Pretoria Central

11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 • 012-842-0300012-842-0300

After a false start spring is now (fi nally) in the air

While Spring Day, 1 September, might have been a rather gloomy affair, things were looking up this week as the sun was out and the feeling of spring was fi nally in the air. Now residents of Pretoria might fi nally be able to put on their summer clothes and even visit the Pretoria Botanical Gardens which are again open to the public. Model and TV presenter Jaenette Jacobs, pictured here, did just that on Monday. Photo: Ron Sibiya ‘We’re not taking rubbish’ Don’t believe the metro’s claims that we will collect your rubbish bins, say striking workers who demand to be insourced instead of being ‘passed around’ from one company to another.

Reitumetse Mahope A waste collector, who asked not to be named, said: “I have been a waste collector Don’t expect someone to collect your for 13 years; however, I receive no benefi ts rubbish bins anytime soon, protesting at all.” municipal workers warned residents this She said the municipality should week. stop waste tenders as they only brought “The metro should not fool residents by corruption. saying all is well,” one of the group of about “We get payslips, but we are not registered 80 waste collectors, who picketed outside at the labour department. We need the metro Tshwane House in the Pretoria CBD this to put a stop to tenders. week, told Record. “Collectors have also not been receiving Earlier this week, the metro announced any pay as their companies have a ‘no work, that it had fi nalised the waste collection no pay’ policy.” tender which would see bins collected. She said this was the second consecutive However, an impasse with striking waste week they had not been collecting waste workers continues and overfl owing bins from homes, which meant they would not remained uncollected along many streets get paid. across the city. The metro did not responded over waste “If waste is collected, it is either done by collectors’ claims by the time of print. the few employees the metro has employed It, however, assured residents earlier this directly or by a resident paying private week that waste would be collected despite companies a fee,” said waste collectors the tender contract’s expiration last week. representative Matome Morokolo. This as the tender for the hiring of “We drive those waste collecting trucks vehicles crucial to the provision of service and I assure you that those trucks are still delivery by the metro expired in August. parked at various depots.” Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said He said waste collectors were tired Waste collectors representative Matome Morokolo (left) along with other frustrated colleagues residents must make sure that all their bins of being “absorbed via many different in the waste sector. were placed outside for collection as usual. companies under a tender”. “The metro demonstrated its commitment “We have learnt that the metro wants to stemmed from the waste collectors being “in employees’ salaries, who were dead or non- to clear the backlog over the weekend in issue a tender to a company who will then the dark” over the current situation regarding existent, then they can afford to hire the less certain areas by using internal staff.” sub-contract other companies under it. their jobs in the metro. than 1 700 waste collectors servicing the Bokaba said the metro was busy “We are totally against this, because when He said frustrated collectors wanted the capital city.” Morokolo added that many of concluding the process to award the will the metro stop moving from company A Tshwane metro to stop subcontracting and them were paid below the minimum wage replacement tender for the leasing of to company B?” rather in-source the workers directly. due to “these tenders”. vehicles and specialist equipment and Morokolo said further frustrations “If the metro could allegedly pay ghost “We take home sums of around R2 100.” machinery. 2 NEWS PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 Informal traders ‘relieved’ lockdown has been eased Ron Sibiya

A 48-year-old informal trader Mary Ngema and her children went to bed on empty stomachs for several days during the lockdown. Health worker taking a sample. Photo: Ron Sibiya She said she began to feel the effects of a tight grip of Covid-19 pandemic regulations after the lockdown was extended beyond the ‘Dwindling’ virus initially announced 21 days. The mother of three, who runs a mini-restaurant in central Pretoria, was one of the business owners cases are mystery who felt the pain of loss of revenue as a result of shutting down their Sinesipho Schrieber as the number of samples businesses in the beginning of a had been “dramatically nationwide lockdown in late March. A more targeted Covid-19 reduced”. “It was diffi cult. We had to sleep testing approach could be Gcukumana said the for days without food after using all one of the reasons why NHLS had cleared all our savings,” Ngema told Rekord on the number of cases was backlog of samples not Tuesday. “dwindling”. processed at the labs and “Joy was replaced by anger, This was according to the were no factor in the low National Health Laboratory Covid-19 tests. hunger and frustration leading to a Informal trader Mary Ngema wants to develop her business into formal trade, Services (NHLS), who National Institute for tense situation at home. We feared employ more people and pay taxes. that we would die from hunger”” said targeted testing was Communicable Diseases’ Ngema is now grateful that enough to at least buy bread for my Mashigo said informal traders were being categorised for quick professor Cheryl Cohen she is back in business after the family.” expected to comply with several diagnoses. said, although the reasons government eased the tight grip of Although the country and provisions of the Tshwane informal “After consultation with behind the downward trend lockdown regulations. businesses were facing economic traders by-law, environmental health the ministerial advisory were unclear, they were She was able to start trading in crisis during the pandemic, Ngema, requirements and business act 71 of committee and other key likely to be a combination mid-June when the country was who has been an informal trader for 1991. specialists, the health of factors. already in level 3 lockdown. more than 10 years, was adamant that “These provisions include department has created “One of the reasons could Although she was ready to trade, it the situation would be back to normal attendance of a compulsory by- testing categories,” NHLS be the increasing population was not all systems go for her market again. law compliance workshop before spokesperson Mzimasi immunity [a recent study which had severely declined. She said she was working on her completing an application to operate, Gcukumana said. from the