WEEKLY SA Mirror 94th ED

BESTER TAKES RR TOUTS TARGET MEALS ACCIDENT FINALLY VICTIMS 4page 5page Friday 14 April 2023 D E Q L www.weeklysamirror.news MIRRORWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... A CRYING SHAME! THIS IS THE SORDID PICTURE PAINTED BY AN INVESTIGATION p2 REPORT INTO THE POOR STATE OF SA ARTS UNDER A CONTROVERSY-PRONE DEPARTMENT AND AGENCIES...

2 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 14 April 2023 STOP THE ROT IN ARTS AGENCIES – REPORT MALFESEANCE: Report fingers politicisation of arts agencies’ board appointment and self- censorship by artists as reason for lack of growth in cultural sector By Edward Tsumele “There is also an incentive for those without applying for grants from government because that Way forward? arts experience to become board members of arts money is meant for us. It is our money and does The researchers solicited the views of cultural A much-awaited report into the arts and cul- funding agencies. This was highlighted by arts ac- not belong to officials’’. tural sector commissioned by the Campaign tivist Mike Van Graan: Everybody is happy to be workers to come up with their recommendations for Free Expression has painted an unpalatable on a board because they get some kind of hono- Nyathela, who was part of the panel that also on how to take the sector can forward and the fol- picture of control by fear, corruption, political rarium. It’s a bit of prestige and they don’t want featured, researcher Thokozani Mbwana as MC, lowing are the recommendations from the culture meddling, nepotism and cronyism in the dis- to compromise their positions on the board. Many visual artist and lecturer at the University of Jo- workers. bursing of grant funding to artists by the De- people have used their positions on boards to ac- hannesburg, Mariapaola McGurk, poet and activist part of Arts and Culture and its agencies. cess public funding as well, which is not consistent Lee Mokobe. Civil Society with what the law says,” the report continues. The Cultural Institutions Act and the Cultural Titled “The State of Free Expression in the “Most of the board members on arts agencies South African Cultural Sector: An Investigation”, There also seemed to be instances where fund- do not have arts experience and they do not come Laws Amendment Act should be challenged in the the report fingers politicisation of the appointment ing was funnelled away from cultural workers who from the arts sector, and therefore, when it comes court to reassert the “arm’s length principle” of of arts agencies’ boards and the prevalence of self- needed it, and sometimes even out of the arts and to voting on a decision, those that come from the public funding for the culture sector. In particular, censorship in the arts ranks as grant depending culture sector altogether, the report revealed. arts sector are outvoted,” asserted Nyathela. the power of the minister to appoint the chairper- and desperate artists attempt to protect their liveli- sons of councils needed to be revoked. Civil so- hoods as a stumbling block for the sector’s growth “It is supported by lawyers who worked with McGurk was of the view that the issues be- ciety must establish mechanisms to monitor sus- and thriving. the Sustainable Theatre and Dance Foundation in devilling the arts and cultural sector go beyond pensions and disciplinary action in the subsidised analysing the application of the law in such cas- the issue of freedom of expression covered by the cultural sector and provide support for those who The report, released at the Wits Art Museum, es. The Public Finance Management Act of 1998 report. are unfairly targeted. is the first of its kind and largely tackles a string of makes it clear that members in funding agencies artists’ grievances which largely flared during the are not eligible to receive funds they are supposed STAKEHOLDER: Freddie Nyathela, president Legal Support tumultuous tenure of the departed Arts and Culture to disbursing, as this creates a conflict of interest,” of SA Roadies Association Legal organisations, in collaboration with law Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who has since been re- the report continues. placed by Zizi Kodwa after a Cabinet shuffle. It She believed the future for artists was bright firms and lawyers, needed to establish relationships focuses mainly on the Department of Sport, Arts The report also quotes Dr Ismail Mahomed when and if they weaned themselves from depend- with cultural workers. This would enable workers and Culture (DSAC) and the National Arts Council who is director of Centre for Creative Arts at the ing on grants, and instead focused on entrepreneur- to access legal support and counsel in response to (NAC), especially zooming in on their grant mak- University of KwaZulu-Natal, adding his senti- ial endeavours in the creative economy. Mbwana, violations of free expression in the sector. ing practices in relation to freedom of expression ments on the genesis for self-censorship. Ma- who is a programme manager at the Campaign for in the sector and their impact on funding. homed convened a consultative meeting in 2022 to Free Expression, responded that the report was a Cultural Workers which Professor Anton Harber, executive director foundation for possible further research into the Cultural workers and organisations needed to In a nutshell, the report does not paint a good and founder of Campaign for Free expression was broader issues affecting the sector. picture, with artists who were surveyed speaking engage actively in devising and implementing cre- of fear to voice out their grievances especially: CONTENTIOUS: Nathi Mthethwa, former She also said the report was inspired by the sit- ative forms of protest in their own interests, and as • When they were not happy with their funding Sport, Arts and Culture Minister. in by artists – led by soprano Sibongile Mngoma part of broader social movements. Representative – embarked on at the National Arts Council offices arts organisations must be strengthened through application outcomes; invited and spoke. It was a result of that consulta- for 60 days in 2021. training, infrastructural support and funding to • How they constantly had to balance between tive meeting that the need for this research arose. support full-time workers. The enraged artists complained about the the need to earn a living in a sector that de- “I think there is a clear pattern around how maladministration that happened during the ad- Lawfare: Cultural workers needed to challenge pends pretty much on grants from government, many of the institutions are beginning to have con- judication of the Presidential Economic Stimulus and lobby the government, as well as take it to by not rocking the boat, and the need to main- servative people appointed …. And who tend to cut Programme (PESP) fund that Treasury put aside court when the need arose. tain artistic integrity; people out who are opposing people,” Mahomed in 2021 to cushion the impact of Covid-19 lock- • How their fate was pretty much decided by says in the report, expressing his sentiments on the downs on the creative and cultural sector, but also Knowledge sharing: Experienced cultural the DSAC and its grant making agencies such issue of self-censorship in the sector fingered by to try and instigate economy activity in the sector workers must share their knowledge with novices. as the NAC and the National Film and Video the report. post-lockdown. Cultural workers also needed to share knowledge Foundation as well as the National Lotteries about their rights with each other. Arts Distribution Agency which is controlled The report also goes on to state that cultural Mokobe told of the struggles of, especially by another government department, among workers who believe the boards have been politi- township artists, when it came to accessing re- Government others, and; cised said an environment had been created where sources in the creative economy, while Mercy, a Transparency: The government needed to • How the price of speaking out was fraught “the goal of board members and chairpersons is recent theatre graduate expressed uncertainties with risk and, in some instances, could result in money and power. If their main concern is their many arts graduates feel about opportunities in the make information about the right to free expres- targeting or one losing their job (in the case of alignment with the Minister and how they can sector. sion in the arts easily accessible to cultural workers staff). A case in point was that of performance capitalise on their power, the effect is to encourage so that they felt free to exercise this right when op- artist, dancer and choreographer Memela Ny- board members to neglect the arts and culture sec- portunities arose without feeling that punishment amza, who was only one of several such exam- tor and belittle and side-line its workers. Cultural awaited them. ples, where the consequences of speaking out workers say there is a crying need for the focus to carried a heavy price. In Nyamza’s case, she be restored to the sector. Government participation: The government lost her job as deputy artistic director at South needsed to commit to engaging in the arts sector African State Theatre about four years ago As Freddie Nyathela, Sara president remarked more deeply at provincial and local levels, and be- “because I opened my mouth and said things I bluntly in the report: “Board members must re- yond the arts and culture departments. was not supposed to say,” she is quoted stating member that they are there to serve the community, in the report. not their friends. A suitable minister: Government needed to “Nyamza’s sentiment is backed up by other in- commit to appointing a qualified, knowledgeable terviewees, who believe that the politicisation of During the panel discussion he also com- and skilled minister of arts and culture who knew the boards leads to the appointment of unqualified mented emphatically: “We are not apologetic for the sector and its challenges. – CITYLIFE/ARTS people based on their proximity to the Minister and political power, and qualified people being ejected. They believe that board members and chairpersons are mostly selected and maintained in office be- cause they more likely to be agreeable to the Min- ister,” states the report. a first report of its kind into the issues affecting freedom of expression in the sector.

Friday 14 April 2023 SOCIALS 3WEEKLY SA MIRROR Busi Mavuso and Minister Aaron Motsoaledi Ministers,Maropene Ramagkopa,Gwede Mantashe and Ms Stella Kile Mteto with Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana Ndabeni-Abrahams SAIC’S DRIVE TO ATTRACT R1.2 TRILLION The South African Investment Conference, SAIC, held its fifth annual dinner at the trillion in commitments which is over 95 per cent of the initial target and has translated Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, the final leg of team SA’s into investments across a wide range of economic sectors. current investment drive to attract R1.2 trillion over five years. SIPHO MALUKA was there.... Since the first investment conference in 2018, South Africa has attracted R1, 14 President Cyril Ramaphosa with Deputy President Paul Mashatile Thami Nkadimeng with Andile Khumalo Epheiwa Lerutle,Keith Khoza with Roleta Lebelo Con- Sindiswa Mzamo,Ambassador Thokozile Xasa with sult Gen Munich,Germany Xoliswa Daku

