The Gazette - 30 October 2020

Public Relations Solutions The Gazette 30 October 2020 Volume 1, Issue 2 Inside This Issue: R350 Queuing Night- 2 Tomorrow’s Results, Today mare Worrying increase in road accidents around the country New Jika Joe Residential 2 Flats By: Zithobile Dlamini and Possibility of 2nd Covid- 3 Kimberley Allenspach 19 wave in SA Over the past 3 weeks, scores of people have died Prophet Bushiri Faces 3 in car crashes around the Fraud Charges country. Earlier this month, an accident near Bulwer, Letter from the Communi- 4 claimed 13 lives of people cations Manager from the same family. An- other car crash claimed 15 Opinion: 2020 Academic 4 lives on the R66 between Year Ulundi and Melmoth, while another killed 7 people, Opinion: What happens 5 including an infant, in in your private life as a Western Cape. On Tues- A truck capsized on the corner of Retief Street and Jabu Ndlovu public figure day, reporters from The (Loop) in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday Photo: Sphesihle Khoza Special Points Gazette were on their way being distracted while driv- 2005. “It seeks to raise of Interest: back to the newsroom ing. Drivers are advised to awareness of the important when they witnessed an adhere to the rules of the role of transport in the econ- • Shudufhadzo accident on the corner of road. Drivers should be omy, and to invite participa- Musida crowned Retief Street and Jabu careful to prevent accidents tion from civic society and Miss South Africa Ndlovu (Loop) Street (see by always wearing a seat business, in providing a saf- 2020 inset). The driver of the belt, not driving while under er, more affordable, accessi- truck lost control of the the influence of alcohol, ble, and reliable transport • DJ Maphorisa Da- vehicle after misjudging a driving with caution, main- system for the country”. A ting Scandal turn into Loop Street. The taining the correct speed specific objective of October truck capsized and the driv- limit, and reducing distrac- Transport Month is to pro- • 2019/20 Season er was rushed to hospital tions by not changing radio mote a greater awareness of PSL Awards Win- with non-life-threatening stations or texting while road safety behaviour for ners injuries. It was a single- driving. both users of vehicles, and vehicle accident, and no for pedestrians. It is con- • Mini Tourism Inda- one else was harmed in the October is National cerning that such a high ba: 20 November incident. Transport month, which, number of accidents have 2020 according to the govern- been reported in month in- It is believed that the acci- ment’s official website, was tended to raise national dents are caused by reck- first launched in October awareness of road safety. less and negligent driving, speeding, drunk driving or

Page 2 R350 Grant Queuing Nightmare By Zamangwane Khanyile Unemployed citizens queuing for the R350 grant. The R350 grant has become a bittersweet relief to unem- ployed South African citi- zens. There are always a throng of people in queues outside of the post offices. Citizens have been complain- ing about the poor service they get at the facility when they are supposed to collect their grant. It has now become a strain to a lot of people because some are turned away without re- ceiving their grant due to in- competency, poor service, long queues and bribery. People come early to the post offices from 23:00 and camp outside the premises to be early in line the following day. SASSA initially declared that the grant will only be available at post offices, not retail stores due to the coronavirus pandemic. To address grievances, SASSA announced the formation of an appeals process and, in partnership with the South African Post Office (SAPO), intro- duced changes to the Specific Requirements Documents (SRD) payment system. With the entry into Lev- el 2 lockdown, both SASSA and (SAPO) facilities witnessed growing crowds in the streets; wanting to apply, receive, query or appeal the R350 SRD grant. The situation is ongoing. Despite attempts by the SAPO to control the queues using staggered SMS messages, asking beneficiaries to visit their nearest Post Office to receive their grant only when their grant was ready for collection, this appeared not to be work- ing either. The government has extended the social grant relief to December and therefore the congested queues are likely to persist. New Jika Joe Residential Flats By Manqoba Mchunu, Sphesihle Khoza and Kimberley Allenspach Construction is still ongoing for the Community Resi- dential Units in Pietermaritzburg that are to be occupied by the Jika Joe informal settlement residents. The Ga- zette Team visited the construction site to find out more about the project. The Motheo Construction Group, which oversees the project, did not permit the team to speak to them as they allege false reporting by other media companies which is bringing their company into disrepute. The Jika Joe informal settlement is an area frequently Jika Joe informal settlement. Photo: Sphesihle Khoza plagued by shack fires that leave many homeless and desperate to salvage their possessions and important documents. In September hundreds of residents had their homes destroyed in a fire that engulfed a significant portion of the settlement. Earlier this year, in March, another fire destroyed two dozen shacks, and displaced hundreds of residents. The new flat development will be a safer and permanent home for many who have had their homes destroyed repeatedly. Photojournalist, Sphesihle Khoza, visits the site where blocks of community residential flats is under construction. Photo: Manqoba Mchunu

