Inc. CORNUBIA, TONGAAT AND VERULAM Your No. 1 community newspaper DISTRIBUTION AREAS - DOOR TO DOOR: PHOENIX: Shastri Park, Palmview, Trenance Manor, Woodview, Foresthaven, Grovend, Stanmore, Sunford, Northcroft, Brookdale, Lenham, Westham, Whetstone, Starwood, Rydlesvale, Clayfield, Greenbury, Rainham, Stonebridge, Centenary Park, Phoenix Industrial Park, Caneside, Canehaven, Redfern, Eastbury, South Gate. CORNUBIA. TONGAAT: Buffelsdale, Belvedere, Watsonia, Mitha Nagar, Flamingo Heights, Gandhi Nagar, Fair Breeze, Bur Breeze, Gandhiʼs Hill, Truro land, Emona, Sea Tides, La Mercy, Sandfields. VERULAM: Everest Heights, Ottawa, Oaklands, Redcliffe,Trenance Park (Old phase), Trenance Park (New phase), Chelmsford Heights, Dawn Crest, Mountview, Verulam Central, Temple Valley, Riyadh, Parkgate. WATERLOO Vol. 34 No 24 June 10, 2020 Tel. 031-507 7761 / 031-459 8300 email: [email protected] Website: www.phoenixsun.co.za Phoenix Sun @PhoenixSunDbn 074-549-0245 Veena Naidoo, vice chair of Ferndale secondary alongside the chairman, Mr Abbas, on the first day back at A sign stipulating the restrictions on the school gates of Phoenix school. Secondary School. Pupils finally head back to school Thousands of pupils prepared for their On Sunday, Basic Education Minister ensure schools stick to strict COVID-19 ing after pupils were initially in- Phoenix community activist, Shane first day of school after being at home Angie Motshekga said 95% of schools guidelines to curb the spread of the coro- tended to return to school last week Hansraj, said, “Education is crucial for over two months as schools across across the country were ready reopen on navirus. but the start was postponed due to to a successful life but not in times the country opened to grade 7s and grade Monday. More than 6000 schools across the coun- concerns about the readiness of where COVID-19 is unstoppable, 12s on Monday. Strict protocols have been put in place to try welcomed pupils on Monday morn- some schools which were reportedly with the number of cases increasing still lacking PPE. each day. The government should Principal of Ferndale Secondary reconsider the opening of schools School, Mr M Pillay, said the first due to the fact that the schools will day of school went well. “Pupils ar- not be able to meet the requirements rived today but did not start with the to ensure the safety of our children. curriculum. Today, we focused on I have received complaints from orientation, ensuring the pupils are some parents that children at some taught the safety procedures that schools are not in compliance with they will be following going for- the safety regulations. I request that ward. Pupils were taught the impor- the Department of Education and tance of masks, social distancing the Department of Health monitor and keeping their hands sanitized. all schools to avoid a catastrophe They were also educated on the among the children of this country." structures put in place at the school to prevent infection and spread of A complaint from a parent which the virus. Pupils and staff were was sent to Hansraj - “I am very screened upon entry and observed concerned as my children will be re- thought the day. The pupils were turning to school soon. When I also given a health questionnaire to drove past the school this morning, take home and fill out. All protocols there was no social distancing. The have been observed, lessons will pupils are playing as usual and not continue tomorrow.” keeping their masks on during break Some parents have, however, ex- times. I have seen pupils leave the pressed concern at the opening of school premises and go to the tuck schools with many fearing that the shop across the road. They are not virus will spread despite the safety putting our children first or ensuring measures. the environment is safe.” Page 2 Tongaat, Verulam and Phoenix Sun, 10 JUNE, 2020 Miss Uniworld South Africa finalist delivers warmth to local SPCA The beautiful and intelligent, Kylie Jane Naidoo, from members of the public to take care just a little,” shared the compassionate in- from the good examples and continue to do good was recently selected as one of the finalists in the of the animals in their care. It is truly dividual. deeds. glamorous Glow TV Miss Uniworld South Africa amazing what they do. I started a food With winter just around the corner, If Naidoo were to win the coveted title, she would 2020 pageant. and blanket drive for the SPCA,” she Naidoo will be conducting another continue to uplift the community and get people When asked why she joined the pageant, the added. blanket drive for the underprivileged involved in making the world a better place for lively 