4 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 14 April 2023 THABO BESTER INCARCERATED AT KGOSI MAMPURU – ‘TAKES MEALS’ COMPLAIN: Prison authorities confirm the recaptured fugitive remains at Pretoria facility, rubbish claims he was taken back to Bloemfontein… By Lehlohonolo Lehana various platforms that offender Thabo Bester has DOCK: Facebook serial rapist and murder Thabo Bester in court in Bloemfontein The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) been returned to Mangaung Correctional Dentre. has confirmed that convicted rapist and mur- We can state that Bester was transported to Kgosi tampering with CCTV on the night the Bester es- employee Senohe Motsoare in the dock after the derer Thabo Bester was transported to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional facility,” he says. caped. They face a charge of aiding and abetting a matter was postponed for bail information and pos- Mampuru II Correctional facility and is eating prisoner, among others.They are expected back in sible bail application. his food despite him telling the Bloemfontein During his court appearance, Bester told the court on Monday, where they will join Magudu- Magistrate’s court that there were threats on court that he has concerns about his safety and add- mana’s father Cornelius Sekeleni, and former G4S Bester’s case was postponed to May 16 2023. his life. ed he had not eaten since his return to South Africa – www.fullview.co.za from Tanzania. That was where he and alleged ac- Bester, who escaped from lawful custody at complice and lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana, as the privately-run Mangaung Correctional Facility well as a Mozambican national, were traced and ar- in the Free State in May last year, appeared briefly rested on April 7. It’s being reported the convicted in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday. killer fears he may be poisoned. Spokesperson for the Department of Correc- Nxumalo says the department has not received tional Services (DCS), Singabakho Nxumalo, has a formal complaint about threats to Bester’s life. rubbished claims that the 36-year-old convict and escapee is being kept at the same prison where he “DCS can confirm that there is no complaint faked his own death in the execution of his elabo- filed about a threat to his life, and that offender rate prison break. Bester is taking meals.” “The department has noted false information in Bester’s accomplice, Magudumana, was in the same court earlier in the week alongside IT techni- cian, Teboho Lipholo, who has been linked to the By Al Jazeera Investigative Unit ‘GOLD MAFIA al General Traders acted as a pooling account — One of South Africa’s biggest money launder- HELPED GUPTA where money from multiple accounts can be kept ers was behind three companies that played a BROTHERS IN SA temporarily — for funds to be moved offshore. key role in the country’s state capture by the STATE CAPTURE’ controversial Gupta brothers under former The money was sent abroad through a process President Jacob Zuma, Al Jazeera’s Investiga- CONDUITS: Al Jazeera investigation reveals called “merchanting”, which involves the crea- tive Unit (I-Unit) has found. a well-known money launderer as a previously tion of fake invoices to suggest that the transfer of missing link in the Gupta state capture funds is an advance payment for goods to be im- The three companies, Varlozone, Zokubyte ported. No goods are actually ever sent, and com- and Coral General Traders, were identified by the FUGITIVES: panies at both ends of the chain — those invoicing Zondo Commission — an investigation set up by Gupta brothers, for products meant to be sent, and those osten- the South African government — as conduits used Ajay and Atul sibly buying these imports — are controlled by for fraud and the capture of state funds by a small the same individuals. The invoices mostly came group of South African politicians and business- in Zuma’s government. Such was their clout that money from the state capture and the Guptas from Hong Kong-based front companies, some of men. in 2013, they managed to use a South African through transactions from South African company which were owned by Khan as well. military airport to bring hundreds of guests from Varlozone to Dubai-based company Griffin Line Yet the investigators appointed by the Zondo India for a wedding, sparking a national contro- General Trading. All three companies allegedly made these Commission were unable to identify who managed versy. payments through Sasfin Bank, one of the banks these companies and transferred looted South Af- Griffin Line General Trading was known to where Khan had bribed employees, including rican money abroad on behalf of the Guptas. The money obtained in the state capture was be controlled by the Guptas. But the owner of Hussain Choonara, who was in charge of Sasfin sent abroad through a network of companies and Varlozone, Shah Bukhari, was just a frontman. In Bank’s foreign exchange payments at the time. Now, documents obtained by Al Jazeera show eventually seemed to vanish. Zokubyte, Coral reality, the company was run by Khan, a prolific that the person behind Varlozone, Coral General General Trading and Varlozone were all part of money launderer who has worked for cigarette WhatsApp conversations obtained by Al Ja- Trading and Zokubyte was Mohamed Khan, also that network, dubbed “the spiderweb” by in- don and gold smuggler Simon Rudland, helping zeera show Khan asking Choonara how much known as Mo Dollars, a well-known South Afri- vestigators. Among the investigators appointed him transfer more than $100m abroad. Khan also money could be laundered through the accounts can money launderer. by the Zondo Commission was Paul Holden, an bribed employees in several South African banks for an upcoming period. According to Dawood anti-money laundering expert. “We were basically to help with the money laundering operation. Khan, Mohamed’s brother, the launderer used the “That payment was done by Mohamed,” looking at the flow of money into this network three companies interchangeably. whistleblower Dawood Khan, Mohamed’s brother from the state capture and we knew it was going Documents obtained by Al Jazeera show that and former employee, told Al Jazeera. through a money laundering network,” he told Al money was moved from several companies to “Varlozone, Zokubyte, Coral, they all played Jazeera. the accounts of Varlozone and Zokubyte. Varlo- the same role,” Dawood told Al Jazeera. “You State capture is a form of corruption where zone then moved $1.8m of state capture money couldn’t utilise the same account on a daily basis. a small group of people influences the decision- A breakthrough came when the commission offshore over six months. Zokubyte laundered at So, you would spread your funds across different making process of a state for personal gain. South was able to determine a direct link between the least $600,000 of funds looted from the state. Cor- accounts at different times across the week or a Africa’s current government, under President month.” In audio recordings obtained by Al Ja- Cyril Ramaphosa, has accused two brothers of the zeera, Khan admits that he was breaking the law. Gupta family of businessmen — which became “Okay, at worst, I get arrested,” Khan can be heard synonymous with state capture under Zuma — of saying, in a conversation with a family member. plundering the country’s funds through a system- “I’m going to be arrested for the stuff that was atic web of corruption. The brothers were arrested done on Coral and all of that.” last June in the United Arab Emirates. But last week, the UAE dismissed South Africa’s request Mohamed Khan audio conversation about that the Gupta siblings be extradited. how he might get arrested. The new revelation, identifying Mohamed Al Jazeera approached all those featured in Khan as the previously missing link in the Gupta this investigation. Mohamed Khan described all state capture case, is part of Gold Mafia, a four- allegations against him as false and as being based part investigative series into several gold smug- on speculation, conjecture, and manufactured and gling and money laundering gangs operating in doctored evidence. He denied having any involve- Southern Africa. ment in money laundering, bribery (including at GUPTA BROTHERS Sasfin Bank) or other criminal activity. He told Al Jazeera that he had never met the Gupta brothers The Zondo Commission was established in and denied using any of the companies identified 2018 to investigate reports of state capture, cor- above to launder the proceeds of state capture. ruption and fraud mainly by the Guptas, an influ- ential South African family with Indian roots. Griffin Line Trading denied that it was owned by the Gupta brothers and that it had any relation- Since their arrival in South Africa in 1993, ship with Mohamed Khan. It also said it had no the Guptas managed to build a vast business em- involvement in the criminal activities revealed pire and they eventually came to wield enormous by the Zondo Commission. Sasfin Bank told Al influence in the country, allowing them to obtain Jazeera it was taking vigorous action against sus- large amounts of state funds that they laundered pended and former employees and clients of its offshore. foreign exchange unit. Simon Rudland said that the allegations against him formed part of a smear As their power grew, the Guptas were award- campaign by an unidentified third party. ed state contracts, allegedly bribed politicians and even had influence over ministerial appointments Others mentioned in this article did not re- spond. – SOURCE: Al Jazeera

Friday 14 April 2023 CONSUMER & LEGAL MATTERS 5WEEKLY SA MIRROR Consumer Eye AWARD-WINNING 060 936 2673 CONSUMER EDITOR LOOKS INTO YOUR COMPLAINTS ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS WARNED AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS TOUTS PROMISING TO HELP THEM MANIPULATION: They thrive on taking as a tout.” or ethical for attorneys to: advantage of the seriously injured in distress... Haslam says road accident victims must be sus- · Approach potential clients face to face to pro- By Thuli Zungu use the services promoted by touts as their behav- picious if a stranger in a hospital setting approaches mote their services; People who sustain injuries during a road acci- iour is unethical and untrustworthy. “At best, tout- them andrecommends they make a personal injury · Employ or incentivise anyone to arrange refer- dent have been warned by lawyers against touts ing is a direct and persistent attempt to sell some- claim; suggests they can get large sums of money who would visit them in hospital or clinic offer- thing to or solicit work from, a person. as compensation for your injury; offers contact de- rals or introductions of clients; ing legal services. tails for a personal injury lawyer or firm or suggests · Make unsolicited visits or telephone calls or “At worst, it is straightforward fraud involving you sign a power of attorney for a law firm. This is increasingly common in South African illegal gathering of information without the acci- send emails or letters to anyone who has an ex- hospitals and emergency rooms and even at road dent victim’s knowledge or consent,” says Haslam. “If you or a family member has recently been in isting attorney/client relationship. accident sites. Nondumiso Damini 44, of Orlando a road accident and you receive an unsolicited offer Haslam says similar guidelines apply in the West in Soweto, says she was recently involved in She says the most common type of touting oc- of legal assistance, it may be because your details health profession. a car accident which left her unconscious for four curs in hospitals and revolves around personal in- were illegally sold to a tout,” according to Haslam. Professional guidelines published by the Health days after suffering a head injury. jury claims, especially Road Accident Fund (RAF) Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA) not- claims. He added that former chief marketing officer ed that : “A practitioner shall not canvass or tout or She was hospitalised for four months. While re- How to recognise touts in hospitals? for the Road Accident Fund, Nozipho Jafta, report- allow canvassing or touting to be done for patients cuperating from her injury, she was approached by ed that certain police officers sold road accident on his or her behalf…” a stranger who told her she knew a firm of attorneys Haslam advises consumers to be suspicious reports and even commissioned claimant affidavits Haslam says the key rule is to avoid engaging that assisted road accident victims. about recommendations or referrals you receive, for touts. with anyone who approaches you directly, claiming both enroute to the hospital and once in the hos- to be a personal injury lawyer or legal agent. She was skeptical about this and her husband pital. Haslam says in one scam that was uncovered, “Never, ever share information of a personal or approached Consumer Eye for advice. This prac- this went even further. Certain corrupt members medical nature with a stranger who approaches you tice has become so prevalent that it raised the ire “Anyone you dont know who approaches you of the police, gleaned sensitive information from at the scene of an accident or in a medical environ- of the former Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters. or your family members to recommend an attorney accident reports and passed it to third-party agents. ment to offer you legal services.” or legal firm is probably a tout” . Touting is considered unethical – and it is il- She once described touts as vultures and tsot- “The agents would then visit accident victims legal. No credible attorney would risk being struck sis who were robbing victims of road accidents. The injured and their families must also beware in poor communities and convince them to lodge off the roll and no reputable law firm would break Kirstie Haslam, a partner at DSC Attorneys, says of towtruck drivers or even police officers recom- RAF claims through them. Some doctors were even one of the cardinal rules of its own profession.” touts approach people who are confused, suffering mending a particular lawyer or legal firm to hel . roped in to provide fraudulent medical reports.” Haslam has advised consumers to approach and in pain. an established a reputable law firm with a proven “Someone waiting alongside you in an emer- The completed claim documents were then sold track record in personal injury law should they be She says it is not in the consumer’s interest to gency room might also do this. “In South Africa, to unscrupulous lawyers. Haslam says in South involved in a road accident . chances are that this person has been paid to work Africa, lawyers and their representatives are not “This is the best way to avoid scams and en- allowed to approach potential clients directly for sure you get only competent legal advice and as- work. sistance.” The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has pub- lished a code of conduct which includes reference to touting. According to this code of conduct, it is not legal

