Police missing in action while Soweto burns - Sowetourban ...
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Friday 16 July, 2021 online: Gauteng Premier David Makhura visits Soweto following looting spree Police missing in action while Soweto burns The looting spree which hit Soweto this week collapsed many businesses and devastated the local economy. While protesters were busy looting shopping malls on Monday, law enforcement officers were nowhere to be seen despite government’s announcement about the deployment of the army.
2 News Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021
Meli’s Lounge
and Liquor City
Popular outlets such as Meli’s Lounge
and Liquor City were some of the biggest
casualties in the onslaught. Police rushed to
the scene but their attempts to quell the riots
were futile. Protesters managed to outnumber
Looting spree
officers and force a temporary retreat.
Officers returned some hours later and
rocks Pimville!
managed to disperse the looters. It was
unclear whether the protests were in support
of former President Jacob Zuma who began
his 15-month long prison sentence in Escort
last week, an act of desperation or pure
criminality.
Maponya Mall
Protesters first made their way into
Maponya Mall and looted several
stores, however, police and the JMPD
reacted quickly by evacuating the
shopping centre.
Protesters made several more failed
attempts to enter Maponya Mall
before turning their attention to local
businesses surrounding the iconic
shopping centre.
Mohloka Street
Almost all business
establishments along Mohloka
Street in Pimville were picked
clean as looters forced their way
into the unguarded stores and
made out with meat, appliances
and furniture among their
plunder.
Dobsonville Mall
Dobsonville Mall was looted on Sunday night,
leaving a number of businesses in a state of ruin.
Videos and pictures were shared on social
media sparking outrage amongst Sowetans and
leaders. One South Africa Movement leader
Mmusi Maimane who is also from Dobsonville
called for calm following reports of looting.
“I call upon restraint and calm in Dobsonville
my hometown. These acts cannot be condoned.
We condemn acts of violence and looting! We
are better than this. We’ve been here before and
we can’t go back,” Maimane wrote on his Twitter
page on Sunday night.
Jabulani Mall
There were also reports of looting at
Jabulani Mall and in Dube where a motor
spares shop was allegedly set on fire. By
the time of going to press, police had not
been able to confirm if any arrests had
been made in Dobsonville and other parts
of Soweto. However in a statement, the
SAPS said the National Joint Operational
Dobsonville hit by
and Intelligence Structure was working to
increase operational capacity at provincial
looting incidents Shoprite Usave
level to respond to these incidents.
Shoprite Usave in Dobsonville
Extension 3 also fell victim to
looting on Monday morning
when angry protesters forced
their way to the store and helped
themselves on everything they
could get their hands on.
Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021 News 3
Shoprite Liquor Store
Shoprite Liquor Store in Diepkloof, like many
other liquor stores in Gauteng was on Monday Diepkloof suffers
afternoon looted. Hundreds of people entered
the store illegally and started taking alcoholic violent riots and
beverages and some were spotted attempting
to sell looted alcohol in the streets. lootings
The liquor store is located less than a kilometre
away from the Diepkloof Police Station,
however, at the time Soweto Urban was there,
there was no police visibility.
Diepkloof police spokesperson Captain Phephi
Matlou said they managed to arrest some of
the looters on Monday. Police officers seem
outnumbered and overwhelmed and little could
be done from their side to stop the looting from
taking place.
Diepkloof Square
Diepkloof Square had closed all its shops as
of Monday morning but later on the day, it also
suffered the looting which intensified and caught
the attention of the police.
Police tried to keep the situation under control
by releasing teargas but that did not help as
looters moved to the other part of the shopping
centre.
Chaos
People were seen coming out with shopping President Cyril Ramaphosa extended
bags as if they had gone for a normal grocery the ban on alcohol sales and said the
shopping spree, with Pick ‘n Pay Liquor country will remain on alert level 4
being one of the most targeted businesses. but it seems alcohol will be accessed
Blackchain Centre in Bara also suffered the illegally as almost all liquor outlets in
same fate on Monday afternoon with Fashion Diepkloof were looted.
Fission even being set alight. The looting Rea Vaya commuters also had
continued until Tuesday morning at Bara with to look for an alternative mode of
Usave being the last target. transport as service was temporarily
suspended due to protests. Some
local businesses as well as petrol
stations also closed doors due to
these protests.
Protea Glen
Looters moved across the street to Protea Glen
Mall which they looted until nightfall. With no
police or private security on sight, young and
old protesters forced their way in to all the
stores and wiped them clean.
The mall parking lot was a hive of activities with
vehicles loading looted goods and shipping
them out of the mall. ATM were also targeted
by looter. One FNB ATM next to the Post Office
was ripped off the wall and dragged out of the
mall with a car. On Tuesday morning, there
were still a few looters at the mall salvaging for
whatever they could get.
By Tuesday, police had not issued any reports
on how many people were arrested in relation to
looting in Protea.
Sizwe Shopping Centre
As #FreeJacobZuma protests spread to parts of Gauteng
on Monday, police officials in Protea Glen had their hands
full when they tried to get the situation under control.
They were outnumbered and under strain when the
community started looting shops at Sizwe Shopping
Centre. They helped themselves to everything they could
get their hands on including building materials such as a
paint, garage doors and even food.
