WEEKLY SA Mirror 39th ED

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2 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 04 March 2022 ZONDO COMMISSION REPORT 3 By Monk Nkomo PRIMA FACIE high-level functions for Zuma including on occa- The level of corruption in this country took a GRAFT CASES sions when Bosasa catered for a birthday dinner for bizarre twist when a police docket containing LAY GROUND him. Agrizzi testified that the cost of these func- sensitive information regarding alleged criminal tions was about R3,5 million a year. ‘’ These were activities including tender fraud at the Bosasa FOR treated as corporate social investment payments Group of Companies, was apparently stolen and TOP-LEVEL in the company’s financial records’’, according to its contents discussed at a clandestine meeting at PROSECUTIONS Agrizzi. a hotel between a senior company executive and a former top government official. GIFTS: BOSASA pampered some of those Zuma had also allegedly met with two senior implicated with money and luxurious gifts executives of Bosasa at Nkandla, a Mr. O’Quigley The docket was apparently stolen in an effort to and Ms. Oberholzer. At that meeting, which was stop police investigations into the criminal activi- Nomvula Mokon- arranged by Myeni, the former President allegedly ties within the Bosasa Group of Companies which yane: “Denials of undertook to provide assistance by making calls was in control of most of the government espe- receiving payments to two persons. The Commission said evidence had cially at the Department of Correctional Services. from Bosasa not also been led that at another meeting with Watson These illegal activities included the splashing of credible” and a Mr. Gumede, Watson asked Zuma to call huge amounts of money to bribe senior government the Hawks boss, Anwa Dramat to ‘’shut down the officials with the aim of securing lucrative tenders. Angelo Agrizzi: Opened Hawks’’ investigation into Bosasa. grizzly can of worms There was also evidence of Bosasa using the ‘’ The probability of Mr. Zuma having played a trust accounts of various attorneys to hold their Dudu Myeni: “Facilitated unlawful role in securing the disclosure of confidential infor- monies, estimated at millions of rands, against the awarding of tenders” mation in the hands of the prosecuting authorities is risk of running out of funds in the event that its enhanced by the fact Mr. Zuma’s close associate, bank accounts were ever frozen. Ms. Myeni, was also involved in providing confi- dential information emanating from the prosecuting The shocking details are contained in Part authorities to Bosasa’’, the Commission found. Three of the State Capture Report which was handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa this week. ‘’ What can also not be ignored is the fact that The Commission of Inquiry was chaired by Acting there was a concrete result. The investigation and Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. prosecution were indeed successfully brought to a halt. Again, Mr. Zuma having failed to appear be- After considering all the evidence presented fore the Commission and provide a full account, implicating certain former senior government of- there are reasonable grounds to suspect that he was ficials , the Commission has found that there was instrumental in preventing the investigation and prima facie cases of corruption or fraud which prosecution from proceeding. After all, according needed to be investigated against former South to Mr. Agrizzi’s evidence, Bosasa was paying some African President Jacob Zuma, Thabang Makwetla, money to Ms. Myeni every month for the benefit of Nomvula Mokonyane and Duduzile Myeni. the JG Zuma Foundation’’. In one of the most brazen acts of corruption, The Commission found that Zuma accepted the Commission highlighted the evidence by for- gratification from Bosasa which sought to obtain mer Bosasa Group Chief Operations Officer, An- contracts with the government. Bosasa and its lead- gelo Agrizzi , who testified at the Commission that ership clearly provided inducements and gain to there was a plan between certain Bosasa executives Zuma, aimed at gaining influence over him. There and senior government officials to stop the Hawks was testimony that Zuma had paid a visit to Bosa- investigation into the illegal activities of Bosasa. At sa offices on two occasions. In one of the visits, the instruction of Bosasa CEO, Gavin Watson, Ag- the Commission, found, he was accompanied by rizzi met former SAA Chairperson, Dudu Myeni Myeni and the Minister of Health. Zuma allegedly at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria on September 23, spent about four and a half hours in the offices there 2015. Myeni indicated at the meeting that she was on a Saturday morning. trying to arrange for the termination of the inves- tigation. There were reasonable grounds to suspect that Zuma’s conduct was in breach of his obligations as According to Agrizzi she then produced a po- President under the Constitution, in breach of his lice docket that had apparently been obtained from obligations under the Executive Ethics Code and in the National Prosecuting Authority. She insisted breach of legislation .’’ Having regard to the nature that no copies be made but Agrizzi requested that of the relationship between Mr. Zuma and Bosasa he be excused to study it and make notes in his as revealed by the evidence, Mr. Zuma placed him- journal. While on the 6th floor of the hotel, Agrizzi, self in a conflict of interest situation’’, the Commis- ignored Myeni’s admonition and took photographs sion found. of parts of the docket with his cellphone. ‘’ There is clear and convincing, non-hearsay During her appearance before the Commission, evidence, confirmed by Ms. Myeni that Mr. Zuma Myeni declined to answer questions on the basis received the benefit of lavish spending by Bosasa that she did not want to incriminate herself. Much on his birthday functions. That, on its own, required of the evidence against her remained unchallenged Mr. Zuma to come forward and explain publicly as she refused to answer most of the questions and on oath, how that spending was justified, how claiming privilege against self incrimination. it was dealt with in terms of the Executive Ethics Code and that it was reciprocated with any form ‘’ Despite facing the corroborating evidence quid pro quo. His failure to do so warrants an ad- and appreciating the implication of her refusal to verse inference’’, the Commission said. answer questions on her evidence, Ms. Myeni re- fused to answer questions including the meeting Commenting on Zuma’s decision not to con- with Agrizzi in 2015, handing over a police docket tinue taking part in the proceedings, the Commis- containing information regarding investigations sion said : ‘’ The consequence of his stance is that into Bosasa,’’ the Commission said in its findings. the evidence before the Commission implicating Myeni was also alleged to have received R300 000 him remains undisputed except the evidence he in cash a month from Bosasa for the benefit of the was able to dispute when he gave evidence in July J.G. Zuma Foundation. She was the Chairperson of 2019’’. the Foundation. The Commission found that Myeni had also received gifts and upgrades to the security The Commission has since referred the mat- of her home in Richards Bay valued at R486 514 ter to the relevant authorities to further investigate and a Louis Vuitton handbag which was stuffed alleged acts of corruption against the former State with R300 000 in cash. President. The Commission established that in sharing Zuma has since dismissed the findings. the information in the docket with Agrizzi, My- Also implicated in the massive corruption scan- eni’s conduct frustrated the police and prosecution dal is former Cabinet Minister and senior member authorities in their steps relating to investigating of the ANC, Nomvula Mokonyane, who allegedly and prosecuting corruption in relation to tender benefitted from a wide range of premium gifts processes. ‘’ Accordingly, Ms. Myeni’s facilitation from Bosasa. The Commission branded her a liar of the unlawful awarding of tenders constituted after denying evidence that she ultimately could breaches of the Constitution and legislation.’’ not challenge when confronted with the facts. She was shown to be dishonest in her evidence when The Commission found that there was a prima she even denied the birthday party – which was facie case of corruption against Myeni and have sponsored by Bosasa - that was held at the Victoria now referred the matter to the appropriate authori- Guesthouse, the Commission found. ‘’The difficul- ties for further investigation and prosecution. ty for Ms. Mokonyane is that she was shown to be dishonest in relation to the benefit constituted by Another high profile person who allegedly the sponsorship and arranging of her 40th birthday, benefitted from Bosasa’s Special Projects was the including Mr. Agrizzi’s role in it’’. former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. The Commission found that her further denial The Commission found that despite having only that Bosasa made a payment of R50 000 to her on a testified for two and a half days before he stopped monthly basis, at least on three occasions, was not taking part in the proceedings, Zuma had benefit- credible and ‘’ falls to be rejected as a lie’’. Initially ted through the generous expenditure by Bosasa she had also denied having ever met Agrizzi and including on his birthday parties. This information she was shown to have lied on this, the Commis- was confirmed by Myeni, the Commission said. sion found. The glaring question, the Commission Myeni had often called upon Watson to arrange

Friday 04 March 2022 NEWS 3WEEKLY SA MIRROR ZONDO COMMISSION REPORT 3 There were reasonable grounds to suspect that Zuma’s conduct was in breach of his obligations as President under the Constitution, in breach ofhis obligations under the Executive Ethics Code and in breach of legislation - Zondo Commission Report Former President Jacob Zuma: Bosasa “funded his high-level functions, including birthday parties, to the tune of R3,5 million a year” Thabang Makwatla: “In receiving ben- asked, was what Bosasa was receiving in return for Cape. Gwede Mantashe: efits from Bosasa, exposed himself to the multiple benefits bestowed upon Mokonyane. Agrizzi told the Commission that Watson had in- Described as “bril- conflict of interest” The Commission had established that Bosasa alleg- liant connection” for edly provided lavishly for her and her family with formed him that Mantashe was ‘’a brilliant connec- Bosasa Christmas hampers every year. These included large tion to have’’. volumes of cold drinks, alcohol, including premium brandy and whiskey and various meats and braai The Commission said Mantashe did not dispute packs. the installation of the security systems at his residenc- es. He testified that this was an offer made to him by Bosasa also provided security installations at her Papa Leshabane, his long-time friend who had prom- two homes in Krugersdorp and Bryanston in Johan- ised to pay the costs. The installation was not done nesburg; covered the expenses for the funeral of her at his request nor was it done to solicit any favours son including a marquee hire, air conditioning, print- from him by officials of Bosasa. At a media briefing ing of memorial pamphlets and refreshments as well shortly after the release of the findings, Mantashe as paying the costs for a number of funerals of ANC said he was going to brief lawyers with the intention members. of challenging the findings on review. The Commission found that there was sufficient The Commission also rebuked implicated Bosa- evidence to establish that Mokonyane accepted grati- sa executives and said its directors and other officials fication from Biosasa and in doing so, , breached her simply had no shame in engaging in acts of corrup- Constitutional and legislative duties as well as ethical tion. Bosasa’s primary mechanism was to influence obligations. public office bearers with the payment of cash bribes on an ongoing basis. ‘’ This was aimed at develop- The matter has been referred to the police for ing a corrupt form of loyalty to Bosasa through the further investigation and prosecution on charges of dependence on regular payments that would develop. corruption. However the attempts at influence through induce- ment or gain were not confined to cash payments’’. Another senior member of the ANC and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang The Commission said Bosasa also built houses, Makwetla, was found to have benefitted from Bosasa provided various furnishings for houses, installed which provided security installation and maintenance several home security systems, purchased motor ve- to his home at a cost of R308 754. The Commision hicles, bought gifts, premium luxury gifts such as said in terms of the Executive Ethics Code, Mak- pens and jewellery items and also paid for travel and wetla was not permitted to , amongst others, use his accommodation. position as Deputy Minister of Correctional Services by then, to enrich himself or to expose himself to any Bosasa also established various illegal mecha- situation involving the risk of a conflict between his nisms to generate cash apparently to continue paying official responsibilities and his financial and or per- bribes in cash. They also created fraudulent docu- sonal interests. mentation and fake invoices and utilized Metropoli- tan Death Benefit Fund documentation as source doc- Evidence led, according to the Commission, has uments for cash cheques. There were also fictitious established a prima facie case of corruption against transactions between Bosasa and certain government Makwetla. The matter has therefore been referred to departments for the supply of goods including soft- the relevant authorities for investigation and if the ware programmes, payments to ghost employees and NPA so decide, prosecution. over invoicing of goods supplied by AA Wholesalers. Another top ANC official and now Cabinet Min- Asked for comment, ANC spokesperson Pule ister, Samson Gwede Mantashe was also found to Mabe said the party needed enough time to study the have benefitted from Bosasa’s Special Projects. Ag- State Capture Report before they could respond to the rizzi had told the Commission that he was tasked by State Capture findings . Watson to attend to these projects which included the installation and maintenance of security at Man- The Commission remarked that notwithstanding tashe’s residences. These included CCTV’s, IP sys- the fact that Agrizzi was also part of the corruption, tems and lighting at Mantashe’s houses in Sunward, bribery and fraud, it was due largely to him that the Boksburg, another in Cala in a rural area in the East- Commission was given extensive evidence of corrup- ern Cape as well as a farm in Elliot in the Eastern tion, fraud and bribery by various people within the Bosasa Group of Companies.