6 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SKILLS Friday 14 April 2023 UNIQUE INVENTION By Own Correspondent access to a host of activities specifically PROPELS STUDENT A South African student, Boitumelo for students including a campus tour, TO GIDDY HEIGHTS Nkatlo, has returned from a trip to introductions to the Harvard faculty, Harvard Business School which he an MBA open house, and a networking PROSPERITY: Business school prepares students to be won following the entrepreneurship lunch. responsive to the critical needs of South Africa and the skills he demonstrated in his ground- African continent within the context of a dynamic global breaking business project. His excitement and gratitude for environment… this once in a lifetime opportunity were Nkatlo joined global leaders in en- evident, “I am truly grateful to Honoris GROUND-BREAKING: Dr. Shahiem Patel, head of School for commerce and management at Regent Business trepreneurship as they gathered at the United Universities and Regent Busi- School, Boitumelo Nkatlo (Harvard winner), and Vikesh Rampadarath, associate director at Regent prestigious Harvard Business School’s ness School for enabling me to attend Africa Business Conference, held in the Harvard Business School’s Africa Boston, USA, last month. Business Conference in Boston, USA., where I made valuable contacts within Regent Business School is a proud the African continent. member of the Honoris United Uni- versities network, the first pan-African “Some noteworthy interactions private higher education network com- were with the chairman of OCP Group, mitted to preparing and educating the a fertilizing manufacturer based in Mo- next generation of African leaders and rocco, Mostafa Terrab; Ghanaian entre- professionals to make a regional impact preneur Fred Swaniker and Standard in a globalised world. Bank South Africa chairman Nonku- luleko Nyembezi. As the platinum sponsor of this con- ference, Honoris United Universities “The break-out sessions which I believes in the power of entrepreneur- attended covered some incredibly rel- ship and innovation for the prosperity of evant topics, and I particularly enjoyed the African continent and its communi- the sessions focusing on Africa’s crea- ties. tive economy and financial inclusion. A highlight was a private meeting with This belief is manifested through Prof Anywhere Siko, who is a Berol various partnerships with international Corporation Fellow and assistant pro- organizations and institutions that work fessor in the accounting and manage- towards uplifting and encouraging ment unit at Harvard. young entrepreneurs in Africa. This trip could lead to other life- Regent is a private higher educa- changing opportunities,” he added. tion institution with their headquarters located in the heart of the central busi- Dr. Ahmed Shaikh, managing direc- ness district and the industrial hub of tor of Regent Business School, added, Durban, with learning centres located “As an institution that places a high val- in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, ue on innovation and entrepreneurship, Pretoria, East London and Eswatini (in we are proud to have played a role in Manzini and Mbabane). Boitumelo’s success. Boitumelo Nkatlo’s winning inven- His dedication to finding sustainable tion, BNAqua Solutions, is a testament and affordable solutions to address the to this belief. issue of clean water access is inspiring, and we are confident that he will con- It is an inventive solution that ad- tinue to make a significant impact in the dresses the water scarcity issues faced future.” by communities in South Africa. His in- vention, which is fully recognised and This recognition is a testament to licensed in his name, treats acid mine the hard work, dedication, and innova- drainage water and transforms it into tion of Nkatlo and the school, highlight- safe drinking water, using waste metal- ing the commitment of Honoris United lic materials. Universities to empower and encourage young entrepreneurs in Africa. As the winner of this prestigious competition, Boitumelo Nkatlo attended Honoris United Universities and Re- a two-day Harvard Business School’s gent wish Boitumelo Nkatlo well with Africa Business Conference in Boston, his future endeavours and remain com- USA in March, where he was afforded mitted to continued support for the next generation of African entrepreneurs. CLOSING THE GAP: lem-solving and computational abilities they need MORE FEMALE for all STEM-ICT subjects. Gwanzura believes that careers in IT are interesting, rewarding and STUDENTS EMBRACE IT offer opportunities in a wide range of sectors. CAREERS However, the global IT industry has skills CHOICE: With the right IT qualifications and skills, South Africans can shortages in many specialisations, meaning a be global leaders... skills pipeline of young IT professionals is ur- gently needed for organisations to progress into By WSAM Reporter is a series of puzzles tailored by age and grade, The Eastern Cape saw a noteworthy 50% in- the fourth industrial revolution. The Institute of Information Technology Pro- with five categories for learners ranging from crease in the number of girls participating com- fessionals South Africa (IITPSA) says its com- Grade 4 Elementary to Grade 12 and Elite level. pared to last year, says the information technology “Information technology has evolved and puter talent search is attracting more female body. IITPSA is the only South African Qualifica- grown over the years. school children than boys for the second year By running the talent search at their schools, tions Authority (SAQA) recognized and the coun- running. the IITPSA believes that teachers can help learn- try’s IFIP IP3 accredited professional body for The growth of the sector has experienced an ers discover that IT is not as intimidating as they ICT practitioners. increase in opportunities for young professionals The computer talent search, run by the Com- may think. across many exciting areas, such as cyber security, puter Olympiad, which is an IITPSA programme, The IFIP International Professional Practice app development, cloud computing, robotics, arti- is run across South African schools to identify Remarking on participants in this year’s Partnership (IP3) is the body that focuses on pro- ficial intelligence and much more. learners with information technology talent and school talent search, IITPSA President, Admire fessional standards for the global ICT industry. skills. Gwanzura, says the increase in the number of girls “The IITPSA and many other organisations have “With the right IT qualifications and skills, participating is encouraging, since certain science, been encouraging girls and young women to con- young South Africans can be the global leaders in The talent search is understood to be the South technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sider careers in STEM-ICT for years. In some re- technology and innovation. Unfortunately, many African version of the Bebras Contest, which at- fields, and the ICT sector in particular, have long gions, girls and young women appeared hesitant to young people – especially girls and young women tracts over two million participants from more sought to close gender gaps in the workplace. enter these sectors. However, we now see a strong – are hesitant to study IT-related subjects, and this than 50 countries across the globe each year. cohort of girls embracing STEM-ICT, which should be changing,” says Gwanzura. According to the IITPSA, more than 16 700 bodes well for our future skills pipeline.” The South African talent search initiative is a learners from 174 schools nationwide participated The Talent Search teaches learners to think free programme that can be undertaken either on- in this year’s challenge, with girls slightly out- The talent search is for school learners of all computationally and solve problems, and helps line, or offline using pen and paper. The challenge numbering boys overall in Gauteng, KwaZulu- ages. It is designed to help them develop the prob- schools to identify which learners should consider Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape. IT, computer applications technology (CAT), sci- ence and maths as subjects, he adds. After the Tal- ent Search, learners who have already mastered a computer language can enter the Programming Olympiad. Students who know how to use applications like spreadsheets, databases and a word processor can enter the Application Olympiad, a challenge for those who take CAT or the International Certi- fication of Digital Literacy, or are otherwise com- puter literate. The Talent Search ran from 7 to 11 March, with participating learners writing a 45-minute pa- per at their schools. Learners participated either online or offline and the tasks and challenges were supervised by their teachers. The top 50% of par- ticipants countrywide will be awarded gold, silver or bronze certificates, according to how well they performed in the challenge. Schools that are interested in the programme are invited to participate by registering on the Computer Olympiad website on olympiad.org.za/ Talent-Search/register/.