When Protea Urban got to the scene, police were shooting
rubber bullets trying to disperse the crowd, however
No police in sight that did not stop the community from looting as they
outnumbered the police.
as looting continues Protea police spokesperson Sergeant Vincent Mashiteng
confirmed that they were indeed short of manpower since
to the night police officers were deployed to different areas.
By sunset, the situation was under control at Sizwe
Shopping Centre after Base Five Security secured the
shopping complex and locked the gates.
4 News Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021
Executive Mayor Makhubo
succumb to COVID-19
Mzwandile Khathi “We had hoped that the Executive Mayor hannesburg regional chair-
@MzwaJourno would beat the virus and return to work and person of the African Na-
lead the city as we face this pandemic that tional Congress (ANC).
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannes- has devastated lives and livelihoods. He was born on February
burg, Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo suc- Sadly, it was not to be. Our heartfelt con- 8, 1968 in Soweto. He took
cumbed to COVID-19 on Friday last week. dolences go to his wife, daughters, mother over as the Executive Mayor
This comes after Makhubo tested positive and the rest of his family, friends and com- of the City of Johannesburg
for COVID-19 and got hospitalised late last rades,” said MMC Mgcina. in November 2019 following
month. Messages of condolences had started Mashaba’s resignation.
“It is my sad duty to confirm that the Exec- pouring in on Friday following the an-
utive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, nouncement of the mayor’s passing. “In
Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo has indeed these difficult times, we are reminded of
succumbed to Covid-19,” said Councillor how fragile life can be and of our shared
Eunice Mgcina, acting Executive Mayor and humanity. May Makhubo rest in peace in
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) the comfort of his creator,” said president
for Health and Social Development in a of ActionSA Herman Mashaba.
statement. DA’s Tshepo Mhlongo said, “I’m deeply
Last month the mayor was scheduled to saddened to hear about the passing of the
officially unveil the new Protea Glen Fire Mayor and want to express my deepest con-
Station but did not show up, instead MMC dolences to Makhuboo’s family. I’ve served
for Public Safety Mally Mokoena stood with him in council as he was MMC for
in for him. It was later announced by his finance in 2011. He was focused on what
Executive Mayor of the City
office that Makhubo had tested positive he knows and served Joburg. Goodnight Mr
of Johannesburg, Councillor
for COVID-19 and a few days later he was Mayor.”
Geoffrey Makhubo
hospitalised. Moloantoa Geoffrey Makhubo was the Jo-
What’s on your mind?
“Covid-19 has affected our “The new variant is very “I’m speechless it’s very “Condolences to his family
dangerous and has no
Residents have their say lives negatively because we
respect what so ever, it
sad that we are losing a lot and friends. We are really not
are losing our loved ones, of people because of this taking this virus seriously and
following the passing of it’s hard to cope especially
wipes out everyone from pandemic and it’s not an people are dying out there.
the highest hierarchy to the
the mayor. learning from home.” man on the street. The only
easy thing. We need to take Let’s all follow and adhere to
it very seriously and protect the rules and regulations set
thing we can do is to protect
ourselves the only way we ourselves, it kills anyone and to protect us.”
know and to follow all the everyone. It took away the
regulation protocols set by mayor, there is no one we can
the government.” hide behind.”
Zandile Joja Kgalalelo Bodibe Sebei Bodibe Vutomi Baloyi
SA remains on level 4
President Cyril Ramaphosa an- edged the contribution of the
nounced on Sunday that Lock- alcohol industry to the country’s
down Level 4 will be extended economy, he reminded the coun-
by 14 days. try that alcohol is associated with
This is due to the fact that the social gatherings and non-com-
number of new infections have not pliance to protocols.
been declining with over 2000 peo- On behalf of the alcohol in-
ple losing their lives to COVID-19 dustry, the South African Liq-
in the past two weeks. uor Brandowners Association
Gauteng continues to experi- (SALBA) and National Liquor
ence a rapid rise in the number Traders (NLT) responded to the
of new infections according to president’s announcement by
the president and in a week’s saying they were disappointed at
time hospital admissions are also the announcement to ban the sale
expected to rise. of alcohol for another 14 days.
Regulations under the extended SALBA Chairperson Sibani
level 4 will include the closure of Mngadi said the alcohol industry
schools until July 26 while polit- is paying the price for govern-
ical and social gatherings remain ment’s inadequate response to
prohibited. The sale of alcohol the pandemic. On the other hand,
is also still prohibited and the president Ramaphosa assured the
21:00pm curfew will remain in nation that the vaccination pro-
place. gramme is growing at a very fast
“Restaurants and eateries will pace with over 4.2 million people
be able to operate while observ- having been vaccinated to date.
ing strict health protocols. Such “Government and the private
establishments may not accom- sector are working together in
modate more than 50 people at a an unprecedented way to build
time or, for smaller venues, more additional capacity to vaccinate
than 50 per cent of their normal many more people a day,” said
capacity,” said the president. President Ramaphosa.