Possibility of 2nd Covid-19 wave in SA Page 3 By Manqoba Mchunu tions increase in a dif- to prevent the spread of The number of Covid- ferent portion of the infections and instead population, resulting in are socialising in large 19 cases continues to a second wave of infec- groups without masks increase, and with it the tions. This can result in or maintaining a safe possibility of a second the reinstatement of social distance. People wave. A second wave is stricter lockdown re- are urged to continue to a phenomenon of infec- strictions. wear face masks, prac- KwaZulu-Natal premier, Sihle tions that can develop tice social distancing Zikalala, warns of another during a pandemic. The With the move to alert and wash their hands hard lockdown if people don't virus infects one group level 1 of the lockdown, regularly to prevent a adhere to Covid-19 regula- of people first, infec- many people have been spike in Covid-19 infec- tions. Photo: Twitter tions then seem to de- disregarding the recom- tions. cline. And then, infec- mendations put in place Prophet Bushiri Faces Fraud Charges By Nomfundo Nkosi Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, wife Mary (centre) and co-accused Landiwe Sindani at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court during their bail application. Picture: Oupa Mokoena African News Shepherd Bushiri and his Agency (ANA) wife Mary Bushiri were ar- rested on 20 October by the Hawks on charges of fraud and money laundering and have remained in police cus- tody since. Their trial has been set for May 31 to June 18, 2021 and their bail hear- ing for the end of this week. Their arrest comes after sev- eral people have alleged that they were robbed of their hard-earned money by the prophet through investment schemes, and he is now re- fusing to release their funds back to them. The couple is also accused of contravening South Africa’s exchange control regulations by allegedly pay- ing an estimated R19 million for a private jet and contravening the Prevention of the Organized Crime Act. The matter is under criminal investigation. According to Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoal- edi, Bushiri and Mary arrived on Visitor’s Visa in 2009. Motsoaledi said upon arrival, Bushiri registered companies and started conducting business. This, Motsoaledi said, was not allowed in terms of a visitor’s visa and immigration law and is a chargeable offence. When Bushiri applied for permanent residency, he made a declaration under oath that he entered the country in 2015 yet our records show that he entered in 2009. During the court proceedings on Friday, 23 October the state revealed that it was in possession of an affidavit from the Department of Home Affairs in which Bushiri and his wife Mary’s status in the country was still unclear. The couple’s permanent residency status in South Africa is being probed by Home Affairs.

Page 4 Letter from the Communications Manager Sanele Mkhize in cooperation with Public Rela- tions problems and resolving com- Communications Manager tions Solutions. The main func- plaints from our stakeholders. We tions of the communications de- would like to be as objective as possible Dear Reader, partment are to ensure that there hence we welcome any suggestions, It is an absolute pleasure is a constant flow of messages complaints and comments from our to welcome you to our between the company and both stakeholders. communications depart- our internal and external stake- ment under The Gazette holders. The department is also As the Communications Manager, I am responsible for media and com- looking forward to interacting with you munity relations, ensuring that and receiving feedback from you our the company is perceived posi- valued audience member. For sugges- tively by its stakeholders. tions, complaints and comments, please contact us on the details provided be- The Gazette and Public Rela- low: tions Solutions Communications Department is led by a team of Facebook – The Gazette innovative, dedicated and crea- Twitter - @PR_SolutionsZA tive young people who are com- Instagram – pr_solutionsza mitted in solving communica- YouTube - TheGazette Opinion: 2020 Academic Year Sanele Mkhize backgrounds. There were a num- ing the first exam. The results ber of issues with regards to are expected to be released on The Department of Basic Edu- online learning; some students 23 February 2021. Institutions cation has released the matric did not afford data for online les- are busy preparing for these exams timetable for the 2020 sons, some had network issues exams and are hopeful for a academic year. This year’s especially those from rural areas. better pass rate than the previ- exams are expected to be writ- ous year. For most higher in- ten later than the previous Moreover, a number of institu- stitutions of learning, final ex- years due to the Covid-19 tions had insufficient resources ams will commence mid- pandemic. The pandemic has for online learning. Some stu- November towards the end of impeded the learning process dents had to use their personal December with supplementary for both higher institutions of mobile devices to access online exams written from January to learning and basic education classes, which created a divide in February 2021. institutions. comparison to those who had all the necessary resources. Lectur- The Gazette in cooperation Some self-funded students had ers and teachers had to come up with Public Relations Solu- to drop out of their institutions with online learning strategies tions would like to wish every- since they could not afford that would benefit all students. one who will be writing their tuition fees due to the salary Most of the students did not at- final exams the best of luck. losses from their parents, tend online lessons due the short- guardians and sponsors as a age of resources. “Do the best you can until you result of the Covid-19 pan- know better. Then when you demic. Online learning was Matric exams are scheduled to know better, do better.” introduced but it was a chal- commence on Thursday, 5 No- lenge to most students who vember 2020 with English 1st - Maya Angelou come from disadvantaged Additional Language Paper 1 be-

