KODWA, RR DAUGHTER IS NAC PACKS DAD’S SALVAGEABLE? PUNCH 4page 15page Friday 10 March 2023 D E Q L www.weeklysamirror.news MIRRORWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... COVID LULL BEFORE STORM? p2 A TOTAL OF 4,5 MILLION NEW GLOBAL INFECTIONS AND 32 000 DEATHS IN 28 DAYS TO LAST SUNDAY - ALARMING YET A BIG DROP FROM JANUARY FIGURES ...
2 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 10 March 2023 COVID SCARE RELIEF – NEW INFECTIONS STILL HIGH SCENARIO: Global viral infections high but a and Brazil with 1 931 new deaths. crises’’. A total 2,54 billion US dollars was needed steep drop in deaths and new cases recorded Meanwhile South Africa, which had waged by WHO to provide help and respond to the urgent between February and last Monday raises hope… needs of the most vulnerable amongst a record 339 a successful fight against the pandemic despite million people in need of humanitarian assistance By Monk Nkomo est numbers of new 28-day cases were reported having recorded a large number of fatalities since from the United States of America (1 027 596), 2020, reported 6 624 active cases in January this ‘’ Many are at risk of serious health threats Nearly 4,5 million new cases and 32 000 deaths Japan (539 251), China (454 575), Germany (379 year with seven deaths recorded during that period. including disease outbreaks, nutritional crises and were reported in the 28 days from February 6 to 505) and the Russian Federation with 345 384 new There were 6 118 active cases in February with no lack of access to essential medical services. The last Sunday (March 5), according to the World cases. The highest numbers of new 28-day deaths deaths recorded. The recovery rate in both months funds will enable WHO to respond to 54 ongoing Health Organization (WHO). were reported from the United States of America was 97,3 percent. The country also recorded a vac- emergencies.’’ where 10 856 new deaths were recorded. cine administration of 38 405 045 since 2020. Good news is that these figures show a massive The WHO, together with its Health Cluster decrease of 58 percent and 65 percent respectively Other new deaths were reported in Japan (3 The WHO, in its latest report, said the Covid-19 partners in Yemen, is appealing for 392 million US compared to the previous 28 days – both statistics 432), China (2 634), the United Kingdom (2 103) vaccination coverage had risen from less than five dollars to reach 12,9 million people with essential representing a steep drop of more than half the new percent on average at the start of 2022 to nearly 30 health assistance in 2023. The funding will be used infections and related deaths. percent, which was Africa’s average, in most of the to ensure that overstretched health facilities can countries participating in a 16 million Euros grant continue providing even the most basic services Bad news is that these figures might not be the project funded by the European Union. to the 12,9 million of the most vulnerable people. true reflection of the global Covid scenario, the The organisation thanked all the donors and part- WHO has warned. ‘’ As the two-year project enters its last four ners who were contributing to the WHO Covid-19 months, WHO continues to prioritise the most response. “Current trends in reported Covid-19 cases vulnerable and those living through humanitarian were underestimates of the true number of global COVID FIGURES infections and re-infections. This was partly due to AT A GLANCE the reductions in testing and delays in reporting in many countries. Data presented in the latest report • Nearly 4,5 million people new cases and may be incomplete and should, therefore, be inter- 32 000 deaths were reported globally preted with caution,” said the WHO. between February 6 and March 5 2023. These latest statistics are contained in the • To date, approximately 759 million cases WHO’s global overview data released on Wednes- confirmed and over 6,8 million deaths day. To date, nearly 759 million confirmed cases were reported globally as of March 5, of the Covid-19 pandemic and about 6,8 million 2023. deaths have been reported throughout the world up to March 5 2023, according to the WHO. • The highest numbers of new 28-day cases were reported from the USA ( 1 027 Since the start of the pandemic in December 596) followed by Japan ( 539 251), China 2019 to Monday this week (March 6), a total of (454 575), Germany (379 505) and the 13,2 billion vaccine doses had been administered. Russian Federation with 345 384. “We present changes in epidemiological trends • The highest numbers of new 28-day using a 28-day interval. This helps to ac- count for deaths were recorded from the USA with delays in reporting, smooth out weekly fluctua- 10 856 followed by Japan (3432), China tions in case numbers and provide a clear picture (2634), the United Kingdom (2103) and of where the pandemic is accelerating or decelerat- Brazil with 1931. ing,’’ the WHO said in the report. • As of March 6 2023, a total of According to WHO, at country level, the high- 13,229,166,046 vaccine doses have been administered. SOURCE: World Health Organization (WHO)
Friday 10 March 2023 NEWS 3WEEKLY SA MIRROR Sophie Ndaba with Chi Mhende Topiva Mokoti,Chi Mhende with Tarivo Washe Arthur with Prudence Nyamayaro SAFARI CHIC AT THE PREMIERE OF THE MOVIE GONAREZHOU Film buffons and critics converged at the Africa ten, produced and directed Gonarezhou: The Movie. case Zimbabwe’s filmaking talent. Pod in Honeydew outside Johannesburg last Friday for The movie which aims to raise awareness against SIPHO MALUKA captured the moments. the strictly by invitation screening of the locally-writ- antipoaching and human traficking and also show- Masego Rahlaga with Bujy Bikwa Simphiwe Majola with Gogo Maweni Kardisha Mabhena,Loyiso Sibiya and Lungile Mtsweni
4 WEEKLY SA MIRROR NEWS Friday 10 March 2023 NAC OVERSPENDS R3m ON LEGAL FEES LITIGATION: Creative group argues funds spent fighting arts community could be best used in helping creatives... By Ali Mphaki read a statement from the NAC. PLACE OF PAIN; The offices of the National Arts Council in Braamfontein have become In a nutshell, the purpose of the POPI Act is a stage of protest for artists and the creatives as seen in picture waving placards and The National Arts Council, NAC, has overspent singing freedom songs in one of the pickets/sit-in last year with R3.1-million on one law firm over above to enforce the consequences should a South Af- their annual budget of half-a-million rands al- rican institution not behave in a responsible way We are looking forward to serving our artists and lated to the R54-m orchestra. The CCM also calls loted for legal fees. when they collect, process, store and share some- we will not be distracted from our duty to serve.” on Kodwa to immediately place the NAC under one else’s personal information. The POPI Act will Meanwhile, the Creatives Congress Movement, administration. Records which Weekly SA Mirror has seen re- hold them accountable if they misuse or compro- CCM, has called on the new Minister Zizi Kodwa veal that during the period October 2021 and Oc- mise your personal information. to delve “deeper” into the current investigation “We expect Kodwa to act with speed and ur- tober 2022,the NAC paid a total amount of R3 597 conducted by the Auditor-General and the SIU re- gency as per president Cyril Ramaphosa’s clarion 014 21, to a law firm whose name is known to this The NAC has also weighed in on allegations call to his new Cabinet Ministers.” publication. Suspicions are rife that the NAC may by its former board member Tshepo Mashiane be using funds meant for artists and creatives to distancing himself from a presentation to Parly by pay for litigation fees, their account schedule and NAC chair Celenhle Dlamini and Bongani Tembe invoices also showing the NAC paid R143 347 30 on February 28, regards the formation and fund- to the same law firm, for a litigation matter matter ing of the controversial R54-6-million Mzanzi Na- involving Deep Forest & Buthelezi, which was ap- tional Philharmonic Orchestra. (Weekly SA Mirror parently heard in the Cape High Court.The monies front page last week) were paid in tranches during the three months of May, June, and July 2022. Another invoice show “We have noted comments from former Coun- R10 350 00 was paid to the same law firm in June, cil member Mr Tshepo Mashiane, who was dis- ostensibly for “NAC General Administration”. missed from the NAC on 10 November 2022, fol- lowing a formal independent disciplinary hearing Asked by Weekly SA Mirror for clarity regards that found him guilty of serious charges. the said payments, the NAC under chairperson Her Royal Highness Celenhle Dlamini evoked a non- The NAC will not be penning an “Open Let- disclosure clause saying they are not obliged to ter” response on his false allegations. However, we provide such information. “As an entity that com- will definitely respond to the Parliamentary Port- plies to the POPI Act which sets out the minimum folio Committee Chairperson through our Share- standards regarding access and processing of any holder, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. perosonal informantion belonging to another, it is our duty as an orgamisation to protect our benefio- The NAC wishes to distance itself from the ciary information entrusted to us,non compliance open letter published by Mr Tshepo Mashiane. We may lead the regulator imposing an administrative do, however, wish to note that the NAC stands by fine or even imprisonment. its statements made during the Parliamentary Port- folio Committee as true reflection of our position We are confident that as a seasoned journalist that transfers to the Mzansi National Philharmonic you are aware of our limitations in this regard (due orchestra were implemented by Council procedur- to POPIA) that the NAC will not be in a position ally and lawfully. to afford you with any beneficiary contact details,” The NAC and Management are currently busy with preparations for the next calls for funding namely: the 2023 NAC Annual Call and PESP 4. CONCOURT son, Khusela Diko has also been linked to the RULES AGAINST irregular tenders. PPE TENDER While the Special Tribunal was not a “court”, COMPANY’S it can adjudicate on, and set aside unlawful pro- curement contracts, the Constitutional Court has APPEAL ruled.“It is clear that the legislative intention was to cast a wide net over the scope of proceedings TRIBUNAL: The court dismisses Ledla’s the Special Tribunal is empowered to adjudicate appeal in which the company challenged an upon. Therefore, a legality review is not exclud- ed from the ambit of its jurisdiction,” said Justice earlier high court ruling in favour of the SIU… Nonkosi Mhlantla, writing for the unanimous court, in her ruling on Friday. By Lehlohonolo Lehana the Covid-19 pandemic turned to court after the special tribunal forfeited millions of rands that The judgment means that the tribunal can The Constitutional Court has dismissed an the company scored unlawfully. Ledla received continue with its work and can set aside govern- appeal by Ledla Structural Development, R38,7 million from the department which was ment contracts it finds were awarded unlawfully which was challenging the powers of the Spe- distributed to other companies involved in the or through corruption, and that its previous deci- cial Tribunal. tender. Royal Bhaca Projects owned by the late sions stand. Madzikane II Thandisiwe Diko, the husband of The company, which was involved in dodgy former President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesper- The special tribunal ordered in December personal protective equipment tenders during 2020 that the contract for PPE awarded to Ledla Structural Development by the Gauteng Health Department was unlawful. The matter was taken to the tribunal in Au- gust by Special Investigative United (SIU) and involved 39 other companies that were contract- ed to deliver PPE to the department. Ledla is allegedly a “proxy” for Royal Bhaca, the company owned by Diko. The le- gal team representing Ledla approached the Supreme Court of Appeal to appeal the Special Tribunal’s decision, but that application was dismissed. The company then escalated the matter to the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal. The apex court dismissed Ledla’s appeal with costs, arguing that the special tribunal is not a court. However, it has the power to adjudicate legality reviews. FULLVIEW
Friday 10 March 2023 NEWS 5WEEKLY SA MIRROR ACTING PP GIVES WITHOUT GIVING JUSTICE DELAYED?: Sixty days later a small NPO still awaits options after objecting to her clearing Thandi Modise for alleged maladministration when she was Speaker of Parly INDECISIVE; Acting Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka facing transparency issues By Ali Mphaki “not obliged to interview a complainant before writing. nities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures making her findings”. Freddie Nyathela: When can we expect this Act against four officials at the department of arts The Acting Public Protector Advocate Kholeka and culture. Gcaleka commits. But she does not deliver. This “The Public Protector considers this matter information? is the feeling by a small NPO, South African finalised and cannot take it further. Should any Nelisiwe Nkabinde: Advocate friend of Mary, He says it was only when it became apparent to Roadies Association, SARA, exactly 60 days of party wish to challenge this decision, they are at SARA that Tom and her portfolio committee were waiting patiently for Gcaleka to provide reso- liberty to explore legal remedies at their disposal,” can we give it until the end of this week? Hope- not “playing ball” in terms of addressing their lutions/options to their meeting objecting her reads her findings. fully it will be before then. initial complaint that they approached Modise to clearing former Speaker of Parliament Thandi intervene on June 2019. Faced with similar delays Modise of any wrongdoing following a com- A compromise was somehow reached and Neels van der Merwe: Yes, because I PP will and non-responsive from Modise they then esca- plaint by SARA. a meeting was held between the two parties on be unavailable for the next two to three days. lated the matter to the office of the PP. January 9, where it was agreed a transcript of the The two parties met on January 9 to specificaly minutes and resolutions/options will be provided Neels van der Merwe: And so we, we can pre- Nyathela says he has been sending e-mails to discuss the Closing Report (Report Number:58 of to SARA “within, at most, a week”. But that was pare it in the meantime. And then, yeah, let’s