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Articles by Lelethu Tonisi
Surviving the Coronavirus shutdown: Seven days of staying at home, 14 days to go
© Copyright (c) Daily Maverick , All Rights Reserved South Africa went into lockdown on Friday, 27 March, in a countrywide bid to block the spread of Covid-19. These reflections form part of a series by Young Maverick writers who are monitoring the 21-day stay-at-home policy from various neighbourhoods. Adjusting to the new normal © Provided by Daily Maverick Some movement at the municipal offices in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni could be seen during day seven of the 21-day lockdown.
LOCKDOWN REFLECTIONS: DAY SEVEN: Surviving the Coronavirus shutdown: Seven days of staying at home, 14 days to go
A few houses in the area have put up rainbow pictures and encouraging messages to ‘be strong’ and ‘stay safe’ during the lockdown. 2 April 2020. (Photo: Sandisiwe Shoba) South Africa went into lockdown on Friday, 27 March, in a countrywide bid to block the spread of Covid-19. These reflections form part of a series by Young Maverick writers who are monitoring the 21-day stay-at-home policy from various neighbourhoods.
South Africa: Survey Indicates Drop in Economic Crime in SA, but Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Still Rampant
For the first time in a decade, results from the PwC South Africa 2020 Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey show a drop in the percentage of respondents who have experienced economic crime. The seventh edition of the PwC report, based on global statistics and released on 3 March at the PwC headquarters in Midrand, showed a surprising decline in the reported rate of economic crime.
PwC REPORT: Survey indicates drop in economic crime in SA, but fraud, bribery and corruption still rampant
South Africa has moved to third in the top-10 ranking of countries with the highest reported cases in the world, with China and India reporting the highest incidences of economic crime. (Photo: Adobestock) For the first time in a decade, results from the PwC South Africa 2020 Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey show a drop in the percentage of respondents who have experienced economic crime.
South Africa: Same-Sex Couple Ditch Human Rights Commission to Seek Justice On Their Own
Sasha-Lee Heekes and Megan Watling have lost confidence in the SA Human Rights Commission's ability to deliver them justice in a case involving a Western Cape venue that refused to host their wedding because of their sexual orientation.
BELOFTEBOS WEDDING VENUE: Same-sex couple ditch Human Rights Commission to seek justice on their own
Same-sex couple Sasha-Lee Heekes and Megan Watling have decided not to be involved in a SA Human Rights Commission court application against a venue that refused to host their wedding. (Photo: Adobestock) Sasha-Lee Heekes and Megan Watling have lost confidence in the SA Human Rights Commission’s ability to deliver them justice in a case involving a Western Cape venue that refused to host their wedding because of their sexual orientation.
NEWSFLASH: EFF march against load shedding and privatisation of Eskom
EFF supporters take the streets against load shedding and privatisation, February 28, 2020. Photo: LELETHU TONISI Opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters marched against load shedding, the privatisation of Eskom, and unbundling of the parastatal in Gauteng. More than 1,000 EFF supporters joined leaders on Friday to protest against the frequent bouts of load shedding and to denounce the privatisation of Eskom.
Limpopo SOPA: Mathabatha touts job creation, integration with SADC
Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha on February 24, 2017 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Antonio Muchave) Limpopo premier Chupu Mathabatha boasted confidence in the sixth administration’s potential to catapult the province to a higher growth trajectory, but the details remain foggy. At the dawn of his 2020 State of the Province Address, Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha painted a picture of a thriving economy in Limpopo against the backdrop of several catalytic projects.
SOPA: MPUMALANGA: Premier prioritises access to basic services, corruption, maladministration
Oversight over local government in line with the provisions of the Constitution will continue in attempts to confront Mpumalanga’s thorniest of issues – poor service delivery – Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane promises in her State of the Province Address.
South Africa: Schoolchildren Campaign to Preserve Their Future in the Face of Climate Crisis
As each day passes, the effects of the climate crisis take a day away from future generations. Representing those generations outside the Gauteng Legislature, standing with a handful of climate activists from Extinction Rebellion, were two young learners determined to fight for their future. Jacob Gordon is 14 years old in Grade 9 at King David Victory Park and he wants to be a conservationist one day.