Restaurant owners are expected “I want to encourage all South
to breathe a sigh of relief follow- Africans who are eligible to
ing this announcement as their register to do so and get their
industry is one of the hardest hit vaccine. We need to spread the
by lockdown. message that vaccines work and
While Ramaphosa acknowl- that they are effective.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021 News 5
Tavern owners take a class
on covid protocols
Ripfumelo Baloyi house. That will help us to reduce the num- The liquor industry has also suspended
@Pfumi_King bers,” said Eric Xayiya, Special supplies to non-compliant outlets.
Adviser to Gauteng Premier David Makhu- Distell Head of the Responsible Alcohol
On June 22 popular pub and restaurant in ra. Programme Clarence Sibiya, said he was
Tembisa Slotjhile hosted 100 fellow tavern He continued to say that coming back delighted by the support from tavern own-
owners for training on enhanced COVID-19 from the ban is very difficult. If there ers for the training.
compliance. They were taught how to ensure is co-operation and collaboration with “Partnerships like these where companies
maximum COVID-19 safety, including everyone on the ground, particularly in the like Distell, small township businesses and
maintaining the correct social distancing province where there is a lot of activity, provincial authorities work together for the
‘Let’s all play
and client numbers for their outlets, hygiene they might be able to lower the numbers. common good show that we can achieve
and sanitation protocols including mask In addition to the training, they received a great deal when we all pull in the same
wearing. incentives to adhere to COVID-19 proto direction,” said Sibiya.
our part’
Gauteng is one of the provinces battling cols, liquor license conditions, and the cul- He further said that the pandemic has
high Covid-19 infections in the country. ture of responsible drinking was promoted. forged a new level of co-operation that they
Such focus groups, particularly in Gauteng, The liquor industry has funded community can build on together for a better future.”
will go a long way in the fight to reverse patrollers to maintain safety and security Through the alcohol industry body
the pandemic’s path. around taverns, creating safe zones in the AWARE.org, a total of 40 000 PPE packs A COVID surge across many African
“One of the reasons we are here is to community. have been distributed to taverns, along with countries, where few people are vacci-
ensure we work with our people so that we Taverns are and will be inspected for sanitiser and educational material to raise nated and many more contagious variants
ensure compliance. compliance and those that fail to meet the awareness of the risks of COVID-19 and are spreading fast is raising fears that
There should be collaboration with the standard after receiving a warning are re- the need for maximum vigilance, especially the continent could suffer a catastrophic
people, from sectors and each and every ported to the authorities for further action. as the 3rd wave takes hold. spike.
Keeping in mind that COVID-19 has
affected our lives, our economy and has
successfully infiltrated each of the four
corners of the globe, the latest devel-
opments for South Africa’s borders are
certainly ones to take with much needed
seriousness.
To date the global statistics for those
affected with the deadly virus have
passed 181 million, with a rapidly rising
death total of close to 4 million people
worldwide.
Bring it closer to home, where the
COVID-19 death toll sits at over 60 000
as of July 7, with no sign of a decline.
Only a week ago, the daily deaths re-
corded were at an average of 226, thus
further demonstrating that the pandemic
continues to be on the rise, courageously
asserting itself in our lives.
New data recorded in the month of
June, displayed a new variant erupting
predominantly in the Gauteng province.
Scientists believe that the new ‘Delta’
variant may be twice as transmissible as
the original coronavirus, and its potential
to affect some partially vaccinated people
has alarmed healthcare professionals.
It is without a doubt the aggressive
efforts for higher vaccination rates and
continued precautions are needed to tame
this rearing pandemic.
With only five months into the immu-
nization campaign and only less than 1.2
million people having been administered
with the vaccine, this is especially not the
time for us as the public to let our guard
Tavern owners attend a class to learn about fighting COVID-19. File image.
down.
Some residents of Orlando East are
'Let us work together'
concerned that several people in their
community are not interested in main-
taining the necessary protocols in ensur-
ing that compliance with intervention
practices are adhered to.
The general secretary of National Unitary and their leaders through workshops. “We
One Orlando East resident, Kokesto
Professional Association for Traditional are dealing here with a clear and present
Mhlanga (28) says “Many of my friends
Health Practitioners of SA (NUPAATHP- danger. COVID-19 is not some experiment,
and I are unemployed, sitting at home,
SA) Mkhulu Solly Nduku has called on the it is real and it kills. We want to be part of a
which means we are mostly unaffected
media to not confuse communities. He said solution to COVID-19,” he said.
as the corona virus affects areas like
they must promote collaboration, mutual Majority of practitioners during these
Sandton, where people are very busy. We
recognition and respect. workshops and discussions volunteered to
on the other hand are told to wear masks
This is was in response to an article pub- vaccinate and further spread the educational
and wash our hands and yes, prevention
lished by one of the Sunday newspapers messages about vaccine awareness. The
is better than cure, but I am frustrated
which claimed that traditional health prac- commitments made in the workshops with
because I feel as though I do not play any
titioners are discouraging their clients from the Department of Health means those who
role in the infection and spreading of the
vaccinating for COVID-19. are willing to take the vaccine must take
virus.”