say the acting PP for a way forward but these have 2022/23 - ISBN: 978-1-991244-10-9) dated De- not to be.It took more than a month of wrangling by the end of the week, at least. gone largely unanswered. cember, 30, 2022 signed by Adv Gcaleka, where and the intervention of the portfolio committee on she had found that SARA had failed to “substan- justice and correctional services for the acting PP Nelisiwe Nkabinde: Alright, thank you very “We of the view that the delay is caused by the tiate” their allegation of “improper conduct” or to finally provide SARA with the transcript mid- much, Mr Manyathela. Just bear with us if we are failure of the acting PP to substantiate her clearing “maladministration” against Modise. February - but minus the options/resolutions. not able to give it to you in the course of this week, of Modise of any wrongdoing. but maybe by Monday next week...” This notwithstanding the fact that Gcaleka In the transcript, which Weekly SA Mirror has Its exactly two months now and we still do not had arrived at her findings without having inter- seen, the PPSA committed through its legal ser- The matter has its genesis in March 2020 have a way forward,’ cried Nyathela. viewed the complainant, something described by vices Advocate Neels van der Merwe to provide when Nyathela complained to the Public Protec- SARA president Freddie Nyathela. as a “travesty” the resolutions/options of the meeting by the end tor’s office that Modise had failed to investigate Asked why the acting PP delivered a transcript and a “failure” by the Acting PP to follow pre- of week January 13, 2023. then parliamentary portfolio committee on arts without resolutions/options to SARA, spokesman scripts of her office. A media spat ensued between Part of the transcript reads: and culture chairperson Xoliswa Tom and other Advocate Ndili Msoki promised to respond to our the two entities with Gcaleka saying her office is Parliament officials, including Advocate Zuraya media inquiry, but two weeks later there’s been no “ Neels van der Merwe: Yes, I’m sure we can Adhikarie, Nathi Mjenxane and Momelezi Sikw- word forthcoming from him, let alone SARA re- STOP just confirm the the options or the resolution in eyiya. This after Nyathela had lodged a complaint ceiving a way forward from the acting PP regards with Tom in February 2016 in terms of section their complaint. 17(2) (e) (d) of the Powers, Privileges and Immu- DEATH PENALTY – BISHOPS URGE ZIMBABWE GOVT By Silas Isenjia ALARM: Steep rise in murder and robbery the world to consider other forms of detention that HARARE – Members of the Catholic Parlia- incidents in that country steer public sentiment ensure the protection of their respective citizens in- mentary Liaison Office (CPLO) of the Zimba- towards ultimate punishment against criminals… cluding life imprisonment. bwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) are calling for the abolishment of death penalty in “In grave criminal offenses, one should be in- the Southern African nation. carcerated for life, until God calls him or her. If there are alternative means available to punish the Zimbabwe has reportedly experienced a rise offender, these should be used to protect the society in criminal cases including robbery and murder in from the convicted person,” they say. recent years. This has fuelled debates on the execu- tion of perpetrators with human rights groups call- They add, “The assumption that the death pen- ing for the removal of the death penalty from the alty provides closure and vindication to those left country’s constitution. behind should be opposed. No action can bring back a loved one or heal the wound created.” In a March 1 report, CPLO members express their opposition to death penalty and advocate for As the convicted person serves the sentence, the safeguarding of human life, arguing that the CPLO members say that there is a need for the pain of losing someone cannot be dealt with by kill- family of the bereaved to undergo healing, adding ing the one who caused it. that “restorative justice seeks the reconciliation of perpetrator and victim and the victim’s family.” “As the Catholic Church, we state that the sanc- tity of life is to be upheld and that authorities must They also call for the use of “meaningful tradi- refrain from applying this ultimate punishment by tional ways to bring healing and peace among the taking the life of a person convicted of a heinous bereaved” without infringing on the rights of oth- crime,” CPLO members say. ers. They add, “We join the campaign in opposing CPLO members also refute the death penalty the death penalty and call for upholding the sanctity on the ground that shoddy investigation and lack of life in Zimbabwe.” of legal representation by some victims may lead to the loss of innocent life as has been witnessed The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. in various cases in the Southern African landlocked 2267) states that “capital punishment is an attack country.To combat the death penalty in Zimbabwe, on the inviolability and dignity of the human per- they call for a concerted effort in protecting the son and it is inadmissible at all times.” dignity of every Zimbabwean as enshrined in “the Fourth Chapter of the Constitution of Zimbabwe In their March 1 report, CPLO members say Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013.” that the right to life is a fundamental right and should not be compromised following a criminal According to the Parliamentarians for Global offense not just in Zimbabwe but globally. Action (PGA) report, as of September 2022, 112 countries had abolished the death penalty in law They argue that the dignity of a person remains for all crimes, and 144 countries had abolished the intact even in the face of a serious crime. For this death penalty in law or practice as of August 2022. reason, CPLO members urge governments around – ACI Africa
6 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SKILLS Friday 10 March 2023 GOVT HAS FAILED TO ESTABLISH SOLID FOUNDATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES STUMBLE: Lack of capital and resources are a stumbling block for entrepreneurs By WSAM Reporter With 30 years of experience in education and on a franchise, where someone else develops the startup does not risk preventable loss. In a free-market economy, small business is the skills development, Naidoo has witnessed many business model and the entrepreneur buys into and - Marketing. foundation upon which employment and eco- career development models. Whilst he concurs operates it. nomic growth are underpinned. South Africa, that learnerships provide the skills to enhance em- Incubators can develop market and industry however, has one of the highest SMME failure ployability, he believes that youngsters will need to These entrepreneurs, however, still face a high knowledge as well as brand-building and commu- rates worldwide, with five out of every seven create their own opportunities to reduce unemploy- possibility of failure. It is, therefore, imperative to nication (including digital) skills that are crucial failing in the first year, says Rajan Naidoo, ment in South Africa through the development of lower the risk factors for start-ups, says Naidoo. for startups to find their niche in the marketplace. Managing Director of EduPower Skills Acad- entrepreneurial skills. “Most SMME failures are avoidable if better busi- emy. ness practices are followed. In an incubator, best Naidoo believes that in addition to best prac- “Entrepreneurship is best suited to certain per- practices can be entrenched upfront and monitored tices, it is extremely important to ingrain the social According to him, learnerships and the training sonality types. These are the risk-takers, problem through the early stages of the business operation, aspect of business in young entrepreneurs. They providers that facilitate them should be playing a solvers, hard workers, who are innovative and increasing the sustainability of the startup.” need to add social value to their communities and direct role in driving entrepreneurship to increase creative and good leaders, with an understanding when providing employment, are responsible for start-up sustainability and success. of social needs and the ability to access a network. The three areas identified by Naidoo as busi- treating their employees in a just and fair manner. Most of these qualities are innate but the knowl- ness risks which can be mitigated through im- Naidoo says training providers in South Africa edge, experience and skill still have to be nur- proved business practices are: They also need to ensure their goods and ser- should be mandated to develop entrepreneurial tured.” - Capital and access to resources. vices are of a quality, price, safety and environ- skills and that business incubators at every train- mentally compatible standard. The right value sys- ing facility should help develop more successful According to Naidoo, there are generally two This is a stumbling block because entrepre- tems will ensure that everyone wins. Incubators, SMMEs. types of entrepreneurs. The first is the passionate neurs generally lack the skills to present their busi- therefore, need to foster these value systems in our individual who has great ideas. For them, a busi- ness cases in a compelling manner. The expertise burgeoning entrepreneurs. “Tens of thousands of young South Africans ness incubator will provide support and the oppor- and skill developed within incubators will, there- are enrolled in learnerships each year and this has tunity to build a viable enterprise which otherwise, fore, add to the credibility of the entrepreneur’s “With thousands of skills development training created a vast training network. If every training may fail due to insurmountable barriers or proposition and more easily aid the attraction of providers throughout South Africa, the introduc- provider was able to operate a business incubator, capital. tion of business incubators at institutions – where we could create a platform and support framework The second type of entrepreneur has the right - Administration education is already taking place - could create the that would encourage budding entrepreneurs to instincts but lacks an idea for a business. They right conditions for fledgling businesses to grow pursue the formation of startups.” need business incubators that provide a “Business Common mistakes in accounting, record keep- and flourish, to become socially valuable entities in a Box concept”. This is a business, modelled ing and cash flow management require the guid- that enhance communities, create jobs and uplift ance of an experienced mentor to ensure the new the economy.” THE FEAR OF FAILURE CAN PREVENT PEOPLE FROM TAKING RISKS NEEDED FOR SUCCESS BOLSTER: Overcoming fear builds resilience and bolsters the ability to manage to manage adversity here ere By Isaac Moledi and transform yourself above the fear and into abilities. This self-confidence will give you the help and support. This can lead to new business The fear phenomenon is a natural human bigger and bigger success. According to her, resil- courage to take on bigger challenges, make bold relationships, greater collaboration and growth emotion in response to probably real threats ience starts with you, and it begins in your mind. decisions and push the boundaries of what you opportunities. and if left unchecked could hold people from thought was possible. Deeper sense of purpose: achieving their goals. “The reasons for and the type of fear varies Unlocks creativity: and when it comes to business, fear of failure and Unimpeded by fear, you will be able to pur- This is the view of Jacqui van Rooijen, Di- the fear of rejection, underpinned by the universal When you are not held back by fear, you are sue your passions and work towards your goals rector at Ycagel. You may wonder why fear is fear of the unknown, are two of the most common. free to explore new ideas and think outside the with more focus and determination, achieving a present in human beings. Some say it is what we For entrepreneurs, these fears can be particularly box with greater creativity and innovation. This deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment in life. It choose to do about our fears that determine the crippling, preventing them from taking the risks can lead to breakthroughs in your thinking and in- will also give wings to all the innate aspirations speed of our growth trajectory or lack thereof. sometimes necessary for success. spire new ways of doing things. This is especially and abilities that turned you into an entrepreneur valuable for entrepreneurs who are always on the in the first place. Van Rooijen believes that all people have “However, it is important to first understand lookout for new and innovative solutions to chal- fears as this phenomenon is a natural human emo- that fear is a natural part of the entrepreneurial lenges faced in their businesses. “Owning up to fear and then learning to con- tion in response to either perceived or real threats journey and when confronted and dealt with ap- Develops resilience: quer it, is a personal development imperative and if left unchecked can hold us back from reach- propriately, plays an essential role in your person- and will have a significant impact on your future ing our full potential, both personally and profes- al growth, apart from having a compelling impact Entrepreneurship can be a difficult and un- growth as an entrepreneur. sionally. She says fear helps people develop re- on your approach to business.” Van Rooijen pro- predictable journey at times, and it is important silience. Resilience comes from facing your fears. vides some insights on key benefits of facing and to be able to bounce back from challenges and Take the time, therefore, to reflect on, and As an entrepreneur, van Rooijen believes it is cru- overcoming your fears and how these can contrib- setbacks. Overcoming fear builds resilience and recognize those things that are holding you back cial to recognize and overcome your fears to grow ute to maximizing your potential: bolsters your ability to manage adversity. from taking the next big step. and succeed in any business venture. Builds confidence: Expanded professional networks: Then, start finding ways to control and defeat You become better than your surroundings One of the primary advantages of dealing Fear-busting will give you the courage to be them. The benefits will be immense and you will with your fears is increased confidence in your able to take risks and reach out more to others for be amazed at how much you can achieve,” says Van Rooijen.