Friday 14 April 2023 PERSONAL FINANCE/BUSINESS 7WEEKLY SA MIRROR FIRMS INCUR MORE BREACHES WHILE FIGHTING UPHILL BATTLE AGAINST CYBER CRIME RISK: At least 3,4 million professionals needed to fill the worldwide cyber security workforce gap By Isaac Moledi “The findings in this 2023 cybersecurity skills their organisation’s devices and data. Organizations are also looking to tap into new South Africa’s cyber security skills gap came gap report clearly show that organizations are “Cyber security workforce gap jeopardises talent pools, with 8 out of 10 respondents having under the spotlight during the research con- fighting an uphill battle against cyberthreat— in- diversity goals as part of their hiring practices. ducted by the global cyber security firm Forti- curring more breaches, in need of skilled profes- the most foundational functions of the profession net Training Institution (FTI). In its 2023 sionals, and continuing to struggle to fill key posi- such as risk assessment, oversight and critical sys- John Maddison, EVP of products and CMO Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap report, the tions,” according to the report. tems patching,” says Paul Williams, FTI’s country at FTI, says: “The cyber security talent shortage cyber security firm has revealed that 40% of manager – SADC and Indian Ocean Islands. is one of the top challenges putting organizations South African companies struggle to hire and The breaches, according to FTI, are more fre- at risk… In today’s climate, organizations must retain cyber security talent. Sixty-four percent quent and more costly with unfilled IT positions Williams points to a Cybersecurity Workforce choose products that introduce automation to of- agree that the shortage of cyber security skills being a cybersecurity risk. “Diverse talent can Study released by global information security-fo- fload overworked teams while continuing to focus creates additional cyber risks for organisa- help close the skills gap but is not always easy cused non-profit organisation (ISC) which found on upskilling and cyber security training.” tions. to find.” that 70% of respondents feel their organizations does not have enough cyber security staff to be According to the FTI’s report, the number of The report found that in the past 12 months, The FTI says the findings in this global re- effective. This study estimates that 3.4 million organizations confirming five or more breaches 39% of South African organisations suffered port are based on responses obtained from online professionals are needed to fill the worldwide jumped by 53% between 2021 and 2022. Breach- breaches that cost more than R18 million to re- interviews and an email survey of 1,855 IT and cyber security workforce gap. The EMEA region es are more frequent and more costly with 81% of mediate. In addition, 86% indicated they had ex- cybersecurity decision-makers, conducted by Sa- requires 317 050 professionals. cyberattacks being in the form of phishing, pass- perienced more than one cyber attack that could pio Research in November 2022. Responses were word and malware attacks. be partially attributed to a lack of cyber security obtained from 29 locations that include among Williams says the FTI research shows that skills in their teams. others, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bra- 94% of South African companies prefer to hire “The evolving threat landscape and rising zil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong talent with a technology-focused certification, but incidence of breaches make it imperative that or- Cyber security focuses on protecting com- Kong, India, Indonesia, and United States of 78% indicated they are struggling to find people ganizations continue building their cybersecurity puter systems from unauthorised access or being America. with this certification. defence to protect their networks, systems, data, otherwise damaged or made inaccessible. Infor- customers, partners and employees. mation security is a broader category that protects Referring to South Africa, the FTI believes “94% are willing to pay for employees to ac- all information assets, whether in hard copy or that many short-staffed cyber security teams are quire certification.” “The good news is that progress continues in digital form. burdened and strained as they try to keep up with the fight against cybercrime, and organizations thousands of daily threat alerts and attempt to Williams says one way to reduce this gap is that are committed to strengthening their security manage disparate solutions to properly protect to establish more authorised training centres and posture are not alone,” according to the FTI global academic partner programmes in high schools, report.- Additional info by ITWeb. colleges and universities. By WSAM Money Reporter CONSUMERS OFFERED Avoid using multiple store cards. 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8 WEEKLY SA MIRROR OPINION/ANALYSIS Friday 14 April 2023 Comment CHANGE’S GOTTA COME IT IS MY OBLIGATION TO Inevitably, the much-awaited report into the FIGHT INJUSTICE current state of South Africa’s arts, commis- sioned by the Campaign for Free Expression, has CHANGE: Black activists have joined hands Black Yemenis were painted an unpalatable picture that has always together with the United Nations to eliminate racial merchants, nobility, and been in the public knowledge. discrimination in north Africa and the Middle East royalty. The (Abyssinian) Again, not surprisingly, given the perennial By Special Correspondent occupation created grievances by the country’s arts community have social schisms and largely remained unaddressed by the Department “One day, on my way to work, I stumbled upon BIGOTRY; Noman Al Hothaifi, leading advocate Black people were of Sport, Arts and Culture and its agencies, such a Black woman and her child, sitting in front of for human rights for Africans in Yemen suddenly frowned down as the National Arts Council (NAC) for some a hospital in Yemen. The woman was profusely children to school.” upon and looked down time. sobbing. I asked what was wrong, and she said that she and her son had just been evicted from Al Hothaifi helped establish many civil and upon. We became Worse, the department’s mandate to develop the hospital because they were Black, hence human rights organizations representing people some sort of secondary and promote excellence in the arts and encour- dirty.” of African descent in Yemen. The most prominent race, treated like slaves, age the provision of opportunities for people to was the National Union of the Marginalized, of stripped of all our rights, practice the arts largely remain unaccomplished. Noman Al Hothaifi vividly remembered this which he has been President since 2007. He is also we were not allowed to own And so its mission to promote the appreciation, scene, some 20 years later. He described it as the the founder of the voice of the Marginalized Voice property, practice trade or understanding and enjoyment of the arts; pro- turning point that made him decide to quit his in- News. send our children to school. mote the general application of the arts in the spection job at the Ministry of Public Works and community. Highways and turn into an advocate for the human For Al Hothaifi, racial discrimination in Yemen said he was delighted to be able to “make new rights of Yemen’s Black community. evolved from historic discrimination, which later friends who share a common vision and a common Yet, it is common occurrence that – for a enshrined in the people’s customs and traditions. struggle.” long time – there has been a disjuncture between “I felt I had the obligation, as a Black person department and, not only with its own avowed myself, to speak against this injustice,” Al Hothaifi “Arab culture is all about customs and tradi- During the meeting, several Black activists noble mission, but also with the large sections of said, “and this is how my struggle against racial tions, and ours are quite discriminatory against from the region came together and decided they its constituency, who have been complaining that discrimination in Yemen all started. I wanted to Black people,” Al Hothaifi said. “They [traditions] would want to create a regional network for anti- it simply failed to serve them. In fact, the depart- defend the rights of my people, to fight for them.” dictate how we [Black people] should get married discrimination activists. ed Minister Nathi Mthethwa spent a long time in and how we should bury our dead.” office dousing the flames stoked by accusations Al Hothaifi (51) is the President of the National “It may be just a dream” Al Hothaifi said. “But of corruption and inefficiency in his portfolio. Minorities Council of Yemen. He is currently the Having participated in various workshops and all dreams start with baby steps, don’t they?” most prominent advocate for the rights of people of training courses on human rights, Al Hothaifi said It is no exaggeration that he was largely no African descent in Yemen. the absence of social justice is a main culprit be- Four months after the regional meeting, this longer taken seriously by most of his portfolio’s hind racial discrimination in the country. dream materialised. stakeholders, even when he sometimes merited a “In Yemen, national legislation is not dis- serious listen. In fact, if he did not heave a huge criminatory,” Al Hothaifi said. “However, racial “Racial discrimination and practices need to On March 21 2023, Al Hothaifi joined by sigh of relief when the axe fell during a recent discrimination heavily prevails in social practices be clearly criminalised in national legislation,” he 33 other Black activists from 13 countries in the Cabinet reshuffle, the large sections of his con- which were passed on from generation to genera- said, “otherwise the rule of law will remain far out MENA region, to officially launch the first Re- stituency must inevitably have. tion, since the Abyssinian occupation of Yemen.” of reach in my country.” gional Network for Development and Anti-Racism in the Middle East and North Africa (RNDAR- In his wake the unpalatable picture will have The Black activist refers to this occupation, in Al Hothaifi said education is a main agent of MENA). The network is supported by UN Human undeniably tarnished his contentious legacy. which the country was invaded and discriminatory change in society. He described anti-racism as a Rights. Al Hothaifi is the network’s first president. Thanks to the much-awaited report into the arts practices such as slavery were introduced against social practice that needed to start from home and He called the network the culmination of a lot of and cultural sector – commissioned by the Cam- the Black inhabitants, as the historical turning point children’s classrooms. hard work and hopes. paign for Free Expression – that ultimately vin- that isolated Black Yemenis, and caused them to dicated the artists’ long-held grievances against live in isolation, “in the shadows of society,” as he “Black children are constantly bullied in Yem- “Today, [the network] is a concrete tool that Mthethwa, the NAC and the department in gen- described it. eni schools,” he said. “However, thanks to the will strengthen human solidarity to eliminate all eral. advocacy and awareness raising efforts of our alli- forms of racial discrimination especially in the re- From the year 525, Yemen passed through a pe- ance, we have seen an increasing number of Black gion where the gap widens between international Opening a can of worms, the report quoted riod of conflict with the Abyssinians lasting for 50 students graduating from high school and enrolling human rights law and the bitter reality of daily from a wide-ranging sample of creatives who did years that was followed by the Persian control of in local [or international] universities.” life,” he said. not have much complimentary to say about the Yemen. This led to a state of political, tribal and re- department and boards of its agencies – except ligious division. The Persians wanted to defeat the Al Hothaifi took part in the Regional Meeting *This story is part of an occasional series by horror: political meddling, nepotism and crony- Romans by defeating the Abyssinians in Yemen. In for the Middle East, as part of the International individuals or organisations that stand up for hu- ism in the disbursing of grant funding to artists. 575 A.D., a 7500 strong Persian Army along with Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) or- man rights – chosen by UN Human Rights Chief another 800 prisoners and the backing of some ganized by OHCHR in October 2022. The meeting Volker Türk to highlight racial justice as part of In many instances, surveyed artists spoke Yemeni tribes, defeated the Abyssinians. brought together Black activists from the region, his Human Rights 75 Initiative, which promotes of harbouring fear to rock the boat by standing to discuss challenges and opportunities. Al Hothaifi the hearing of the voices of defenders acting up to fight for their rights – lest they be targeted “Black Yemenis were merchants, nobility, and against racism. and deprived the very grant funding they solely royalty,” Al Hothaifi said. “The occupation created depended on. An unedifying example was last social schisms and Black people were suddenly year’s 60-day sit-in by a coterie of creatives at frowned down upon and looked down upon. We the NAC offices, which served as a testament of became some sort of secondary race, treated like the high levels of frustrations and consternation slaves, stripped from all our rights, we were not al- among the sector. lowed to own property, practice trade or send our At the risk of sounding like a scratched re- cord, enough has been said already anyway, the rot in the department and its agencies must be stop. Immediately. Change’s gotta come – and must be galvanised by the winds of change sweeping with the recent advent of the new in- cumbent, Minister Zizi Kodwa, the new broom that must sweep clean. Might we remind the Minister that progress is impossible without change. 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 Af- rican Print and Online Media. As a sub- scriber 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 complaints pro- cedures.

Friday 14 April 2023 OPINION/ANALYSIS 9WEEKLY SA MIRROR WALTER RODNEY: THIS IS WHAT THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ICON: Walter Rodney and his wife, Patricia, had three children Shaka, Kanini and Asha PORTRAIT: A new film on the life of Walter voted to the Working People’s Alliance, a political backed, black nationalist president, Forbes Burn- Rodney gives a glimpse of his radical solidarity party that drew its base from the ranks of both the ham, had Rodney killed in 1980. politics and centres on his family, who struggled Afro and Indo-Guyanese working class. and suffered with him… If we want to stand any chance at resisting our In the final moments of the film, we hear the period’s great ills, such as rampant inequality, eco- A new documentary exploring Rodney’s life theory of change from Rodney himself: “One of the logical devastation, and an escalating cost of living only adds to the wondering about the possible tra- principal tasks of our generation, perhaps the most (which is generating social anxiety and compound- jectories his life could’ve taken. Directed by the overriding task: to break the division in the ranks ing the retreat into identity-based identification and father and son duo of Arlen Harris and Daniyal of the working class, to overcome that division. To essentialism), we need to re-popularize frameworks Harris-Vadja, Walter Rodney: What They Don’t create a unity based on struggle.” that accurately name which groups are responsible Want You to Know is a thrilling portrait of a man for structuring society the way it is now. who seamlessly embodied revolutionary intellect In a street speech given in Guyana, Rodney with revolutionary action. (Africa Is a Country, in once declared that “No ordinary Afro-Guyanese, We need to make class the main fault line of partnership with the Radical Books Collective, did no ordinary Indo-Guyanese can today afford to be social polarization. To do this presents the great- public screenings of the film this week in Johan- misled by the myth of race.” Rodney often gets re- est threat to the capitalist system’s stability because nesburg and New York City.) written as someone in the same orbit as the black it unmasks what is otherwise obscured: the system nationalists that would have been ascendant during is of our own making, and we have the agency to Shot in Guyana, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, this time. undo it. This is what they don’t want you to know. Tanzania, Barbados, and the United States, the film *William Shoki is the deputy editor of Africa Is follows Rodney’s life between Guyana, Jamaica, But while Rodney never denied the reality of a Country. He is based in Johannesburg. This England, and Tanzania, back to Jamaica, Tanzania racism, he was clear on race: “The system doesn’t article was sourced from Africa Is a Country, a again, and then, finally, to Guyana, where he was stop at racial discrimination. Because it is a system media outlet of opinion, analysis, and new writ- violently murdered. of class oppression, it only camouflages its class ing on and from the African left, and which was nature under a racial cover. founded in 2009 It also centers his widow, Patricia, and his siblings, particularly one of his brothers, Donald, And in the end, it will move against anyone who suffered personally and professionally for irrespective of color.” This is why Guyana’s CIA- his loyalty to Rodney. The transitions between locales, punctuated by different interlocutors, can ABOUT WALTER RODNEY sometimes be dizzying, but the effect, if anything, By William Shoki is to offer a glimpse into the breadth of Rodney’s Walter Anthony Rodney was born to Edward awards, open scholarships, and honors. He In the pantheon of radical black figures productive footprint, and the depth of his personal and Pauline Rodney in Georgetown, Guyana on attended Queen’s College, the premiere boy’s snatched from us too soon (which includes the impact. March 23, 1942. He was the second child of high school in Guyana, and in 1960 graduated likes of Lumumba and Cabral), Walter Rodney five siblings, including four brothers, and one first in his class, winning an open scholarship looms large. The Guyanese historian and activ- What is most impressive about Rodney is the sister. to the University of the West Indies (UWI). He ist lived a short life—he was assassinated at only extent to which he submerged himself in political pursued his undergraduate studies at UWI 38 years old—but he lived it passionately. His struggle—something that pierces through writ- Rodney grew up during the country’s anti- Mona Campus in Jamaica, where he graduated intellectual output was sizable, and his political ings like The Groundings With My Brothers, but colonial movement; his father was a member with First Class honors BA in History in 1963. activities immense, stretched across the Carib- is sharpened through the visual form. Rodney spent of the Marxist-oriented People’s Progressive Rodney then attended the prestigious School bean, Africa, Europe, and North America. the final years of his life at home, in Guyana, de- Party, which led the struggle for freedom from of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London British rule. With this immersion into politics, University. He graduated with his PhD with To consider what Rodney’s life might have be- Walter’s interest in the struggles of the working Honors in African History at 24 years old come were he still alive is an understandable day- class began at a young age and continued with on the same day he welcomed his firstborn dream. That his legacy endures so resiliently, is a his involvement in debate and study groups son, Shaka. Rodney’s thesis, A History of the testament to the fact that here was a man who was throughout his student years. He developed into Upper Guinea Coast, was published by Oxford just getting started. an intellectual and scholar and is recognized as University Press in 1970. - Source: The Walter one of the Caribbean’s most brilliant minds. Rodney Foundation Rodney’s academic record is filled with