Western Cape She said her target market were dream to become a formal trader, have a food trolley that must be “This prioritisation of suggested approximately the people working for various create more job opportunities for inspected by environmental health tests is done to assist with 40% of people have organisations within the city centre, the unemployed and pay taxes. She and fi re services. the quick diagnosis of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2]. who needed a certain type of home- currently employs two people. “Also a site inspection by the patients in hospitals and to “Secondly, there is like cooked meal for lunch. The Tshwane metro acknowledged business compliance and regulation ensure that those with the compliance with control “As a result of a Covid-19 the negative effect of the lockdwon section within the economic greatest medical need are measures like physical pandemic, only a few of my clients on informal traders’ businesses. development and spatial planning tested with the limited test distancing and masks are back at their workplaces. Most Metro spokesperson Lindela department [must be done] and the kits that are available. reducing transmission,” she of them are working from home and Mashigo called on informal Tshwane metro police to confi rm the “Category 1 looks at those said. others have been retrenched.” businesses to contact the metro, trading site.” in-hospital patients, direct “Differences in She said the decline in her Small Enterprise Development He said informal traders must also contacts of those patients, population mixing, meaning customer base caused a severe threat Agency and the Department of Small obtain a certifi cate of acceptability and health care workers that that the most susceptible to her business as her daily profi t Business Development in order to from environmental health and a have been directly exposed people may have been have gone down by more than 90% access the available relief measures. fi re clearance certifi cate from fi re to confi rmed positive infected early on and those compared to the beginning of March “In addition, we advise informal services before operating. patients.” who haven’t been infected before the lockdown. business owners to attend available “The informal trader in question However, Gcukumana yet are those with fewer “I am continuing to trade because I government programmes to prepare must also have access to portable said the targeted testing contacts and less chance of have no alternative. them for the new economy post water and sanitation facilities,” strategy was being reviewed catching Covid-19.” “The little income I make is Covid-19.” Mashigo said. NOW OPEN Police now has own isolation facility in Pretoria Sinesipho Schrieber “A total of 163 of our members have died from the virus while 9 563 have recovered,” LOUIS PASTEUR The SAPS have launched its fi rst Covid-19 Cele said. quarantine and isolation facility for members Deputy national commissioner Lieutenant at their academy in Pretoria West. General Ntombenhle Vuma and chairperson DENTAL CLINIC This comes as the SAPS witnessed a of Polmed said due to police offi cers being dramatic increase in the number of police frontline respondents to the coronavirus, All Dental Gold offi cers who tested positive for Covid-19 “the reality (of Covid-19) posed a high risk at R350 cash! between July and August. of police offi cials being infected”. U, L & full shape The facility was launched on Thursday “As the curve increased in the country, it by deputy police minister Cassel Mathale also increased within the police,” Vuma said. Gold and national commissioner General Khehla Vuma said even the Covid-19 restrictions 50% discount Sitole with senior management of the by the command council also placed a for cash patients. police’s Polmed medical scheme. burden on police members themselves as Free consultations “Despite our best efforts to keep the virus they worked in unusual circumstances. at bay, over 14 000 of our members tested She said the isolation facility was thanks for cash patients positive for Covid-19,” police minister to the Department of Public Works and the t
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8PSL positive for the virus. responded just after Ramaphosa declared a 010 023 2473 / 012 320 0017 The sharp increase was, however, not only national state of disaster saying that we have noted in the number of infections but in facilities that are empty that can be utilised ROOM 924 LOUIS PASTEUR DENTAL CLINIC deaths and recoveries as well. in this regard.” Photo for illustration. Photo: Twitter FRANCIS BAARD STREET 374, PRETORIA Contact us Publisher Code of Conduct Audit Group Editor: Rekord is owned and published by Capital This newspaper has committed itself to report The distribution of this Sunette Visser / [email protected] Media, 32 Orpen Ave, Lydiana, Pretoria news truthfully and accurately, and to publish ABC newspaper is 0184; and printed by North West Web comment that is fair, in accordance with the highest independently audited Tel: 012 842 0300 Business Manager: Printers (Pty) Ltd, 13 Coetzer Street, standards of journalism as set out in the Press to the professional Sabine Goodwin / [email protected] Rustenburg, 0300. All rights and the Code of South Africa. Complaints that this code standards administrated Address: 32 Orpen Ave reproduction of all reports, photographs, has been breached may be lodged with the offi ce by the Audit Bureau of Lydiana, Pretoria Sales Manager: drawings and all materials published in this of the Press Ombudsman. Written complaints, with Circulations of South 0184 Bianca Pretorius / [email protected] newspaper are hereby reserved in terms of a copy of the report concerned, may be sent to the Africa. Section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of press Ombudsman: (Fax) 011 484 3612 or e-mail: Total weekly distribution: Distribution: [email protected] 1978 and any amendments thereof. [email protected] 18 480 012 335 3760 PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 NEWS 3 Teen heroes save elderly from fi re Eliot Mahlase