Friday 10 March 2023 PERSONAL FINANCE/BUSINESS 7WEEKLY SA MIRROR SA NEEDS A LOT OF WIND POWER TO TACKLE THE DEVASTATING ENERGY CRISIS INVEST: Banking institutions have sufficient which is now the most economically competitive coal and nuclear power generation might still be funds to invest in renewable energies form of generation in the country, alongside pho- of strategic importance to South Africa, they use tovoltaic solar power. In addition, it is the fastest a very substantial amount of water to operate, By Isaac Moledi This is a particularly challenging reality to ac- to deploy with far less cost as compared to several which is a relevant concern in a country that battles The wind power currently represents the best cept taking into consideration how rich South Af- years or even decades that nuclear or fossil-fuel regularly with water shortages. “In our experience, response to address the power blackouts that rica is in energy resources, particularly renewable power plants take to plan and develop. wind power projects in South Africa have had a tre- are crippling the nation and mitigate the risk clean resources, that can help the country expand mendously positive impact not only in generating of a grid collapse. This is according to Janek its power generation capacity and, in doing so, sup- Winand says his company has in recent years low-cost electricity to the grid, but also directly and Winand, Managing Director for South Africa, porting its move towards a growing and greener built 855 MW of onshore wind power in South indirectly on the communities around the projects Siemens Gamesa. economy. Africa installing wind turbines with a maximum themselves, many of them quite remote. power output of 2.3 MW per unit. He said South Africa is in need of more wind By investing in dispatchable power, grid ex- “These projects require a number of services power to tackle the current devastating energy cri- pansion, grid stabilizers and energy storage, South “Today, we already offer turbines in-country during development, many sourced from the lo- sis. He believes that given the right incentives and Africa will create a resilient foundation for clean with an output of 6.6 MW per unit. To put it into cal communities, thereby stimulating the local policies, renewable energy sources, particularly energy expansion, says Winand. perspective, to produce 150 MW of power, a wind economy, with a trickle-down effect. The growth wind power, could rapidly help to resolve some of power plant now requires only 23 turbines, in con- of the industry has also stimulated interest in Sci- the country’s most challenging energy problems. “These efforts will contribute to faster devel- trast to 61 just a few years ago. The levelized cost ence, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics opment and integration of new power generation of energy at the end of the day is being decreased (STEM) fields by young professionals eager to As the second biggest economy in Sub-Saharan plants into the national grid while addressing issues dramatically.” work with and within a transition to a greener en- Africa, Winand says South Africa has been restrict- with the integration of intermittent power sources ergy landscape.” ed for years in its development by constant power like solar and wind.” He believes that the future of the energy mix cuts, lasting hours at a time, undermining people’s will inevitably be one of combined sources of pow- Winand believes that this provides multiple ability to develop their lives, businesses to grow The efforts will at the same time contribute to a er. “In a just transition scenario, we must consider opportunities for synergies and collaborations and services to function. However, the worsening reduction of the country’s dependence on coal-fired all options available to ensure access to power and with the local communities in these developments, of this situation over the past 12 months has made power generation, which he says currently repre- economic development for all, with sustainability which he says promote to a great extent in the de- the situation unsustainable. sents more than 80%. as a central strategic objective.” velopment of their windfarms. He believes that South Africa is endowed with Winand says as solar produces its maximum In terms of funding, the willingness to invest tremendous potential for wind power generation, output throughout the day and wind more energy is already there. According to him, South African in the mornings and the evenings, both sources are banks have sufficient funds to invest in renewable complementary by nature, to have a seamless flow energies and are also very motivated to do so. “All of power into the grid. that is needed is the political will to move forward.” Also, to be noted, says Winand, is that while AFRICAN By Isaac Moledi perative to enact policies that can mobilize and ECONOMIES ARE SET African economies are expected to stabilize leverage private financing for development in TO STABILIZE SOON in 2023/2024, despite the tightening global Africa.” financial conditions, the African Develop- SMART: The continent remains a treasure trove ment Bank (AfDB) has projected in a new He believes that the unfavourable global for smart investors globally report. conditions have led to rising inflation, higher debt servicing costs and increased risk of debt Despite the unfavourable global conditions distress in developing countries, including Af- that have led to rising inflation, higher debt rica. servicing costs and increased risk of debt dis- tress in developing countries, the AfDB report, “As in many emerging market economies, titled: Africa’s Macroeconomic Performance tightening financial conditions and the appre- and Outlook (MEO) 2023, estimates Africa’s ciating US dollar have had dire consequences average GDP to stabilize at 4% in the next two for most African economies,” Urama said. It years, up from 3.8% in 2022. has also become difficult for African countries to access international capital markets for new Presenting the report, African Develop- financing. ment Bank chief economist and vice president, Kevin Urama, said that the continent could Most African currencies, especially in benefit from high demand for its commodities commodity-exporting countries, lost sub- as countries seek alternatives for food and en- stantial value against the dollar in 2022 due ergy in response to disruptions caused by the to monetary policy tightening in the United war in Ukraine. States. The depreciation rates ranged from 21% in Malawi to 69% in South Sudan. The continent, he noted, remains a treasure trove for smart investors globally, but it must Urama cautioned that currency weaknesses strive for higher growth rates, more inclusive in Africa’s more globally integrated econo- economies and greater resilience to exter- mies, such as Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria and nal shocks. “The stable outlook projected for South Africa, may persist in 2023. “Key driv- 2023–2024 reflects the continuing policy sup- ers of the currency depreciations include the port in Africa, global efforts to mitigate the im- tightened global financial conditions and weak pact of external shocks and rising uncertainty external demand, macroeconomic imbalances, in the global economy,” Urama said. constrained revenues and weak investment flows and political risk aversion associated The report, to be released in the first and with countries’ election cycles,” Urama said. third quarters of each year, will provide African African countries’ fiscal positions have already policymakers, global and domestic investors, been stretched by Covid-19 policy responses researchers and other development partners and support for vulnerable populations against with an up-to-date, evidence-based assessment rising food and energy prices amid high debt of the continent’s recent macroeconomic per- and the impacts of climate change. formance and short-to-medium-term outlook amid dynamic global economic developments. Other economic headwinds include the spillover effects of rising geopolitical tensions, Urama urged bold policy actions. “To meet particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine. the significant financing gaps in Africa, it is im- These conditions are pushing price stability beyond most central banks’ grasp.