10 WEEKLY SA MIRROR FASHION/LIFESTYLE Friday 14 April 2023 CREATING FASHION WITH A COMMUNITY CONNECTION RELEVANCE: Brazilian fashion designer and IMPT! Clothing label owner Victor Hugo Ramos uses product design and development for relevance and impact. In this article, he explains how companies can use fashion to share their local reality with the world By Victor Hugo Ramos those who do not conform to the limiting barriers. DRIVE: Brazilian fashion label IMPT! founders Victor and Carolina Ramos In addition to urban fashion, the brand is Clothes have the power to express people’s movement of people using business as a force for soccer. By mixing local and global references, identities, personalities, and backgrounds. directly linked to music and contemporary art, good, and sign up to receive the B The Change we can create a design that resonates with people Fashion brands aim to create products that which inspires the slogan: “Music is the fuel. Weekly newsletter for more stories like this one, around the world. resonate with them and their audience. Fashion is the expression. Imagination is the de- delivered straight to your inbox once a week. signer.” The name IMPT! means an abbreviation SIMILARITIES At IMPT! we have the intention to present for the word “important”. LIFESTYLE REPRESENTATION Use the power of similarities between cultures our local culture worldwide via our brand and in- As I mentioned in the introduction, clothes corporate that into the product creation process. Learn more below about five factors we con- to favour your brand. In an international collabo- Founded in 2015, IMPT! is a lifestyle brand from sider when creating products to express a local represent more than a preference; they also indi- ration, IMPT! partnered with the American brand Rio de Janeiro, more precisely from OLARIA. culture in an international landscape. cate a lifestyle. When designing clothes that in- First Twelve. We brought together the ’90s iconic Founded by Victor Hugo and Carolina Ramos, the corporate local culture, think about representing soccer era and the minimalistic casual varsity brand was born with the intention of promoting a NICHE AESTHETIC a lifestyle trait or mood that resonates. In an in- vibes in a single product: a T-shirt as a redesign lifestyle that values the transforming and relevant If you are in the fashion business, aesthetic ternational landscape, think about making a point of the PSG Ronaldinho jersey. We love this pro- power of those who do not conform to the limiting about the same lifestyle while highlighting your ject because it is a perfect example of how we can barriers. matters. It is important to realize what type of local cultural perspective. bring together different perspectives of sports love aesthetic your brand is trying to explore in prod- with a defined aesthetic that targets a specific au- IMPT! has a global vision but chooses to drink uct creation. Probably, the aesthetic that you will So, for example, casual sportswear is a loved dience.. - The article was sourced from Medium from the sources of its local culture to convey op- select represents a niche or lifestyle, so research niche in fashion worldwide, and at IMPT! we love Daily Digest timism, tranquillity, confidence, elegance, and no- it and gather references. Sometimes the same aes- to make designs that portray the local passion for bility through its creations. In addition to urban thetic represents different niches in different loca- fashion, the brand is directly linked to music and tions around the world. So, clarify if the aesthetic contemporary art. Founded in 2015, IMPT! is a you are exploring will help you to express what lifestyle brand from Rio de Janeiro. The brand was you want with your target audience. After this, you born with the intention of promoting a lifestyle can go forward to design the product. that values the transforming and relevant power of IMPT! is part of the community of Certified B Corporations. Learn more about the growing THE NEVER NEW FASHION FAIR IMPACT: Sustainable fashion supported by conscious shopping is the future… PARTNERSHIP: Tania Daniel and Vasti Mc Leod Founders of Never By Mpumi Brown every time. “We all have beautiful clothes This idea fuels the constant buying of new New Fashion Fair sitting in our wardrobe, that we have only things. Sustainable fashion is the driving force worn once or twice. Now you can sell it behind conscious shopping in the fast- and actually make some money,” says As she works in fashion, she under- changing fashion world. Never New Daniel. stands all the work, time and resources Fashion Fair (@nevernewfashionfair) that go into one garment. “So, it hurts me was started by Vasti McLeod in April The extremely detrimental impact of to think that some people wear it once and 2022, and shortly thereafter Tania Dan- fast fashion waste on the environment is then it gets thrown away”. iel joined as partner. no news. Besides being responsible for nearly 10 percent of global carbon emis- In Europe, people literally throw their While McLeod Iived in France for sions, the industry is also infamously used clothes in the bin. A lot of these five years and loved the vintage shopping known for the amount of resources it clothes get dumped in landfills and in and thrift fairs there, she got inspired and wastes and the millions of clothes ending Africa. It has such a negative effect on created Never New Fashion Fair, which is up in landfills every day. the environment. That is why we have to a new concept in Durban. think about what we buy and try to make Similar events have been organised, our use of clothing more circular. McLeod explains: “It gave me the but on a smaller scale to what Never New inspiration for what we started last year. Fashion Fair has to offer. Everyone can I think it is successful because it Every girl rents a rail and come sell their find amazing options and value for mon- brings a community of women together. gently used clothes, shoes and accesso- ey. This innovative sustainability trend is It is a great morning where we can get ries”. changing customer habits and elevating together, shop, have coffee and just have the stigma around buying second hand some fun. McLeod hosted the first fashion fair clothes. while on maternity leave. With 25 rails to Our goal is for the fashion fair to be- start, she sent the invite out to everyone Never New Fashion Fair is targeting come an institutionalised in Durban and she knows, praying that people will come any like-minded women who appreciates create more awareness around sustainabil- and shop. The response was super positive the movement towards sustainable and ity. They are planning to expand the brand and everyone loved the idea. In Feb 2023, circular fashion. On social media, one to Johannesburg. they had their fourth event and got bigger can only be seen in the same outfit once. Gauteng should prepare for the Never New Fashion Fair towards September!

Friday 14 April 2023 HEALTH 11WEEKLY SA MIRROR POOR DIET LINK TO 14 MILLION DIABETES CASES GLOBALLY CHOICES: Insufficient intake of whole grains, By WSAM Correspondent and in urban versus rural residents at the global level. excesses of refined rice and wheat, and the Regionally, Central and Eastern Europe and Cen- overconsumption of processed meat… A research model of dietary intake in 184 coun- tries estimates that poor diet contributed to over tral Asia —particularly in Poland and Russia, where INSIGHT: Estimated seven out of 10 cases worldwide connected to food choices 14.1 million cases of type 2 diabetes in 2018, rep- diets tend to be rich in red meat, processed meat, and Photo: Alonso Nichols/Tufts University resenting over 70% of new diagnoses globally. potatoes —had the greatest number of type 2 dia- betes cases linked to diet. Incidence was also high VITAMIN D KEY The analysis, which looked at data from 1990 in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in TO FIGHTING and 2018, provides valuable insight into which di- Colombia and Mexico, which was credited to high OFF COVID etary factors are driving type 2 diabetes burden by consumption of sugary drinks, processed meat, and PNEUMONIA world region. The study was published April 17 in low intake of whole grains. the journal Nature Medicine. The study was devel- oped by researchers at the Friedman School of Nutri- Regions where diet had less of an impact on tion Science and Policy at Tufts University. type 2 diabetes cases included South Asia and Sub- Sharan Africa —though the largest increases in Of the 11 dietary factors considered, three had type 2 diabetes due to poor diet between 1990 and an outsized contribution to the rising global inci- 2018 were observed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Of the dence of type 2 diabetes: Insufficient intake of whole 30 most populated countries studied, India, Nigeria, grains, excesses of refined rice and wheat, and the and Ethiopia had the fewest cases of type 2 diabetes overconsumption of processed meat. Factors such as related to unhealthy eating. drinking too much fruit juice and not eating enough non-starchy vegetables, nuts, or seeds, had less of an “Left unchecked and with incidence only pro- impact on new cases of the disease. jected to rise, type 2 diabetes will continue to impact population health, economic productivity, health “Our study suggests poor carbohydrate quality is care system capacity, and drive heath inequities a leading driver of diet-attributable type 2 diabetes worldwide,” says co-researcher Meghan O’Hearn. globally, and with important variation by nation and She conducted this research while a PhD candidate over time,” says senior researcher Dariush Mozaffar- at the Friedman School and currently works as Im- ian, Jean Mayer Professor of Nutrition and dean for pact Director for Food Systems for the Future, a policy at the Friedman School. “These new findings non-profit institute and for-profit fund that enables reveal critical areas for national and global focus to innovative food and agriculture enterprises to meas- improve nutrition and reduce devastating burdens of urably improve nutrition outcomes for underserved diabetes.” and low-income communities. “These findings can help inform nutritional priorities for clinicians, poli- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the resistance cymakers, and private sector actors as they encour- of the body’s cells to insulin. Of the 184 countries age healthier dietary choices that address this global included in the Nature Medicine study, all saw an epidemic.” increase in type 2 diabetes cases between 1990 and 2018, representing a growing burden on individuals, Other recent studies have estimated that 40% families, and healthcare systems. of type 2 diabetes cases globally are attributed to suboptimal diet, lower than the 70% reported in the The research team based their model on informa- Nature Medicine paper. The research team attributes tion from the Global Dietary Database, along with this to the new information in their analysis, such as population demographics from multiple sources, the first ever inclusion of refined grains, which was global type 2 diabetes incidence estimates, and data one of the top contributors to diabetes burdens; and on how food choices impact people living with obe- updated data on dietary habits based on national indi- sity and type 2 diabetes from multiple published pa- vidual-level dietary surveys, rather than agricultural pers. estimates. The investigators also note that they pre- sented the uncertainty of these new estimates, which The analysis revealed that poor diet is causing a can continue to be refined as new data emerges. larger proportion of total type 2 diabetes incidence in men versus women, in younger versus older adults, NUTRIENTS: Scientists find evidence that the vitamin increases the lung lining’s ability to block infection… cal Reports, indicates the vitamin strengthens the have a respiratory infection, that means the bar- tients with Vitamin D deficiency were five times lung lining, preventing COVID-19 as well as oth- rier in your lungs is leaking. Our research gives more likely to become infected by COVID-19. By WSAM Correspondent er viruses from penetrating the body’s airways to evidence that Vitamin D strengthens the barrier Data supporting supplemental doses for those cause infection, and possibly also reducing fluid function of the lung lining, likely helping to pre- with Vitamin D levels in the normal range are less Patients with low Vitamin D levels have a leakage into the airways, which causes pneumo- vent or stop an infection.” clear, the authors said. greater chance of COVID-19 infection—and nia. severe disease and death, according to doctors The study examined cell cultures from human “The benefits, however, are so clear and the who have been studying the impact of the vi- “Your body is mostly sacs and tubes,” said lung linings and examined them using two inde- risks so minimal that we believe physicians should rus on the body’s airways. senior researcher James Mullin, a LIMR profes- pendent metrics. It found Vitamin D increased be recommending supplemental Vitamin D right sor and director of research for Lankenau Medi- barrier function by 40% and 25%, respectively. away,” Mullin said. “Cytokine storms, where the Now, research led by scientists from Lank- cal Centre’s astroenterology division. The study builds on a body of research by Mul- body’s immune response kicks into overdrive and enau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), lin’s team indicating Vitamin A, zinc and other can result in severe disease and death in COVID, points to an explanation for the link and provides “If their linings are in good shape, you’re in micronutrients play a similar role to Vitamin D. compromise the body’s airway barrier function. evidence that higher Vitamin D intake can help good shape. If they’re leaking and fail to pro- This same research group recently published a We already know from past studies that Vitamin fight off the disease. vide a proper barrier, it’s a problem. When you review article on the general topic of fluid leak in D blunts cytokine storms in cases of flu. In cases various diseases and combating it clinically with of COVID-19, vitamin D therapy may allow time The study, published this week in Physiologi- elevated levels of micronutrients. for a patient’s own immune defenses to kick in before it’s too late.” Published literature has indicated that pa-