A group of teenagers from the Bramley children’s home played a vital role in saving elderly people from a fi re at the nearby Deutsches Senioren Wohnheim old age home last week. The old age home, situated opposite Bramley children’s home in Groenkloof, caught fi re on Thursday evening just after 19:00, paramedics said. Bramley’s marketing and communication offi cer Mia Fuchs said the kids noticed a fi re on the fi fth fl oor of the home. “Immediately all the older children came out and made the alarm to wake the elderly and Photograph for illustration only. inform them of the fi re, whom at “They also handed out water to that stage seemed to be completely drink.” unaware of it,” she said. She thanked the children’s quick Fuchs said the home could not response and determination to keep phone the emergency services for the elderly safe. Trauma during help because of loadshedding. “It was dark and if it wasn’t for “Fortunately, three Bramley boys them, the situation could have been ran to Groenkloof hospital (which worse; so we are thankful for their is a block away) to alert the fi re heroics.” She said that the Tshwane alleged sexual department. Some of the children started “One of the boys, a 17-year-old, fi re department arrived after carrying out chairs for the elderly. showed bravery when he selfl essly 30 minutes and was able to Photo: Tshwane Child Welfare and without any hesitance ran successfully put out the fi re. Facebook page assault at work inside the building and helped the “Thanks to the fast and people to safety,” she said. immediate response from the that a fl at was fully engulfed in a Fuchs said the teen helped them courageous children from Bramley fi re when they arrived on scene. ‘I am truly traumatised and so are the down the stairs and led them safely children’s home, we can report that He said that the fi re was brought out of the building. no one was seriously injured in the under control around 19:55 and rest of the women that had to reveal their “Some of the children started fi re, and the damage was limited,” extinguished by 21:14. private parts.’ carrying out chairs for the elderly, Fuchs said. “No injuries were reported some of whom are very frail, blind, Tshwane emergency services and the cause of fi re is yet to be and sickly. spokesperson Charles Mabaso said determined,” Mabaso said. Noxolo Sibiya “I am truly traumatised and so are the rest of the women Silverton police are that had to reveal their private investigating a case of sexual parts,” she said. Govt looks into billing system issue assault after allegations that “I feel dehumanised, insulted, female employees’ private parts sexually and physically Sinesipho Schrieber have had it for many years. We do management systems and capacity at a company in the east of violated, hurt and severely agree that there is a problem but building.” Pretoria were “inspected” by a traumatised. The provincial government they differ with each municipality. He bashed the Tshwane metro supervisor came to light. “I am shocked that a woman is set to deal with the billing That is why we say we are for cutting power during the “On 18 August, an employee would use her power in the problem “comprehensively’’ looking into dealing with this lockdown, saying this was contrary reported to the supervisor workplace towards myself across municipalities in Gauteng comprehensively.” to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s for that she had found a used and other women, knowing province. Maile said the problems faced no electrical power cuts during the sanitary pad in the bathroom. we cannot do anything but to During a press briefi ng in by municipalities about billing lockdown. We are about 30 women who comply for fear of being fi red. Johannesburg on the state differed and also needed a specifi c This as the metro began to cut work on the packing line,” a “She had no right to do that of municipalities, last week approach in solving the problems. power for residents whose bills young woman working for the to me or any of the women. She Wednesday, Cooperative “In improving our support to were in “arrears”, this month. company said. had no right to touch our private Governance and Traditional municipalities, we have deployed “We want to urge all The young woman cannot be parts.” Affairs MEC Lebogang Maile multi-disciplinary regional teams municipalities to respect all the named due to the nature of the Speaking through their legal said provincial government noted led by senior managers and skilled regulations and mandates called case. “The supervisor instructed representative, the company that there was a problem with the technocrats from Cogta, to provide for by the president.” the colleague, who had reported said allegations made against municipal billing system. support and interventions where According to metro it, to literally march us to the it have never been formally “There is a huge problem necessary. administrator, Mpho Nawa, the bathroom and force us to take made by any of the ladies to the with the billing system in our “The support plans include metro embarked on cutting power our pants down,” she said. employer or the HR manager. municipalities. It is not just a but are not limited to the for residents who had arrears as “Two of us went into the “Our client only received the Tshwane problem, its a problem following: tariff modelling, data the country opened the economic bathroom at a time.” allegations in writing through from across our municipalities in cleansing, revenue enhancement window. Nawa said the metro She said the supervisor told the media and is subsequently the province,” he said. and debtor management, the needed to collect revenue to the women to take their pants investigating these allegations. “This is not a new problem, we institutionalisation of performance continue providing services. down, but they kept their This is a pending investigation,” Maile said due to Covid-19 panties on. said their attorney, Phillip du municipalities in the province were The woman alleged that the Toit. “deeply” affected by the outbreak female supervisor bent down “We place in no uncertain and “exacerbated” pre-existing to look at their private parts terms on record that should challenges the municipalities and even touched them to feel there be any substance and/ faced, including undercollection of whether they were on their or truth in the allegations such revenue. menstrual cycle and if they conduct will not be tolerated “In just a period of four months, wearing a sanitary pad. and be regarded as very we saw municipalities lose “This was done without our serious.” R8.6-billion in revenue collection consent,” she said. “I cannot Du Toit said this was an in- at a period when service delivery begin to explain the violation I house investigation that would demands were increasing.” experienced when I had to take be dealt with in relation to the Maile said the department was my pants down and she touched workplace disciplinary code. also working with municipalities me.” “Our client does not wish to to develop and implement fi nancial She said the matter was ventilate or litigate through the strategies to ensure stability. reported to the company’s HR media and our client’s rights are The municipalities, provincial manager and the supervisor was strictly reserved.” treasury, national treasury, Finance ordered to apologise. Silverton police said they and Fiscal Commission, as well as “No other action was taken were investigating a case of experts in the fi eld, would draft a against the supervisor. sexual assault. local government fi nancial model “This was sexual abuse,” the “No arrests have been set to assist the municipalities woman said. made and the investigation on their journey to “fi nancial The young woman, who is is still ongoing. Statements stability”. also a rape survivor, said the of possible other victims is “Cogta has established the incident brought back all the still outstanding,” said police Capex War Room for better pain and helplessness she felt spokesperson Captain Anton monitoring of the capital projects during and when she was raped. Breedt. progress as well as expenditure Cogta MEC Lebogang Maile during a press briefi ng. Photo: GDHS including re-prioritisation.” 