4 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 04 March 2022 HIP-HOP’S GENTLE GIANT GETS EMOTION-CHARGED SEND-OFF Scores of personalities from South Africa’s arts community today converged on Joburg’s Wanderers Stadium to bid farewell to Hip-Hop’s leading light, Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado (34), aka Riky Rick, who passed away last week. In the picture (above) mega-star DJ Black Coffee with Ntsika Tyatya (in red cap) and fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo. Riky Rick was given a private funeral early this week. Photo: Sipho Maluka By Vusi Xaba TENSIONS RISE 20 000 undocumented Basotho nationals occupied Tensions are rising between the residents of Jo- OVER CRIME-RIDDEN the area, saying though that there had been efforts to hannesburg south’s Eldorado Park and the city’s regulate the residents. authorities over the notorious Goudkoppies waste- WASTE-DUMP SITE dump site, which is the scene of high crime-rate “The City of Johannesburg, through its Environ- and multiple murders. IMPASSE: City digs in its heels as outraged ment and Infrastructure Services Department, has residents demand removal of landfill site… over several years, made attempts to documents waste In January, a shoutout between police and some reclaimers that operate within the landfill (site) for armed residents of the informal settlement on the as required by the environmental laws. He dismissed tlement and the landfill site. “There is no informal reasons of access control, and to attempt to integrate site claimed the lives of 10 people, sparking outrage Pikitup’s assertion as a lie. settlement being allowed on the premises of Pikitup, and formalise their recycling efforts within the Pikitup and a call for its closure by the nearby community of in this case, the Goudkoppies waste landfill site. The waste value chain. Eldorado Park. A petition is currently in circulation, However, City of Johannesburg’s Environment informal settlement nearby, known as Lapland, is not demanding its closure, as residents the nearby town- and Infrastructure Services Development MMC Mi- on the Pikitup’s Goudkoppies landfill site but outside “For those that contested to provide personal in- ships of Pimville and Eldorado Park live in constant chael Sun came to the defence of Pikitup and the met- and adjacent to the landfill site,” Sun said. formation, it appears that there was a disproportionate fear in the wake of a spate muggings, housebreakings ro council. Sun’s office oversees environmental issues number of Lesotho nationals reclaiming waste at the and killings perpetrated by armed gangs believed to and the city’s infrastructure. He insisted that Pikitup Responding to the security upgrade question, fol- landfill (site), however the precise number of illegal be hiding in the settlement. complied with the environmental laws and denied that lowing the deadly shootouts in the landfill site last foreigners and/or Lesotho nationals in not known by the landfill site was within the premises of the waste month, Sun said one of the security measures being Pikitup”. Sun said. The residents, under the banner of the local Com- management entity. considered was a parameter fence upgrade, though he munity Service Delivery Committee (Cosdec) claim was not specific as to whether the fence would be to Goudkoppies made headlines last month when on that the City of Johannesburg’s waste management However, a visit to the area by Weekly SA Mir- divide the landfill site from the informal settlement or January 13 six security guards manning the landfill company, Pikitup,was violating environmental laws ror left doubt (though no measurements taken) as to to cover the city’s premises. site were shot at and five succumbing to the injuries. by allowing an informal settlement to mushroom on the validity of his claims. We also noticed that there This was followed a week later by the killing five peo- the land and also for having set up a landfill site close was no parameter fence separating the informal set- He could not confirm claims that an estimated ple at the landfill site on January 18. to the community. They say they want to place to be given to the community for their empowerment pro- Residents in the area described the shooting be- jects. tween the police and the residents as a scene from the wild-west movies with two episodes in which the Pikitup has previously denied the claims. It was police had been outgunned and forced to go back to joined by its principal agent, the Environment and In- Kliptown Police Station to beef-up and get more am- frastructure Services Development department, which munition. told Weekly SA Mirror that they were complying with national regulations relating to establishments and Police claimed that the time that they had arrest- regulating landfill sites. ed 27 people after the operation, among whom were those who could not produce legal documentation to Amid the impasse between the parties, the Na- be in the country. tional Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Department of Home Affairs have yet to confirm the whereabouts However, police could not say what happened to of the 27 people arrested during the shootout between those arrested. Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the in- residents of the informal settlement and police on vestigation on the matter was ongoing. She said she January 18 and 19. Over the two days, the area was could not give us what their records show pertaining rocked by two gun-battle incidents between police to their movement since they had been placed under and alleged illegal foreign nationals from Lesotho police custody following their arrest. armed with AK-47 rifles. Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza could not Cosdec chairperson and director Hilton Dawson confirm whether there were among those arrested who said they felt let down by authorities after an eight- had been handed over to his department for deporta- year-engagement with the authorities to halt the in- tion. formal settlement, which he said was much smaller at the time. He disputed the claim by Pikitup’s spokes- “The procedure is that they would appear be- person, Muzi Mkhwanazi, that they had set up Goud- fore a magistrate before being handed over to us,” koppies landfill site 500 meters away from the formal he said promising to come back with a more detailed residential community of Eldorado Park Extension2, response. However, he did not, though in another tel- ephonic inquiry he had confirmed that a relevant unit within his department had sent the response to him. NPA spokesperson Pindi Nojonondwane said they had no record of those people.

Friday 04 March 2022 CONSUMER & LEGAL MATTERS 5WEEKLY SA MIRROR Consumer Eye AWARD-WINNING CONSUMER EDITOR LOOKS 060 936 2673 INTO YOUR COMPLAINTS HOUSE SALE By Thuli Zungu ees were hiding him away from me, Lekwape DEAL FINALISED A Johannesburg attorney who almost said. “I have a strong belief that he was play- AFTER LAWYER caused the bungling of a house deal by ing hide and seek and his employees were not PAYS UP R280 000 allegedly withholding nearly R300 000 , honest about his whereabouts.” which was part of the down payment to the LIES: Buyer and seller relieved that the deal has seller , has finally paid the amount – eight Motabe said they ( with Lekwape) also had been sealed after eight months months after ducking and diving from the to lie to Mfono-Songca to get the information two affected parties. about his whereabouts. “I called Mfono-Song- HOME: Aubrey Lekwape stands outside the house he bought for his two sons ca’s office and pretended to be a buyer who Vuyo Mfono-Songca was accused of un- bought a house through an estate agent. I was professional conduct after he withheld – with- then told that he was operating from Braam- out reason - money that was supposed to be ficherville and was given directions where he paid to the man who had sold his house to a could be located ,” Motabe said. He later gave customer. Albert Lekwape, 62, of Meadow- this information to Lekwape. land was relieved this week when he at last took ownership of the house he bought from Lekwape said he managed to find him but Rashaka Motabe who also received the bal- could not talk to him as he was driving out ance of his money Mfono-Songca had kept from the office. Motabe said he was happy without a valid reason for eight months. that the deal had been finalised. He had de- cided to sell his two houses in Gauteng to start The lawyer, who was accused of unpro- a business in Limpopo where he has relocated, fessional conduct by keeping his client’s sales but was frustrated that Mfono-Songca had un- amount after the registration of the house fairly kept his money. he was contracted to transfer to the buyer, paid Motabe his balance of R285 000 after It was only last week that the lawyer fi- Consumer Eye intervened. Two weeks ago, nally transferred the money into his bank WSAM published an article in which we high- account. Lekwape said he used a portion of lighted the plight of a buyer and a seller who his pension fund to buy this house for his two were frustrated by Mfono-Songca’s conduct. sons. When asked for comment almost two weeks ago, the lawyer said he was busy with Lekwape could not take over the house he FICA documents at the bank and promised to had bought from Motabe after paying the full resolve the problem in a week. Before sign- purchase price of R570 559 into the lawyer’s ing the offer to purchase, Lekwape said he had trust account in July last year. Both the seller asked to see the attorney’s fidelity certificate and the buyer claimed they were equally frus- of Trust, but Mfono-Songva told him he kept trated by the attorney’s unfair conduct. When it at his home and offered to e-mail it to him, they could not reach him at his office, they which he did, Lekwape says. fashioned a plot on how to get hold of him. “For some strange reason, the e-mail dis- Lekwape said he was tired and frustrated appeared shortly after paying his deposit of by the lies Mfono-Songca allegedly fed him R270 559 which he transferred a day later. ‘’ since October last year. Each time he inquired about the date in which he should occupy his He said he was impressed at the speed in house the attorney would give him a day in which the house was transferred into his name which this would happen but when that day and that he also obtained the title deed imme- arrived, he would postpone to another week. diately, but had to chase after the lawyer to get things finalised. “I am very happy that my He drove to the attorney’s office at Klam- sons will now at last occupy their house,” Le- son Towers on a weekly basis without any kwape said. An equally thankful Motabe said luck. he was happy that he handed over the house to Lekwape on Monday. I came to a conclusion that his employ- ‘’ I will sleep easy now’’, said Motabe. By Thuli Zungu CLIENT UP IN “At this stage, I feel like I am treated the same Thabo Moyo is hopping mad after an insurance ARMS OVER way as someone who has committed a criminal of- company repudiated his insurance claim on rea- INSURANCE fence.” he says. sons never disclosed to him at the inception of DECISION TO the contract and which is in violation of the Pro- REJECT HIS CLAIM Moyo adds that he never signed any consent tection of Personal information Act. letter for King Price to demand his personal in- DEMAND: The company is now demanding formation before validating his accident claim.’’ I Moyo,55, of Amandelbult in Limpopo says information that was not in the contract want them to play open cards with me and make it when taking his insurance in 2020 for his car, he clear if the aim is to repudiate my claim’’. was never told that he will be mandated to dis- POPIA: Thabo Moyo treated unfairly by insurance company close his personal information such as ITC, Vehi- The contract which Consumer Eye has seen cle Tracking information, finance house enquir- does not have the additional terms and conditions ies, hospital records, National Traffic Information they want Moyo to abide by. System enquiries, vehicle box downloads and other reports he claims he does not have. Moyo says, it is only now that the company wanted him to give them consent to obtain his per- However, when he was involved in an accident sonal information and his refusal led to his claim in January this year King Price insurance company being repudiated. demanded this information even though this is not in the terms and condition of his contract. King Price has not explained what they were going to do with his hospital records, house finance Moyo says as a responsible company, the insur- and National Traffic Information System enquiries ance company should have advised him when the and vehicle box downloads. POPIA Act became effective that they would need this information but they never communicated “There is no clause that says I need to provide with him until he lodged his claim. the above information for my accident claim to be validated,” Moyo says. He says the insurance company even failed to tell him why they needed this information as re- Moyo says the law that deals with infringe- quired in terms of the POPIA Act ment on privacy, makes it an obligation for a com- pany to disclose fully to him the purpose for which Moyo says the insurance company claims that his personal information is required. they act as a “responsible party” in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 “Section 18(4), states that I need to be informed (POPIA) with respect to a client’s personal infor- whether it is mandatory or voluntary to provide mation. They also take certain steps to make sure consent for my personal information/data to be col- that their clients are fully aware of the types of per- lected as this was not discussed during the policy sonal information they process, how they process commencement stage and does not appear on my it, why they process it, who they may need to share policy document,” he says it with, as well as what the client’s rights are in relation to their processing of personal information “POPIA Chapter3, Section 11, under Consent, in terms of the POPIA Act. Justification and Objection clearly states that If a data subject (myself in this case) has objected to the “None of this has been shared until now even processing of personal information, the responsible after I asked them why they needed this informa- party (King Price) may no longer process the per- tion,” says Moyo. He says the insurance company sonal information,” he says. is treating him unfairly and not affording him the “royal treatment” that they purport to be giving However, they responded by rejecting his their customers at the time of need. claim. Tyran Moraites, a legal consultant who re- sponded on behalf of King Price says the matter is with the Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance and they cannot liaise with the media or the client directly until the matter is resolved.