OUR BURNING PLANET: Schoolchildren campaign to preserve their future in the face of climate crisis
Jacob Gordon and Munnira Katongole are adamant to contribute towards alleviating climate change one small change at a time. (Photo: supplied) As each day passes, the effects of the climate crisis take a day away from future generations. Representing those generations outside the Gauteng Legislature, standing with a handful of climate activists from Extinction Rebellion, were two young learners determined to fight for their future.
South Africa: Ten Babies Killed By Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria At Tembisa Hospital
Overcrowding, understaffing and poor hygiene are said to be the main reasons for the deaths of the 10 newborns at Tembisa Hospital. The Department of Health has confirmed that out of the 17 cases of antibiotic-resistant CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) reported between 1 November and 31 December 2019, 10 babies have died. "It was suspected that the organism responsible for this outbreak was Klebsiella pneumoniae," said the department's spokesperson, Kwara Kekana.
MAVERICK CITIZEN: Ten babies killed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria at Tembisa Hospital
Overcrowding, understaffing and poor hygiene are said to be the main reasons for the deaths of the 10 newborns at Tembisa Hospital. The Department of Health has confirmed that out of the 17 cases of antibiotic-resistant CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) reported between 1 November and 31 December 2019, 10 babies have died. “It was suspected that the organism responsible for this outbreak was Klebsiella pneumoniae,” said the department’s spokesperson, Kwara Kekana.
South Africa: Unions Call for Gordhan's Head in Picket At Eskom's Sandton Offices
The National Union of metalworkers of South Africa and the National Union of mineworkers held a joint lunchtime picket outside Eskom's Megawatt Park offices in Sandton on Wednesday 15 January, calling for Public Enterprise Minister Pravin Gordhan to be sacked.
Fightback 2.0: Unions call for Gordhan’s head in picket at Eskom’s Sandton offices
If it were up to the about 50 members of The National Union of metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the National Union of mineworkers (NUM) who picketed outside the Eskom Megawatt Park offices on Wednesday, Pravin Gordhan would no longer be the minister of Public Enterprises. The group joined growing calls in certain political sectors for Gordhan to be removed from his post over his handling of Eskom and its power-generating problems.
NEWSFLASH: It’s back-to-school time: Glitches are being ironed out, says Lesufi
Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay All children who applied on time through the online registration system had been placed at a school, said Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi as he updated the public on appeals and late registration for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions.
South Africa: Minister Motshekga, You Have Failed Us, Say Learners
Learners from a number of Gauteng schools have appraised the basic education minister's recent performance - and she has not fared well. Gauteng pupils stood outside the Department of Basic Education building in Pretoria on Tuesday 3 December demanding that minister Angie Motshekga step up and do her job of eradicating dangerous and antiquated infrastructure in their schools.
BASIC EDUCATION: Minister Motshekga, you have failed us, say learners
Charlotte Maxeke pupil Yolanda Sinelizwi Magugu outside the Department of Basic Education. Yolanda is part of a group of student activists across the country called "Equalisers" and together they are calling for the eradication of poor infrastructure in their schools (Photo: Lelethu Tonisi) Learners from a number of Gauteng schools have appraised the basic education minister’s recent performance – and she has not fared well.
South Africa: Welcome to the Republic of Sexual Abuse
The bane of women's existence in South Africa is the country itself. The authorities consistently use the word 'condemn' whenever yet another young woman is sexually violated and brutally killed. Gender-based violence has been normalised as just another 'social woe' in a country rife with misogyny, sexism, and patriarchy. Ladies and gentlemen, Black River FC in collaboration with POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) introduce to you, The Republic of Sexual Abuse (RSA).
THE OTHER RSA: Welcome to the Republic of Sexual Abuse
South Africans holds up a sign for the Republic of Sexual Abuse exhibition in Johannesburg, a stand against gender-based violence. (Photos: supplied) The bane of women’s existence in South Africa is the country itself. The authorities consistently use the word ‘condemn’ whenever yet another young woman is sexually violated and brutally killed. Gender-based violence has been normalised as just another ‘social woe’ in a country rife with misogyny, sexism, and patriarchy.