8 WEEKLY SA MIRROR OPINION/ANALYSIS Friday 10 March 2023 Comment MUSIC IN KODWA’S EARS? ‘WHY IS EGYPTIAN SOCIAL MEDIA AGAINST You have to take pity on Zizi Kodwa, the new Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, moving BLACK PHAROAHS?’ from the more placid covert world of intelli- gence to the overtly unhappy and outspoken arts CONTEMPORARY: The notion that black the elite of Egypt at the turn of the 20th century communities – only to arrive much unawaited. people were kings in Ancient Egypt is generating instead argued that contemporary Egyptians are the a social media backlash. Understanding the heirs and direct descendants of the pharaohs. Ordinarily, a newly appointed Minister like racialised legacy of Egyptology can explain why… him should be happy to arrive to his new “show- Academic articles up until the 1960s still biz” portfolio with much fanfare and high public By Razan Idris openly used the terms of race science to describe expectations, and coming with promise of being Egyptians’ identity, and the practice of arguing that a new broom to sweep clean of the remaining Egyptian social media has been in a furore over REALITY: Kevin Hart sparks Egyptian furo- Egyptians are not related to black Africans has now issues from his predecessor’s in-tray, while also the African American comedian Kevin Hart re over remarks that blacks were ancient been heavily revived online through what Dorothy preparing to stamp his own authority. But the saying that black people were kings in Ancient Egypt kings. Roberts has termed the recreated genetic language reception committee of artists and allied stake- Egypt. Online, one can see Egyptian men argu- uncover the treasures we know today. of race science. holders is baying for blood – and they have laid ing that Hart’s words reflect “dangerous Afro- the gauntlet for him to run. centric claims” that contemporary Egyptians But the specifically racialised nature of Egyp- Third, I argue in my forthcoming thesis that are invaders of a previously black Egypt. tology has not been properly decolonised in Egypt the use of race science in Egyptology provided an This is the occupational hazards inherent in either, and this shapes the social media furore over entry point for the language of eugenics to creep the game of musical chairs that the ANC typi- This isn’t the first time that Afrocentric ap- Afrocentrism in several ways. into Egypt in the early 20th century. The spread of cally plays when it comes to ministerial appoint- proaches to Ancient Egypt have been taken as in- “soft” eugenics via the rhetoric of family control ments – or cadre deployment. Needless to say, sults on Egyptian social media. Quite recently, the First, colonial Egyptologists used race sci- by the elite of Egypt led to the “scientification” of many have turned out to be woefully incongru- scholar Hisham Aidi addressed a similar contro- ence to argue that Ancient Egypt was “Aryan”, and racist beauty ideals, and this eugenic language is ent to the pressing task at hand in the past – for versy in his article “Egypt and the Afrocentrists.” therefore dominated nearby nations seen as “Ne- widespread in Egypt today. example, often tantamount to deploying a me- gro”. As Scott Trafton explains in Egypt land: race chanic to extinguish the fire in a flaming build- So, what on earth is going on? and nineteenth-century American Egyptomania, For example, the racist idea of “tahsin al-nasal” ing. The first impulse might be to argue that Egyp- this led to years of academic erasure of the phar- so commonly seen on Egyptian social media is sim- tian social media is simply reacting against the aohs of Nubia and the 25th Dynasty in Kush. ply the equivalent of Latin American “mejorar la Examples of curious ANC deployments thinkers labelled as Black Orientalists. The origi- raza” or “improving the race”. This is why we also abound, like the perplexity of President Cyril nal revisionist historians of the Afrocentric move- In turn, Elliott Colla pointed out in Conflicted see Egyptian men on social media explicitly say- Ramaphosa unleashing a civil engineer in the ilk ment—such as Cheikh Anta Diop—saw contem- Antiquities how 19th-century elite Egyptians used ing that they should marry light-skinned women to of Kgosientso Ramokgopa to tackle the nation’s porary Egyptians as black and argued that ancient these arguments to justify their new dominion over combat “the invasion of the Africans,” portraying long-standing electricity problems, instead of an Egypt was the same, much like how Malcolm X Sudan in 1820 as merely being continued from an- blackness as foreign to Egypt. electrical engineer. saw contemporary Egypt as a black country. cient times. This helps explain why contemporary On the other hand, Black Orientalists reify me- Egyptians on social media still associate images of But Egyptology alone cannot explain why it is Kid you not, wait to see the incumbent civil dieval Arab myths that contemporary Egyptians are dark skin from Ancient Egypt with Sudan and be- now that Egyptians on social media wield this fu- engineer, in his wisdom – figuring out that ac- all Arab settlers from the Gulf, rather than being the ing “non-Egyptian,” and why contemporary Egyp- rore against the idea of black pharaohs. Rather, the tually the ultimate solution to our loadshed- original inhabitants of Egypt who had intermarried tians belittle the pyramids in Sudan using racist legacies of Egyptology must be read in the context ding problems lies rather in the construction or with many different groups over the centuries. This language. of 21st-century border control. Unlike the roman- securing of the proverbial tunnel to ensure the is a violent argument over the meaning of indige- ticised mid-century pan-African moment in Egyp- nation’s safe passage to the light at the end of neity as tied to claims of belonging in the modern Second, colonial Egyptologists popularised the tian politics, Egyptian borders have become tightly it…and, not the fact that we are stuck in the dark nation-state. However, backlash against Black Ori- use of race science as a way of categorising modern controlled against migration. hole. entalists does not fully explain why Egyptians react Egyptian identity. While British colonial Egyptolo- so strongly against being called or labelled black. gists initially argued that ancient Egypt was “Aryo- As most recently seen in post-coup Tunisia, but Back to poor Kodwa, who should ordinar- Instead, I argue that the real issue with Afrocen- Semitic”, and contemporary Egypt was “Negroid,” previously seen in Gaddafi’s Libya as well, politi- ily have arrived by now to the welcoming ambi- trism for Egyptian social media is that the study of cal leaders across the Mediterranean use anti-mi- ence of waltzing symphonies belted out by the Ancient Egypt is heavily tied to the modern Egyp- grant and fascist “Great Replacement” rhetoric to in-house R54-million Mzansi Philharmonic Or- tian national identity—whose racial inheritances violently enforce their modern borders and prevent chestra, yet already feeling the cold winds from were studied by Eve Troutt Powell in A Different refugees from accessing the EU. a terribly disenchanted constituency. Shade of Colonialism—and Egyptology was and remains a heavily racialised field. The practice of In these contexts, border control becomes an Unless the new Minister is tone deaf, which Egyptology remains wildly colonial, with popular ever-more racialised way of controlling a fixed we know he is not, given his renowned nimble British “vintage Egyptology” accounts celebrat- Egyptian identity, and all challenges to that fixed dance moves at parties, he would already be ing colonial aesthetics, government conservation identity are met with social furore, as seen in the sensing that the music from the controversial or- efforts often portraying average Egyptians as en- violent dispersals of the black migrant protesters in chestra is palpably discordant and self-indulgent emies of ancient history, and celebrations of Egyp- al-Muhandiseen in 2005. – not least, accentuated by the shrieking noise tology often erasing the Egyptians who worked to of derision from a large section of stakeholders. To decolonise Egyptology, we cannot only study race science in history. We must also stand Undeniably, Nathi Mthethwa, left a curve against how borders invisibly reify race in our mod- ball for his successor. He has to hit the ground ern lives from the US to Egypt today. running, while Mthethwa walks off in huff wounded to his native KwaZulu-Natal province *Razan Idris is a PhD candidate in history at to a likely hero’s welcome – his home-turf that the University of Pennsylvania and the curator of has apparently never had anything to complain the #SudanSyllabus, working on a project tenta- about during his contentious tenure. tively titled The Colors of the Earth: Blackness in 1930s Egypt. The article was sourced from Africa For his part, Mthethwa will have plentiful is a country is an outlet of opinion, analysis, and to contemplate when it comes to his legacy at new writing on and from the African left, founded his former portfolio. He would probably still in 2009 feel there was merit in his loony idea of a R22- million sky-high flag, which was to be erected to ostensibly “educate” the nation – about itself. Indeed, when it comes to education, the sky is the limit. That said, we pray that Kodwa’s tenure will not – in the end – turn out to be a zizzzzzzzz. 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 10 March 2023 OPINION/ANALYSIS 9WEEKLY SA MIRROR PLIGHT OF DISPLACED AFRICANS DEEPLY CONCERNING THUGGERY: The VIOLATED: The members of Banyamulenge community Richard Mukata (29) and Jean- ration of the situation in the eastern DRC.He said Banyamulenge pair Claude Sibomana (29), who were severely attacked, at the embassy of the Democratic they thought the peace agreement signed in 2013 at the Congolese Republic of Congo (DRC) in Arcadia, Pretoria last month. would usher in a period of peace and stability but Embassy in Pretoria the resurgence of the violence raised serious alarm deplorable… and the United States of America (USA). transgressions will not be repeated. What now, giv- bells. Mkhwanazi quoted Ramaphosa as follows The subsequent points entail the gist, from the en the latest transgression? As a scholar of Africa’s “Ten years since it was signed, the eastern DRC By Tshepo Moloi International Relations (IR), although not surprised continues to experience periodic cycles of conflict In a disconcerting case of ethnic intolerance, on two aforementioned letters. From the statement of at ethnic intolerance (prevalent across Africa and and violence. We agree that the volatile security February 14 this year, two male members of the 18th February 2023, this recent attack was outlined beyond), I continue to be disappointed to observe situation in the eastern DRC has gone on for far too ethnonym Banyamulenge community Richard as follows ‘after the two Banyamulenge men ar- sites where such incidents take place and officials long, and is untenable. We cannot but be troubled Mukata (29) and Jean-Claude Sibomana (29), rived at the DRC embassy to apply for their pass- found to be complicit not held accountable. It is sad by this humanitarian catastrophe. We cannot but be were reported by journalist Jonisayi Maromo ports on 14th February 2023 at 14:15pm, (this is a to concede that even in the wake of bilateral and horrified to see people being butchered, women and of Independent Online (IOL) News on February standard routine procedure undertaken by security multilateral aggreements, countries claiming to be girls being violated and by the blatant violations of 21, to have been severely attacked, at the embas- personnel at entrances of all embassies which in- constitional democracies such as South Africa and human rights and of the rules of engagement in sy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cludes producing one’s identification documents DRC and multilateral organisations, that are meant conflict. in Arcadia, Pretoria. Maromo featured in his this was to prove that the pair were Congolese). Af- to serve as intermediaries such as SADC, AU and article the lobbying support for justice for the ter officials noticed the birthplace of the two men UN continue to fail to hold their plenipotentiaries The current cycle of violence is even more Banyamulenge community, by the Non Profit was Minembwe, located in the South Kivu Prov- accountable, as reflected by this latest saga at the worrying, and is being fuelled by the resurgence Company (NPC) Not In My Name International ince of DRC, a verbal assault begun followed by DRC embassy, in Pretoria. of the armed group M23 that was thought to have (NMNI). NMNI swiftly released a public state- the reported physical attack’. been dismantled in 2013 / 2014”. Mkhwanazi fur- ment about this incident on February 17, enti- The Executive of the Banyamulenge Commu- ther reported that President Ramaphosa “called on tled No Love on Valetines Day. NMNI deserves The assailants are reported to have included nity may have realised that detailing their plight all the stakeholders to ensure the implementation to be recogned thus far, as being instrumental both plenipotentiaries and civilian Congolese, who may have been superfluous, if they were aware that of the peace deal in the region. The situation would in boldly challenging the injustice, upon the two had also come to the embassy for their documenta- on the same two dates when they released their two not stabilise if not all the parties did not stick to the Banyamulenge men. tion. The verbal attack echoed remarks that these statements (17th and 18th February 2023), else- full implementation of the agreement”. two Banyamulenge men, as stated in the statement where in South Africa Siyabonga Mkhwanazi, the Such solidarity is also promoted by the Non- of 18th February 2023 were “supposed to return to Western Cape Politics and Opinion Editor, released Notwithstanding the