“The article does not even represent the it and exercise their right since it is their
While these attitudes exist, Sowetans
views of the majority of practitioners. It choice.
at large must remember to maintain the
portrays a picture that is not accurate be- “I am amongst those who have registered
advised Covid- 19 protocol as these are
cause it implies that it represents the views to take the vaccine and I am promoting
life saving tips. A year and a half into
of all traditional health practitioners in the taking the vaccine because it is the right
the COVID-19 pandemic, and slowly we
country,” said Nduku. thing to do. I continue to educate my fellow
begin to see the resilience of the South
Mkhulu Nduku further said that there were practitioners and clients that whilst we use
African public. The government and
those who were for the vaccine and those our traditional medicines, we must also use
President Cyril Ramaphosa can only do
who were against the vaccine but a collec- vaccines. We as practitioners have a duty to
enough in raising public awareness. Let
tive decision was made that the virus is real not forget that adhering of the COVID-19
us all get into the habit of cultivating
and those that were in disagreement would protocols of wearing of masks, keeping of
clean habits. Let us all make it a priority
be given more information in order to en- social distancing and sanitising is part of
to break the chain of the transmission by
courage their clients to vaccinate. our daily existence” continued Mkhulu
reducing person-to-person contact and
This is the process that was agreed on He concluded by saying that they save
thereby being in good measure of flatten-
in various provinces with the involvement lives and we must clear this myth that tradi-
ing the curve.
of different traditional health practitioners tional practitioners are against vaccination. Mkhulu Solly Nduku
6 News Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021
Residents protest against blackouts
Nhlanhla Khomola
nhlanhlak@caxton.co.za
A thick blanket of smoke covered Wild
Chestnut Street last week Wednesday after
angry residents of Protea Glen Extension
2, used burning tires, stones and rocks
to barricade the road. The residents
were furious over the electricity
cut off that have affected 60 hous-
es in the area.
“We have not had electricity
from Wednesday, June 30, we
called Eskom and on arrival they
did an audit and was able to detect
the problem. They stated that the
circuit breakers were not working,
and most of the residents are not
buying electricity hence the network
overload,” said Simphiwe Masango a
furious resident.
Residents allege that their area was
declared a Red Zone and R6000 was
demanded from each house for the
matter to be fixed. “This is uncalled
for, where are we supposed to get the
R6000 from?
Many of us are not working and have
lost jobs due to the pandemic, hence we
cannot afford to buy electricity. With the
pandemic and winter upon us, our health is
at risk,” added Masango.
Responding to the allegations, Eskom
confirmed that Gauteng has experienced
an increase in the number of pole-mounted
transformers and mini-substations which fail
as a result of the network overload caused
by meter bypassing, illegal connections, and
vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
“The process that Eskom follows to re-
place or repair equipment (pole - mounted
transformers and mini substations) that has
Residents of Protea protest against electricity blackouts on Wild Chestnut Street.
failed includes audit process to be conducted
in order to identify for resolution the causes fines to Eskom before any work to replace or needed to start with the network repairs “Eskom affirms its commitment to provid-
of the transformer failure and the extent of repair the network equipment can start,” said based on the assessment conducted.” ing electricity safely to its customers during
the damage on the network assessed. During Eskom in a statement. Eskom stated that it may take three to six the Covid-19 period, in support of the gov-
this process illegal connections will be re- “This is a remedial fine and not payment to months or even longer after the audit process ernment regulations and efforts, by ensuring
moved, meter bypasses removed and tamper fix the electricity infrastructure as Eskom is finalised to have the electricity infrastruc- that all its electricity network operates opti-
fines issued to customers who tampered with does not require any form of payment from ture replaced or repaired. The work involved mally to serve its paying customers to also
the infrastructure. customers to have its network fixed. Once in the transformer replacement/repairs will avoid prolonged outages without causing the
Full payments of R6 052, 60 are to be this has been done Eskom would then depend on the availability of material and degeneration of its assets,” reads a statement
made by customers issued with remedial arrange the required material and resources resources required. from the power utility.
Commuters struggle amid
Soweto protests
Dozens of commuters were left stranded on convenient because it drops me off close
Monday morning as Rea Vaya announced to work. Now I am not sure where what I
that its services would not be operational will do,” Nyiko said at the time.
amid the fears of protests that rocked Johan- Fortunately though, for commuters,
nesburg CBD on Sunday and Monday. taxis continued operating throughout
“The City of Johannesburg informs the day, albeit inconsistently. The South
passengers Rea Vaya services remain sus- Africa National Taxi Council (Santaco)
pended until further notice. The situation said on Sunday evening that taxis would
of unrest and road blockages in some parts only operate on the basis that it was safe
of the Joburg Central business district has to do so and permitted taxi operators to
not changed,” the City of Johannesburg suspend transportation if their vehicles
said in a statement released on Monday were in danger.
morning. “What we are very cautious of is our taxi
One of those passengers was Tanyako operators should make a decision when
Nyiko who uses the bus daily to get to they find themselves and their property is in
work. trouble. They should not even take a chance
Eskom says it has suspended services due to protests. “It is reasonable but it is bad for us who of putting their taxis on the road if they are
have to get to work. I use Rea Vaya every uncertain,” Santaco President Philip Taai-
Protests affect Eskom services day to go and come back from work. It is bosch told eNca.