Newsdeck: Malema and Ndlozi to stand trial for assault next year
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leaders Julius Malema, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Floyd Shivambu during the party’s manifesto launch at the Giant Stadium on February 02, 2019 in Soshanguve, South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Simphiwe Nkwali) ‘I don’t play when I lay hands. I and Mbuyiseni didn’t do that.
South Africa's Rich Are Still Giving - and They're Giving Extra
The fourth installation of The Giving Report, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth on 19 November in Sandton, unpacked the latest research findings pertaining to high-net-worth giving in South Africa's current economic climate.
Philanthropy: South Africa’s rich are still giving — and they’re giving extra
The fourth installation of The Giving Report, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth on 19 November in Sandton, unpacked the latest research findings pertaining to high-net-worth giving in South Africa’s current economic climate.
Labour Matters: Vulnerable group of workers fight for access to workmen’s compensation
Archive Photo: Lucy Nyangasi (26), a domestic worker, goes about her daily household work in the house of the family she works for in Nairobi, Kenya. Tuesday, 2 February 2016.( Photo: Kate Holt/Flickr) The Constitutional Court has been asked to make a declaratory order on the unconstitutionality of excluding domestic workers from claiming from workmen’s compensation.
Extradition Ambition: Court hands Michael Chang extradition issue to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola
Manuel Chang, Mozambique’s former minister of finance. (Photo: Ryan Rayburn / IMF / Flickr) On Friday the Johannesburg High Court dismissed former Mozambique finance minister Michael Chang’s application to be extradited to his home country, ruling instead that Justice Minister Ronald Lamola must decide whether to extradite him to the US or to Mozambique.
Newsdeck: Relief for Joburg motorists as M2 reopened for traffic after bridge repair
The M2 Motorway, which was already over 60 years old and had already outlasted the average age of bridge structures, carries approximately 10, 500 vehicles per hour – in both directions – during peak hours. It was reopened on 31 October 2019 following its extensive and necessary rehabilitation, which cost an estimated R160 million. Photo supplied. The vital M2 Motorway which rings Johannesburg was reopened by outgoing Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba on Thursday 31 October in Selby Village.
MENTAL HEALTH: University of Johannesburg uses 4IR tech in new mental health profiling project
Illustrative images | sources :(Photo: Aaron Burden/Unsplash and Pixabay) The University of Johannesburg’s latest groundbreaking project uses Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to address mental health — an issue that is commonly neglected, especially among vulnerable communities.
South Africa: Water Scarcity in South Africa and the Precarious Road Ahead
Water scarcity, a failing water system and alternative solutions to an increasingly arid South Africa were the points of focus at a Gibb Engineering and Architecture round table discussion in Gauteng on Thursday. We are living in a semi-arid country with variable rainfall, and unless a solution is found soon, South Africa will eventually be unable to support inclusive growth and economic transformation. This is according to Treasury's 2019 Budget review.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Water scarcity in South Africa and the precarious road ahead
Water scarcity, a failing water system and alternative solutions to an increasingly arid South Africa were the points of focus at a Gibb Engineering and Architecture round table discussion in Gauteng on Thursday. We are living in a semi-arid country with variable rainfall, and unless a solution is found soon, South Africa will eventually be unable to support inclusive growth and economic transformation. This is according to Treasury’s 2019 Budget review.
South Africa: Poor Diets Are Damaging Children's Health, Unicef Warns
The development of children is under threat and far too many are not growing well due to a rise in consumption of unhealthy foods, UNICEF warns in a new report on children, food, and nutrition. A Unicef report finds that an alarmingly high number of children under the age of five are suffering from the physical consequences of poor diets and a food system that is failing them.
Child Nutrition: Poor diets are damaging children’s health, UNICEF warns
Children enjoy a meal in Mvouti, a town in the Kouilou Region of southern Republic of Congo. (Photo: UNICEF) The development of children is under threat and far too many are not growing well due to a rise in consumption of unhealthy foods, UNICEF warns in a new report on children, food, and nutrition. A Unicef report finds that an alarmingly high number of children under the age of five are suffering from the physical consequences of poor diets and a food system that is failing them.