Opinion: What happens in your private life as a public Page 5 figure, does (and should) affect your public life Kimberley Allenspach OUTsurance spokesperson voluntarily) the distinction Last week, popular TV personality, Katlego Ma- stated that ads featuring the between his public and pri- boe’s private life became very public when a vid- presenter will be taken off vate life. This is the case for eo emerged on social media, of him confessing to the air as soon as is practi- many celebrities, public fig- being unfaithful to his wife, Monique Muller, and cally possible. Across Fa- ures, and politicians. mother of his child. In the video, his wife ex- cebook, Twitter, and other What is more concerning is claims that he infected her with an STD that has social media platforms, that more people are con- ruined her chances of conceiving a child in the many lambasted Maboe’s cerned with Maboe’s reputa- future. employers and sponsors by tion and public humiliation, As is common with scandals in our social media claiming that what happens more than they are about him age, this went viral as did the memes which var- in Maboe’s private life, having potentially infected ied from parodies of OUTsurance “adultery” should not affect his public his wife with a sexually trans- cover to poking fun of the gown Maboe donned life. mitted disease which might as being the “infidelity” starter pack. What they fail to mean that she can never have Maboe has since been temporarily removed as a acknowledge, is that as an another child. Many have host of the Expresso Morning Show and an ambassador of these com- criticised Muller for poten- panies, Maboe represents tially destroying his lucrative their brand. The scandals contracts and public reputa- he is embroiled in, conse- tion, more than they are about quently becomes the scan- his actions which has had dals that these brands are serious health implications on associated with. Their im- her, forever changing her life age can be positively or and her body. Is it any won- negatively affected by the der that South Africa is where behaviour of their employ- it is with our escalating fig- ees – particularly if their ures of domestic and gender- employee is a public figure, based violence when citizens who by virtue of his posi- support Maboe and blame tion in society, gives up Muller for ruining his life? (whether voluntarily or in- Mini Tourism Indaba: 20 November 2020 MZANZI GLOBAL tRAVEL Mini Indaba will celebrate diverse cultures, attractions, and traditional By Zamangwane Khanyile, Mini Indaba that will take cuisines. They will also give away Manqoba Mchunu and place on the 20th of No- free stands for local businesses to Nomfundo Nkosi vember, 10am at the City showcase their products and ser- Hall, Pietermaritzburg. vices. Travelling persuades individu- On Monday, The Ga- The company specializes als to enhance their creativity, com- zette team was invited to in tourism and encourages munication abilities and get practical Mzanzi Global Travel’s people to travel. Their life skills. We are excited to report premises to report on on this exciting initiative and hope to their upcoming Tourism see you there. Stay tuned for the full coverage of the event in our next publication and on all our social me- dia platforms.