6 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Friday 04 March 2022 IKUSASA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAREER GUIDE WOMEN STILL FACE DISCRIMINATION AT WORKPLACE CREATE: A culture must be created to support SweepSouth women to reach their full potential CEO and co-founder Aisha Pandor By Isaac Moledi women in the workplace, added: “A big part of “COVID-19 exacerbated gender disparity, es- Pandor believes that the SweepSouth app Gender equality in the workplace has made this support is making room for women and moth- pecially for women in underdeveloped or devel- platform allows domestic workers, who are pre- strides in recent years but experts believe there ers in particular, to manage motherhood along oping markets,” says Kneubuhler. “Just as we’ve dominantly women, to earn higher than market is still a long way to go before full equality and with their professional obligations. had to adjust to work from home, hybrid working rates while giving them the power to choose who inclusion is achieved. and more, we need to adapt our gender equality they take work from, where, and at times that suit In its simplest form this means flexible work- goals and the conversations around gender par- them - an opportunity that puts control back into According to the World Bank’s Women, Busi- ing hours and judging a woman’s competence on ity.” the hands of a group that is often exploited and ness and the Law (WBL) 2022 Report, 95 coun- her output and not the number of hours she is in underpaid. tries do not guarantee equal pay for equal work. office” De Wet says. She says this means giving all genders a plat- form and encouraging ambition, positivity and Hayley van der Woude, Managing Director at Its index report showed an improvement in According to Dori-Jo Bonner, a strategist at work-life balance. Irvine Partners, a 100% women-owned and wom- the most Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Striata Africa, it is essential for women in the en-led business, says it is crucial for businesses to North Africa in 2021, although these countries workplace, regardless of their profession or in- “So often, the view is that men are ambitious foster a culture where all opinions matter. still lagged behind the rest of the world. dustry, to embrace diversity and ensure that they while women are too bold or out of line,” says are given a platform to have their voices and ideas Kneubuhler. “But in an ideal world, we would be “It sounds obvious but it is surprising how According to a McKinsey report, there is heard. viewing everyone with the same lens. My advice subtle undermining someone can be,” says van a gap in the burnout between women and men to women in the workplace is to embrace your der Woude. which almost doubled in 2021 and even among “One of the best parts about working in digital ambition and be bold without forsaking your women in position of power, many feel forced to is that we are invariably living in the future every compassion and kindness’’. “Leaders need to take active steps to ensure apologise for juggling a family life. The report day. We are changing the way people connect, their whole team is on board with hearing people believes that the world will only achieve gender bank and shop. SweepSouth CEO and co-founder, Aisha Pan- out and then taking their ideas forward or sharing equality if there were equal incentives, resources, dor, notes that those finding work through their constructive feedback. and opportunities. It is our responsibility to mentor and train the on-demand home services app platforms can take next generation entering the workforce to ensure advantage of 100% of the opportunities that they This empowers anyone in the team -- men, WSAM spoke with industry experts and they understand the value of education and em- are exposed to. women, young, old -- to put forward innovative asked them to share their thoughts on workplace powerment and that their power is based on their ideas at any time. In this vein, we ensure that our equality and inclusion. ability, skills and ideas rather than their gender “When you are dependent on finding work performance evaluations are two-way sessions fo- and old fashioned stereotypes,” says Bonner. opportunities through what the people around you cusing on growth of the individual but also hear- “I am particularly passionate about creating have knowledge of, it becomes extremely difficult ing from them what the company could do better. environments in which women can thrive. This According to Sandra Kneubuhler, Country to have access to opportunities that could improve Often, our best projects, programmes or ways of means creating an organisational culture that sup- Director of sales and District Director for Radis- your employment situation,” says Pandor. working stem from these sessions and it helps us ports women in reaching their full potential and son Hotel Group, although women and girls repre- retain our edge.” encouraging, growing, developing and nurturing sent 50% of the world’s population, representing “Technology is one of the most powerful ena- them along every step of the way,” says Anine de at least half of the world’s potential, yet a 2019 blers of connectivity and through our platform He believes that the future of work must be World Economic Forum Gender Gap report found we wanted to leverage that potential to ensure inclusive for all, and businesses need to prioritise Wet, Client Service Director at Hoorah Digi- that despite this, it will take at least another 99.5 that domestic workers are able to connect with as diversity and equality to eliminate institutional tal. De Wet, who says she feels strongly that years to reach gender parity. And this number has many employment opportunities in the most con- bias. Those that do, will undoubtedly be in a women need to do a better job of supporting other only increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. venient way possible.” stronger position to succeed. Jason Basel, CEO of EduOne CAREER GUIDANCE Fundi. “It speaks to our long-term and legacy vi- By Isaac Moledi PORTAL TO sion for education in South Africa and across the South Africa’s largest career guidance website DIGITIZE continent,” says Dibakwane. “As a similarly ‘dis- and South Africa’s largest career guidance web- ruptive’ business, we are also very well aligned. site and education technology (edtech) startup, SA’S EDUCATION EduOne was the first in a wave of studentcentric EduOne, has recently been acquired by leading ECOSYSTEM start-ups that have effectively democratised educa- education finance and fund management solu- tion, enabling access for all. Fundi’s funding offer- tion specialist Fundi in order to further digitize AIM: The aim is to engage students and build ing has ensured that this access becomes a reality the country’s education ecosystem. for many. This essential philosophy of making edu- mentorship platforms cation ‘a reality’ is a core element of Fundi’s DNA Started in 2015 by Jason Basel (who served – making this partnership so exciting for us as a as the company’s CEO since inception), the Cape decisions about their further education and their ca- manage their programmes. growing business.” Town-based EduOne was developed to assist stu- reers. At 17 years old, few people even know who According to Basel, the company’s relationship dents on how to make decisions about their further they are, never mind who they wanted to become,” And growing it is. Dibakwane says just last education and their careers. “Students simply did says Basel. “This became the complex problem with Fundi has been a longstanding one. “In 2016, year, FundiConnect (then EduConnect) serviced not have enough information or support to make statement we starting to solve .” Fundi became EduOne’s largest stakeholder as it over 2.7 million students and engaged over 1 200 filled the company’s entire seed funding round. high school educators across the country to ensure Today Basel says his company operates South students could make better education and career Africa’s largest career guidance website, engaging Since the acquisition, work is already underway choices. “We’re also planning to integrate other key students on their post-school options. It also builds to integrate the two solutions, with the EduOne’s services such as our education financing offerings, software such as a mentorship platform and fund career guidance tool, EduConnect, having been in- online shop and bursary finder, among others in the disbursement tool, both aimed at enabling bursa- corporated into the Fundiverse as FundiConnect.” near future,” says Dibakwane. “This will mean that ry and financial aid providers to more effectively we can fully digitise a student’s journey: covering Fundi CEO, Makgau Dibakwane, believes that all their needs from school right through to getting acquiring EduOne has been a natural next-step for a job – no matter where they find themselves.” With EduOne’s tech-savvy team now integrat- ed into Fundi’s, Basel believes that the real winners are ultimately students. “This acquisition means that Fundi can reach its audiences with unprec- edented scale and depth of value going forward. As a united team, we’re on the same page, have the same mission and are looking forward to an ex- citing and successful future together – where we continue reframing and reimagining the future of education in Africa.