Eskom in Gauteng announced on Sunday that of Protea Glen Extention 12 and White City
it was temporarily suspending services due have for weeks been waiting for Eskom to
to protests that were reported in parts of the replace damaged transformers and restore
province. According to a statement from the power for them.
power utility, no work can justify exposing With protests and looting spreading across
Eskom employees and property to danger. the country and Soweto, residents who don’t
“The safety of our employees and contrac- have electricity might have to wait a little
tors remains our number one priority and a longer. “Customers who have logged faults
major concern and it is with that that we have are requested to be patient as they might
decided to suspend all services that will re- experience delays in response time to resolve
quire our employees and contractors to enter their faults,” said Eskom in a statement.
areas that will put their lives at risk,” reads a “We will monitor the situation and attend to
statement from Eskom. network faults affecting significant areas and
This announcement is expected to affect also supplies to critical installations, such as
many residents of Soweto who have been hospitals but not at the expense of the safety
without electricity for weeks now. Residents of our employees and contractors.” Taxis in Kliptown and Pimville continue their operations on ‘high alert’ amid protest fears.
Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021 News 7
Housing MMC opens a case of fraud after
fake account and info on social media
Vicky Mabotha
vickym@caxton.co.za
Joburg Member of Mayoral Committee
(MMC) for Housing Mlungisi Mabaso on
Friday, July 9 opened a case of fraud at the
Joburg Central Police Station (John Foster)
following a fake social media account created
using his name and the Department of Hous-
ing to scam vulnerable citizens who desper-
ately need RDP houses.
In a post circulating on social media plat-
forms, the perpetrator claimed that the City
of Joburg Housing Department is looking for
people who applied for RDP houses in 1996-
2000 for Fleurhof RDP housing allocation.
The perpetrator allegedly registered a
cellphone number fraudulently and requested
money from the vulnerable citizens for these
RDPs. Mabaso said that he learned about this
fake account and wrong information when
residents started calling his office to enquire
about the alleged housing allocations.
“I opened a case of fraud at the Joburg
Central Police Station and I would like to
urge residents not to entertain such fake posts.
I want to make it clear to our residents that
as the City, we are not looking for people
who applied for RDP houses in 1996-2000
and we do not request
for money when Mabaso also shared some useful
doing allocations as information in case anyone comes
RDP houses are free,” across this post or any other post
Mabaso said. from a fake account claiming to be
“I really urge
the City’s.
residents to be careful
and not entertain • I never issue public notice and
these criminals, announcements using myself as a
because these are contact person.
scammers who are • The City’s Housing Department has
just out to rob our official social media platforms.
poor residents as they • In all my personal social media
are vulnerable and accounts, I don’t use my tittle as
may easily fall vic- MMC, I just use my name and
tims to such criminal surname.
activities,” Mabaso • The city also uses its letter head for
added. public notice and announcements. MMC Mlungisi Mabaso after reporting a case of fraud at the Johannesburg Central Police Station.
DA ‘infuriated’ by
patroller non payment
The DA in Gauteng has in payment of patroller’s
criticised the government stipends should not be
over delays in the payment tolerated,” the statement
stipends of Gauteng patrol- continued.
lers. Going forward the DA
In a statement released plans to engage Gauteng
on Wednesday, Gauteng Premier David Makhura
DA said it was “infuriated” to look into the matter and
and that the delays would said it will continue en-
harm the livelihoods of the gagements with the patrol-
patrollers. lers to ensure they are paid
“The unnecessary delays on time.
in payments of Gauteng “We will be writing to
Patrollers stipends has Gauteng Premier, David
unjustly impacted the neg- Makhura requesting that his
atively on the livelihoods office urgently investigate
of patrollers as they are what is causing the delays
solely dependent on this in payment of patrollers
to feed their families,” the stipends and to provide us
DA shadow MEC Michael with an exact date as to
Shackleton said. when these payments will
The DA also criticised be made.
MEC Faith Mazibuko who (We will ) continue
said there are a significant engaging directly with
number of School patrollers patrollers across the prov-
who had not received their ince to ensure outstanding
payments. Mazibuko was payments are received by
responding to questions these hardworking South
tabled by the DA’s Shadow Africans.
MEC for Community Safe- We will not rest until
ty Michael Shackleton and there is a mechanism in
said that the delays could place by this current Gaut-
not be tolerated. eng administration to en-
“Considering the eco- sure that patrollers are paid
nomic impact of the Covid timeously every month,”
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko. File Photo.
19 Pandemic, the delays said Shackleton.
8 News Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021
Father in grief after losing daughter late Baby Nyiko Mthimunye is still that he lost his daughter in a terrible Hospital would have been three
Nhlanhla Khomola
nhlanhlak@caxton.co.za mourning the death of his daugh- manner and is in need of counsel- years and seven months old now.
ter after 8 months of her departure ling to deal with the matter. “My daughter would be three
No parent is ever prepared for from earth. According to Cancer. “As a family we have taught years-old now, the pain of losing
their child’s death. In African Net, when parents lose their little ourselves that life has to go on, we her will always be a part of me. Yet
cultures, it is believed that par- ones, there’s a possibility of them need to forgive and move on with with time, I believe I will find a way
ents are not supposed to outlive finding themselves grieving for the life because holding grudges will forward and begin to experience
their children, this however is hopes and dreams they had for their not bring back Nyiko, she is gone happiness and meaning in life,” he
not the case for the Baloyi and child, the potential that will never and will never come back. It is just added.
