definitely
want to mark their return with a victory over Juventus.

The other match on Wednesday is between Sevilla and Borussia
Dortmund at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan at 10pm.

Picture source: @timelineCR7

Why Pep focuses on defence
Menzi Magubane

In their nine English Premier League matches in
2021, Manchester City have conceded only two
goals and they have kept a clean defensive sheet
in 22 matches this season.

"If the forwards feel the team are defending well, they are
more relaxed. Our back four have been amazing," said Pep
Guardiola, Manchester City coach.

Upfront the Citizens are ruthless, often leaving their opponents
praying for the final whistle. In nine matches they have scored
25 goals.

“We have made an incredible improvement. We don’t make
mistakes. Always I believe, even as a teenager at Barcelona,
that you should create more scoring chances,” he said.

"Football is a game where you can create more chances than
the opponent and still lose games. The more you create the
closer you are to winning games. After that, you have to try to
be good in the box."

On Wednesday at 10.15pm they play their catch-up match
away to Everton at Goodison Park.

Guardiola and the team will be looking to make it 10 straight
wins and become the first team to do so this season in the
Premier League. They will stretch their lead to 10 points at the
top of the table if they do that.

"I want to finish the match with having created more chances
conceding very few,” he said.

The inconsistent Everton have collected eight points out of the
possible 21 in their first seven matches in 2021.

Defensively, they have conceded 11 goals and they have netted
only eight goals. Everton seem to be sitting ducks for the
rampant Manchester City.

The other match on Wednesday will see Burnley host Fulham at
Turf Moor at 8pm.

Picture source: @brfootball