aforesaid details reported Governmental Organisation(NGO) called the Tur- Rwanda because Minembwe is not Rwanda”. Both two IOL articles respectively. by Mkhwanazi, the Executive Committee of the quoise Harmany Institute (THI), evident from its the statements of 17th and 18th February 2023, af- Banyamulenge in their duel statements, made an three concerts in 2019, 2020 and 2022 hosted for firmed that a short clip which partly recorded the The first (on 17th February) was entitled attempt to narrate where the roots of the animosity, refugees. Based in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, This assault was available. Ramaphosa arrives in Ethiopia for AU Summit as was crudely displayed by their fellow Congolese aims to raise awareness about the plight of various and the second (on 18th February) was entitled originated from. They mention that due to the con- people in Africa and around the world, chased from The two victims reportedly survived their at- Ramaphosa Warns of resurgence of violence in tested history, of their origins (which they project their homes and misplaced and to also celebrate tack once the SAPS intervened and drove them to eastern DRC. Mkhwanazi’s initial article reported to pre-date DRC’s independence of June 30 1960), surivors who overcome the challenge of being pa- hospital. The same SAPS that witnessed and res- that “The Presidency said on Friday that Ramapho- their fellow Congolese dismiss them as Rwandese, riahs. cued the two victims, perplexingly refused to help sa, as chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Baryarwanda or Tutsi Rwandese. them open their case against their assailants. The Council, would chair a meeting to look at the issue Back to Maromo’s article, he reported that two victims thus only opened their case, after going of the ongoing conflict in the DRC where the M23 They are not considered as citizens but ‘for- the South African Police (SAPS) “spokesperson to hospital. rebels have been active for years. eigners’ in DRC. Identity Politics which has mired in Gauteng Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo the miscellanious intra and inter border battles, that stated that “Police can confirm that a case of com- To paraphrase from the executive’s statement The UN mission Monusco has been deployed transpired whence among others Banyamulenge mon assault was opened at Pretoria Central police of 17th February 2023, basically “this violent at- in the region over the last few years. Ramaphosa militia are charged, to have contributed to killing station and an investigation is under way”. For tack took place inside the embassy premises...they will table his report to the heads of state”. Mkhwa- sprees of fellow Congolese, fuels hatred against comprehensive details, it is worth referring to two were attacked because of their ethnic affiliation - nazi’s second article reported that “President Cyril them. Due to politicised history and contested statements issued about this incident, on 17th and for simply being members of the Banyamulenge Ramaphosa has warned about the security situation identity of the Banyamulenge, access to resources 18th February 2023, by the Executive Committee community, something to do with their physical in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in DRC (e.g land in North and South DRC, where of the Banyamulenge Community, led by President traits”. Tellingly the same statement further states (DRC) with the resurgence of the violence in the they settled as pastoralists) and their push for po- Chantal Mabeyi on behalf of a constituency who that “this is a second attack targeting [the Bany- region where the M23 rebels have been locking litical status also explicates the rationale for their were mostly refugees or asylum seekers in South amulenge members] on similar basis, our members horns with the government. He said the security victimisation. Africa. at the Congolese embassy in South Africa, and de- situation has worsened despite a peace agreement spite our efforts to raise this issue with the Congo- that was signed in 2013.They thought the M23 had As a way forward to novices who seek to un- The first statement was titled Condemnation of lese embassy and South Africa’s DIRCO. been dismantled when the peace deal was signed dertstand the dynamics concerning the Banyamu- an Assault of our members inside the Congolese 10 years ago, but they were surprised about its ac- lenge people, the following proposed approach may Embassy in Pretoria and the second statement - an The attack is among others targeting members tivities. aid, to decipher the contestations about the Bany- open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa was titled of our community whenever they try to request ser- amulenge people and their subsequent debacle(s). Condemnation of Ethnic Assault inside the Em- vices at the embassies. Similar incidents have oc- The violence in the region had also claimed In pursuit of a balanced perspective, I advise that bassy of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in curred in Ethiopia, Belgium and unnoticed [other the life of a South African National Defence Force engaging multiple sources that may be grouped Pretoria, South Africa. Given the grave dynamics places]”. The Vice President of the Executive Com- (SANDF) member [Sergeant Vusimuzi Joseph Ma- mainly into the following three categories, would of international relations at play, the aforesaid open mittee of the Banyamulenge Cleophas Nganire, bena (37)] when their helicopter was shot at a few be of great assistance - seek and engage a) the anti- letter was appropriately also copy carried, to South confirmed to me that indeed another member of the weeks ago. While one soldier was killed another Banyamulenge sources (usually advanced by indi- Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Banyamulenge Patrice Rutabara (34), suffered the was wounded. The SANDF is part of the stabilisa- viduals or groups supporting arguments about the Cooperation (DIRCO) Naledi Pandor, Minister of same fate at the DRC embassy in 2015. tion force led by the UN mission, Monusco. I am ‘Indigenous’ vs. ‘non-indigenous’ / ‘non-native’ Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Home Affairs Aaron baffled at their surprise? and ‘foreigner’ pigeonholing of the Banyamulenge Motsoaledi and the offices of the South African Nganire informed me that the 2015 attack was in the DRC). Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). raised with the ambassador of DRC and DIRCO. Mkhwanazi also reported that ‘Ramaphosa told The matter was closed in 2015 after officials in the the AU that they were worried about the deterio- Beyond the hate speech promoted by the This open letter was also further sent to almost latter offices, apologised and promised that such propaganda of a litany of government officials all the presidents of the African Great Lakes Re- over the years by the DRC government, an excel- gion, beginning with President Etienne Tshisekedi lent contemporary representative of this category (DRC), President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), is the host of an online platform called ‘Mulenge President Paul Kagame (Rwanda), President of Re- Speaks’ John Kapapi and his book published in public of Burundi and the current Chair of the East 2019 titled Lies of the Tutsi in Eastern Congo/ African Community Summit Evariste Ndayishimi- Zaire: A Case Study: South Kivu (pre-colonial to ye, former Prime Minister of Chad now Chair of 2018); seek and engage b) sources of individuals the African Union (AU) Commission and Moussa or groups perceived as sympathetic or advancing Mahamat, President of Namibia and Chair of the pro-Banyamulenge arguments. Reference can be South African Democratic Community (SADC) made to Banyamulenge survivers, who have to Hage Geingob, Secretary General of the United their credit studiously embanked on postgraduate Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres and ambassadors studies, such as Lazare Rukundwa’s doctorate at of the following countries posted in their respective Pretoria University entitled Justice and Righteous- embassies in Pretoria South Africa - DRC, Rwan- ness in Matthean Theology and its Relevance to the da, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia Banyamulenge Community (2006) and Rukumbuzi Delphin Ntanyama’s book Behind the Scenes of the Banyamulenge Military (2019). Lastly seek and engage c) sources of individu- als/groups neither anti nor pro the Banyamelenge wishing to advance objective findings, from critical research. Ugandan born Social Scientist Mahmood Mamdani’s book When Victims Become Killers (2001), qualifies him in this category. In closure the Banyamulenge in South Africa are advised to for- tify their alliance with non-governmental organisa- tions such as NMNI and THI, in order to compel DIRCO to act.
10 WEEKLY SA MIRROR HEALTH Friday 10 March 2023 MEDITERRANEAN By WSAM Correspondent toes, melons, papayas, grapes, peaches, watermel- DIET Men who consume colourful fruits and veg- ons, and cranberries. Selenium-rich foods include etables on a regular basis are less likely to be white meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, and nuts. HELPS PREVENT diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to PROSTATE CANCER new research by University of South Australia Study co-author Dr Permal Deo says eating scientists. foods that are naturally rich in lycopene and sele- LYCOPENE: Eating foods naturally rich in nium is preferable to taking supplements, where lycopene and selenium preferable to taking A rainbow of foods rich in certain micronutri- the benefits are limited, according to previous supplements to keep the disease at bay… ents helps to prevent prostate cancer (PC) as well studies. as speed up recovery among men who undergo radiation treatment for the disease. “Our recommendation is to adopt a Mediterra- nean diet enlisting the help of a dietician because The findings, from two studies published in people absorb nutrients in different ways, depend- the journal Cancers, highlight the importance of ing on the food, the digestive system, the person’s a Mediterranean or Asian diet that includes these genotype and possibly their microbiome,” Deo foods. says. Researchers compared micronutrient plasma Prostate cancer remains one of the most com- concentrations of prostate cancer patients with mon and fatal cancers in men, but the nutritional a healthy control group, revealing low levels of deficiencies associated with it remain largely un- lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and selenium in known, hence this study. Other risk factors, such PC patients and high levels of iron, sulphur, and as ethnicity, family history and age have previ- calcium in the same group, relative to controls. ously been linked to prostate cancer. Increased DNA damage after radiation expo- “There is strong evidence that being over- sure was also associated with low lycopene and weight and tall increases the risk of prostate can- selenium in blood plasma. cer. Diets high in dairy products and low in vita- min E may also increase the risk but the evidence Men with plasma concentrations lower than is less clear.” 0.25 micrograms (ug) per millilitre (mL) for ly- copene and/or lower than 120ug/L for selenium Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, have an increased risk of prostate cancer and are seeds, fruits, and vegetables. likely to be more sensitive to the damaging effects of radiation. The research is the first to evaluate plasma concentrations of micronutrients and trace ele- Foods that are rich in lycopene include toma- ments with respect to prostate cancer in the South Australian population. ‘TOO LITTLE SLEEP COULD MAKE COVID VACCINE LESS EFFECTIVE’ PROTECTION: Adults are typically recommended to get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night… By WSAM Correspondent the decline in COVID-19 antibodies two months How strongly a vaccine protects one may depend following vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech or on getting enough sleep in the days before and Moderna shots. after inoculation, found a study examining the re- lationship between sleep duration and the body’s “We have previously found that cognitive behav- response to vaccination. ioural therapy, as well as mindfulness, robustly im- prove insomnia and also normalize various aspects Sleeping fewer than six hours per night around of immunity, although it is not yet known whether the time of vaccination was associated with a ro- insomnia treatment can augment vaccination re- bust decrease in antibody response, according to the sponses,” said Michael Irwin, a study co-author and multi-institution study published March 13 in Cur- director of the Cousins Centre for Psychoneuroim- rent Biology. Adults were typically recommended to munology at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Neuroscience and Human Behaviour at UCLA. The meta-analysis included data on the associa- The researchers also examined the data by sex, tion between sleep duration and antibody responses since women typically have a stronger vaccination for the influenza and hepatitis vaccines. While com- response than men. There was a robust association parable data on COVID-19 vaccination were not between sleep duration and antibody response in available, researchers said their study highlighted men, but they said more data are needed for women the need to identify simple behavioural interven- because the studies did not control for variations in tions, such as sufficient sleep, that could improve the sex hormone levels, which are known to affect im- response to COVID-19 vaccination amid the ongo- mune function. ing pandemic. Large-scale studies were also needed to deter- The weakened antibody response in those with mine when people should get sufficient sleep to pro- shortened sleep was so profound, it was similar to mote an optimal vaccine response around the time of inoculation, the researchers said.