Friday 04 March 2022 FOOD AND WINE 7WEEKLY SA MIRROR CHEERS: Lebo Shumayeli and artist Nomsa Mazwai, aka Nomisupasta, make whoopee after a zesty brandy-tasting experience at Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Soweto. ACCLAIMED: The cream of SA’s award-winning fine brandies that have put the country on world map, beating some of the much-vaunted Cognacs HIGH SPIRITS AS BRANDY RECONNECTS WITH SOWETO VINTAGE: Tasting of South Africa’s award- winning brandies elicits enthusiastic response... BONHOMIE: Oscar Ponto and Cape Wine Academy principal Heidi Duminy chat up between tasting the country’s top brandies THE TOP FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SA BRANDY By Len Maseko Brandy Foundation last year, to give the spirit a • There are three styles – blended, vintage • Our potstill brandies are double-distilled in From the seventies to the 1960s up to the early fresh lustre. The objective is to rekindle the spir- and potstill. copper potstills and matured in oak barrels 90s, brandy was the most consumed spirit in it’s fortunes against the backdrop of juggernaut • SA brandy is the world’s finest. It wins the townships with Soweto its epicentre. Yet, sales and popularity enjoyed by French brandy, for at least three years. They are generally the spirit enjoyed its huge popularity next to major trophies most of the time. enjoyed neat or with a mix. beer for three decades until whisky blazed into Cognac, in this country and across the globe. • Brandy is made from the highest quality • Blended brandies are trending on the the picture – big time – from the mid-1990s. Understandably, this trend has always sad- dled the foundation’s executive director, Chris- wine – mostly chenin blanc and colombar. cocktail scene. In the wink of an eye, it nudged brandy aside, and immediately rode on the crest of tidal wave telle Reade-Jahn and his team with a worrying created by the euphoria over the advent of democ- paradox, given that local brandy boasts interna- racy in 1994. The rest is history. tionally acclaimed superior quality. Yet, many younger South Africans – perhaps unversed about Talking about history, South African brandy this fact – consume more Cognac than the local celebrates 350 years of its arrival in this country spirit, perpetuating an astounding irony. this year. Tracing its origins from Holland, bran- On Tuesday (March 1), the foundation dy (brandywine) is derived from the Dutch word launched a public relations drive in Soweto to re- “brandewijn”, meaning burnt or distilled wine. vive interest in local brandy and bring awareness around its superlative quality, which is arguably Since then – mostly unbeknown to the local equal to none around the world – a fact supported revelry scene – South African brandy has scooped by the record times South Africa has won the best the title of Worldwide Best Brandy at the Interna- brandy awards, trouncing the much-vaunted Co- tional Wine and Spirits competition 15 times in gnacs. the past 20 years. Its unparalleled success on the For the launch, which took place at Soweto’s international front has proved that South African Eyethu Lifestyle Centre owned by wine enthusi- brandy is the finest – even superior than many Co- ast Mandla Tshabalala, Reade-Jahn and Bowman gnacs in most cases. Cape wine master and brandy brought a flight of 18 top brandies to be tasted by expert Dr Winnie Bowman says the Dutch used a small select group of businessmen, social media distillation as a method of preserving wine aboard influencers and other socialites to sample South their ships. The story is that a tot of brandy was of- Africa’s hidden and unheralded spirit treasure. fered to the first man on board to sight land, lead- The tasting turned out an eye-opening experience ing to calls of “Land Ahoy” many days before the for all, eliciting a chorus of gushes and ooohs! vessels actually docked. with every labels – some familiar and other tanta- lising new-kids-on the-block. Bowman says the first brandy in South Af- “We have come back to Soweto where it all rica was distilled aboard the Dutch ship de Pijl, began, and where brandy consumption was unsur- anchored in Table Bay harbour in 1672, hence the passed from the 60s to the early 90s,” Reade-Jahn spirit celebrates its 350th anniversary this year. said. “We know we succeed here in Soweto, in Anniversary celebrations are to be held in the getting brandy where it belongs, we will succeed Cape later this year. anywhere in the country.” Cheers to our barn-storming brandy! MIRTH: Brandy expert Dr Winnie Bowman, arts personality Nomsa Mazwai and SA Brandy Foundation Notably, the celebrations will coincide with executive director Christelle Reade-Jahn enjoy a lighter moment at the branding tasting a new innovation campaign, launched by the SA

8 WEEKLY SA MIRROR OPINION/ANALYSIS Friday 04 March 2022 Comment LET THE LAW NOW TAKE DECISIVE LEADERSHIP ITS COURSE NEEDED TO CHANGE LIVES After months of listening to evidence from var- ious witnesses regarding acts of widespread AGENDA: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech at SA Local Government corruption, fraud and money laundering in- Association conference, warning that many residents have lost faith in volving billions of rands, the Commission into municipalities’ ability to meet their needs... State Capture is almost done and dusted. Thank you for the opportunity to address this tration. Many residents have lost faith in the ability urge consumers of municipal services to pay for All that is left now is for the prosecuto- National Conference of the South African Lo- of local government to meet their needs. So too have what they receive. We should encourage good citi- rial arms of the state to move into action with cal Government Association. It is 25 years since many investors. zenship and promote a culture of payment for ser- measured haste by throwing the book to those SALGA was formed. And for 25 years, SALGA vices. This conference should make a call to all who implicated. Many have been fingered following has performed a critical role in supporting our To take just one example, in June last year, the use municipal services – beginning with govern- dozens of testimonies and heaps of documen- municipalities and championing the needs of dairy group Clover closed the country’s largest ment entities – to lead by example and ensure that tary evidence implicating them in all sorts of communities across the country. cheese factory in North West, citing ongoing chal- their municipal accounts are paid. serious misdeeds. Some include include former lenges with water, electricity and road infrastruc- President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, cabinet This national conference will be electing new ture. Clover is just one of a number of companies In the State of the Nation Address, I reiterated ministers like Gwede Mantashe and senior ANC leadership, reviewing and strengthening SALGA’s that have been affected by poor service delivery, our commitment to the District Development Model official and former Cabinet Minister Nomvula systems and processes, and adopting a new organi- forcing them to move their operations elsewhere and to grow local economies, create jobs and deliver Mokonyane. The Commission found there were sational strategy for the next five years. We have depriving needy parts of our country of investment services better and faster. The District Develop- prima facie cases of corruption against Zuma, come together as mayors, councillors, local govern- and employment opportunities. ment Model aims to improve coordination between Makwetla and Mokonyane and have, as a result, ment representatives and representatives of provin- national, provincial and local governments, and be- referred their cases to the relevant investigation cial and national government because we share a The challenges in municipalities do not only af- tween government and its social partners. authorities for action. Chaired by Acting Chief common determination to fundamentally improve fect the lives of communities. They damage both lo- Justice Raymond Zondo, the Commission’s job the lives of citizens. cal economies and the South African economy. This Through this Model, we aim to energise our was not easy sailing, as some witnesses failed to need not be the case. We have the means to correct entire system of cooperative governance, and bring turn up to give evidence and others plainly re- Over the past 28 years of democratic govern- this problem. Much of this responsibility is carried coherence to planning and implementation. Once it fused to answer questions. Zuma, himself walked ment, we have made commendable progress in de- by the newly-elected councillors and by the munici- is fully operational, we will know at all times what out of the proceedings in protest against what livering basic services to the people, especially the pal officials with which they will be working. Local is needed, where it is needed, how it will be done, by he believed was cross-examination by evidence poor and vulnerable. We have provided clean and government is where you can make the biggest dif- whom and exactly how much it will cost. leaders. He appeared before the Commission for safe water, decent sanitation and electrified homes. ference in the lives of our people. Local government two and a half days. Despite all the challenges, is the most important enabler of economic growth The Department of Cooperative Governance, in the Commission should be commended for a job We have built houses, clinics and hospitals. We and development. By providing reliable water sup- partnership with several stakeholders, has been de- well-done. have provided free basic and tertiary education and ply, sanitation, energy and refuse services, and veloping profiles for each of the country’s districts free primary healthcare. We have an extensive so- through road and infrastructure maintenance, local and metros. The profiles reveal the specific chal- With the ruling party, the ANC, having sup- cial security net. The task before us now is to con- government enables our economy to grow and cre- lenges and opportunities in these areas, such as gen- ported the Commission from the onset, it is ex- solidate these gains, to deepen them and to ensure ate employment. As leaders across government, we der composition, social infrastructure, the number of pected that they, together with its leaders would that we realise the aspirations of the South African have to work with all stakeholders in municipalities child-headed households, and levels of poverty and accept its findings and recommendations. How- people. Municipalities are the first point of contact to deliver a better life to our communities. This calls illiteracy. Having these profiles in hand, we are then ever, it must be pointed out those fingered remain between government and the people. When there for decisive leadership and accountability. We must able to develop an intergovernmental plan for each suspects until further investigations are complet- are local government failures, the effects are felt im- focus on building municipalities that are sustaina- district or metro. Known as the One Plan, this sets ed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which mediately and they are far-reaching. ble, efficient and free of corruption. The Municipal out a long-term strategic framework to guide invest- would decide on whether to prosecute or not. Structures Amendment Act, which came into effect ment and service delivery in the specific district or Three months ago, we held local government on the 1st of November 2021, introduces an enforce- metro. Under the circumstances, the Commission elections, in which the people of South Africa once able revised Code of Conduct for councillors. This did their utmost to produce voluminous reports again exercised their democratic rights freely and Code introduces consequences for those who do not Through these One Plans, we are forging in- containing evidence from people who witnessed fairly. However, we should be concerned about the uphold and adhere to it. As the different spheres of novative partnerships with communities, businesses acts of corruption including the stealing of a low voter turnout across the country and what this government, we are committed to a range of addi- and other stakeholders to improve and accelerate police docket, bribing of senior government of- says about voters’ experiences of local government. tional measures to strengthen local government. implementation of key development projects. We ficials in an effort to secure lucrative tenders are looking to the District Development Model to and the provision of security installations at the A report prepared by the Department of Coop- They include institutionalising acceptable levels help put South Africa on a new path of socio-eco- homes of certain senior members of the ANC. erative Governance in June last year noted than only of performance and service delivery for councils. nomic and spatial transformation. In conclusion, I five per cent of our country’s municipalities were These measures include a campaign to construct and wish you well in your deliberations in the coming The Commission heard evidence of millions financially stable. Others are in financial distress, maintain water and sanitation infrastructure, speed days. I have no doubt that each one of us under- of rands being exchanged between company di- with insufficient revenue to meet their expenses. up processes to ensure energy security and fully stands the urgency of this moment. rectors and government officials. These acts were Some 64 municipalities are considered to be dys- implement the provision of free basic services. To committed with impunity with none of those im- functional. deliver on their responsibilities, municipalities must Let us turn adversity into opportunity. Let us plicated having shown any signs that what was address poor revenue collection. Municipalities are turn local government around. I wish the new lead- happening was against the law. This dysfunction is rooted in poor governance, owed billions by businesses, government entities ership of SALGA and all councillors well in the all- weak institutional capacity, poor financial manage- and households for services rendered. important task of improving the lives of the people The Zondo Commission has now almost ment, corruption and political instability. By June of South Africa. completed its work. What remains is for those last year, some 26 municipalities had been placed In line with the campaign led by the Deputy *Salga is an umbrella body for nationwide 278 implicated to respect the findings and co-operate under administration. This number has now risen to President known as Responsible Citizenry, we must municipalities in South Africa, comprising eight with the law enforcement agencies during their 31 municipalities under administration. We continue metropolitan, 44 district and 226 local councils further investigations. Those who hold a different to hear about municipalities under threat of adminis- view, however, have a legitimate right to turn to the courts for a review. President Cyril Ramapho- sa, who has been very supportive of the Commis- sion, must leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the Commission’s findings and recommenda- tions are implemented and those who are found to have been criminally involved in State Capture, must face the full might of the law. Ramaphosa has the ammunition to cleanse the ANC, govern- ment and the country at large, widescale acts of massive corruption that have left the economy in a perilous state. This is also an opportunity to help the ANC on its way to renewing itself. It is the time to rid the party of rotten apples. It is the only time, and the last opportunity, to win back the confidence of the country as a whole. v 060 936 2673 [email protected] Weekly SA Mirror is published by Weekly SA Mirror Pty Ltd. Correspondence to be directed to: PostNet Suite 230, Private Bag X 9, Melville 2109. Website: www.weeklysamirror.news Contact: 060 936 2673 Letters to be sent to: [email protected] MIRRORWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... Weekly SA Mirror subscribes to the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media. As a subscriber publication and member of the Press Council of SA, the publication is thus subject to the Press Code and to the jurisdiction of the PCSA’s com- plaints procedures.