12 WEEKLY SA MIRROR FOOD AND WINE Friday 14 April 2023 GIN’S PLEASURE-DOME GROWS BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS RAINBOW: Whitley Neill gin boasts seven nal London dry-style gin, Protea & Hibiscus, and Seducing the eye with its purple haze, it aptly unique flavours in a kaleidoscope of colours… Aloe & Cucumber gins – all gracefully endowed embodies the American proverb, “what the eye with an exquisitely smooth, balanced, African-in- can’t see, the heart won’t crave”. Utterly smooth By Len Maseko which South Africa is renowned, and which strad- spired palate infused with of a selection of rare and with barely decipherable alcohol fervour, it can The gin craze that has spawned more than 100 dles coastlines and mountains – embarrassing aromatic local botanicals. hide its punch deceptively – all with the stealth of locally produced variants of the genre in the past riches of biodiversity to be infused into the distilled leopard approaching its unsuspecting prey – yet a decade never ceases to amaze with new entries liquid treasure of their taste. Craft gins are peculiarly distinguishable by pleasure to enjoy as a sundowner in the gaze of the and variants from established brands. their velvety smooth, rich bouquet of botanicals orange sunset ultimately. Somewhere in the sconce of the country’s gin- and delectably genial poise, a quality that beckons From a renaissance that began in 2015 and saw distilling landscape lurks an old timer of note – in a neat shot – or but can be even better either with FACT FILE a proliferation of 65 distillers and 135 gins, South the ilk of Whitley Neill gin range, which traces its a mixer only (as in G & T) or choice of opulently Africa’s incurable gin romantics have never been origins to ancient Europe. infused cocktail, where the spirit might be over- MOST COMMON FOUR spoiled more for choice. Amid the abundance, they whelmed by the avalanche of the ingredients. GIN CATEGORIES must feel like a mosquito in a nudist camp saddled With a lineage from London enriched by the with a happy dilemma of where to start feasting expertise of eight generations of distillers, Whitley The Original – which received Double Gold at • FLORAL: amid a surfeit of flesh in all earthly forms. Neill sums its journey as a life-long love of ad- the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Chamomile, bay leaf and orris root. venture, inspired by Africa and the world. Locally and Gold at the 2022 London Spirits Competition – • SPICY: Equally, the myriad distillers that mushroomed distilled in small batches, the award-winning gin oozes with the rich fragrance of Cape gooseberries Ginger, coriander seeds, cardamom, like wildfire in South Africa’s gin-scape in recent range consists of seven unique variants catering for and the tart notes of baobab fruit, both a pleasure years find themselves in pretty much similarly every taste to enjoy in a classic G&T or experimen- to the nose and instant come-one to a duly primed cinnamon, lemongrass and angelica blessed – with a world’s envy of gorgeous and tal cocktail. palate. Its soft and smooth palette pops with notes seeds. abundant wild botanicals waiting to be foraged to of juniper and citrus which instantly gift that taste • WOODY: craft varied recipes for their gin creations. Thanks Whitley’s range include Raspberry, Blackberry, buds with a swathe of seductive relish – followed Angelica root, liquorice and nutmeg. to the stunning kingdom of fauna and flora, for Blood Orange, and Lemongrass & Ginger flavours by a savoury and dry finish that beckons a second • CITRUS: that draw inspiration from Scotland, England, Sic- swig. Bergamot, bitter orange and pink ily and Asia. The three other variants are the Origi- grapefruit. As for the Protea & Hibiscus edition, it intro- duces itself to the nose with an explosion of aromas unmistakably reminiscent of the two botanicals that adorn its title, paying its homage to the beauty of Africa’s landscape that gave it its distinct quality. EVENTS JOZI & DURBS WINE GIGS Wine lovers are invited to make an evening of it with www.durbanvillewine.co.za [4] or send an email to info@ Southern Sun’s two upcoming wine tasting events promise Southern Sun’s special accommodation rates for event durbanvillewine.co.za to be an unforgettable adventure for the palates of Joburg ticketholders. and Durban wine lovers. CONSTANTIA GOES TO JOZI The shows, which feature top wines from the 2022 Mi- DURBANVILLE SOIRÉE For two long weekends from 20 th to 30 th of April 20 to chelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, will take This year’s celebration of sauvignon blanc and Durban- 30, Constantia wine estates will be offering complimen- place at Southern Sun Rosebank in Johannesburg on April ville Wine Valley’s Sauvignon Soirée takes place in the tary Sauvignon Blanc tastings at different locations around 21 and 22 as well as in uMhlanga Garden Court in Durban Durban wine valley in the Western Cape on May 5. Gauteng. on May 26 and 27. The event will be held at the Cassia Restaurant at Nitida One of the events will be held Workshop 17, The Bank The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards Wine Farm from 5pm to 8pm. Rosebank, in Johannesburg on May 4, from 6pm to 9pm. boast both international and local judges are hand-picked Visitors to the showcase stand to discover a region that is The evening includes Sauvignon Blanc tastings from nine from five different continents. world-renowned for its sauvignon blanc wines. Constantia wine estates, tucking into eats from the harvest The line-up comprises a comprehensive selection of South An added highlight will be the unveiling of the second table. African premium wine brands, including: Vondeling, The vintage of the much-anticipated Durbanville Sauvignon Tickets available through Quicket. Johannesburg Distilling Company, Bon Courage, Thor Blanc. Other tastings to be host by the Constantia Wine Route will Vintners, Le Pommier, Mountain Ridge, Premier Pure Fu- The event is hosted in a partnership between 13 producers be popping up in some of the hotspot locations in Gauteng. sion, Holden Manz, Nitida, Aslina Wines, De Bosch Farm, of the Durbanville Wine Valley and Sauvignon Blanc SA Follow the route’s Instagram page @constantiawineroute Durbanville Hill, Nederburg, Simonsig, Private Collec- and will offer international expressions for tasting along- to keep up to date with the upcoming tastings! tion, Niel Joubert Wines, Hoopenburg Wines, Lourensford side a selection from the valley. The Constantia wine estates will also be hosting a Sauvi- Wines and Babylonstoren Wines. To attend the Sauvignon Soirée, book tickets via Quicket. gnon Blanc Party at Proud Mary on May 4, from 6pm to These renowned cellars and distilleries will exhibit more Tickets cost R200 per person (includes canapes). Visitors 9pm. than 100 wines, spirits, MCC and other sublime creations. wanting to stay for dinner are encouraged to make a reser- The Blow Electroband will be performing on the evening. Tickets are available via Computicket, and a limited num- vation by calling 021 976 0640. Tickets are available through Quicket. ber of tickets will be available at the door (R200). For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley, visit