4 NEWS PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 Building not used for trafficking Reitumetse Mahope such responses.” She said she later got a direct message Naidoo said human traffi cking was from a random woman. Police have slammed fake news about an indeed a reality and people were affected “She complimented me, then asked if I SAPS building in the Pretoria CBD being by this phenomenon globally. was still job hunting.” allegedly used as a human traffi cking “The spreading of fake messages She said she was still looking for spot. on a matter of such a serious nature is employment, so the woman eventually The building, which is on Johannes not only a crime, but also shows a lack sent her an email, requesting her Ramokhoase Street in the Pretoria of sensitivity to those affected by this documents. CBD, is in fact a residential building crime.” Eventually, the user said she received accommodating both policemen and “We continue to an email informing -women. appeal to anyone her of an interview An unknown social media user, who has any in Pretoria. however, posted on various platforms that information on the “The company she was nearly abducted by individuals person responsible had an address and who had “lured” her to the building with for the creation phone number. promises of a job interview. and spreading of I googled the “Posts suggesting that this building this message or of company just to see is being used for criminal activities are any other crime to some reviews.” misleading and untrue,” said national please contact the However, she said police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu SAPS on our Crime her mistake was Naidoo. Stop number 08600- Image for illustration. not researching the “The series of social media posts 10111.” Photo: Pixabay address. The building in question. of it being used as a centre for human He said “I eventually traffi cking is fake news.” information arrived for the Spain, Korea and Argentina. Since the emergence of the posts, could also be communicated via the interview and was told to use the elevator After overhearing the conversation and seeing “a he has urged people not to post these MySAPSApp, which was an application instead of the stairs.” man and a female police offi cer” exchange money, messages any farther because such which could be downloaded on any She said when she arrived, there were she tried to escape by excusing herself for a smoke messages create panic and uncertainty phone. eight other women. break. among citizens. “All information will be treated with “A receptionist handed me a form, In her post, she said “long story short, I nearly got “Anybody caught spreading fake news strictest confi dence and callers may I fi lled it out and decided to go to the traffi cked”. is likely to face charges of defeating or remain anonymous.” bathroom.” She said she thought about going to the police to obstructing the course of justice. The user in the post said, “I got tagged She said on her way to the bathroom, report the crime, but was afraid that a police offi cer “In instances where resources are being on a job opportunity post on my old she overheard a conservation discussing was involved in the traffi cking. used to respond to such fake news, every profi le, so I liked the post just to show how she and another woman would be The user claimed she had shared the information to effort will be made to recover the costs of [the person who tagged her] that I saw.” transported and divided into groups in warn other women to be careful. Labour dept is hunting down fraudulent UIF payouts ‘It was later found after numerous enquiries by the company that the money was actually paid but was redirected into the suspect’s account.’

Reitumetse Mahope “The department is also committed to doing its own internal investigations,” he said. The labour department is searching for any Ters “On this case, it is understood the suspect monies that may have been paid out illegally or allegedly used a reference number from his unduly. previous employer to apply for the UIF payout. “The complete audit of all Ters benefi t “It was later found after numerous enquiries payments, as agreed with all social partners at by the company that the money was actually Nedlac, commences this month [September],” paid but was redirected into the suspect’s said employment and labour minister Thulas account.” Nxesi. This was the second UIF Ters fraud case He said beyond that, the auditor general would linked in Pretoria; the fi rst was that of Tshepang also have a “second bite” in terms of the annual Howard Phohole, who allegedly received statutory audit for 2020/21. R5.6-million that was meant for CSG “I assure you that I will not rest until every employees. payment is accounted for, and every wrong-doer Nxesi said the large amounts of money made to account.” involved led the department to order a complete Nxesi said 38 court cases had been opened and audit of all payments. charges laid against perpetrators according to He said the implementation of what was called evidence from the auditor-general’s fi ndings as the “follow the money” strategy was put in place well as from suspicious transactions picked up and the auditor-general was asked to perform an by the UIF’s own risk management unit. interim audit to highlight any risks or gaps. “Some of these cases are already before the “The auditor general’s audit report points to courts and perpetrators in jail.” numerous gaps, risks and inadequate controls This comes as a 62-year-old Hammanskraal and verifi cation processes. pensioner was the latest to be charged with fraud “This has resulted in illegal payments, and laundering of R4.7-million UIF Covid-19 amongst others, to recipients of other state Ters money. grants, students receiving NSFAS payments, Moreroa Moses Leso was released on R2 000 public servants, and even inmates, deceased after he appeared in the Pretoria specialised persons and minors.” commercial crimes court on Monday. Nxesi said there had also been evidence of Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani overpayments (and underpayments) as well as Mulaudzi said investigators were probing the infl ated claims. He said the department had since Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi during the economic department to see whether any criminal syndicates launched a special investigative unit to look