Friday 04 March 2022 OPINION/ANALYSIS 9WEEKLY SA MIRROR HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELOVED MAMA AFRICA! ICONIC: Miriam Makeba the unforgettable treasure and pride of mother Africa... By Gugu Sibiya penned a beautiful, insightful song, admonishing high-profile person you can think of. Yet, her hu- Today, Mama Africa, the legendary Miriam the establishment for abandoning the people to be mility was something to behold. Her appreciation Makeba, would have turned 90. mauled by lions. Remember, she could never toler- for whatever was done for her, was humbling. She ate the sight of somebody suffering. was an old soul, generous to a fault. You never left Just imagine the hunger inducing-aromas that her home empty-handed. To meet Makeba was to would have been coming from her kitchen – a great Makeba fed, clothed, nursed and helped people fall in love, hooker and sinker, while in a wonder- cook, who loved to entertain guests with her heart- in whatever way she could. I’m not talking about land, wowed by her regal presence and creating her acquaintances only. I refer especially to stran- memories for life. With all her love and endearing warming meals? Not that she ever needed any gers in whatever countries she lived in. Mzansi mild way of speaking, she was no push-over, none- excuse to cook. There was always students and activists struggling in Ghana, Guinea, theless. She knew how to effectively put uncouth delicious food in the house. Conakry, Nigeria, Liberia, USA, Belgium, among people in their place. Sadly, someone got away with If you had just missed other places. milking her estate after her passing. A shame. a meal, no problem at all: she would ready As a star making money, she spoke fondly of Today there’s an exciting revival of African whip up something to shopping in the then thriving Sierra Leone since it spirituality. Yet, she was the first artist to incorpo- tickle your taste buds had most of the goods other neighbouring countries rate it in her repertoire. She performed songs she instantly. didn’t have. Her anecdotes from her shopping expe- had learned from her sangoma mama, Christina. So many things riences at the markets in Tanzania, Zambia and Mo- She paid tribute to her legacy every chance she got. have happened zambique were priceless. For someone who met so since she passed many people in every nook and cranny of the world, Always street ahead of the pack in so many, in Italy in 2008. she never forgot faces nor lost her common touch. many ways, she blazed the USA in the 60s, popu- What I know is She may have had one child, her daughter Bongi, larised the short-hair and corn-row styles. Loving that, instead of but she had so many children all over the world she the look, bevies of beauties and fashionista African just moaning doted on, and to whom she was an ever-dependable Americans could not wait to burn their wigs and about eve- mum. copy the South African click-song African goddess. rything that At the time, beaded braids were already in vogue has gone Then there was her grandchildren, Lumumba in West Africa. When Makeba wore them, Africa wrong and Zenzi-Lee, her great-grandson then, Lindelani. was sold. with our She loved and adored them, unconditionally. Like coun- their mom Bongi before them, they had also been She sang in vernacular on the world stages. try, she gifted with music genes. Zenzi sang, Lumumba They did not understand a word but lapped it up, would tickles the ebony-and-ivory keys while Lindelani nonetheless. Makeba proved how powerful the lan- have drums away. guage of music is. Complimenting her music was the African attire she wore so proudly and elegant- VOGUE: Miriam Makeba The love she wrapped them with, sizzled with ly. Her dress sense became a powerful statement of lovingly named Mama the warm of a blanket. It was infinite. There for identity, fashion and pride. Africa’s ever-green mu- them for eternity and all to ward of life’s winter sic has given hope and chill. Wherever they are today, they will know it Here at home and all over the world, Makeba joy globally lives on, eternally! – the mother of all icons – is still deeply missed. A gem, a blessing like Makeba can never be forgotten. Being a citizen of the world, she dined with kings, queens, presidents. In fact, with almost every Nomakanjani… By Ido lekota TIME FOR SOCIAL to endogenous solutions cognisant of the existing The newly released Edelman SA Trust Barom- COMPACT material conditions under which it is crafted. eter report showing that 69% of South Africans have lost trust in government, is a confirmation UNFETTERED BY This means, for example, the parties involved of the state of despair the South African public SELF-SERVING must, in the words of Professor Zine Magubane, rid currently finds itself. AGENDAS themselves of “political apathy, collusion with both domestic and transnational elites in perpetuation Incidentally, the report also shows that the SCENARIO: Business, labour, civil society and of the current unequal and unjust order, uncritical South African public does trust both business and acceptance of exogenously scripted development the non-governmental sector. government must be prepared to make sacrifices in strategies which continue to peripherise their local economies.” For many South Africans, this should come as pursuit of greater good for country and its people… no surprise, given our government’s record of false This implores those crafting the social compact promises and inefficiencies – along with the spec- of the majority of the country, both history and re- Second, the parties must acknowledge that one to be spurred by a commitment to produce solu- tre of a media seemingly operating in the post-truth search show that if there is any time South Africa factor that creates some tension among the various tions that will help South Africa move away from era. ever needed a social contract, it’s now. stakeholders is the fact that business continues to the mainstream developmental model based on believe that the state must relinquish its control the logic of the market that privileges capital and First, the report should be a clarion call to Given the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust over the country’s economic development pathway. private wealth accumulation over the needs of the President Ramaphosa to make sure he meets his among the various stakeholders, crafting the much- excluded majority. self-imposed target of 100 days to finalise a “com- needed social compact will be difficult – but an Thirdly, the parties must acknowledge that the prehensive social compact to grow our economy, unavoidable imperative as rising instability looms relationship between business and government Simply put, for the envisaged social compact to create jobs and combat hunger.” large on the horizon. has so far prioritised profit over people. This has, become fit for purpose, it must be driven by a com- unfortunately, led to the supposedly government- mitment to drive not only economic growth – but Second, the social compact he promises to de- To avoid going down that onerous path, the driven inclusive development galvanised personal inclusive economic growth. liver a programme that will improve the quality parties involved in crafting the social compact – enrichment by those close to power. of life for the obviously disaffected South African including business, labour, civil society and gov- This is the kind of economic growth that goes public. ernment – must be prepared to make sacrifices in Such introspection is an important step to the beyond redistribution and poverty alleviation. It is pursuit of greater good for country and its people. development of a social compact based on home- growth that is coupled with equal opportunities. A Although some of us might find it somewhat grown development strategies that will help correct growth that allows all people to contribute and ben- strange that the president has been at the helm of In doing so, they must also be cognisant of many years of injustices. efit from it. A growth that is broad-based across the the country almost five years, and is only now real- prevailing realities. First, the parties must acknowl- various sectors - including manufacturing – and ising the urgency required in addressing the needs edge that ours remains a country where race re- History has shown us that any social compact inclusive of a large part of the country’s labour. mains a fault-line that weighs down the lives of the aimed at addressing the challenges of unemploy- majority of South Africans like an albatross. ment and poverty, must be driven by a commitment As former ANC youth and businessman Ma- lose Kekana avers, underpinning this agenda must be a commitment to efficient use of fiscal capacity, instead of indulging in pet projects driven by un- sustainable ideological whims and motives. To this end, the 2022 Edelman SA Trust Ba- rometer report should for – both government and the media – serve as a mirror to reflect on the im- portant role they can play to contribute towards the kind of redress the envisaged social compact can achieve. As for business, it should avoid falling into the trap of seeing the report as an endorsement of its sometimes anti-inclusive growth tendencies. • Ido Lekota is a former Sowetan political edi- tor, writing in his capacity as an independent socio-political commentator.

10 WEEKLY SA MIRROR FASHION/LIFESTYLE Friday 04 March 2022 VANS INTRODUCES THE CIRCLE VEE SNEAKERS: A new silhouette that recognises By Mpumi Brown natural rubber instead of petroleum-derived synthetic every little bit helps to create a better planet Vans reaches milestone in broader sustainability rubber and is obtained from sources that follow proven goals by tapping into renewable materials and knit- ethical and sustainable practices that minimize harm ted uppers that reduce waste. and have positive benefits within the natural and social ecosystems in which they operate. This new rubber Costa Mesa, CALIF. (Feb. 25, 2022) – Vans, the compound was developed and engineered to maintain original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is the grip and durability for which Vans is known. The excited to introduce the Vans Circle Vee™, an all-new Circle Vee is available in natural/gum, dawn blue/gum silhouette that taps into renewable materials that re- and black/gum colorways. grow as they are used and a reduced-waste approach — because every little bit helps. Vans is committed to taking steps toward a more sustainable future and putting in the effort with the lit- For the Circle Vee, Vans looked at every detail that tle things. All the small, thoughtful choices made dai- goes into making a shoe and adjusted where possible. ly—like riding a bike, picking up trash, refurbishing The one-piece knitted natural upper has a classic Vans old boards, or hanging drying clothes—add up to a big DNA look and feel and was designed to reduce waste move in the right direction for the ocean and surfers in production compared to Vans’ traditional cut and everywhere. With the Circle Vee, Vans is proud to be sew uppers. The upper is stitched directly onto the out- doing our part. sole and is made of 48% organic cotton, 47% hemp, and 5% nylon, while the laces are made from 100% To support and protect the world’s oceans, Vans jute natural fibers. will be donating $1 for every Circle Vee product sold—with a minimum of $25,000 donated—to the The Circle Vee boasts a brand new EcoCush™ Tides Foundation to support ocean conservancy. drop in footbed and provides all-day comfort and support with a molded heel cup and arch shape. The The Vans Circle Vee is available now at Vans re- silhouette also ushers in Vans’ EcoWaffle™ outsole tailers and at Vans.co.za For more information about made from an all-new rubber compound that utilizes Vans’ sustainability efforts, visit Vans.co.za/Sustain- ability.