Mthimunye families who lost their be realised, and the experiences they unfortunate that she is a victim of The accused concerning this case
two-yea-old, after she was alleged- will never share. GBV,” said Baloyi. were arrested, and are in police
ly raped by her mother’s boyfriend. Some may also feel that they have Baby Nyiko who was raped and custody, however the case has been
Musa Baloyi, the father of the lost their identity as a parent and brutally assaulted allegedly by her dragging. They made a brief ap-
perhaps the possibility of having stepfather (her mother’s boyfriend) pearance at the Protea Magistrate’s
Musa Baloyi- father of the late grandchildren. Baloyi is still bat- last year and succumbed to the Court on Wednesday July 7 and the
baby Nyiko Mthimunye. tling to accept and live with the fact injuries at Baragwanath Academic case was postponed to July 22.
Never allow someone onto your property
without asking questions first Need help? These
numbers might come
Opportunistic criminals are always looking version of imposters who attempt to gain “Our technical teams always work on in handy
for easy targets. Being aware of basic per- access to residential properties under false an appointment basis, which means they
sonal safety measures can go a long way pretences. This often involves some kind will never show up at your door unan- National:
towards protecting you, especially when it of service provider, such as home delivery nounced. All our technicians and armed • Covid-19 Public Hotline – 0800 029
comes to impersonators and imposters. drivers, TV or phone technicians, munici- response officers carry clearly visible ID 999
“More of us are spending longer periods pal workers that are reading water meters, cards. Contact the Fidelity ADT call cen- • Official WhatsApp Help Service
of time at home now than before. It is very census workers working on the latest Sta- tre on 086 12 12 400 if you want to verify – Send HI to 0600 123 456 on
important that we don’t allow anyone in tistics SA population count, or even fake any of our team members’ identity.” WhatsApp
the front door or onto the property unless police or armed response officers. Hattingh also recommends keeping the • Gender-based violence command
they have a bona fide reason to be there “Unless you have checked that the per- contact details for the closest police station center dial: *120*7867# (free for
and their credentials have been properly son at your front door is really who they and the neighbourhood watch on standby, mobile)
verified,” says Charnel Hattingh, Head say they are, you should never let them in so that you can call them if there is any • Support to SMME’s in Distress –
of Marketing and Communications at the door. Also make sure that anyone else worry about someone trying to get access 0860 663 7867
Fidelity ADT. in your residence knows this rule,” says to your property. • South African Police Service – 08600
Most suburbs have seen their own Hattingh. 10111
• Eskom crime line 0800 112 722 or via
SMS on 32211.
• National Crisis Line – 0861 322 322
• Temporary Employer-Employee
Relief Scheme – Call Centre number
012 337 1997 and
• Support to businesses – 0860 663
7867/ 0860 ONE STOP
• Solidarity Fund – 0860 001 001
• Reporting undue price increases –
Got Covid-19? Isolating at •
0800 141 880
Child Line – 0800 055 555
home? Here are some tips • Person with Disabilities: SMS ‘help’
to 31531
Some tips you can follow if someone in your • AIDS Helpline – 0800 012 322
home has tested positive for Covid-19. • Suicide Helpline – 0800 567 567 or
1. Try to reserve one area in your home as a
0800 456 789
sick area. If you cannot, try to keep to one
area of your home, at least two metres • GB VF – Related service complaints
away from other people. – 0800 333 177
2. Wear a disposable mask. • Family Violence, Child Protection and
3. Limit your contact with any pets or Sexual Offences Unit – 0800 150 150
animals. • Woman Abuse Helpline – 0800 150
4. Cover your mouth or nose with a 150
disposable tissue when you sneeze or • National Human Trafficking Helpine –
cough. 0800 222 777
5. Dispose of tissues in the waste bin in • SASSA Call Center – 0800 60 10 11
your sick area, and wash your hands • *Visit the Covid-19 South African
immediately afterwards. Online Portal [www.sacoronavirus.
6. Wash your hands regularly.
co.za] for more contact numbers OR
7. Clean your sick room daily.
8. Do not share eating utensils, towels or Download the Covid Alert SA app
bedding. • Fidelity ADT call centre 086 12 12
9. Wash your hands after any contact with 400
the patient. • Life threatening emergencies call
10. Wash linen, bedding and clothes 10177 or 112
separately at a high temperature. • Joburg Metro Fire and Ambulance:
011 375 5911
• Joburg Water call centre 011 688
1699
• JRA head office on 011 289 5000.