Friday 10 March 2023 FASHION/LIFESTYLE 11WEEKLY SA MIRROR BUCKLE UP! COSMIC CON’S COMING TO TOWN SPECTRUM: World-class event hits the mother city next month… MANIA: Some of the By Gugu Sibiya By replicating characters from television series, movies, fascinating charac- Excitement is at fever pitch in the mother city as die- comics, anime or fictional books, cosplayers elevate the ters to expect at the hard fans and enthusiasts over the forthcoming Com- experience to a whole new level. Comic Con’s Cosplay ic Con Cape Town with its irresistible Cosplay com- petition, which is taking place from April 27 to 30. Physical acting, vocal characterisation, make-up, painting and sewing, are tools participants rely on to pull If hosts of the Con had their way, Freedom Day off their incredible looks. weekend would never be the same again. Playing out at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cos- Comic Con Cape Town is inviting Capetonians to play are urging fans to demonstrate love for characters casually dress up as their favourite character, mask up of their choice by dressing up and strutting around in the and unleash their inner hero with their allies. This to costumes of their favourite characters. compete in the Casual Cosplay Competition, where they stand to win fantastic prizes daily at the CTICC. To ensure that the city is as colourful as the actors’ shows, participants of all ages and looks are invited to The venue is also a playground to show off store- feature in all the exciting activities around the event. bought costumes, contestants who’ve upcycled an every- day outfit to portraying a character, are also in the race. Just as Comic Con offer space for self-expression Added to Cosplay competition, game developer Ubisoft, without care of judgement, the Cosplay community has will host a special competition where fans who dress up always been an integral part of Comic Con events all as any character from an Ubisoft title, stand to win awe- over the world. When it pulls in town, it’s therefore not some prizes. surprising to see regular people letting their hair down by transforming into their alter ego. “With Cosplay being an integral part of the Comic Con experience, we are excited to see the amazing cos- For instance, you could easily bump into a Harley tumes that the fans and the cosplay community will Quinn double, having coffee at his favourite bistro. showcase,” says Comic Con Cape Town show director Carla Massmann. “We encourage all visitors at the festi- Better still, you might find yourself scratching at the val to participate and make this year’s event a truly un- unexpected sight of the Avengers on the streets of Cape forgettable experience,” she adds. Town, dressed up to their nines, headed to the colourful event. Wherever you look, there’ll be heroes across the Aspirants looking to compete professionally, there’s spectrum. the Comic Con Cape Town Regional Champions of Cos- play, dubbed battle of the giants, at CTICC, between From store-bought Spiderman and Hogwarts stu- April 27-30. Brought to you by Brother Sewing South, dents’ families, to the elite and intricate original char- wannabes can enter on https://bit.ly/CCCT Cosplayen- acter designs, lovingly crafted to impress, all ooze love. tries2023 The competition closes on April 27. IMAGINATIVE MAPUNGUBWE GLOWS NENE ADDS WITH COLOURFUL VERVE TO CHARACTERS SEVEN COLOURS VIBRANCY: A story about a TROVE: Cookbook could very well rural outpost wrapped in mystical happenings over its mineral wealth be a great gift and an heirloom… which becomes the object of interest to conniving colonialists… By Amanda Ngudle hallmark is that most recipes are ver- satile, with their ingredients easily By Amanda Ngudle lagers and takes the reader Effervescent celebrity chef Zola substitutable. Siracha can be substi- through everyday normal and Nene unleashed her third cook- tuted with Tabasco sauce, any kind Once in a lifetime, a historical fiction mythical happenings. This he book last year and it is a festival of of parsley will do and sugar is also book like this descends and renders its does with vibrancy of characters colour, taste and aroma. just as adaptable. This is a cookbook counterparts pale in comparison to it. and the colourful stage that is that could very well be a great gift Honestly, had this book arrived a little their world. Many will appreciate that she and an heirloom. Well done to chef later in the year I doubt I would hesitate has taken normal Sunday kos and Zola Nene! to call it the book of the year. Life is a song for the greater added great twists and pinches to it part of life here and gold, steel, to give the recipes a personal stamp. Simply Seven Colours By Zola The first part of the book is centred chrome and diamonds are the trading cur- For instance, I had never tried chilli Nene-Jacana (360) on the Mapungubwe tribe during the 12th rency which invigorates local economy in my cream spinach until I tried hers and 14th century. The king and his broth- until white people come into the picture, and the kick was amazing. ers have disappeared under mysterious first in silos until one day they arrive in The next section is set in the same circumstances, leaving his subjects leader- three ships and docking in Cape Colony village, 400 years later. It’s a few months Who would have thought that less. Then it is discovered that the white with the intention to take over. before the first democratic elections and citrus on fish does not have to be traders also escaped without paying for the village is sprawling with families and strictly lime or lemon? Orange zest the commodities they came to purchase. Soon the chief and his brothers are hope. A man called Hitler might as well did wonders for my snoek as demon- It is here that the author weaves a thread to killed in the most brutal fashion, and it claim this village as his. He is the legend strated on Page 30. My other delight explain the sudden disappearance of this is thanks to a domestic animal that their and the intellectual of the community who with this book is that most recipes do once thriving and rich community. bodies are found. In addition to the dev- fears nothing but his own demons and not require full-on grocery shopping, astation that occurs following this tragic loneliness. His road to one of the most except a handful ingredients. This follows research into the disap- story, is water poisoning which wipes the important offices is well detailed. This, pearance of habitants from this mining villagers in numbers until the remaining indeed, is one of the most delicious – yet For example, I used only eight village that had never been convincingly few pack their belongings and seek refuge informative book – you will have the ingredients for what could ordinarily explained. The author resurrects the vil- in different neighbouring villages. pleasure of reading. It would do well as have been an elaborate snoek recipe prescribed literature too. – yet it worked out just as perfectly. I also believe I may have found a way Mapungubwe Relics - Mange Publish- around the Gammon’s heaviness and ing (R199 unique gamy odour through the in- genious use of marmalade, ginger and bay leaves. Moreover, another welcome
12 WEEKLY SA MIRROR FOOD AND WINE Friday 10 March 2023 SUNSET WONDER: Muratie Canvas, the estate’s exquisite transparent marquee with 360˚ panoramic views over the Stellenbosch Wine- MURATIE ROLLS OUT lands and Table Mountain in the distance. THE CANVAS EVENTS Muratie wine estate will host one of the world’s finest blues artists performing live at Muratie Canvas tomorrow. Dan Patlansky, South African blues gui- tarist, singer, and songwriter, is one of the world’s finest storytellers of his genera- tion. With 10 studio albums to his name, he has received legendary status as a glob- ally respected purveyor of the blues. Fans can look forward to old favourites as well as performances from his latest album, Shelter of Bones. Muratie Canvas is the estate’s exquisite transparent marquee with 360˚ pano- ramic views over the Stellenbosch Wine- lands and Table Mountain in the distance. Guests can expect to enjoy a spectacular day filled with superb wine, yummy food, and awesome music. Table seating on a first come, first serve basis and lunch is served from 12noon – 15h00. Tickets cost R295 for adults and R150 for kids under 12. Tickets can be booked via https://www.mura- tie.co.za/muratie-event/dan-patlansky- muratie/#tribe-tickets Muratie Wine Estate is situated on Knorhoek Road, Stellen- bosch. CLASSIQUE: Revellers at a previous Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival masters of their craft – the same characteristics FIJNWYN’S 10TH enthralled by the magic of bubbles. that inspire and drive us to grow and preserve ANNIVERSARY wealth, such as patience, meticulous attention JOBURG’S POPULAR excited to be back in Joburg with what is al- to detail, and even the need to take calculated Pretoria’s calendar event, Fancy Fijnwyn, takes BUBBLY EVENT RETURNS ways an enormously popular festival. I think risks, will also be evident in the top-quality place in Pretoria East on March 20 and 21, start- bubbly is even more popular in Gauteng than it bubbly, delectable dishes and live music that ing from 4pm, amid the usual carnival fanfare. The Johannesburg Cap Classique & Cham- is in Cape Town or others parts of the country. visitors will experience at the festival.” The venue is situated at Shokran, 99 Luiperd pagne Festival is expected to attract scores of “This year, we’re especially thrilled to have Tickets, available through webtickets, cost Street Tiegerpoort. Fijnwyn wine festival was Gauteng bubbly lovers when it opens at its usu- several black owned bubbly brands on board R450 per person, and include entry to the established to give people the opportunity to al venue at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton on such as Amari, Ayepyep, House of Azari and venue, a souvenir branded glass and 10 tasting taste amazing wines from the best boutique March 25 and 26, from 11h00 to 16h00. Khulu – all Cap Classiques that are up there coupons. wine estates. The festival – once again presented by Sanlam with the best of them and just waiting to be This event is celebrating 10 years of Fijnwyn, Private Wealth – will feature some of South tasted and enjoyed! LABORIE DECKS THE which included 32 festivals. Tickets are R450 Africa’s finest Cap Classiques from producers “As always, the festival will have an elegant, TABLE and will include a glass, wine tastings as well as and distributors such as Amari, Ayepyep Bub- chic garden party feel with a blue and white a delectable spread on a harvest table for you to bly, Benguela Cove, Black Elephant Vintners, dress theme and fabulous prizes awarded each Cape winelands’ Laborie will host what they enjoy while listening to live music. Bon Courage, Boschendal, Graham Beck, day to the best dressed.” have billed as “Long table in the Vineyards” at On March 21, the event will focus on bubbles House of Azari, Khulu, Kleine Zalze, Krone, Food from a variety of stalls and stations will its Paarl farm tomorrow. as well as some white and red wines. On the L’Ormarins, Paul Renè, Steenberg, Villiera and satisfy festival-goers’ hunger pangs and live Guests can prepare to experience a balmy sum- day, tickets will be charged at R195, which in- WCellar. music will also add to the laid-back ambience. mer evening that Paarl is famous while revel- cludes a tasting glass with unlimited wine tast- On the Champagne front, those in attendance “We’re delighted to once again be part of this ling at the beauty of Paarl Mountain, and si- ings. Embrace the amazing atmosphere with will include Champagne Deutz, Guy Char- luxury lifestyle event,” says Theesan Moodley, multaneously enjoying a long table feast in the family and friends whilst listening to amaz- baut’s Carrol Boyes Champagne and several CEO of Sanlam Private Wealth. “A highlight on exquisite Laborie vineyard. Tickets cost R620 ing local musicians whilst supporting one of brands courtesy of W Cellar, including Villi- the Johannesburg social calendar, it provides us per person and include a 4-course dinner with a the top street food vendors. Join us for one of era Cap Classique and Champagne Comtesse with the perfect platform to create an exclusive welcoming drink and live music. these events and experience what Fijnwyn is all Alexia. experience for our guests. about and why it has become an annual favour- Organiser Darielle Robertson said: “We are so “It also enables us to collaborate with fellow STELLENBOSCH SOIREE ite event over the last 10 years. The Stellenbosch Street Soiree, a vibrant street Shokran is a unique events venue situated in party on the streets of the Cape winelands, is to a tranquil farm setting amid pecan nut and al- be held on March 15. mond plantations only 12km from Woodlands The venue is Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch; and Boulevard in Pretoria East. It is the ideal set- entry is R170 a person. Toast with the locals, ting for families to enjoy a day where they will when the ever-popular, Stellenbosch Street Soi- feast their senses on wine, food and music. ree returns to the streets of the City of Oaks for Visit www.fijnwyn.co.za or contact us on 067 some laidback mingling with fellow food and 004 2343 for more info. wine lovers this summer. Presented by the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, the NEW WINE EVENT first soiree of the season took place on Novem- The inaugural Corks & Forks, Great Food & ber 9 last year, when Stellies shared its vibrant Wine Festival will take place at the Idlewild street culture, enviable lifestyle and cosmopoli- Country Estate in Pretoria on March 25, start- tan charm in the heart of this historic town – all ing from 11am. blended with cool tunes, sizzling street food This festival marks the maiden voyage of the and superb wines. Corks & Forks, Great Food & Wine brand. Its “Who does not like a good street party and it is aim is to delight and entertain families and in- a great way to get to know your ‘neighbours’. dividuals with a variety of wines presented by With the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, one is al- the master of their craft, and food. ways in good company so why not come and The organisers promise a wide variety of wines unwind with us after work.,” shares Elmarie and delectables to choose from and also the op- Rabe, Manager of the Stellenbosch Wine portunity to attend free masterclass sessions Routes. during the course of the day. Tickets cost R280 a person.