South Africa: Gautrain Sandton Station to Get Water Back After Court Order Against City of Johannesburg
Gautrain commuters can expect water supply to resume on Thursday after a crippling three weeks of no water which has affected daily operations at the Sandton station. Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, announced at a media briefing at the Gautrain offices in Midrand that water would be reconnected at the Gautrain Sandton station on Thursday 3 October -- after the supply had been cut for three weeks.
WATER FIGHT: Gautrain Sandton station to get water back after court order against City of Johannesburg
MEC for Transport and Road Intrastucture Jacob Mamabolo (Photo: Tebogo Letsie) Gautrain commuters can expect water supply to resume on Thursday after a crippling three weeks of no water which has affected daily operations at the Sandton station.
Our Burning Planet: Global, SA eco-warriors march for a renewable future
Participants the Global Strike Action in Cape Town including 85 year old Madelyn Muller holding the poster. Photo Tessa Knight Thousands of concerned citizens, activists, campaign managers and representatives of several organisations took to the streets of several South African cities and in cities across the globe to deliver an urgent message for South Africans and all nations attending the upcoming climate summit: Accelerate a just transition towards a low carbon and renewable future.
GIMME SHELTER: Land invasions, title deed confusion and dodgy contractors bedevil Gauteng housing backlog
Lebogang Maile (Photo: Gallo Images / The Times / Sydney Seshibedi) Gauteng’s housing MEC, Lebogang Maile, says the province is making good progress in addressing the huge housing backlog, but there are still major problems.
South Africa: While We Condemn and Jail the Perpetrators, the Gatekeepers of Sexual Violence Remain As the Scum Beneath the Sink
Many of the things said by John Kani in his anti-femicide speech on Friday 6 September at the Market Theatre were nothing I hadn't heard before. That as a people we should stand up and say, 'enough is enough', that men should take responsibility for their actions and seek change, that the government must send a clear message about the fate of abusers by finding effective and robust ways to condemn them. That women should 'speak up'. "We condemn", "speak up", "enough is enough".
A REFLECTION: While we condemn and jail the perpetrators, the gatekeepers of sexual violence remain as the scum beneath the sink
John Kani during the memorial service of the late South African music legend Jonny Clegg at the Sandton Convention Centre on July 26, 2019 in Sandton, South Africa. Clegg, a renowned musician and anthropologist, passed away on July 16 after a long battle with cancer. (Photo by Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape) Many of the things said by John Kani in his anti-femicide speech on Friday 6 September at the Market Theatre were nothing I hadn’t heard before.
South Africa: Gauteng Will Not Hesitate to Call for Police Reinforcements, Says Makhura
Political party leaders have expressed their concerns and spoken out against the xenophobic violence that has hit Gauteng, but beyond the condemnation, plans to defuse the situation seemed in short supply. Violence, arson and looting have swept across many parts of Gauteng since last week, with Johannesburg being the hardest hit.
South Africa: Gauteng will not hesitate to call for police reinforcements, says Makhura
Archive Photo: Gauteng premier David Makhura during an interview at his office on December 01, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images / City Press / Leon Sadiki) Political party leaders have expressed their concerns and spoken out against the xenophobic violence that has hit Gauteng, but beyond the condemnation, plans to defuse the situation seemed in short supply.
South Africa: Plastic Recycling - Turning Waste Into Houses
As plastic waste spoils the planet one landfill at a time, trying to find new, creative and sustainable ways of dealing with the problem is imperative. Nature is unable to decompose plastic such as polyethylene, which is often used in shopping bags and single-use plastics (water bottles, the lids of disposable coffee cups, straws, coffee stirrers etc), and dumping it in landfills exacerbates environmental and economic problems.
Maverick Life: Plastic recycling: Turning waste into houses
As plastic waste spoils the planet one landfill at a time, trying to find new, creative and sustainable ways of dealing with the problem is imperative. Nature is unable to decompose plastic such as polyethylene, which is often used in shopping bags and single-use plastics (water bottles, the lids of disposable coffee cups, straws, coffee stirrers etc), and dumping it in landfills exacerbates environmental and economic problems.