Friday 14 April 2023 MOTORING 13WEEKLY SA MIRROR MOTORING: Briefs MINI MINI MORE NEW MERC E-CLASS ITS ELECTRIC: The blue car in these early official photographs is badged Mini Cooper S, suggesting that the company is sticking with its tried-and-tested range hierarchy Mercedes is gearing up for the launch of the sixth-generation E-Class – and the new car HOT HATCH: SA has quite a fight on its hands. As well as rival- could see the all-new ling traditional saloons like the BMW 5 Series, model late 2024 or Audi A6 and Jaguar XF, the E-Class will also early 2025 need to tackle an ever-expanding range of pure- electric saloons that includes the Hyundai Ioniq By Ali Mphaki 6, Volkswagen ID.7 and upcoming Polestar 5. Mercedes seems confident about its chances, It comes in two versions. A petrol-powered, UK- ENDURING: The distinctive Mini silhouette is remarkably unchanged, with the floating though. The new E-Class will feature an evo- built model on similar underpinnings to the cur- contrast-colour roof, blacked-out window pillars and flush glazing all continuing in to the lution of the design language introduced on the rent car, and a new Chinese-built electric version fourth generation of Mini seventh-generation S-Class saloon, a new range on a dedicated electric platform developed with of electrified powertrains and a bang-up-to-date China’s Great Wall Motors. – which also serves as the instrument cluster – with tryman (also available as petrol or electric, but no technology suite with more driver assistance kit, a head-up display ahead of the driver, and a row of longer as a plug-in hybrid) and will go on sale in artificial intelligence and an enormous Due for unveiling later this year ahead of Euro- toggle switches. April/May 2024. pean showroom arrivals in 2024, its unveiling was Superscreen infotainment system. As be- originally slated for late 2023, however Mini has This is the first all-new Mini hatch in close to a Five-door versions of the Mini hatch will fol- fore, the new E-Class will be available as a published a set of exterior photos of its new three- decade – and the first built in China for the world. low, as will Convertibles – again, offered in a vari- saloon or an estate (as hinted by the spy shots) door model – now officially known as the Cooper. After a quiet few years, this is the start of a major ety of powertrain choices. – and its line-up will be crowned by at least one product blitz from Mini: the Cooper Electric will AMG-badged performance variant. However, Overseas reports say new petrol and electric be shown at the same time as the new Mini Coun- BMW SA has yet to confirm the arrival of the this new model marks the death of the two-door Minis will use an ignition key – despite the EV not all-new Mini Cooper in Mzansi. E-Class coupe and convertible. To fill that niche, having an engine – in a nod to older Mini models. Mercedes will introduce a new CLE model. NO EXHAUST: The new electric Mini Cooper is expected to be Although this is the FRAGILE EVs available in two models at launch: an entry-level E with a 40kWh battery and 135kW electric motor, Mini Cooper Elec- Owners of electric vehicles have been and a sportier SE with a 54kWh battery and 160kW tric, as confirmed warned that their cars could be written off fol- motor. by the absence of lowing a minor accident if the battery pack is damaged. According to a report in the Daily According to the UK’s Autocar, driving range cooling vanes in Telegraph, auction site Copart has salvaged a will be rated at 386km in the Cooper E, up from the front grille and number of low-mileage written-off EVs, around 233km of today’s Mini Cooper SE (32.6kWh). A any visible exhaust half of which have suffered only minor battery figure for the larger battery has not been announced. damage. The paper published an anonymous pipe, the Mini quote from a senior insurance industry member, The electric Mini Cooper appears to feature hatchback will who claimed that vehicle manufacturers aren’t shorter front and rear overhangs compared to the again be available sharing diagnostic data, because they’re worried current petrol-powered Mini Hatch, with a simpler as a petrol version. about independent garages botching repairs. grille and headlights, new triangular tail-lights, and flush door handles separating it from the current The expert confirmed that they’d seen elec- electric Mini. tric vehicles being sent to scrap after minor ac- cidents due to issues relating to the battery pack. The large circular bug-eyed headlights, a These packs are not only expensive to buy, large front grille (or at least the surround for one), they’re expensive to repair, too. blacked-out roof pillars and contrasting roof and mirror caps remain, with shorter overhangs than the 2023 SUZUKI SWIFT SPIED current petrol-powered car. Spy shots of an all-new fourth-generation There are flush door handles similar to the lat- Suzuki Swift reveal in terms of design a strong est BMW models, while the current Mini’s rounded glimpse as to how the car’s styling will evolve. rectangle-shaped tail-lights have been swapped for The MINI-like, curvy bodystyle won’t be over- sharper triangular units with a new style of Union hauled too much but it will get an entirely new Jack signatures (which show the blue inside of the front end. There’s a revised grille, round head- flag, not the red and white lines). light design and a clamshell bonnet. Previous leaked photos have shown a minimal- Mild-hybrid power was introduced dur- ist interior with a large circular central touchscreen ing the outgoing Suzuki Swift model’s facelift and we expect the new car will utilise the same technology across the range from the get-go. It’ll have to deal with the likes of the soon-to-be facelifted Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208, Volk- swagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. THRIFTY ISUZU D-MAX Isuzu Motors South Africa, and its partner for the ONE TANK CHALLENGE Etrip, Engen SA, endeavoured to showcase the economical fuel consumption and money saving capabilities of its vehicle, the D-MAX 1.9 Ddi. The vehicle used on the trip has a good reputation for being fuel efficient, dependable, and suitable for both fleet operators and private customers. The One Tank Challenge trip, set off at ISUZU’s Midrand offices, with pit stops at the Engen 1 Stop Shops in Bloemfontein, Colesberg, and Laingsburg. The journey featured 10 drivers (five driv- ing pairs) who represented motoring journalists and influencers. Out of the 5 pairs, 4 made it to Cape Town Engen Winelands One Stop, while 3 were able to make it to the finish line at Signal Hill without needing an additional refill. BMW XM 50e While we were busy processing the new XM Label Red, BMW snuck out another deriva- tive of its range-topping SUV - the 50e. BMW only released a short teaser video on the new car to confirm its imminent arrival but we already have plenty of background information. The 50e is pitched as the entry-level model within the BMW XM range, with the standard XM above it and the new Label Red as the hot- test version. The 50e badge suggests we could see a straight-six, twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol unit under that big bonnet, rather than a V8 as in the other two XM models. Like the rest of the XM range there will still be plug-in hybrid power on offer - denoted by the ‘e’ in the badge. In terms of design there’s little to distin- guish the XM 50e from its stablemates. There’s still the imposing, bluff front end with those large kidney grilles and this model is finished in a BMW Individual yellow.

14 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORT Friday 14 April 2023 AGE-DEFYING WONDERBOY SHARES BILL WITH SON YOUTHFUL: Bongane “Wonder- angu is having none of it, stating categorically boy” Mahlangu, left, seen in that he will only quit the fisticuffs game when he action in one of his recent bouts reaches 50. believes age is just a number What makes the scenario even more intriguing HISTORY: First time in the annals of local boxing for a father-and-son is that Maitse has reached a stage when he was half liaison to entertain fans on the same card his dad’s age not so long ago. By Pule Mokhine junior featherweight title. At stake will be Mahl- on the Ring as it coincides with this historic month But Mahlangu, who also holds the Interna- It will be history in the making for South Afri- angu’s championship belt. On the same card Mahl- on the country’s calendar. But it is the caliber of the tional Boxing Federation All Africa belt, is unper- can boxing when father and son feature on the angu’s son Benni Maitse, 21, will exchange blows bill itself that is likely to intrigue boxing fans that turbed by his advanced age as he wants to rewrite same bill in a boxing tournament at SABC Re- against Ontiretse Seleka from the North West over will attend the showdown. his own history by being the oldest champion the naissance Centre at Auckland Park, Johannes- four rounds in the same weight division. country has ever produced. He squares up against a burg next Friday. Besides, this event will also be a fitting tribute 27-year-old foe Mzimela who is ranked in top con- There has never been such an occurrence in the to “Wonderboy” as he is the first pugilist ever - by tention for the national crown. This memorable moment will unfold when annals of local boxing for a father-and-son liaison his own admission - to enter the ring at the age by veteran fighter Bongane ”Wonderboy” Mahlangu, to entertain fans on the same card. which he is already at the sunset of his career. But it is the feeling of sharing the card with his 43, from Boipatong in Gauteng squares up against son that tickles the champion’s fancy ahead of the Mduduzi Mzimela of KwaZulu- Natal for the SA The tournament, staged by the charismatic SA In accordance with the rules of professional fight more than anything else. promoter Joyce Kungwane who is dubbed “Iron boxing, he is supposed to have long hung up his Lady”, is aptly coined Celebrating Freedom Month gloves in his early 30’s. But the age- defying Mahl- “I am looking forward to making history by be- coming the first boxer ever to share the same bill with his son. This will be an historic moment in SA boxing for such a thing to happen. I am determined to win the fight on the night that my son Benni will come out tops,” says Mahlangu. “We both share the gym and fit and raring to go for the tournament. But the cherry on top for me will be to retain my crown on the night when my boy will win his second fight in the professional ranks. I am aware that age is no longer on my side. I hope to win all the way and maybe stop boxing when I reach 50. This will be a milestone.” Mahlangu is quite aware that he is facing an average opponent in Mzimela whom he does not wish to underestimate. The latter is undefeated in five bouts. “He looks young and inexperienced, but I will give him the respect he deserves inside the ring by going toe-to-toe with him before knocking him out. I want to impress my son who will be sharing the bill with me by winning,” explained the champion, who together with Maitse, are trained by his Sand- ile Mahlangu. He is Mahlangu’s elder brother and Maitse ‘s uncle. In another bout on the bill, former World Box- ing Federation and SA female bantamweight cham- pion Bukiwe Nonina faces Zimbabwean Chiedza Homakoma for the second time in less than two years. A CHAMPION CALLED “SCHOOLBOY” GREATEST: When he gave up boxing in CREAM OF THE CROP: Enoch “Schoolboy” Nhlapo, second from left in maroon jacket 1972 he was still the junior welterweight and seen with the late Simon Skosana, left, Brian Mitchell and the late Levi Madi, lightweight champion at age 42 By Sports Reporter still a champion. ed boxing when he was still at school. “ By the eleventh round, the slow poison had got One evening in Cape Town 60 years ago, the THE FIRST FIGHT “I had this friend Henry Seabelo. He was a to ‘Wonderboy’. He was weak. And he was dizzy. great Enoch ‘Schoolboy’ Nhlapho fought a guy Then ‘Schoolboy’ went for the head. Now ‘Won- called Phillip ‘Kid’ Sibeko. They called him ‘Schoolboy’ because he start- boxer. He was called the ‘Sophiatown Fighting derboy’ was in trouble. He leaned on the ropes. Machine’. One day in 1948 Henry took me a long And he couldn’t fight back. When the fight ended, In the eighth round, ‘Schoolboy’ threw a right- to the. gym. That’s where I started to box. ‘Schoolboy’ had done enough. He won the fight on hand to Sibeko’s body. Sibeko stopped the punch points. One time ‘Schoolboy’ fought this guy Mn- with his elbow – and broke ‘Schoolboy’s’ arm. But “I had my first fight in 1949. I remember that gadi. He was the Natal Champion. “I was giving ‘Schoolboy’ said nothing. He didn’t want the ref- fight well. I fought this guy Ezekiel Mogotsi. Man, him a hiding,” says Enoch. “Then in the last round eree to see. And for the last three rounds, he fought I was scared that day. My legs were shaking. some­ body turned the lights off. So they stopped with one hand. He won the last three rounds. And the fight. The fight was a draw – and I never saw he won the fight. I· didn’t want to leave my corner. I lost my first Mngadi again.” ‘Schoolboy’ did a lot of fighting. fight. “I felt bad after that first fight. I felt ashamed. He fought in 125 fights altogether. Enoch ‘Schoolboy’ Nhlapho was a brave boxer. I couldn’t look at anybody. I decided I must not And he was a great boxer. Some people say he was lose again.” And the ‘Schoolboy’ did not lose again ‘Schoolboy’s’ last fight was against MacKeed the greatest boxer ever born in South Africa. for a long, long time. Mofokeng. He fought for 20 years. And he fought the best “I always went for the body first,” says Enoch. Nhlapo was a truly excellent boxer but the gov- of them. He beat most of them. And he lost to a “It’s like slow poison. You first weaken the body. ernment’s apartheid policies prevented him from couple of them. He won three South African titles. Then you go for the head.” fighting the best from overseas. He would easily have won at least one version of the “world” titles He was the junior welterweight champion, the Most people say ‘Schoolboy’ greatest fight was had he been active now. welterweight champion and the lightweight cham- his fight against Sexton ‘Wonderboy’ Mabena in pion. And when the great ‘Schoolboy’ gave up May 1961. They were fighting for the lightweight Born on March 7, 1933 he passed away on July boxing in 1972, he was still the junior welterweight title. Over 10 000 people went to the old Bantu 7, 2013, at the Lesedi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto and lightweight champion. He was 42 years old and Sports Ground in Johannesburg to watch the fight. at the age of 80. ‘Schoolboy’ was in a lot of trouble. After the ninth round, he was a long way behind on points.