Friday 10 March 2023 MOTORING 13WEEKLY SA MIRROR MOTORING: Briefs BOLD NEW STELLANTIS MANUFACTURING HYUNDAI PALISADE FACILITY IN SA PRESENCE; The 2023 Hyundai Palisade’s exterior features include new front and rear bumper fascia, a new front grille,new headlamps Stellantis has signed a Memorandum of Under- and daytime running lights standing (MOU) with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, LUSH; The interior is ultra-modern with a new instrument panel, driver’s instrument gauge cluster and audio interface design; a new steer- Industry and Competition (the dtic) to develop a ing wheel design, new seating surfaces and materials manufacturing facility in South Africa. FORWARD LOOKING; The 2023 The manufacturing site in South Africa will be Hyundai Palisade also boast a new building block in brand Stellantis industri- Forward Collision-Avoidance alization strategy that includes the plan to sell one Assist, which helps to avoid- million vehicles in the region by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy. The manufacturing collisions with objects in front plant is planned for setup in a South African Special of the vehicle while driving. Economic Zone (SEZ). The aim is to complete this manufacturing project by 2025. ENHANCED: A luxury which monitors the rear seats to detect the move- trolled from the display screen in front. Alternative- family vehicle for daily ments of children and pets, reminding drivers to ly, second-row passengers have their own climate JAC GROUPS AND VW TAKE SO- use as well as memory- check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle. control settings panel, with buttons for seat-warm- DIUM-ION ROUTE making road trips ing or seat-cooling. If the system detects movement in the rear seats The JAC Group’s joint venture with Volkswa- By Ali Mphaki after the driver leaves and locks the vehicle, it can Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the 2023 gen in China has made history by introducing the Imagine a seven or eight-seater with rear pas- sound the horn and flash the headlights. Hyundai Palisade. The South African range consists world’s first electric vehicle (EV) powered by a of the 7-seater Palisade R2.2 Elite and the 8-seater sodium-ion battery, the five-seat passenger vehi- sengers resting or sleeping while the front-seat The system is designed to help prevent children Palisade R2.2 Elite – both equipped with Hyun- cle, called Hua Xianzi (flower fairy. This milestone occupants can listen to music, radio or podcasts. and pets from being forgotten in the car, but it can dai’s H-Trac All-Wheel Drive system and a 2,2-li- could be a game-changer for the electric vehicle in- Imagine a vehicle with a feature that can pick up also help in case children accidentally lock them- tre turbodiesel engine that delivers its power via an dustry, as sodium-ion batteries offer a cheaper alter- indications that the driver might be tired by analys- selves in. 8-speed automatic transmission. native to lithium-ion batteries. ing the driver’s inputs or lack thereof, warning the driver on the instrument cluster that it is time to take As if it were not enough, imagine a vehicle with Bold new exterior feature include new front and Lithium prices surged last year, creating huge a break. Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist, which helps to rear bumper fascia, a new front grille, new head- cost pressures in producing lithium-ion batteries. avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle lamps and daytime running lights, and a new multi- However, sodium-ion batteries offer better cost per- Imagine a vehicle with something called Ultra- while driving. spoke alloy wheel design. formance and deliver excellent cycle performance, sonic Rear Occupant Alert monitors.This is a device making them a good alternative to lithium-ion bat- If a preceding vehicle suddenly slows, or if a The new Palisade is available in South Africa teries. forward-collision risk is detected, such as a stopped in 5 exterior colours: Shimmering Silver, Moon- vehicle or a pedestrian, it provides a warning. After light Blue, Graphite Gray, White Cream and Abyss Hua Xianzi is fitted with a 25 kilowatt-hour the warning, if the risk of collision remains, it can Black. (kWh) Na-ion battery from HiNa Battery Technolo- assist with emergency braking. gies that can travel up to 250 kilometres on a single Both the 7-seater and 8-seater derivatives are charge. Inside your imagination will continue to run riot priced at R1 099 900. Included in the package is: as you face a wider high-definition infotainment dis- Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km warranty (consisting NEW VEHICLE SALES STAY FIRM play screen (with a split-screen function); you also of the 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, have enhanced dynamic voice recognition and, wait with a 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty exten- New vehicle sales had a firm and momentum- for it, an Infinity 12-speaker sound system. sion); Roadside assistance building second month to the year. The total domes- tic new vehicle sales increased by 1,128 units, or Rear air conditioner settings can also be con- 2,6%, to 45,352 units, compared to the same period last year. However, year-on-year vehicle exports declined by 11,5%, from 34,352 units in February 2022 to 30,409 units in February 2023. Overall, of the 44,224 vehicles that were re- ported as having been sold across the industry, an estimated 37,091 units, or 83,6%, were dealer sales. Another estimated 9,0%, 5,1%, and 2,3%, respec- tively, were sales to the vehicle rental industry, government, and corporate fleet. When compared to the 29,657 new passenger vehicles sold in Febru- ary 2022, the new passenger car market in February 2023 saw a gain of 319 vehicles, or 1,1%, totalling 29,976 units. The automobile rental business in February 2023 saw a healthy 12,2% of sales come from the brand-new passenger automobile market throughout the month. IS PUSHING IT WORTH IT? UK:Drivers are being urged to consider the dan- gers of driving too fast, after Government statistics revealed a worrying trend for young drivers. The new THINK! campaign, “Is pushing it worth it?”, stated that male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged 25 or over. Another part of the national research found that 60% of all serious and fatal collisions involv- ing young male car drivers were on rural roads. The study found that just 43% of young men con- sider exceeding the speed limit to be unaccepta- ble, while 68% see drink driving as unacceptable and 52% think using a mobile without handsfree is unacceptable.=THe Sun UK WINTER WARMER UK: Automotive tech company, ZF, has de- signed a heated seatbelt which surprisingly will help your electric car travel further on a single charge. The aim of the system is to make EVs less depend- ent on functions such as traditional heaters, heated seats and steering wheels which put extra strain on a vehicle’s battery. The thinking around heated seatbelts is that having a heat source so close to the body is a more efficient way of warming up occupants in the car. The reasoning is that having a heat source closer to the body will be a more efficient way of warming up the occupants of the car, rather than relying on heating the entire cabin with hot air blowing out of various vents. Using the toasty belts means the car’s heater matrix won’t need to work as hard to provide extra warmth throughout the interior. This is espe- cially important with an electric car, which isn’t able to utilise wasted heat as you’d normally find with a combustion engine. Instead, energy is taken from the battery, which means this new tech could increase an EV’s range by up to 15 per cent, ZF claims.
14 WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORT Friday 10 March 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR COMING TO SA GOING BEYOND: First stop in China this week then Mzansi and all other countries of the 32 team tournament TO FIGHT FOR; The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy will be contested by 32 teams for the first time in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20 SELECTED; South Africa’s top female referee By Sports Reporter worldwide the chance to try out fun football chal- in China PR on 9-11 March, South Africa on 22- Akhona Makalima is one of the officials set The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour lenges that become tougher over time and then 23 March, Brazil on 29-30 March, USA on 10-14 to make their mark at the FIFA Women’s began last month and will visit all 32 of the tour- share their imaginative efforts on TikTok. April, Canada on 19-20 April, Germany on 2-3 World Cup in July nament’s participating nations – more coun- May, England on 13-14 May and France on 20-21 tries than ever before. As the Trophy travels from stop to stop, se- May. lected women and girls who have participated in The tour is ‘Going Beyond’ to inspire people Skills Drills will join FIFA Legends, local national Several countries will also be part of the tour of all ages to get excited about the FIFA Women’s team stars and other famous faces to highlight for the first time ever, including Colombia, Costa World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, taking the game’s emerging talent and increase the buzz Rica, Denmark, Morocco, the Philippines, the Re- place from July 20 to August 20 and features 32 around the Women’s World Cup. public of Ireland, Switzerland, Vietnam and Zam- teams. bia. Female football freestyle world champion Lia Banyana Banyana is in Group H and pitted Lewis will set the challenges to her more than 3.9 FIFA says the Tour is a spectacular global cel- against Sweden, Italy and Argentina. The tour will million followers on TikTok, as well as across FI- ebration of the women’s game, giving fans, fami- take the iconic Trophy to all 32 of the tournament’s FA’s social media and FIFA+. lies and future football enthusiasts an opportunity participating nations – more countries than ever to be inspired and become part of a truly special before – and will inspire people of all ages by ‘Go- She will also pass on her tips to youngsters at journey,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura ing Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity a Send-Off event on 18 February in Melbourne / says. of the women’s game. Naarm, Australia before the tour’s first official stop in Japan on 25-26 February “It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the At the heart of this mission will be a unique op- most coveted prize in women’s football in person portunity for members of the public to get creative The Trophy will crisscross the globe by vis- and hear from the game’s legends. and showcase their footballing ability to a global iting Asia, Africa, South America, North America audience. and Europe before landing in all nine Women’s The tour will inspire people worldwide by World Cup host cities in the final weeks before the shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that Skills Drills will give willing participants start of a tournament on July 20 demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.” Key dates on the tour schedule include stops VAR MAY BECOME REALITY IN SA LONG-AWAITED: Top referee Pierluigi Collina asked by SAFA to come to South Africa and help set up the structures By Sports Reporter Fresh from appointing decorated former referee CHECKING: A referee seen inspecting a video assist screen in one of the matches dur- Victor Gomes as the chaiman of the SAFA Ref- ing the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year erees Committee, the Association is now push- ing forward for the implementation of the long- COMING TO SA; Italian referee Pierluigi ‘’We want Wenger to help with boosting and by Dr Jordaan and SAFA CEO Advocate Tebogo awaited VAR. Collina currently involved with world revamping the development structures and Collina Motlanthe, the world football governing body football governing body FIFA tasked with to help set up the long-awaited VAR process. These touched on the need for MAs to set up viable acad- SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, who has the development of referees globally is are exciting times for South African football as we emies, schools sport and women football among been meeting international and influential football en route to South Africa to help set up the are also bidding for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World various topics. people around the world, recently met former ref- VAR structures. Cup.’’ eree Pierluigi Collina where the two discussed the ‘’We are vigorously moving forward as part of idea of asking the Italian to come to South Africa SAFA has lately been on the charm offensive our Vision 2030 and we have lined up extensive and help set up the VAR structures. internationally with FIFA President Gianni Infan- and various programmes to shape our goals. In the tino urging the Association to take its rightful place coming weeks, we will be calling upon all our Re- Collina is currently involved with world foot- as one of the leading organisations not only on the gions, LFAs and structures to workshop them on ball governing body FIFA, where he is tasked with continent but globally. what FIFA directed all MAs to do,’’ added Dr Jor- the development of referees globally. He was daan named the World’s Best Referee by the Internation- In a FIFA workshop in Paris last week attended al Federation of Football History and Statistics for six consecutive times from 1998-2003. South Africa has only four VAR-trained offi- cials – Gomes, Zakhele Siwela, Akhona Makalima and rising star Abongile Tom – and Dr Jordaan said by roping in Collina, the country will expedite the long-awaited implementation of VAR. In terms of the FIFA Statutes, it is the MA’s right to oversee and implement all of the Referees’ structures and programmes. ‘’I have met a lot of influential football people globally lately and when I was in Paris (France) last week, I met among other people, Collina and Arsene Wenger who we want to tap into their ex- pertise as we move towards revamping and taking our game to the next level,’’ said Dr Jordaan