25-year-old responded, “I joined Miss Uni- She also recently donated 100kg of pet and the homeless. all. world because of the principles of the S-H-E food and blankets to the Amanzimtoti She is appealing to members of the “I would create awareness in schools and the force which stands for Serve-Help-Empower. It SPCA. community for sponsorships or do- community about issues we take lightly. I want to is truly an honour to be part of such an amazing “Before I ran my first drive for the nations of blankets. be a voice for animal welfare and for the under- event. Miss Uniworld has given me the platform SPCA, I did a lot of research As an upstanding citizen, she privileged. If I don’t win, I want to win the hearts to assist and help communities and NGOs I truly and that’s when I saw the need and smiles of people. It’s more rewarding to re- care about.” strives to be a voice for the for food and blankets. I have people in the commu- ceive a smile from a heart you touched than sim- The former Isipingo resident, who moved to Jo- also seen on social media how nity and the country ply wearing a tiara on your head,” she concluded. hannesburg to pursue her career, shared that Dur- humans have treated animals at large. She as- If you would like to assist Naidoo in her blanket ban will always be home because this is where so poorly because of the pires to make a drive, you can get in touch with her on Facebook she grew up and this is where her heart is. assumption that animals difference and at Glow TV Miss Uniworld Finalist 2020 Kylie As part of her Miss Uniworld journey, she has can spread the coron- believes that Jane Naidoo. Alternatively, send an email to chosen to do her charity work by helping the avirus to them and that it is time naidookyliejane@gmail. SPCA in Amanzimtoti and Randburg as she has a really hurt me. We are people start deep passion and love for animals. all facing tough and working to- hard times due to the gether to uplift their Kylie Naidoo is passionate about making a “I simply adore them. Due to the lockdown, the COVID-19 outbreak but we SPCA, being an NGO, requires even more help communities and society so difference in her community. can make a difference even with that future generations can learn Tributes pour in for activist lawyer, pro bono and women’s rights crusader During South Africa’s unprece- Church to bade a final farewell to struggled with lung problems and ill She also volunteered at the Master’s of- dented 60-day shutdown over the Michelle Michael. health that often kept her away from her fice and drew wills free of charge, and deadly life-threatening coronavirus, Only family members and friends legal practice after she underwent a suc- dabbled in politics as a city councillor one woman who distinguished her- were seated as mourners were ad- cessful double lung operation. “After I with the Democratic Party (DA). self as an activist-lawyer and vised to only view the body during was in isolation and recovery, my laptop, In her colourful career, Michael founded women’s rights champion finally the two-hour funeral programme. email and social media was my link to Dlamini Michael Incorporated as a sen- lost her battle to live. She battled Widowed Michael, who would have the world. I could not walk, write and ior partner. However, Michael’s set- with her ailing lungs transplant right turned 50 on July 7th, passed away barely spoke. I was able to still practice backs, including the death of her up to the 11th hour. last Tuesday morning, as the coun- from home and hospital by linking to my husband, Ravi, and her law partner, prior On Friday, in Verulam, a town try – under siege on day two of the staff and clients,” she said, adding, “My to her lung transplant, had inspired her north-east of Durban, which was third phase of the COVID-19 lock- prime motivation to live and tell my fas- to balance her professional career with founded by the Wesleyan mission- down – claiming almost 800 lives. cinating story of hope is my spirituality the legal circle’s voluntary outreach aries more than 100 years ago in In 2014, Michael underwent a suc- and worship. I am grateful for my sec- work colonial Natal, no more than 50 cessful double lung surgery and ond chance at life. My spiritualism, faith Having benefitted from a life-saving mourners – stringently in accor- went on to advocate for human and community outreach work kept me lung transplant, Michael became pas- dance with the government’s lock- organ donors and coordinated sport- positively motivated to make a differ- sionately involved in organ donation and down and social distancing rules on ing events for people who benefited ence to our society.” the donor community.