into cluster ministers media briefi ng. Photo: GCIS were involved in handling the payments. these fi ndings. Temporary Covid-19 UIF relief scheme extended yet again Sinesipho Schrieber sense for us to continue to shield workers “No further applications shall be accepted from the worst effects of the pandemic by beyond that date,” he said. The Covid-19 temporary employer/ extending the relief payments which have Nxesi said to date, the UIF had disbursed employee relief scheme (Ters) benefi ts have placed much-needed cash into the hands of more than R41-billion in 9 501 365 been extended until 15 September. ordinary workers in this country,” labour payments through applications by 825 814 The UIF fund, set up to provide minister Thulas Nxesi said. employers. temporary relief for workers fi nancially This follows negotiations at the national “The Covid-19 Ters benefi t payments are distressed due to the lockdown, was economic and labour council (Nedlac), and part of government-wide response to ease initially due to close in June. the signing of the direction by Nxesi. the burden of the pandemic and to ensure But it was later extended to 15 August, as According to the labour department, that, to the extent possible, workers are not more workplaces were allowed to resume receipt of Covid-19 Ters benefi t prejudiced by the lockdown.” operations. applications for August 2020 to 15 Nxesi said the UIF would continue to September 2020, would close on 30 receive applications for the March to end- Picture for illustrative purposes. “With the lockdown for some industries extended to 15 September, it only makes October. July period, until 15 September. PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 NEWS 5 Tribute to 40 officers who all died in the line of duty Reitumetse Mahope been lost to the coronavirus. reviewed last year, with the Cele said through the SAPS aim of implementing proactive The police recently held their education trust fund which was preventative and reactive measured annual national commemoration established in 2010, the SAPS to ensure the safety of all SAPS day to honour and pay tribute to would be able to provide for the employees. offi cers who lost their lives in the education needs of the deceased “The SAPS is enhancing line of duty. members’ children from grade R to skills of its members through The commemoration was held at tertiary level. training in support of the police the Union Buildings on Sunday. “This includes the funding of safety strategy, with the aim of The day is held on the fi rst fees, stationery and uniforms,” said minimising attacks on police Sunday of September, where the Cele. members. We continue to build a South African Police Service He said to date, the fund had police service that is effectively (SAPS) remember fallen heroes assisted more than 1 000 children equipped, professionally managed and heroines who served and with 42 benefi ciaries having been and whose members are highly Minister of Police General Bheki Cele paying homage to the fallen police protect all people living in South able to complete their tertiary motivated to perform,” said offi cers at the Union Buildings. Africa. education. Mabuza. Police minister Bheki Cele He said the fund was a non-profi t He called on all people living in shared his sentiments on the organisation and was funded by South Africa to actively participate Covid-19 impact, “in more ways gifts, donations and sponsorships in crime prevention initiatives than one”, on the national police from private persons, fi rms, and work together with all law service. companies as well as employee enforcement offi cers to put a stop “We are paying homage to and employer contributions. to criminality. offi cers in blue who gave up their Cele said the service’s “Ours is to be partners with lives for the service of this country. employee health and wellness police in uprooting crime in our These offi cers’ last day on earth, component would continue to communities, and in ensuring that started like any other. They got up, render psychological and spiritual together with law enforcement got ready for work and kissed their support to the families, friends agencies, we play our part in families goodbye. and colleagues of the deceased building a better and safer South “Sadly, these 40 offi cers didn’t members. Africa. Together, let us work in make it back home,” said Cele. Deputy president David Mabuza union to eliminate crime and He said Covid-19 robbed the who offi ciated the commemoration corruption in our country”, said nation of capable men and women, day said the government and the Mabuza. “many of who succumbed to the people of South Africa had to be As part of the commemoration virus while on the frontlines”. reminded that the safety of police day activities, Mabuza with the, “This virus has robbed us the men and women remained one Cele, national commissioner of police service, of our tradition to of the top priorities of the sixth the SAPS General Khehla Sitole bid the men and women of the law administration. and the next-of-kin of the fallen Deputy president David Mabuza and SAPS members lay wraths to honour with a befi tting offi cial SAPS send- “In line with this commitment heroes and heroines, laid wreaths the deceased offi cers. Photos: Facebook. off.” To date, 195 members have the police safety strategy was in honour of the deceased. Over 180 000 applications for student scheme Reitumetse Mahope

NSFAS had received over 180 000 applications and was expecting many before the closing of its application period at the end of November. The government student fi nancial aid scheme has been receiving more than EFF members gathered at the entrance of Clicks at Menlyn Mall after an advert was met with outrage by residents as it was deemed 5 000 applications a day, during the ‘racist’. fi rst month on average, according to NSFAS spokesperson Phatisa Ntlonze. To date, more than 188 733 applications have been submitted. Clicks staff counselling after EFF protests Ntlonze said NSFAS was anticipating a high volume in Reitumetse Mahope and customers to fl ee through the outlet’s and customers and is doing everything to applications as systems had also backdoors. ensure their safety and well-being. opened for grades 9 to 12 learners. Clicks on Wednesday closed down all of Moore said Clicks is unable to estimate “While the cost of the rampant Prospective applicants are urged to its stores to engage directly with store staff the total damage to stores given the vandalism and looting at many stores is apply on time, before the closing date across the country and provide counselling ongoing protest action. still being determined, Clicks says it is of 30 November. and support. “All incidents of criminal behaviour are considering the remedies available to it, Applications are submitted online This as 425 of their stores were closed being reported to the authorities.” but no decision