Friday 04 March 2022 FASHION/LIFESTYLE 11WEEKLY SA MIRROR HOW KINTSUGI CAN HELP YOU HEAL FROM DEPRESSION By WSAM Reporter THREAD: Talk to your doctor to start process pression. * LIFESTYLE CHANGES - Meditation, ​Kintsugi, an ancient Japanese artform and phi- of putting pieces together... losophy based on the principle of embracing yoga and exercise have been found to be flaws, and beautifying them. The kintsugi can * Excessive guilt or unrealistic self-image self through various treatment options.” effective in the healing process of depres- be applied to healing our bodies and minds, es- struggles. Some of the treatment options include, sion as they release endorphins. Mindful- pecially depression. * TALK THERAPY - A healthcare profes- ness and meditation assist in controlling * Low energy, resulting in a lack of self- negative self-talk, and plays a role in pre- Globally, depression impacts over 264 million care. sional will help you to understand the rea- venting negative thinking. people, and an estimated 76% of depressed people sons for your depression, and will teach THE BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN THREAD lack access to treatment. However, as more people * Significantly low concentration levels. you coping skills to help you deal with Repairing a priceless piece of pottery using open up about mental health challenges and active- * Eating too much, or not at all. negative feelings. gold often beautifies it through the imperfec- ly seek help, talking about depression has become * Agitation and severe panic attacks. * MEDICATION - There are many medica- tions. In the same manner, treatment can help less of a taboo subject, which in turn makes treat- * Suicidal ideation and/or self-harm. tions that can help you feel better. Some of you overcome your depression by mending the ment more accessible. HOW TREATMENT CAN BE LIKE KINTSUGI these breakthrough medicines can even be parts of you that feel broken. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DEPRESSED? “Up to 80% of people treated for depression administered once a month, and prevent If you or a loved one is struggling with depres- show an improvement in the first six weeks of what is commonly known as ‘treatment sion or have any of the above symptoms, speak Depression is so much more than an episode of treatment, and this shows the effectiveness of holidays’, which is a step back when treat- to a doctor and begin the healing process. the blues, the symptoms can be complex, and seeking help, said Dr Eugene Allers, a promi- ing depression. To learn more about how you can break de- it is best to seek the help of a healthcare pro- nent psychiatrist based in Benoni. “Once you * LIGHT THERAPY - Exposure to white pression using the philosophy of kintsugi, visit fession if you experience any of the following take the first step, and talk to your doctor, you light has been found to help regulate your Our Mental Health, an informative website symptoms every day for two weeks or more. will begin the process of putting the pieces to- mood and reduce milder symptoms of de- that features professional insights and lifestyle * Irritable or depressed mood. gether, until you feel whole and embrace your- advise for people living with depression and * Sleeping too much or too little. their caregivers.    * Lost interest in things you once enjoyed. WORLD REELS FROM COVID-INDUCED DEPRESSION CASES REVIEW: Females more affected than males by pandemic- related mental health problems, and younger people… By WSAM reporter pandemic went far beyond the death and disease Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll on mental caused by the virus itself. health – with global prevalence of anxiety and The greatest increases in depression and anxi- depression having increased by more than 25 per- ety were found in places that were the most af- cent during the first year of the pandemic. fected by COVID-19, where infections were high and social interaction was restricted, according to This was disclosed by World Health Organi- the WHO. sation director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus dur- ing a media briefing on Wednesday. A review conducted by the organisation found that females were more affected than males, and “This increase in the prevalence of mental younger people, especially those aged between 20 health problems coincided with severe disrup- and 24, were more affected than older adults. tions to mental health services, and underscored chronic underinvestment in mental health, leaving WHO had worked with partners to lead an huge gaps in care for those who need it most,” inter-agency response to the mental health im- Ghebreyesus said. pacts of COVID-19, by disseminating guidance, tools and resources for responders and the general Though, by the end of last year, some services public, and by supporting countries to integrate had been restored, Ghebreyesus said too many mental health and psychosocial support in their people remained unable to get the care and sup- response. port they need. Giving a Covid-19 update, Ghebreyesus said A new WHO report estimated that during the it was encouraging to see that deaths from COV- first year of the pandemic, the global prevalence ID-19 were now declining globally, and in most of anxiety and depression increased by more regions, but warned “it’s far too early to declare than 25 percent, showing that the effects of the victory over COVID-19”.

12 WEEKLY SA MIRROR MOTORING Friday 04 March 2022 MOTORING:Briefs UNMISTAKABLY LAMBO: The interior design is tech-laden and versatile with the jet-fighter starter flap and digital instrument cluster with NEW VEHICLE MARKET its architect lifted from the Audi A8 SURGES LAMBORGHINI URUS Rising interest rates. Excruciating fuel prices. An economy that’s in a state of reflux as it comes to THE ULTIMATE SUPER SUV grips with more than 700 days of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these varia- FEROCIOUS: Most exotic crossover in the market bles and more, last month’s (February 2022) new vehicle sales in South Africa has been the best it’s EMOTION AND PRESENCE: The ever been in the past year. best performance SUV money According to WesBank, the new vehicle can buy right now market surged ahead during February, recording its best sales month since March last year. By Ali Mphaki the company, it went bankrupt, changed owners of torque from an eight-speed auto transmission. A stubborn legend exists that Lamborghini as a twice until taken over by the VW Group (Audi AG) That it will get into serious trouble with the boys Here are the best-selling vehicle brands for company was born out of anger. Taking place in in 1998 setting off a new trajectory for the marque. with blue lights is a certainty since it gobbles the 0 – February 2022 (passenger cars) the land of the Mafia in Italy, the year was 1963 100km/h sprint in a blistering 3.6 seconds. 1. TOYOTA - 13 458 when Ferruccio Lamborghini unhappy with his Now what is it that makes motivational speak- 2. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP SA - 6 153 Ferrari drove to Enzo Ferrari to lodge a com- ers, psychologists and the like quick to caution us The Lambo Urus goes on like a hurricane (ex- 3. SUZUKI AUTO - 3 240 plaint about his clutch. not to do anything in anger, you may ask. cuse the pun), reaching prohibitive speeds of 305 4. HYUNDAI AUTOMOTIVE SOUTH km/h. What is also unique about the Urus is that it AFRICA - 3 017 Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer, Just last year Lamborghini recorded its best is the first Lamborghini to accommodate five adults. 5. NISSAN - 2 126 was deeply hurt when Ferrari dissed him with these sales ever, with 8 405 delivered worldwide. This 6. HAVAL MOTORS SA - 2 054 immortal words: “Let me make cars. You stick to translates into a 13 percent increase compared to As the first super SUV it combines the function- 7. RENAULT - 2 047 making tractors.” Apparently, Lamborghini never 2020. Lambo’s main market remain America, with ality of an SUV with the ferocity of a super sports 8. FORD MOTOR COMPANY - 1 877 spoke to Ferrari again. Instead of drowning in his plus 14 percent, Asia Pacific similar and EMEA car. An all-rounder, it is home on all surface terrains, 9. KIA SOUTH AFRICA - 1 737 sorrows, Lamborghini decided to build his own (African and the Middle East) plus 12 percent. taking the rough and the smooth with alacrity. 10. ISUZU MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA - 1 677 sports car, after all, he was an engineer and his trac- 11. MAHINDRA - 1 077 tors were selling well. In just four months, the first True the name Lamborghini may sound so ex- Available in 10 different colours, whatever the Lamborghini built and finished saw the light of day clusively exotic as to be disarming. Fear not. Now hue you will always stand out from the crowd. RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX BAN – the still sought after Lamborghini 350 GT. there is an affordable Lambo – the Lamborghini PREPOSTEROUS Urus, not Oros (as in picture). Perhaps the last word should go to Ferrucio in It is history that Lamborghini eventually sold response to Enzo Ferrari’s jibe. The decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix Whilst you still digesting the word affordable, it due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “does not will be comforting to know that under the bonnet is “You don’t mess with a farmer”. The starting make sense”, former Formula One supremo a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine which gets 850Nm price for an Urus is from R4.5-million for the base Bernie Ecclestone told AFP on Wednesday. The model. race scheduled for September 25 in Sochi - the final year the city was due to host the race before it moves to Saint Petersburg - was cancelled by Formula One last Friday ( Feb 25). Ecclestone, who over several decades trans- formed the sport into a global multi-billion-dol- lar commercial giant, said he did not understand how the FIA reached its decision. “It does not make sense whichever way you look at,” he told AFP by phone. “There is no war in Russia to my knowledge so if it took place it would make no difference to anybody. “This idea of trying to punish Russia this way in a sporting sense is not going to punish (Russian President Vladimir) Putin at all. HONDA AND SONY TO CREATE JOINT EV BRAND Japanese icons Honda and Sony have announced plans to sell and develop ‘high value-added’ elec- tric vehicles under a newly-formed joint venture. In a news conference earlier today, the two companies said – pending final approval – an as- yet-unnamed vehicle marque would be created by the end of 2022, before the first EV goes on sale in 2025. Honda will be responsible for manufacturing the new model, while Sony will supply a ‘mo- bility service platform’, likely for areas such as autonomous driving sensors, infotainment, tel- ecommunications, and other aspects the technol- ogy company is known for. The new company will lead the design, de- velopment and sales of the upcoming electric vehicles.-WHICHCAR? GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO DELIVERS HIS WORDS Nigerian Pastor Chris Oyakhilome who is popu- larly known as Pastor Chris is a billionaire and religious minister who knows how necessary it is to live in luxury. Apart from an airline he bought in 2006, he has two private jets When on the road Pastor Chris drives around in either a Mercedes-Benz sprinter V6 turbod- iesel, or in his Rolls-Royce Phantom V12, or the Toyota Sequoai, or the Toyota 4runner 2013, or the Honda Pilot, or the Toyota Fortuner 2015 model. Aside from that, the pastor has even given cars to most Nigerian gospel artists. SA’S MOST AFFORDABLE SEDANS Look no further than the Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA, which will set you back for R185 900 for a brand new model. The Dzire comes standard with all-round electric windows, rear fog-lights, daytime running lights available in three trim leves all powered by a 1.2-litre engine. Following closely in terms of affordability is the Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend, which will cost you R209 100. Not far off is the Ford Figo sedan 1.5 Ambi- ente, priced at R223 300.-Wheels24