Friday 14 April 2023 SPORT 15WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORTS: Briefs AFRICAN CRICKET COMES OFF AGE SADIO INSANE PUNCH-UP PREMIER LEAGUE: The inaugural tournament Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane was suspended is set to launch next year in South Africa hoping and fined forward for punching team-mate Leroy to attract the best global talent Sane after Champions League defeat to Manchester City midweek. Sky Germany reported that Leroy BRIGHT SPARK: Kagiso Rabada is one of But Suliman has insisted the two tournaments the ACA to help with their plans for the APL. Sane’s lip was bleeding after the altercation and the the local stars set to shine in the African can co-exist even if they end up overlapping. “The “Graeme has a lot of experience and expertise two players needed to be separated by their fellow Premier League only open window we have is somewhere between team-mates in the dressing room; The duo were By Sports Reporter August and September,” he explained. and he’s a good friend,” Suliman said. “It would seen on the pitch arguing in the latter stages of the The African Premier League will initially be be a good feather in our cap to have him involved match on Tuesday as Man City won 3-0 hosted in South Africa due to a lack of facili- “Then you get more viewership. Broadcasting- in the APL.” ties across the continent. Organisers of Africa’s wise, it will be quite an opportune time to have Why August and September? Mane will also be fined and won’t be part of new continental T20 franchise competition say that launched. the Bayern squad for their home Bundesliga game they want to avoid a “rivalry” with The Hun- APL organisers settled on the August/Septem- against Hoffenheim on Saturday. dred - despite potentially picking the same slot “There is no such thing as rivalry. We have to ber window after consultation with the Internation- in cricket’s crowded international calendar. stay clear and not clash with any other events and al Cricket Council, the sport’s governing body, and LEWIS HAMILTON A ‘MADALA” make sure everyone is happy.” Cricket South Africa. The African Premier League (APL), set to How to take on the IPL? DAMON HILL feels that Lewis Hamilton, giv- be played in August and September, is the latest For Suliman, avoiding a clash with any of the en his age and experience in F1, has started to “lose T20 league looking to muscle in on the success of Earlier this year, South African cricket Proteas’ tours is key to ensuring South African in- his speed on the track”. Hill, who won the world events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and launched its own T20 competition, SA20. It means ternational players are free to join the APL. championship with Williams in 1996, said that “the the Big Bash in Australia. most major cricketing nations now have their arrival of the younger, faster driver” can seriously own franchise-based event - a key reason why the “We need to make sure we get the top players impact an older team-mate. And according to Hill, The inaugural tournament is set to launch next sport’s calendar is so busy. that can rub shoulders with African players who Lewis Hamilton cannot keep up with the pace of the year in South Africa, hoping to attract the best can learn and educate themselves from that experi- younger drivers forever. global talent. “There’s big interest with regards to Each one is playing catch up with the IPL, ence - it will be absolutely brilliant. investors from overseas, even as far as America,” which dominates when it comes to exposure and Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, he said: Africa Cricket Association (ACA) chief executive revenue. “You must take into consideration the “It’ll be players from the UK, Pakistan, India, “Drivers in their late 30s can no longer do those ab- Cassim Suliman told BBC Sport Africa. other T20s like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangla- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, of course South Africa and solutely absurd kind of transcendental laps that they desh,” Suliman explained. “They started earlier Zimbabwe, and the local players within the ACA. used to be able to do when they were in their 20s. “Everyone is looking at Africa and the first and are also building to that level. Indeed, those local players have already been able Africa Premier League.” The Hundred, which sees to stake their cases thanks to last year’s first ever The former racing driver was specifically refer- each side face 100 balls, is the brainchild of the “We are right at the bottom end but the SA20 Africa Cup - a T20 tournament for non-Test play- ring to George Russell’s ability to out-qualify Ham- England and Wales Cricket Board, and is the only was brilliant. It was exciting, brought the crowds ing nations on the continent. ilton. Russell,25, leads Hamilton 3-0 in their quali- competition of its type in the world. This year’s back and it has definitely left a very good legacy fying head-to-heads in 2023. schedule begins on 1 August with a final on 27 with the first year alone. Although the first edition of the APL will be August. hosted only in South Africa, the ultimate aim is TELKOM RENEW NETBALL “It’s starting blocks for us so our expectations that it will be a truly pan-African event. “There is VOWS are not that high. We take one step at a time and a problem because infrastructure and facilities are I’m sure eventually it will get further up the lad- hard to come by at the moment,” Suliman revealed. The renewal of the Telkom Netball league’s der,” he added. The inaugural SA20 was made sponsorship for another three years – announced in up of six teams based in Tshwane, Johannesburg, “There’s no other country besides South Africa Sandton on Wednesday – will only help continue Durban, Gqeberha, Cape Town and Paarl that can give you that type of facility. “The other that growth, while the addition of two more teams members are busy catching up and bringing up to in an expanded 15-team tournament will increase Ahead of this year’s SA20, tournament com- speed facilities because there are no floodlights its footprint even more. Netball in South Africa will missioner and former South Africa captain Graeme anywhere in Africa besides South Africa,” Suli- arguably reach an apotheosis this year when it hosts Smith told BBC Sport Africa of their plan to take man said. the World Cup in July in Cape Town, but Netball games to neighbouring countries such as Zimba- SA president Cecilia Molokwane is dreaming even bwe and Angola. “Nigeria is building two ovals. Same with bigger and looking beyond that, too. Ghana and Rwanda, but it will take time.”-BBC Smith also said he’d be happy to sit down with NEWS “We have realised that there is something right that we are doing, but we want more. We want to BIDDING grow this sport and make sure that netball is be- STARTS FOR ing taken seriously and it grows to the level that it FIFA WOMEN’S should be at.” WORLD CUP 2027 “Next year, we want to introduce international NEW STANDARDS: Most comprehensive INTERESTED; Safa President Danny Jordaan players in the Telkom Netball League,” she said ear- bidding process in the history of the competition has already briefed new Minister of Sport lier this week in a year she is calling “20-20-she”. Zizi Kodwa about their intentions to host the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup here in IRISH AND ITALIAN STORM Mzansi The DHL Stormers will be hunting a victory this By Sports Reporter The FIFA Council will select up to three bids, host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. weekend to remain in second place on the Vodacom FIFA has launched what it calls the most ro- with the FIFA Congress then voting to appoint the Other key dates include: United Rugby Championship log, while the other bust and comprehensive bidding process in the host(s) through an open vote. three South African franchises will be under im- history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with Bid Evaluation Task Force 19 May 2023: Member associations to con- mense pressure to register victories to remain in the the Congress expected to appoint, for the first firm their interest in bidding to host the FIFA race for playoff spots as the competition strikes the time ever, the host(s) of the 2027 edition next FIFA will establish a Bid Evaluation Task Women’s World Cup™ by submitting the Bid- penultimate round of pool matches with an invasion week on May 17. Force to evaluate all bids submitted for the FIFA ding Agreement. August 2023: Bid workshop of Irish and Italian teams. Women’s World Cup 2027™. The composition of and observer programme to take place during the The process for the FIFA Women’s World the Bid Evaluation Task Force will be approved FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ 8 December The Cell C Sharks will kick off the weekend’s Cup 2027™ maintains all key elements from the by the FIFA Council following confirmation of 2023: Member associations to submit their bids action against Benetton in Durban on Friday at successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ the bidding member associations. to FIFA 18h30, and the action continues Saturday with a bidding process, such as the publication of key Additional integrity measures double-header in Johannesburg between the Voda- content and documentation, the inclusion of ro- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ - Bidding com Bulls and Zebre Parma at 13h00, and the Emir- bust rules of conduct and the implementation of a In addition to appointing an independent au- Process Timeline (Part 1) February 2024: FIFA ates Lions and log-leaders Leinster at 16h00. The comprehensive evaluation model. dit company to monitor FIFA’s compliance with to organise on-site inspection visits to bidding DHL Stormers will wrap up the action for the lo- the principles and procedures of the bidding pro- countries May 2024: Publication of FIFA’s Bid cal teams on Saturday at 18h15 against Munster in Member associations to express interest by cess, each bidder will also be required to appoint Evaluation Report Cape Town. April 21 2023 In addition, the 2027 process has a Bid Compliance and Ethics Officer to monitor been further enhanced to include the following their compliance with the bidding process. Q2 2024: Designation of bids by the FIFA As things stand, the DHL Stormers – in second new elements: Key dates Council 17 May 2024: Appointment of the FIFA place on the log – are guaranteed of a home quarter- Decision-making process Women’s World Cup 2027™ host(s) by the FIFA final, but they will have to fend off third-placed Ul- Member associations will have until April Congress ster, who trail by only two log points, in the last two 21 2023 to submit their expressions of interest to league rounds to remain in a favourable position for The above dates are subject to change. a possible home semi-final if they advance to the top four. SA TEAM FOR AFRICAN U18 AND U20 CHAMPS (ZAMBIA) A full strength national team has been an- nounced for the CAA African U18 and U20 Cham- pionships to be held in Ndola, Zambia from April 29 to May 3. A final 41-member U18 (Youth) squad has been unveiled by Athletics South Africa, includ- ing 23 boys and 18 girls, along with a 45-member U20 (Junior) squad which includes 22 men and 23 women. The men’s U20 team features the likes of World U20 Championships silver medallist Brian Raats, who will turn out in the high jump and long jump prospect Asande Mthembu, who has already landed at 8.08m this season. Among the women, Ashley Er- asmus will be eager to showcase her form at interna- tional level after winning double gold in the shot put and discus throw at the ASA U20 Championships in Pietermaritzburg last month and going on to take the ASA senior shot put title in Potchefstroom.

MIRROR SPORTWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... WHO IS THE FAIREST? TIGHT-CONTEST: TAILS UP ROYAL AIM TO THWAHLA CHIEFS By Ali Mphaki If Royal AM’s Shauwn and Kaizer Chiefs’ Jessica were to compete in the beauty stakes, it would seem obvious who of the two will be crowned the winner. Or is it? Going into this Nedbank last 8 encounter be- tween their two side this Sunday, however, guar- antees a gorgeous display of football, with all the twists and turns expected of a cup game from both sides. There was no love lost when last they met ear- lier this year, with Chiefs able to rollover Royal AM 2-nil at Peter Mokaba stadium in a DStv Pre- miership clash. It was a virgin win for the Amakhosi against a team whose monicker is Thwihli Thwahla! (what- ever that means), a team which has somewhat been its nemesis. This time the Amakhosi will be heading to eThekwini where they are not expecting a royal treament from MaMkhize’s boys. Amakhosi will be approaching the match with confidence issues, having flirted with disaster last Saturday when they let their guard down to allow bottom-of-the-log Marumo Gallants to snatch a point away in a 1-all draw, much to coach Arthur Zwane’s dismay. “This is what I’ve been saying; we’ve been conceding silly goals we should not have conced- ed,” lamented the Chiefs mentor in a post-match interview. On the other hand Royal AM have their tails up and heads to this Nedbank clash against an emphatic 3-1 win against Stellenbosch FC at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon - send- ing shivers down the spine of the whole Chiefs fraternity. Tactically both teams play similar style - espe- cially when going forward. Give them space and time they will punish you. Fans can look forward to scintillating football what with the added financial incentives of offer. The winner in this game will emerge from the bold should they decide to be beautiful, or more decisively from the glamour boys when they im- agine themselves bold. THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Kaizer Chiefs Jessica Motaung and Royal AM’s Shauwn Mkhize’s teams will square it up in a Nedbank Cup last 8 match on Sunday.