Page 6 Shudufhadzo Musida crowned Miss South Africa 2020 By Sanele Mkhize A joyful Shudufhadzo Musida has been crowned Miss South Africa 2020 at the dazzling pageant finale held for the first time in Cape Town. The 24-year-old – who comes from Ha- Masia in Limpopo has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. She is currently doing her BA Honours in International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand. She men- tioned that her prime focus during her reign will be on mental health and the need to break stigmas which had wors- ened during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to the Miss South Africa website, Shudu said: “I plan to bring more awareness to mental health, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, because I truly believe that we need to work on the mind for any change to come about in this country. I plan to mobilise vari- ous stakeholders and the nation so we can bring about educational empowerment through the tackling of issues such as period poverty among young girls, workshops that teach children about the importance of mental health from a young age, and mentorship programmes for young women so they can be empowered to be agents of their own future.” She will receive R1 million in cash as well as a further R2 million worth of sponsorships and prizes, including the use of a luxury Sandton apartment and a Mercedes-Benz cabriolet for a year. The event, hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha at the Table Bay Hotel on Saturday, 24 October 2020 and broadcast live on M-Net and Mzansi Magic, was a spectacular affair with entertainment from commercial SA artist including Sho Madjozi, Mi Casa, Ami Faku, Sun-El Musician and Jimmy Nevis. DJ Maphorisa Dating Scandal DJ Maphorisa caught in the middle of influencer Cyan Bourke By Nokulunga Ngcobo and her ex-friend, Beverley. South African producer and DJ, Themba Son- ny Boy Sekowe, popularly known by his stage name DJ Maphorisa, is facing public criticism after a teenager influencer by the name of Cy- an Bourke accused him of allegedly dating her 19-year-old ex-friend who is only known as Beverly. It is alleged that Cyan Bourke was also dating Maphorisa and is now jealous that her friend is now getting involved with him. Maphorisa started to trend on Twitter over weekend with people commenting that the girls are too young to date him. He has not respond- ed to these claims yet. Many Tweeps are not impressed with Maphorisa’s actions while oth- ers commend him for it. What are your thoughts?

Page 7 2019/20 Season PSL Awards Winners By Sphesihle Khoza The 2019/20 Absa Premier- ship Awards event was held virtually on 22 October 2020 following the Covid- 19 pandemic restrictions. The event was broadcasted on SuperSport TV, Channel 202. Themba Zwane was the biggest winner of the night. Zwane was received four awards which include the Player of the Season award, and the PSL Foot- baller of the Season award. He scored 14 goals and had 12 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions with his team winning the Absa Premiership title in the last season. Mamelodi Sun- downs’ players were also Mamelodi Sundowns players, Hlompho Kekana, Keletso Makgalwa, Themba rewarded for their hard work Zwane, Gaston Sirino and Peter Shalulile with Hlompho Kekana winning the goal of the season. Gaston Sirino, Telkom Knockout player of the season and their former coach Mr. Pitso Mosimane, also won the PSL coach of the year award. Other teams like SuperSport United, Maritzburg United and Baroka FC also had their players shining and be- low is a full detailed list of the winners of the season:  Footballer of the Season - Themba Zwane  Absa Premiership Player's Player of the Season - Themba Zwane  Absa Premiership Coach of the Season - Pitso Mosimane  Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season - Themba Zwane  Absa Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season - Ronwen Williams  Absa Premiership Defender of the Season - Rushine De Reuck  Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season - Themba Zwane  Absa Premiership Young Player of the Season - Goodman Masele  Absa-lutely Awesome Goal of the Season - Hlompho Kekana  Absa Premiership Top Goal scorer of the Season - Gabadinho Mhango & Peter Shalulile  MTN 8 Last Man Standing - Bradley Grobler  Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament - Gaston Sirino  Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player - Keletso Makgalwa  Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament - Victor Letsoalo  Glad Africa Championship Top Goal Scorer - Abednigo Mosiatlhaga  Referee of the Season - Jelly Chavani  Assistant Referee of the Season - Shaun Olive

EDITORIAL TEAM Manqoba Mchunu Nokulunga Ngcobo Zamangwane Khanyile Head Reporter and Assistant Editor Subeditor and Social Media Coordinator Layout Designer and PRP - Internal Comms Sphesihle Khoza Nomfundo Nkosi Zithobile Dlamini Photojournalist and Layout Designer Social Media Coordinator and PRP - External Comms Reporter and Administrator Kimberley Allenspach Sanele Mkhize Editor In Chief Communications Manager Public Relations Solutions The Gazette - @PR_SolutionsZA 210 Burger Street Tell: 033 395 1024 - The Gazette Pietermaritzburg Fax: 033 395 3235 3200 - TheGazette - pr_solutionsza