has yet been fi nalised,” via a smartphone, personal computer, across the country on Monday because of Moore said Clicks was working with said Moore. or by utilising applications centres of protest actions by the EFF. police to ensure the safety of staff, This as Clicks’ Group CEO, Vikesh NSFAS partners. EFF members gathered outside various customers and members of the public. Ramsunder had apologized to South Ntlonza said NSFAS had also Clicks stores around the country to express “Clicks will be supported by the Africans over the advert noting the strengthened its partnership with their outrage over an advert that has been ICAS Employee Health and Wellness company’s disappointment at this advert the department of basic education to regarded as racist. Programme.” and the hurt caused by it. further increase NSFAS footprint and The advert, for hair products, seemingly This after the Johannesburg High Court The Minister for Small Business reachability, specifi cally for learners in suggests that African hair is amongst on Tuesday granted an interdict preventing Development Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, grades 10 to 12. others “dry and damaged” whereas the EFF from intimidating and threatening however, rejected this apology, labelling it The department will link NSFAS pictures of a white woman is described as employees and customers, and inciting “meaningless”. with provincial and district offi ces having “fi ne, fl at and normal” hair. violence against commercial operations. The South African Human Rights and provide a database of national According to company spokesperson Moore said Clicks had no choice but to Commission (SAHRC) also said it had teachers centres which will assist with Jorika Moore, 51 stores were closed in the approach the courts, as protecting staff and noted the advert with concern. applications. This comes as higher Western Cape, 92 in KwaZulu-Natal and customers remained their priority. Meanwhile, the DA announced that education minister Blade Nzimande the Eastern Cape, and 302 in Gauteng and The closure on Wednesday meant it would lay charges of incitement to opened the 2021 NSFAS application elsewhere. that Clicks would be unable to provide violence and destruction of property cycle in August. Locally, the Menlyn Mall store was medication to customers, along with public against the EFF. In the current academic year, forced to close its doors as EFF members sector medicine pick-up points being DA shadow minister of police Andrew NSFAS has funded more than 700 000 protested outside the entrance. temporarily unavailable. Whitfi eld said the charges would be laid students, 248 242 at TVET colleges The doors to the Centurion Mall Clicks “Clicks recognises the signifi cant specifi cally on the EFF leadership as they and 481 339 at universities (students were damaged, forcing staff members impact this event has had on its people welcomed rioters at certain malls. with registrations data). 6 PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Hugo Badenhorst doing what he loves so much that at 76 he still acts as a mentor for athletes. Photo: Reg Caldecott Tuks coach (76) still dreams of helping athletes One of Pretoria’s most experienced and successful athletics coaches is still actively leading athletes to glory despite the fact that he is already 76 years old.

People think 76 is an age where Over the years the athletes most might consider starting to Badenhorst coached have won tone down on their aspirations. many gold medals and titles. But Tuks athletics coach Hugo But it is not why he continues to Badenhorst has never been coach. “most people”. “I love working with people. He is still as passionate about One of the most signifi cant coaching as the day he started. rewards in sport is when an That was 48 years ago. athlete you coach gets to fulfi l One defi nite goal remains. a dream, and you know that It is to get Chris Moyela to in some small way, you have jump 2.30m or higher. It means helped them to do so. That is the Tuks athlete will have to the journey you forget,” he improve by three centimetres on explained. his personal best of 2.27m. Talent is not everything to Should Moyela jump 2.30m, it Badenhorst. He actually prefers will mean Badenhorst’s career as to coach those who had to a coach has come full circle. work for everything they had He can, after all, boast with achieved. the unique distinction of being “In the end, sport boils down the fi rst South African coach to to being a test of character. To get an athlete to jump 2.30m. become a champion is never Jacques Freitag was only 18 easy. You really need to want it when he did so in 2000. badly. It means putting in long In the history of South African hours. In sport, there are never athletics, Ramsay Carelse is the any guarantees. You are bound only other athlete to have ever to fail, but you can never give jumped 2.30m – in 2005. up. You got to continue putting One can’t help but believe in the long hard hours. Only when Badenhorst starts talking if you do, you eventually will about his 2.30m dream for succeed,” the experienced coach Moyela. It is the Tuks coach’s said. passion and excitement that does Badenhorst guided Freitag to it. winning a world youth (u.18) “I don’t feel 76 years. It is title in 1999 and world junior only a number on paper to me. (u.20) title in 2000. Three years I would bet money on it that later Freitag went on to also win I am more active than many the senior world title. The Tuks of the younger coaches. My athlete is the only athlete in the biggest problem is having all world to ever win world titles in this energy. Unfortunately, my all three age categories. In 2005 body has taken a few knocks Freitag set the South African over the years, which meant record jumping 2.38m. that I am not able to utilise my Badenhorst was not coaching energy always to the fullest. It Freitag by the time he won is like having a brand new V8 the senior world title. Still, at engine in a vintage car. The least he has the satisfaction ‘bodywork rattles and protests’ of knowing he helped the when the engine gets to run Tuks athlete realise nothing is at its maximum capacity, ” he impossible if you believe in your remarked. abilities. Badenhorst started coaching His challenge now is to get in 1972. At fi rst, it was to help Moyela to believe that three out at his kids’ school. However, centimetres higher is not such a it did not take long before big deal. coaching became a calling to After that, the goal is going him. to be nine centimetres higher. By 1976 he started to National records are, after all, specialise as a high jump coach. there to be broken. PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 11 SEPTEMBER, 2020 SPORT 7 Young Paralympic athlete features in international movie ‘Rising Phoenix’ tells the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games and inspiring athletes who show us what is possible.