Local:
Eldorado Park police 011 946 0300
Dobsonville police 011 983 1500
To report any news, community events, entertainment or sports in the Soweto and Eldorado Park area please WhatsApp our editor Mzwandile on 0791884118 or contact
any one of our journalist below. You can send him an email at mzwandilek@caxton.co.za
Dobsonville diepkloof Eldorado protea pimville
Soweto Urban Soweto Urban Soweto Urban Soweto Urban Soweto Urban
Ripfumelo Baloyi Vicky Mabotha Janice Beckett- Nhlanhla Siyabonga Ndlela
064 750 4623 062 376 6960 Msiza Khomola 083 551 4242
vickym@caxton. 074 415 8397 068 170 3323 siyabonga@
co.za janiceb@ nhlanhlak@ caxton.co.za
caxton.co.za caxton.co.za
Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021 Community 9
Eskom invites young aspiring scientists to
take part in science fair
Vicky Mabotha create a sustainable bio-polymer plastic,
vickym@caxton.co.za and I have created it. It has proven to have
similar properties to plastic. With more
Eskom is calling on young aspiring sci- modifications and testing, it can prove to
entists in Grade 4 to Grade 12 to register be far better than a synthetic plastic,” said
to participate in the Eskom Expo’s 2021 Sookdhaw.
virtual provincial science fairs. Dawson, who is passionate about conser-
Learners can register by uploading vation and well-versed in environmental
project documents, including an abstract, issues, devised a prototype to trap plastics,
research plan and project report by visiting which he tested in the Klein Jukskei River.
the Eskom Expo website www.exposci- “The aim was to design an affordable
ence.co.za. device to reduce plastic waste flowing in
By clicking on the Resources tab on the an urban river system. The final design
website, learners can access valuable re- comprised of a catchment device, which
sources and easy to use templates that will consisted of an outer frame made with re-
assist them with their research projects. inforced concrete and an inner cage made
Deadline for Gauteng learners is Friday, from steel, along with steel meshing to
August 13. capture plastic,” said Dawson.
A scientific research by two local young While wishing the learners well in the
scientists with a focus on the critical fields competition, Eskom General Manag- Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will host nine virtual provincial expos.
of environmental studies will be present- er of Risk and Sustainability, Andrew
ed at the 2021 Virtual Indonesia World Etzinger said: “The areas of interest and The dates are as follows:
Innovative Science Fair (WISF). Aditi the research conducted by these young
Sookdhaw from Star College Durban, and scientists give us much hope for a cleaner Province Virtual Awards Date Province Virtual Awards Date
Kyle Dawson from St Stithians Boys Col- and greener South Africa.
lege were selected by a panel of academics It is impressive that Eskom Expo Free State Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal Friday,
and professionals following successful continues to develop young scientists who 26 August 2021 3 September 2021
evaluations at the Eskom Expo for Young are able to compete globally with their
Scientists Online Assessments last year, ingenuity. As one of Eskom’s flagship pro- Eastern Cape Friday, Gauteng Saturday,
where they both received silver medals. grammes, the Eskom Expo initiative is of 27 August 2021 4 September 2021
Sookdhaw found a viable method vital importance in providing a platform to
to make bioplastic from avocado seed researchers and innovators to be cultivated Mpumalanga Saturday, North West Friday,
extracts with the project, ‘Polymer Bio- at grassroots-level while in school.” 28 August 2021 10 September 2021
plastic’. Her methods involved vigorous Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will
and environmentally friendly testing, and host nine virtual provincial expos this Northern Cape Wednesday, Limpopo Saturday,
the product compares favourably to other year, which will lead to the Eskom Expo 1 September 2021 11 September 2021
bioplastics in terms of cost, strength and International Science Fair (ISF) where the
durability. country’s top young scientists will show- Western Cape Thursday,
“I have determined the best conditions to case their scientific brilliance. 2 September 2021
KYP ‘s matric class of 2020 Bradlely Johnson and Thulisile Magagula.
Lookout for new drivers!
The Kliptown Youth Program’s (KYP) this pandemic. We have received a great
matric class of 2020 recently received their response from parents just expressing
driver’s licenses. The initiative was part gratitude and that is why we are proud to be
of the KYP’s Driver Licence programme able to do this for the youth of Kliptown,”
to help develop skills that would upskill he added.
and help learners in finding employment The project was funded by German
opportunities. This was according to the organisation Hundertprozent, Siasia ex-
programme’s Vocational Development pressed gratitude.
Manager, Thapelo Siasia. “In terms of support we have struggled
“We wanted to equip our learners with locally and most of our help has from
the skills to be employable. We know that outside the country. We are very grateful
in today’s world’s a driver’s license is an to Hunderprozent from Germany that has
essential tool in finding employment oppor- fully supported this initiative. It has really
tunities and so this is a project that we are made a huge impact on the lives of these
very proud of,” said Siasia. kids,” he explained.
Since the project started, driving lessons 2020 matriculant Asanda Dyan was one
have been done at no cost to the learn- of the project’s beneficiaries.
ers. Siasia said this year in particular was “I did my matric last year with KYP
especially important because families were and I was grateful to get a chance to do
struggling due to the covid – 19 pandemic. my licence as well. We know that driver’s
“The financial burden that has been licences are expensive so this was a great
relieved from the parents is a huge one. opportunity and will open many doors for
Especially with this group because we us. Thank you to KYP and to Hundertproz-
know how hard families have been hit by ent,” concluded Dyan.
10 Entertainment Soweto Urban News | Friday, 16 July, 2021
Gauteng
Vicky Mabotha
vickym@caxton.co.za
Johannesburg. There is also
Lehlogonolo Machaba from North
West, the first transgender woman
The Top 30 beauty queens vying for to openly enter the Miss South
dominates the the Miss South Africa 2021 crown
have been announced. You may
start voting for your favourite to
Africa pageant.