Friday 10 March 2023 SPORT 15WEEKLY SA MIRROR SPORTS: Briefs MTOLO COLLAPSES AND DIES A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK: Nonfundo Malinga. right, and her ON TRAINING father former SA champion the great SUgarboy Malinga has followed in dad’s footsteps and is now a boxing promoter The South African football community was mourning on Tuesday following the sudden death NOMFUNDO LEARNING of Richards Bay Premier Soccer League (PSL) star FROM SUPERDAD Siphamandla Mtolo, 29. MALINGA Mtolo’s club confirmed that he had died sud- GENES: Sugarboy’s daughter to stage her times as a champion. I felt the need to pay trib- denly and tragically after collapsing during a train- maiden pro tourney ute to him by promoting fights in the area,” says ing session earlier in the day. Nonfundo. By Pule Mokhine The promoter is particularly upbeat and be- The PSL, meanwhile, confirmed that a mo- When Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga quit the lieves her efforts to showcase the first major tour- “I feel being a promoter myself is a beauti- ment of silence would be observed at all upcom- ring after an illustrious career to become a nament will be a resounding success as she will ful collaboration between myself and uBaba as ing Nedbank Cup and Diski Challenge fixtures this trainer, little did he realise that his legacy will dedicate it to her famous father “Sugarboy”. She he does amateur development for young fighters week. The league said it was “deeply saddened” remain deeply etched in the sport with one of openly expresses her pride for him for having that I myself end up promoting. He’s been training by the news as tributes poured in from all corners his family members keeping the home fires served boxing with distinction as a prized fighter at youngsters at his stable called Sugarboy Boxing of South African football. burning in the game of the fisticuffs. the peak ofhis career before he hung up her gloves. Academy for 10 years now.” BAFANA IN ACTION Nomfundo Malinga, 26, the only daughter of The retired “Sugarboy” now 67 and based in This will be the first time that Nomfundo’s first the former WBC super-middleweight and two- Ladysmith, made history by becoming Mzansi’s event gets off the ground after her plans of staging Cape Town - The South Africa Football Asso- weight SA champion, has followed her dad’s pas- first boxer to win the elusive WBC belt twice. He her maiden event last month were scuppered by ciation (SAFA) has tried to buy time for the na- sion by becoming a promoter. She has founded a outpointed Englishman Nigel Benn in London in Boxing SA. tional team Bafana Bafana who will play a crucial company aptly called Sugarboy Boxing Promo- 1996. He lost it in his first defense to Italian Vin- AFCON Group K qualifier on March 24, in Johan- tions which she has named it after her retired fa- cenzo Nardielo but subsequently regained the belt But everything has now fallen into place for nesburg. mous pugilist father. in his next match-up against another English foe the young impresario to showcase her skills as pro- Richie Woodall by a decision. moter in the male-dominated enclave. And she be- The PSL’s Premiership fixtures will break Her big break as an impresario on note will lieves her maiden show herald the beginning of an officially for the FIFA international window on be realized when she showcases her maiden event Malinga earned cult status for his accom- era. Malinga senior is over the moon that his own Monday, March 20, and end on March 28. Those in the form staging two professional boxing title plishments in the ring. He was even invited to the daughter is keeping the family boxing ship afloat. players, who are available, will start reporting to bouts at her hometown of Ladysmith in KwaZulu Union Building as guest of former SA President the national team camp from Sunday, March 19. Natal on March 26. Nelson Mandela. It is chiefly for this reason that “Fundi, as she is popularly known has been Nomfundo has deemed it appropriate to honor his passionate about boxing since the age of eight. She Apart from the March 24 match against Libe- The main fight on the card will be the SA mid- legacy by keeping the boxing flame alive in the initially wanted to become a boxer herself as she ria, Bafana Bafana play hosts Liberia in the return dleweight scrap featuring John Bopape who will family in a bid to promote the sport in his honor as used to watch me box, but I’ve since discouraged fixture on March 28, in the capital city Monrovia. put his crown on the line against Ayanda Mthembu. “Sugarboy” himself now owns a gym in his Lady- her from the onset. I am happy that she is now a The one good thing for the national team is that the smith hometown. promoter as she obtained her license in November March 24 fixture will be a home match, and travel- The other big attraction on the bill will be the last year,” boasts Sugarboy. ling will not cut into training time. African Boxing Union SADEC title between Ma- “I want to dedicate my first tournament to pule Ngubane who will exchange blows with Zim- thank my dad while he is still alive for his con- The soft-spoken erstwhile champion’s sta- The one bad thing is that Mamelodi Sun- babwe’s Monalisa Simon. tribution to professional boxing while he was still ble has produced three professional pugilists in downs, who will very likely supply the bulk of the active as a fighter. He has been honored so many Nhlonipho Hlubi (featherweight); Mhlengi Ndlo- national squad, are playing a Champions League vu (featherweight) and Sabelo Majola (flyweight). match in Sudan on Saturday, March 18. “All of them are trained by myself and will SERENA HINT AT COMEBACK hopefully have their fights promoted by my daugh- ter when the time is ripe. I believe this is a good Serena Williams admits she misses competing father-and-daughter collaboration,” concludes “every day” but also added that she feels better Sugarboy. when she realizes that she is not anymore required to train for at least eight hours per day. Williams, 41, ended her pro career after last year’s Us Open. “Every day I miss playing then I think about training for 8+hrs a day. It’s not that bad right?” Williams tweeted March 8, 2023 Before and after the US Open, Williams never completely shut down the doors on the possibil- ity of playing again. Because of that, some believe that there is definitely a chance of seeing Williams back in action. In mid-February, Williams admitted to “feel- ing torn” because she believes she “can still play at a very high level. “I for sure feel more at peace now WHY MERC WON’T LISTEN - HAMILTON Lewis Hamilton has claimed that the reason Mercedes are struggling at the beginning of this season is because they failed to listen to him. There was some sense of deja vu in Bahrain at the weekend, as Mercedes struggled at the opening race of the year for the second successive season. A year ago, Hamilton managed to drive his car to third, thanks to issues for the Red Bull drivers but it was more through his skill and sheer deter- mination than anything else. This time the seven time world champion drove his car to a fifth place finish, once again helped by the misfortune of others, as Charles Leclerc had to retire from the race. “Last year, I told them the issues that are with the car,” the British driver said on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast. “Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need. JONSSON WORKWEAR TEES OFF WITH SUNSHINE TOUR Jonsson Workwear has elevated its partner- ship with the Sunshine Tour as this year’s Jonsson Workwear Open (JWO) becomes a DP World Tour co-sanctioned event. The tournament will tee off at the iconic Steyn City from March 23 – 26 March , leading a field of local & international professional golf players to compete for an increased prize of $1.5 million. As a joint venture between South Africa’s Sun- shine Tour and the European Challenge Tour, the inaugural event took place last year at the Durban Country Club (DCC) which is undergoing renova- tions, following the devastating floods which took place in April 2022. JC Ritchie won the first incar- nation of this tournament, having notched an im- pressive hole-in-one, and set a 54-hole Challenge Tour record score of 25-under along the way.
MIRROR SPORTWEEKLY SA Insight to connect the dots... SILENCING CRITICS: Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana, right, seen in action against Mamelodi Sundowns Kenny Mweni in one of their recent games has vastly imptoved and has developed an uncanny scoring habit of scoring vital goals CHIEFS BEWARE! LAST 16: AMAKHOSI PERFORM defender marshalled his defence like a really purchasing the status of Free State Stars. BELOW NORMAL STANDARDS season campaigner. He followed that impressive Nevertheless the proved the doubting Thom- WHEN PITTED AGAINST MINNOWS performance with another notable outing against the Rich Boyz. Ngezana was the recipient of the ases wrong. Stars are coached by owner Bucs By Masoja Cele noyance of Amakhosi myriads of devotees. only goal that separated the two teams. It will be Mthombeni and ably assistant by two former It’s Goliath vs David affair. Kaizer Chiefs are At times Chiefs perform below their normal interesting to see if Ngezana will be an inspira- greats in Thabo Nthethe and Paulos Masehe. The not expecting an easy passage in their last six- tion to his team against Casric. trio are raising eyebrows with their football acu- teen of the Nedbank Cup encounter against standard when pitted against so-called minnows men. They have created a football brand out of the Motsepe Foundation Championship excit- from the lower leagues. The Glamour Boys gaffer Chiefs will be without their trusted striker nothing. ing package Casric Stars at FNB Stadium on Arthur Zwane will definitely expect his team to Christian Saile Bosomboli through suspension. Sunday. continue with their latest vein of form. Zwane’s The DRC forward was suspended after receiv- Casric will want to do well in the compe- Kick off 18:00. team notched two DStv Premiership morale ing his fourth caution against the Rich Boyz last tition they won in 2018 when they were still boosting 1-0 victories against blood-rivals Or- week. Midfield ace Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and known as Free State Stars. Maybe the presence Amakhosi are anxious to end a seven-season lando Pirates and Richards Bay respectively. Khama Billiat are out with long term sort of in- of assistant coach Paulos Masese could work as barren incantation. In 2019 the Soweto giants juries. a lucky charm for Casric. were beaten 1-0 in the final of the Keyona tro- Long-time bench warmer Siyabonga Ngeza- phy at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Again, in the na has responded positive with rare opportuni- Coach Zwane will pin his hopes on the agil- Masehe was part of that Ella Koto conquer- 2022 Keyona edition Galaxy dispatched their ties presented in his favour. Though erratic at ity of his midfield instigator Keegan Dolly to un- ing team Mthombeni has bolstered the team cup nemesis with the same score margin in the times the lanky defender has shown slight im- lock the stubborn Casric defence. When on song with few former DStv Premiership players to second round of the competition much to the an- provement in recent times. Whatever, Zwane Dolly can destroy any opposition with his master strengthened the side. Former TS Galaxy goal has etched in his mind has benefitted the team play in the middle of the park. He is also cunning minder Ludwe Mpakumpaku, ex-Black Leop- immensely. Against Pirates, the Sebokeng born in dead ball situations. ards attacking midfielder Mumuni Abubakar and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keletso Sifama The Phefeni Glamour Boys will be confront- have all settled well with the team. ed with heavy resistance from Casric Stars. The Motsepe Foundation Championship team are Sifama could be the truimph card for currently cruising in their division. The KwaM- Mthombeni’s ensemble as he has the insight of hlanga based outfit are comfortable sitting third how Chiefs plan against the opposition. on the table with only nine matches to complete the season. Very few in the football corridors Another Sunday crunch Nedbak Cup last six- gave them a chance to survive in the league after teen fixture will pit TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch FC at Mbomela Stadium in Nelspruit. Kick-off 15hr00.
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