Team South Africa’s young we push the limits of human rising star in the Paralympic movement, emphasising that Movement, is one of nine disability is not inability. Paralympians who are featured The fi lm’s release was in the Netfl ix documentary planned to coincide with the Rising Phoenix, a movie to be Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. launched on 26 August 2020. Due to the postponement of Rising Phoenix is a ground- the games it then formed part of breaking movie about the the one-year-to-go celebrations. Paralympic Movement, which The 24th of August 2020 will showcase in over 190 marked the year-to-go milestone countries worldwide on Netfl ix. before the opening ceremony of The star athlete of Afrikaans the Tokyo Paralympic Games in Nadine de Klerk, a former learner of Hoërskool Waterkloof, has landed a professional contract to play in the Hoër Seunskool, Ntando Japan on 24 August 2021. Australian Women’s Big Bash League. Photo: Twitter Mahlangu, will also appear in Other athletes featured in the this fi lm. fi lm include Bebe Vio (Italy), Featuring Paralympians Ellie Cole (Australia), Jean from across the world, Baptiste Alaize (France), Rising Phoenix tells the Matt Stutzman (USA), Cricketer steps up career extraordinary story of Jonnie Peacock (UK), the Paralympic Games Cui Zhe (China), Ryley Nadine de Klerk has described her and that she will defi nitely benefi t “With the right mindset things and inspiring athletes Batt (Australia) and fi rst Women’s Big Bash League playing along experienced players started falling into place for me who show us what Tatyana McFadden (WBBL) contract as “a great step and against some of her own and I’m just really happy that I can is possible when (USA). in the right direction” for her Proteas teammates. contribute to my team in any way career after being signed up by the “It can only be good for my they need me to,” she remarked. Brisbane Heat this week. cricket and I think to work with The full list of Proteas’ The 20-year-old former learner different people might also help representatives at the WBBL are from Hoërskool Waterkloof will me, they might just see things Mignon du Preez (Melbourne join a strong Momentum Proteas differently or come with a different Stars), Shabnim Ismail (Sydney contingent in the Australian perspective that might work in my Thunder), Marizanne Kapp competition, which is scheduled favour,” said De Klerk. (Sydney Sixers), Lizelle Lee to be played from 17 October until The youngster has already played (Melbourne Renegades), Chloe 29 November. 20 times in 20-over cricket for Tryon (Hobart Hurricanes), Dané Her addition means that South her country, her most recent being van Niekerk (Sydney Sixers) Africa will have eight members in the ICC T20 World Cup semi- and Laura Wolvaardt (Adelaide of its squad featuring in the fi nal defeat against Australia in Strikers). sixth edition of the popular T20 Sydney. Despite losing the game Their growing presence, tournament. back in March, de Klerk impressed according to De Klerk, illustrates “I’m very excited to be part of massively with 3/19 in the game. just how much the women’s game such an amazing opportunity to go “I think conditions will be good in South Africa has improved in play in the WBBL and it’s really a as it always is on Australian soil recent years and she is relishing dream come true for me,” she said. and I’m excited to play there. I’ve coming up against her international “I defi nitely think it’s one of the worked really hard on all aspects team-mates. best tournaments and I’m excited to of my game and just tried to be the With the Covid-19 pandemic play against some of the best in the best I possibly can,” the all-rounder having engulfed the world since world and also alongside legends of stated. March, it also meant that there the game,” she said during a recent Confi dence is a massive part of was no cricket for De Klerk and interview. the game and according to De Klerk her teammates since then. But she She believes it’s a great step in she changed the way she think is now looking forward to start the right direction for her career about the game in recent times. playing again. Sprinter wins race after long break Akani Simbine (Adidas-Tuks) Prinsloo, is not surprised. He made it two out of two earlier predicted that Covid-19 pandemic this week when he won the 100 might impact on international metres during the World Athletics athletics season with slower times meeting in Marseille. being the norm. The South African record From the moment Simbine was holder clocked a time of 10.19s. allowed to resume his training on Arthur-Gue Cissé (Ivory Coast) the track Prinsloo said that they fi nished second in 10.21s with were in a race against time. Michael Rodgers (USA) third- It takes about 12 weeks of place in 10.27s. proper training for Simbine to be The windy conditions made at his best. He has not done so yet. things challenging for the The Adidas-Tuks athlete will be athletes. During the 100m heats as racing next week on Tuesday in well as fi nal they had to contend Italy (36 Palio Citta della Quercia- with a headwind. meeting) followed by a race on The last time Simbine raced 15 September in Switzerland was in March during the Gauteng (Gala dei Castelli-meeting). North Championships. He won His last race in Eurpoe will the 100m in a time of 9.91s. It is be the Rome Diamond League still the third-fastest time of the Meeting (17 September). season. So far Michael Norman Prinsloo emphasised that when (USA) has run 9.86s, and Trayvon Simbine races, the focus is never Bromell (USA) 9.90s. on any specifi c time. It is interesting to note that “What is important is that get only four of the more than 2 000 to Akani execute what we have Akani Simbine won his second race athletes who competed in the 100 practised to perfection. of the year against international metres this season have so far When he does so, there is a real Pretoria’s Paralympic star athlete, Ntando Mahlangu from Affi es, in opposition in Europe. managed to dip under 10 seconds. chance of it being a fast time,” action on the athletics track. Photo: Frans Lombard Photo: Reg