For the next few weeks, they will
be out to impress this year’s Top
2021 Miss SA
make the Top 10. Organisers have 30 and Top 10 judges who are
announced that the public is now all former Miss South Africa title
the fifth judge in selecting the top holders with Bokang Montjane-
10 finalists by voting until July 21. Tshabalala (2010) and Liesl Laurie
Top 30
This year, Soweto does not (2015), who judged last year, being
have any contenders in the Top joined by first-time judges Melinda
30, However, Gauteng has 12, Bam (2011) and Tamaryn Green
with 7 of the contenders from (2018).
Ané Oosthuysen (23)
is from Vanderbijlpark
who is currently Cheneil Hartzenberg
working as an assistant (24) comes from
teacher at a primary Meredale and is a
school while also Ferini Dayal (26) is commercial pilot and
studying for her PGCE from Kensington South senior flight instructor
teaching qualification. and has a biomedical in a managerial role
She also has a BA sciences degree, at a flight school. She
degree in psychology majoring in physiology, completed a digital
and sociology and and a Bachelors of marketing course
honours degrees Medicine and Surgery with UCT online last
in psychology and degree both from year and is currently
medical sociology from the University of studying for her airline
North-West University. Witwatersrand. transport pilot licence.
Pearl Ntshehi (24)
comes from Mamelodi Danielle Marais
and is a BCom Law (24), hails from
and an LLB graduate Randburg and has
currently doing her Precious Mndalama a B Com Honours
BCom honours and (23) comes from Degree Cum Laude
hopes to become Soshanguve, Pretoria in entrepreneurship
an admitted legal and is a third-year law and marketing
practitioner. student at Unisa. management.
Olin-Shae De La Kgothatso Dithebe
Cruz (27) hails (26) comes from
from Bryanston, Centurion, Pretoria and
after obtaining a is currently studying
Tiffany Francis (22) higher certification towards an LLB law
who comes from in journalism she degree and also runs
Mulbarton, is the owner went on to get a her own company that
of Tiffany K Models as Bachelors in Business deals with construction
well as a professional Administration and and the supply of
model and fashion Media Operations goods and services.
design student. Management.
Moratwe Masima (24)
from Atholl, Sandton Kgatlhiso Modisane
is a qualified medical Keashel van der (27) is from Dorandia,
doctor doing her first Merwe (22) hails from Pretoria and is an
year of internship at Discovery, Roodepoort admitted attorney
Charlotte Maxeke and is an independent working in the banking
Hospital. make-up artist. industry.SOWETO Receive the Soweto Urban
Newspaper via WhatsApp!
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Friday 16 July, 2021 3 Enjoy!
Women’s rugby in South Africa gets boost through Mastercard’s ground-breaking sponsorship. photo supplied.
SA women’s rugby boosted
Siya Ndlela showing women’s rugby every weekend remember in 2019 Mastercard set up a tinue growing women sports,” Chanel said.
siyabonga@caxton.co.za on our platforms is an exciting part of that coaching session for the Pirates Women’s Country Manager of Mastercard Suzanne
strategy. As the national broadcaster, we Rugby Club with Rugby World Cup ambas- Morel said the sponsorship highlight the chal-
South African women’s rugby is set to reach millions of South Africans across the sadors Brayan Habana and Daniel Carter as lenges faced by women in rugby.
benefit from a new partnership between country, and we know that this show can mentors. “Over the years, we have supported
Mastercard and the South African Broadcast inspire South African women everywhere Pirates Women’s Rugby Coach Chanel Al- grassroots women’s rugby in various
Corporation (SABC). to become part of this exciting game,” adds berts said the partnership would lead to more forms, and this sponsorship is an additional
The initiative is a first of its kind in the Rathbone. women being interested in the sport. commitment that highlights our continued
country and with over 2.7 million women “With Mastercard now on board, we can “When the Jozi Women’s Cup Tournament faith in women’s rugby. The sponsorship
and girls playing rugby worldwide, this will look forward to delivering an even greater started in 2017 there were only four teams will heighten women’s voices, highlight the
go a long way in bridging the gap between on-air experience with our show that will participating, today the tournament will see challenges they face in the sport, and bring
men’s and women’s sports coverage. be enjoyed not only by fans of the women’s 12 teams compete for the champion position. together partners to engage in conversa-
SABC’s Head of Sport Gary Rathbone game but by all of South Africa’s rugby fans This highlights that more women are now tions that will encourage positive change,”
said the broadcaster was looking forward to – regardless of gender or age.” interested in participating in sport as they ap- explained Morel.
showcasing more of women’s rugby. This would not be the first time that preciate the support and recognition. Having The 15-minute long programme, named
“Women’s sport is the cornerstone of Mastercard throws its weight behind the the sports broadcasted on national television Women’Rugby Round-up, is set to air on
the SABC Sport content proposition and promotion of women’s sports. Many would will inspire more women to take part and con- SABC 2 on Sundays at 12:30.
ENTER NOW only R60
YOUR OWN SEPTEMBER 06H00 TO LIMITED TO
ROUTE & DISTANCE 2021 18H00 75 000 ENTRIES
REGISTER ONLINE www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.zaYou can also read