Friday 04 March 2022 PERSONAL FINANCE/BUSINESS 13WEEKLY SA MIRROR BUSINESSES that their employees are more than the output they RESTRICT produce during working hours, says Burne. THEMSELVES TO He stressed that, for employees to be their best CREDENTIALS version of themselves at work, organisations need to foster a sense of belonging that combines mate- GOALS: Business capital measured only by rial and spiritual well-being. Good pay perks, pro- factors invalidates long-term goals motions and inoffice recreation centres may look good on paper, but they mean little if they are not By Isaac Moledi larger, longer-term goals in the process,” argues ANDREW BURNE, Africa, Zoho Corporation combined with a sense of freedom, trust, patience Is it time to redefine business capital in the cor- Andrew Burne, Regional Manager of Africa, Zoho Additionally, he believes that building knowledge and acceptance. porate world as we know it? Some experts say Corporation. capital shows your clients that you are in it for the that when business capital is measured only long haul, which engenders brand credibility and Employees also need to feel free to make mis- by factors such as monetary wealth, market “Numbers are important, but they are not the helps forge stronger connections with customers. takes and learn from them without being unduly capitalisation and sales, it also invalidates other most valuable aspect of capital that will sustain a penalised. Burne says most businesses, however, larger, longer-term goals in the process. business over the long term.” According to Burne, building this strong knowl- approach this idea of building an empowered hu- edge base goes hand-in-hand with talent nurturing. man capital backward. They start with the goal of They believe that numbers are important, yes, According to him, the true definition of capi- But when looking for talent, most businesses still maintaining a low attrition rate and then try to ana- but they are not the most valuable aspect of capital tal takes a much broader perspective than just a restrict themselves to a highly selective talent pool lyse why employees leave. that will sustain a business over the long term. The financial attribute. “Business capital, apart from based on credentials and educational qualifications. true definition of capital takes a much broader per- financial wealth creation, is building capabilities As Burne argues, unfortunately, credentials do not “Rather, it’s necessary for businesses to ask spective than just a financial attribute, they main- and deep know-how, putting down roots and de- always attest to a person’s true potential and capa- themselves ‘what have we done to deserve the loy- tain. Traditionally, capital has been defined as the veloping a shared culture, enriching individual and bilities. alty and commitment of our employees?’” human-created assets that can enhance one’s power community livelihoods, and creating impact that to perform economically useful work. echoes across local, regional, and national levels,” “Alternatively, when you remove formal edu- He says this reverses the focus from “why do says Burne. cation from your hiring requirements, you have ac- people leave us?” to “why should they stay with Adam Smith, the 18th Century Scottish econo- cess to a huge pool of untapped talent that’s waiting us?”, and urges companies to be grateful and ap- mist who many refer to as ‘the father of capitalism,’ The approach enables organisations to think for an opportunity to be trained and developed. Tak- preciative of employees who choose to stick with went further, defining capital as “that part of man’s beyond themselves as engines for profit and rec- ing in potential talent and upskilling them in-house them over the years. stock which he expects to afford him revenue”. ognise that they’re part of a much bigger picture. with industry-ready expertise further contributes to Over the years, this model has proved resilient and stronger knowledge capital.” He believes that such Developing a shared culture deep-rooted in a done much to create the contemporary world as Building skills and capabilities, If we have initiatives, additionally, make it easier to evolve core set of principlesaccording to Burne, a compa- we know it so much so that, today in the corporate to take Burne’s holistic approach, organisations and pivot when necessary.Enriching employees’ ny’s culture is its unique personality which mani- world, a business with good capital means strong should focus on building capabilities through con- livesis also important for businesses to remember fests in the form of strongly-held values, business funds and high financial valuation. tinuous investment in R&D and skills develop- ethics and a common sense of purpose. ment. Developing knowledge capital has to take “However, when business capital is measured precedence over getting product out to market as “Culture adds meaning to why businesses only by factors such as monetary wealth, market quickly as possible. do what they do and also guides how they do it. capitalisation and sales, it also invalidates other Culture gives a clear, collective goal for teams to While this might initially mean sacrificing on work towards, spiritedly. This cannot be achieved budgets for marketing and other secondary func- through maximizing profits or developing quick tions, the benefits become clearer in the long term. win strategies; they seldom motivate people or en- courage them to bond.” Ultimately, he says getting this right means fos- tering awareness that no business is larger than life and thinking more from the angle of how a busi- ness fits into the bigger picture. This, Burne argues, helps ensure that the business understands the role it plays in society and how it can be a community asset as it balances impact with growth. “Hyper-growth and near-instant ROI look glamorous in the short term but they lead to vicious debt traps; the very model is short-lived and unten- able in the face of adversity.” On the flip side, Burne believes that companies that prioritise laying down fundamentals of durability and nurtur- ing valuable skills and know-how can persevere for longer periods of time, build a positive legacy and contribute better to community growth and overall socio-economic upliftment. COMPETITION PRODUCES TALENTED PEOPLE WITH ENORMOUS CAPABILITIES WINNERS: First prize winners and runners-up receive a share of R3 million in seed funding. By Isaac Moledi South Africa is full of ambitious innovators GAP competition winners grab R3 million prize and original thinkers with enormous potential and capabilities, according to Pieter Holl, CEO ety of entries that the GAP competition received, year’s winners our heartfelt congratulations for in each competition category will receive incuba- of The Innovation Hub. it’s clear that South Africa is full of ambitious this significant achievement. ‘’They have set a tion services with technical and business mentors innovators and original thinkers with enormous very high bar for business innovation in South and intellectual property lawyers. He was speaking at the 2021 Gauteng Accel- potential and capability,” says Holl. “The judges’ Africa and we firmly believe that their businesses erator Programme (GAP) Innovation Hub com- decision was not an easy one given the talent on will be game-changers for the country.” In addi- The winners will also receive access to The petition winners virtual award ceremony . The display, and we would like to offer each of this tion to seed funding, the winners and runners up Innovation Hub’s network of industry and gov- prestigious competition, which is now in its 10th ernment partners. year, seeks to attract innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on innovations that will improve the efficiency of government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens. The GAP competition aims to foster in- novation and entrepreneurship across the five categories of ICT, Bioscience, Medical, Green Economy, Township Economy and solving some of the country’s most pressing challenges. The organizers say since the competition’s launch in 2011, it has received over 1,400 entries and the Innovation Hub has since invested over R22 mil- lion towards more than 116 start-ups. With novel business concepts including an Internet of Things (IoT) system to prevent load shedding, a digital payment platform for spaza shops and a portable DNA testing “lab”, both first-prize winners and their runners-up all receive a share of R3 million in seed funding. All GAP candidates are required to undergo an intensive year-long business education pro- gramme, following which an independent panel of judges selects the final winners based on their strategy and market potential. “By the wide vari-

14 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORT Friday 04 March 2022 PARALYMPIC GAMES SET TO GO DIGITAL FOR BEIJING 2022 By Own Correspondent MEDAL WINNER; Ntando including #WinterParalympics, #Paralympics, Following on most digital Paralympics of Mahlangu among #Gold, #Silver, #Bronze and all sports. all-time in Tokyo, Beijing 2022 will allow bil- the 34-member team lions of people worldwide the opportunity to representing SA at the More than 300 hours of live sport as well as show their support for the Paralympic Win- Beijing Paralympiics clips and highlights will be shown on the Para- ter Games by empowering fans to be content lympics YouTube channel , as well as a number creators. INCREASED INTEREST: Fans will be able of events available on the Paralympics Facebook to engage with Paralympic Games across their page. This content as well as schedules and re- “For Beijing 2022, we are enabling everyone own social media channels sults will be integrated into the Google and You- from athletes to TV viewers to become Para- Tube search experience. lympic creators with GIFs, stickers and frames that they can use in their own content. Social Where agreed with national broadcasters, media is not just about our official profiles, but geo restrictions may be applied to all the above. also about empowering our fandom and giving them the tools to express themselves,” said Nata- A team of 34 South African athletes has been lia Dannenberg-Spreier, IPC Head of Brand and confirmed for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, no- Engagement. tably its smallest squad taken to the Games since 1992. Athletes are set to compete in seven sports “There’s an increased interest from fans about - athletics, archery, cycling, equestrian, swim- the Paralympic Games. In the last 12 months, the ming, table tennis and wheelchair tennis. number of followers on the Paralympics’ social media channels has grown 118%, reaching a total These include two-times Paralympic cham- of more than 4,218,000 fans worldwide across pion Charl du Toit and three-times Paralympic all platforms. There’s no doubt that Beijing 2022 medallist Anrune Weyers. will break all records in engagement for a Para- lympic Winter Games”, said Jonas Oliveira, IPC Others are Ntando Mahlangu, Dyan Buis, Head of Content. Fans will once again be able Reinhardt Hamman, Kerwin Noemdo, Mpume- to engage with the Paralympic Winter Games lelo Mhlongo, Tebogo Mofokeng, Tyrone Pillay, across their own social media channels. Daniel du Plessis, Puseletso Michael Mabote, Ndodomzi Ntutu, Sheryl James, Simone Kruger, The International Paralympic Committee Ntombizanele Situ, Louzanne Coetzee, Johanna (IPC) is working closely with Giphy and Tenor Pretorius and Liezel Gouws. to create GIFs, Clips and Stickers which can be used across their own accounts by searching Christian Sadie, Hendrik van der Merwe, “Winter Paralympics”. Each day, dozens of GIFs Katherine Swanepoel and Alani Ferreira make up will be created from the very best moments and a squad of four swimmers. Wimbledon women’s fans can use stickers of the Paralympic mascot singles runner-up Kgothatso Montjane will be Shuey Rhon Rhon. one of the country’s medal hopes in wheelchair tennis. Also on the wheelchair tennis team are The IPC has also launched the Tenor Virtual Mariska Venter, Eliphas Maripa and Leon Els. Ultra experience, enabling Paralympians to cre- Theo Cogill is South Africa’s sole representative ate their own GIFs before the Games have even in table tennis, while Philippa Johnson-Dwyer begun, bringing the raw passion of athletes to and Cayla van der Walt are to compete in eques- their own social media channels. Twitter is once trian. again supporting the Games with hashtag emojis, Shaun Anderson and Philip Coates-Palgrave are South Africa’s two archers; while Nicholas Pieter du Preez, Ernst van Dyk and Toni Mould are set to compete in cycling ICC WOMEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP 2022 – MOMENTUM PROTEAS CONFIDENT FAVOURITES: South Africa come into the tournament after five straight victories since 2020 RIGHT-ARM BOWLER: Ayabonga Khaka expected to play a pivotal role for By WSAM REPORTER Bangladesh, who sit sixth on the latest ICC ODI rank- South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup Momentum Proteas captain, Suné Luus believes her ings, will be making their maiden 50-over World Cup ap- side is in a confident mood ahead of the team’s opening pearance in this year’s tournament and will be hoping to ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 fixture against kick off their debut campaign with only their third triumph Bangladesh at the University Oval in Dunedin, New against South Africa, with the Proteas Women having won Zealand on Saturday. 15 of 17 matches head-to-head. The hugely-anticipated clash gets underway from The last time the teams faced off in ODI cricket, 11h00 local time (00h00 SAST) with the action broad- South Africa enjoyed a convincing 5-0 series success at cast live on SuperSport and the SuperSport App. South home back in 2018. Although there is a gap between the Africa, who are ranked second in One-Day International two sides on the rankings table, Luus is taking nothing (ODI) cricket, come into the tournament in notable form for granted against the subcontinent outfit.. “They are a following five straight series victories since the start of very good side, it’s their first World Cup as well, so we 2020, including a thrilling 2-1 win over the West Indies in hoping to just apply our basics correctly and put them un- Johannesburg last month. der pressure early on. The contest in Dunedin will also be a full circle moment for Luus, as the all-rounder, who Despite going down in the two warm-up matches is skippering the side in absence of the injured Dané van since landing in the country of the long white cloud in Niekerk, will be leading the team out in a World Cup early February, Luus was pleased with the team’s overall match for the first time, having also made her international preparation for the global showpiece: cricket debut against Bangladesh in September 2012. “It was pretty cool, the stadium (in Mirpur) was full, one of “For us the, the warm-ups were all about assessing the the best experiences in my life,” Luus said. conditions and taking out of it what we could,” she began. “There were a lot of positives, and we could see what the The team will be without opening batter, Lizelle Lee conditions were going to do mostly, and it was also to give who is currently completing her Managed Isolation and a lot of the players some game time and confidence in the Quarantine (MIQ) period after arriving in New Zealand in middle as well.. the last week following the birth her son.