MARIKANA, SEVEN YEARS ON: SA still waiting for action on Farlam Commission findings
The Farlam Commission made several recommendations at the end of its marathon hearings that would, if implemented, go a long way to preventing another outrage such as the Marikana massacre. But seven years since the 16 August 2012 incident, the recommendations are yet to be implemented, according to members of the panel of experts set up to assist the police. And seven years on, not a single police officer has been prosecuted for the deaths of the 34 miners.
DIGITAL LITERACY: Web Rangers aims to clean up the internet one school at a time
(Photo: Cyber Attack/needpix.com) Social media and the internet are literally all that anyone ever does these days – except for some demographic cohorts. Geez, I was checking my Twitter feed while writing this very article. But it can be a toxic environment that can launch an attack on you. Therefore, digital literacy is essential and specifically for young people if they are to be shielded from the woes of cyber-attacks – and this is exactly what Web Rangers are here for.
WOMEN’S MONTH: You strike a women, you strike a rock: Women of fortitude remembered
Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, Lionel Jacob Moodley, and Elinor Sisulu pose with the two publications that detail the political journeys of Albertina Sisulu and Mary Moodley at the 'Remembering Women of Fortitude' event held at the Women's Prison in Constitution Hill on Sunday, 4 August. Photo: Lelethu Tonisi The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation kicked off Women’s Month on Sunday at Constitution Hill by honouring the lives of activists and Struggle heroines Albertina Sisulu and Mary Moodley.
JOB CRISIS: Opportunity knocks for Jozi’s unemployed youth
The City of Johannesburg has launched seven Opportunity Centres across the city. (Photo: AdobeStock) The City of Johannesburg has launched seven centres to combat the challenges of high unemployment, poverty and inequality. Another seven are planned. The Thusanang Opportunity Centre’s objectives are twofold; it opens employment opportunities to the youth and aids entrepreneurs by providing facilities and training. The centre also offers expert business advice to small businesses (SMMEs).
JOBS ON THE SIDE: South Africans are hustling to make ends meet
Banknotes, which feature an image of former president Nelson Mandela on the front and images of the Big Five wild animals on the reverse, on November 9, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Loanna Hoffmann) A study has confirmed that South Africans are realising that it takes more than just your main job to keep you sustained as the cost of living continues to rise.
GORDHAN VS MKHWEBANE VS MALEMA: Whites and Indians are defending a ‘constitutional delinquent’, Malema tells his supporters as Gordhan challenges Protector
EFF leader Julius Malema spoke to supporters outside the North Gauteng High Court, 23 July 2019. Photo: Chanel Retief As Pravin Gordhan prepared to challenge the Public Protector’s report against him in the North Gauteng High Court, Economic Freedom Fighters supporters were bused in from across Gauteng to show support for Busisiwe Mkhwebane. EFF leader Julius Malema demanded that Pravin Gordhan should not be held above the law and that President Cyril Ramaphosa must discipline him.
DAYS OF ZONDO: Zuma’s Stalingrad: the ex-president threatens to expose ‘spy’ detractors, again
Former president Jacob Zuma addressed supporters after the State Capture Inquiry on 19 July 2019. Photo: Chanel Retief Fresh from his temporary exit from the State Capture Inquiry, former president Jacob Zuma repeated his Monday testimony by telling supporters he is serious about exposing those he claims spied for the apartheid government.
Maverick Life: The Lion King: Lebo M set to roar back onto global stage
The Lion King 2019; Image courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures The dynamics of the apartheid era, the merciless violence, oppression and pain made it almost impossible for a black child to imagine life beyond the institutional and political barricades. What to do when the soundtrack of your everyday life is gunshots and harrowing cries? Create your own iconic soundtrack.
South Africa: A Hot Young Talent With Designs On Business Success
analysis By Lelethu Tonisi Award-winning interior designer and young businesswoman Thabisa Mjo paves her way as a design entrepreneur mixing authenticity and creativity in her work. Thabisa Mjo's first stint - it lasted for three years - was in the TV and film industry. She designed sets for the TV production company Bonngoe Productions and styled product launch events for brands including Estée Lauder and Veuve Clicquot.
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