Caldecott Simbine’s coach, Werner Prinsloo said. REKORD I N S I D LLocalocal wwomen’somen’s ccrickrickeeterter PRETORIA CENTRAL REKORD 10 SEPTEMBER, 2020 E sstepsteps uupp hherer ccareerareer Rugby breakthrough delayed for fullback Koos Venter The talented sportsman, who represented the Griquas at the By now, the upheavals that have u.16 Grant Khomo tournament taken place in South African and at Craven Week as a rugby due to the Covid-19 crisis schoolboy, was approached in are well known. his matric year at the prestigious Fans, players, coaches and Wildeklawer tournament by a administrators are all equally recruiting agent. The agreement frustrated with the intervention was that he would get an of the crisis on rugby in general, opportunity at a professional with the 2020 season largely club in France after one year of ruined. local club rugby. But while players and coaches However, this undertaking did in the professional setup of not materialize. He was spotted rugby can still look forward to a by the Blue Bulls and was bit of action at the end of 2020, briefl y part of the union’s u.21 there are men in the amateur training group, without a chance ranks for whom the frustration to play. He was then picked has a very different meaning, up by the Pumas in Nelspruit, because it deprived them of where he played provincial u.21 opportunities that could change rugby in 2018. their lives. Last year, coach Riaan Brand The brilliant young fullback of lured him back to Centurion Centurion Rugby Club, Ashwill rugby club, where he then gave Botha, is a very good example one great performance after of this. another among the senior men. As a 20-year-old junior, Despite all the frustration of Botha broke through at senior the past six months, Botha is club level last season and made still positive that his chance of several experts aware of his a breakthrough will come. He abilities. worked hard all the time on his As a fullback and winger fi tness while earning his bread as in Centurion’s fi rst team, he a salesman during the day after was not only one of the top the lockdown regulations were try scorers in the Volcano relaxed. Interprovincial Super Club A few weeks ago, the Blue League and the local Carlton Bulls again invited him to join League, but his accurate place the union’s training group for the kicking also made him one of SuperSport Trophy league. the top point scorers in these Whether this will be his big Join South African Netball Captain, Bongi Msomi in the 2020 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge as she spreads leagues. breakthrough and whether he some sunshine on the 26th of September 2020. Photo: Reg Caldecott With his rugby talent and raw will have to seek his salvation speed on the athletics track (his overseas soon, he does not best time over 100m is 10.8s), know. What Ashwill Botha does this native of the Northern know however, is that he has Netball captain urges all Cape already drew attention not stopped dreaming big and he as a schoolboy in Hoërskool believes that he can still make it Diamantveld in Kimberley. And to the very top. he had reason to believe that 2020 would be the year he would to join SPAR challenge realize his dreams of playing rugby on a bigger stage. SPAR Proteas netball captain and her team support the SPAR Women’s After his excellent performances last year, it was Virtual Challenge, which will be presented on 26 September this year. communicated to him from various sources that he was We all need a little sunshine in our their other events – mainly because experience on social media, using being watched and that, with lives and SPAR Proteas netball she loves the vibe of the SPAR the hashtags #BeSunshine or sustained good play in 2020, captain Bongi Msomi has the Challenge and the family culture #SPARVirtualChallenge. he could expect offers from answer – sign up for the SPAR they have. For her, it’s always fun The organisers are hoping to professional ranks locally or Women’s Virtual Challenge on to be part of their events. set a world record for the number even overseas. 26 September. “So I am challenging my of entrants in a women’s virtual Then Covid-19 happened With the entire SPAR Women’s fellow netball Proteas – and other challenge. after only a single game Challenge series for 2020 having sportswomen – to spread a little For an entry fee of only in this new season and been cancelled because of the sunshine by entering this virtual R50, each entrant will receive Botha’s whole life was Covid-19 pandemic, SPAR has challenge. We might not be able to a challenge T-shirt, a buff and overturned, just like organised a virtual challenge. be together with our teammates and challenge magazine. But that’s not the case with every Women around South Africa are friends, but we can still use a day all – for every entry, SPAR will other senior club being invited to spread a little like this one to have fun and even donate a food parcel to a survivor of and schools rugby sunshine by entering the virtual have our own group targets that we gender-based violence (GBV). player. challenge. can share on social media on the Entering the SPAR Women’s Things could “SPAR have done so much for day,” Msomi remarked. Virtual Challenge is easy – enter have turned out women’s sport and they’ve been On 26 September, people online at www.sparvirtualchallenge. differently earlier contributing some great initiatives who have entered can run, jog, co.za. in Botha’s rugby to sport over the years. Certainly, walk, skip or even dance their Participants can collect their career, but he my sport, netball, would not have own challenge at their own challenge packs at their chosen learned some prospered the way it has without pace, choosing their own route SPAR store from two weeks before expensive lessons SPAR’s support,” said Msomi. and completing their challenge the virtual challenge or have it in this ruthless Centurion Rugby Club fullback She has taken part in the SPAR at any time between 06:00 and delivered by courier at a nominal rugby landscape. Ashwill Botha. Photo: Koos Venter challenge series and a number of 18:00. They then share their extra fee.