Friday 04 March 2022 SPORT 15WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORTS: Briefs MARAUDING ‘DOWNS FACE SOCCER FANS YEARN FOR THE TERRACES WOUNDED MARITZBURG The PSL have responded to a protest set to occur before the Soweto derby kicks off between Kaizer FOCUSSED: Even though Masandawa Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday, with their can smell the league title they look to chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza set to sit down and dis- achieve better than last season cuss their concerns. NAFSA Secretary General Si- yabulela Loyilane had this to say on iDiskiTimes: IMPRESSIVE: Haasim By Sports Reporter strengthen the teams win at the top over Domingo looks like Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing the table, Mnqgithi has suggested that “The PSL has afforded us an opportunity to sit he’s find his mojo up for more action in the domestic them are not focused solely on lifting down with the Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and the league as they prepare to face Mar- the league title but rather being the best Acting CEO Ma Mato Madlala to discuss issues re- itzburg United at the Harry Gwala possible team they can be: lating to the supporters and the march.The PSL has stadium on Saturday evening. confirmed to us that they will be ready to receive us “I believe the title is far from be- on Saturday,” said Loyilane. The Brazilians will be looking to ing clinched, it’s not our focus at this add three more points to their league stage because we don’t want to derail NEW FACES FOR BAFANA tally before they turn their attention to ourselves by focusing on the champion- BAFANA the upcoming Nedbank Cup and CAF ship when we could focus on our own Champions League encounters on the benchmarks. We want to achieve better Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed horizon. than what we achieved last year, our re- there will be new faces in his squad to face both sponsibility is not to focus on the cham- Guinea and France in friendlies later this month. Speaking ahead of the game, Co- pionship but to make sure that we better Coach Manqoba Mngqithi said his side our best records.” The Brazilians have South Africa are scheduled to play internation- are wary that Maritzburg’s form should already taken part in 7 games since they al friendlies against Guinea on Friday, 25 March not deter their current preparations: returned to football in 2022, travelling and France at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday, 29 across the country as well as the African March.In an interview with SowetanLIVE, Hugo “It’s another tough game that we are continent to partake in league, cup and Broos said there’s a need to blood a few new play- preparing very well for. These wounded continental competitions. ers to bolster the squad going forward. teams can be very dangerous, Maritz- burg have not been at their best and “The players understand that we “I have always said that the World Cup quali- we would not want them to come back have our regeneration protocol that we fiers campaign was the beginning. It was very diffi- against us.” follow, we are a team that is very seri- cult for me to select players because I didn’t know ous about ensuring that we recover fully them but they did very well. “We believe that our players under- and that we get as much rest as possible. stand the importance of giving it their In the small moments between games However, there must be new faces because best shot and giving the respect that is we have the responsibility to make sure we’re not strong enough. “If we were strong required and never develop any form that we recover and make sure that we enough, we would have qualified for the playoffs. of complacency because our journey is get out.” There are some weaknesses in the current group, still very long and we still have the re- therefore we have to look for other players,” he sponsibility to represent our badge with Mamelodi Sundowns do battle with said. pride.” Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening in DStv CHELSEA SALE TO BENEFIT Downs recently crossed the Premiership action. The match will kick UKRAINE VICTIMS OF WAR 50-point mark in the league with the off at 19H30 and will be broadcast live recent resounding 3-0 over TS Galaxy on SuperSport Channel 202. Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea up for sale, in Mbombela. Whilst the win helped while astonishingly confirming that he will not ask for his £1.5 billion loan to the club to be repaid and BOK BONANZA TICKET will donate all net proceeds to the victims of the SALES OPEN war in Ukraine. ALIGNED: The announcement could mean On one of the most dramatic days in the his- supporters will be allowed to attend games tory of Chelsea, when Telegraph Sport first exclu- sively reported the club had been put up for sale, it By Own Correspondent The last time a Springbok fan attended a MY CAPTAIN: SIya Kolisi also emerged that Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss Ticket sales for the Springboks’ home test Test in South Africa was more than two and a played at DHL Stadium in Cape Town in and American businessman Todd Boehly have matches will go on public sale at noon on half years ago – a 24-18 victory over Argen- front of a crowd. teamed up to make an offer. Interested parties have March 9 in a unique, coordinated launch. tina on August 19, 2019 at Loftus Versfeld. Those matches are followed by the double been invited to make official bids to buy the club by March 15 and offers were expected to be sub- Hosting venues for the Castle Lager In- The Springboks did not play at all in 2020 header against New Zealand – at Mbombela mitted this week. coming Series against Wales and the Castle because of the pandemic and in 2021 the Cas- Stadium and Emirates Airline Park on August Lager Rugby Championship matches have tle Lager Lions Series and two tests against 6 and 13 respectively – before the home season There were even claims at least one offer had aligned their on-sale dates for the first time. Argentina in the Castle Lager Rugby Cham- closer at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sep- already been made, but Abramovich’s public dec- pionship were played behind closed doors. tember 24. laration that the club is for sale and that he will Virtual card holding clients of Springbok donate proceeds, which could run into the billions, partner, FNB, will have an “early bird” win- Fans have been permitted to return to Tickets are priced within a broad range to war victims in Ukraine, may alleviate some of dow to snap up seats on March 7 and 8, with matches in 2022 and the expectation is that with all venues offering an entry level price the need to rush through a deal. public sales opening at 12h00 on March 9 for the current limit of 2,000 per match will be of R150 (R200 at Emirates Airline Park) with most venues. relaxed over the coming months. top-priced tickets at R1,500 for the mouth-wa- NEUTRAL RUSSIAN AND That means: tering mini-series against the All Blacks. BELARUS ATHLETES AT PARA- In the past, the hosting venues have • The Boks’ season opener against Wales at LYMPICS launched their ticket sales in an ad hoc man- Tickets for the three Welsh Tests in Preto- ner, but this year SA Rugby and the host un- Loftus Versfeld (July 2) will be the first ria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town as well as Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as ions have aligned on a coordinated approach, time in six weeks short of three years that the match against New Zealand in Johannes- neutrals at the upcoming Winter Paralympics in considering the significance of the season. home fans will have been able to see the burg are available from Ticketpro. Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee team live; (IPC) has confirmed. The announcement offers light at the end • It will be four years since the Boks played Tickets for the All Black Test in Nelspruit of a long dark tunnel as rugby supporters have in Bloemfontein (July 9 v Wales); are available from Computicket. Tickets for The athletes will compete under the Paralym- been barred from attending home Springbok • And the third Test against Wales (16 July the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match pic flag and will not be included in the medal table. matches in South Africa for the past two years 16) will be the first time the team has against Argentina in Durban in September In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the In- because of COVID-19 restrictions. will go on sale within the next month. ternational Olympic Committee has recommended that sports federations should exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, teams and officials from com- petitions ‘wherever possible’. FIFA and UEFA has already announced this week that Russian teams are now excluded from their competitions, including the World Cup and the Europa League. TYSON FURIOUS AT RUSSIA Tyson Fury has praised Oleksandr Usyk and the Klitschko brothers for joining Ukraine’s fight against Russia – insisting he will be the ‘first one to join up’ should the UK join the conflict. Reigning IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight champion Usyk returned to his homeland on Thursday following the Russian invasion and has since joined the Kyiv Territorial Defense, pictured in military attire and carrying a rifle on Monday. Pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko has also joined defence forces in his hometown while former world champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have vowed to take up arms. Fury was back in London for a press confer- ence for his upcoming WBC heavyweight title de- fence against Dillian Whyte – with the challenger choosing not to attend Tuesday’s media event.- METRO

MIRROR SPORTWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... VICTORY DANCE; Royal AM’s leading goal scorer Sepana Victor Letsoalo seen celebrating with teammates after scoring a goal. SWALLOWS TO INVADE ROYAL AM SHRINE By Ali Mphaki INTRIGUE: ALL TO PLAY FOR AS BIRDS and nothing short of a victory will improve their Another day, another chance reckons low-fly- DESPERATELY WANT TO FLY UP THE LOG log standings and bring some cheer to their long- ing Swallows FC to redeem themselves when STANDINGS WHILE MAMKHIZE’S BOYS suffering fans. they invade Mamkhize’s Royal AM sanctuary FIGHT FOR SECOND POSITION with the sole aim to smash-and-grab the three The Birds would need to put some pedal to points on offer in their DStv Premiership en- MaMkkhize’s boys are in good form and tous 1-nil goal last Saturday. metal if they are to succeed in their mission – counter Sunday. with the chance of finishing second place in the Adding further intrigue to this clash, howev- fight to the end! log – an automatic berth to feature in CAF com- TThe Birds, as Swallows FC are known, are petitions – they have more than an incentive to er, is that Swallows FC seem to play better away, Coach Dylan Kerr ably assisted by Fani hoping and praying for nothing but a victory, es- continue their winning streak. which makes them unpredictably dangerous. Madida have been doing some wonderful work pecially considering their woeful record so far behind the scenes, working on various combina- of three wins in 21 league games which has seen They come to this game with their tails up Both teams have had enough chance to work tions etc. them flirting with relegation occupying 13th po- having beaten SuperSport United 2-nil away at and plan their strategies the whole week, which sition the Lucas Moripe Stadium, last Sunday. is why fans expect a royal showdown laced with Time is not on their aside, however, and they tsamayas, shibobos and goals galore. would need to come up with a consistent first 11 Against a high-riding Royal AM who are Swallows FC are also buoyant, having taken sooner rather than later and stop the changes and competing for the coveted second position, the scalp of Sekhukhune FC away via a fortui- Judging from the log-standings, Swallows chops going forwards. Swallows FC will have to ride high in tide and FC bear more pressure ahead of this encounter wind if they are to inflict pain on their hosts who Swallows FC players obviously wants seem invincible especially when at home. it more, but it will be worth their while to re- member that the spiritual home of their hosts is Royal AM, otherwise known as Thwihli Maqonqo in the district of Zululand, a village Thwahla, have turned their home ground Chats- situated top of KwaZulu’s own Table Mountain. worth Stadium in Durban into a fortress, where they have registered seven wins at the venue this The altitude may just prove too high for season. birds with a trembling heart. Kick-off is at 15:30 Both teams meet again next weekend in a Nedbank encounter at the Dobsonville stadium.