Indholdsfortegnelse for 2022-06-27 i Cape Argus

Closure of schools during Covid-induced lockdowns across the world had a “deep impact” and spiked a “global mental health crisis” in young children, according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The report said that globally, there was a greater change in the prevalence of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders among younger age groups than older ones, potentially reflecting the “deep impact of school closures and social restrictions on youth mental health”. Extended school and university closures interrupted routines and social connections, meaning that young people missed out on learning and experiences expected for healthy development. The disruption and isolation fuelled feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and loneliness and led to affective and behavioural problems. “Restrictions imposed during the Covid pandemic, for example, had significant mental health…

Children learn more by being “allowed” to ask questions and figure things out for themselves. Adopting a coaching approach allows them to become participants in their own learning and motivates critical thinking. Gabi Immelman, CEO and founder of e-learning platform Mindjoy, shares her insight with teachers and home-schoolers on how to build a coaching mindset in their approach to foster a love of learning in children by making them partners in their own discoveries. So how do we keep curiosity alive in children? 1. Be a co-researcher. Resist the urge to give instructions or answers. 2. Be an active listener. 3. Try to withhold judgement. 4. Focus on progress, not perfection or results. A coaching mindset focuses on…

A business associate who was charged with fraud linked to underworld figure Nafiz Modack has entered a plea and sentence agreement with the State for misrepresenting financial statements. Reza van Oudtshoorn, a 44-year-old from Lansdowne, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court where he admitted that Modack used him to prepare fraudulent financial statements for Empire Investment Cars, a business that was used to funnel funds to support alleged criminal activity. Admissions by Van Oudtshoorn indicated that he was approached by Modack on June 3, 2020 to compile financial statements for Empire Investment Cars as Modack supplied him with all the information relating to the business. These statements were then used in an attempt to secure asset finance at First National Bank. However, when the documents were submitted, he…

WITH all Covid-19 restrictions having been lifted, ANC legislature caucus chief whip Pat Lekker wants virtual meetings dropped in favour of face-to-face meetings and wants speaker Masizole Mnqasela to demand that all members physically attend the legislature. Lekker said the DA was being hypocritical for not leading the calls to in-person meetings in the legislature and yet the party had been the most vocal in urging the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. “On the one hand it calls for the country to return to normal, yet where it governs, members of the legislature, including MECs, continue to attend meetings and sittings on the virtual platform.” Shortly after Lekker’s statement on Friday, the speaker’s office released a statement in which Mnqasela said that while as many members as possible should now physically…

Four children aged between 2 weeks and 9 and their mother were killed in a house fire on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Saturday night. The provincial department of social development said the fire tore through a home in the KwaNhlalwane area in Umzumbe local municipality. “Initially, four family members were rushed to a nearby clinic to be treated for smoke inhalation and burn wounds before being transported to hospital. A 2-year-old child later died.” The deceased were identified as Zamokuhle, 2-weeks-old, Onge, 2, Noluthando, 9, Anathi, 9, and their mother Bongekile Mthembu, 37. The department said that at this stage, it was unclear what caused the devastating fire. The department said that neighbours described the incident as traumatic as they felt helpless after battling the blaze in vain. Neighbours…

A marching band, red carpet and the love of the community awaited Bikers For Change, who concluded their journey across Africa in aid of the Mustadafin Foundation. Bikers for Change completed their 92 200km journey through Africa, yesterday to raise funds for the foundation and its “Feed a Belly, Feed a Mind” campaign. The fleet of motorbikers were warmly and emotionally welcomed by many, especially by the elderly, who stood patiently with placards in hand outside the Mustadafin head office in Antelope Street, Bridgetown. On May 13, 10 bikers left Cape Town and made their way through Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and Botswana. One of the founding Mustadafin members, Ghairunisa Johnstone Cassiem, said the public was requested to sponsor R12 towards the campaign. “There was this major need for…

Over 40 children, the majority of whom are at a safe home, were gifted the opportunity of flight. The Plane Project, with Morningstar Flying Club and Gift of the Givers (GOTG) facilitated the individual flights of 45 children at Morningstar Airfield yesterday. The Plane Project’s founding pilot, Kelly Slingers, said the initiative started last year when it gave 20 children from the SOS Children’s Villages in Pretoria their first experience of flight. “We’ve got kids from Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein and Manenberg, just to give them a different perspective, open up their world, how it was done for me. I met a pilot and went on a flight and it changed my life,” Slingers said. Eleven pilots with 11 aircraft volunteered for the “discovery” flights for the children aged between 12…

Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati led from start to finish to win the Dutch Grand Prix yesterday for his third victory of the season as world championship leader Fabio Quartararo crashed twice and was forced to retire from the race. Rookie Marco Bezzecchi of the VR46 Racing Team came second for his maiden MotoGP podium and Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales was third, his first podium since last year’s Dutch Grand Prix at the TT Circuit Assen - also known as the “Cathedral of Speed”. Bagnaia, last year’s championship runner-up, had failed to finish his last two races in Catalunya and Germany but made up for it with victory in Assen where Ducati last won in 2008 when twice-champion Casey Stoner was with the Italian outfit. “It was a very long race,” said…

More institutions or organisations should develop support structures for students, especially women, involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes. This was the call made by a number of females from the STEM industries during a webinar held by the Government Communication and Information System, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation. The webinar, held on Wednesday, aimed to celebrate the contribution of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries. The event was hosted as part of the Youth Month campaign, which aimed to inspire, engage and encourage young women to consider a career in STEM-related fields. According to the Unesco report, “Cracking the code: Girls’ and Women’s Education in STEM”, only 35% of STEM students in higher education globally are women. Despite the tremendous…

Forty-one negligent and reckless drivers are behind bars following a joint operation by the City’s Traffic and law enforcement agencies at the weekend. The multi-agency enforcement operation was steered by the City’s safety and security directorate in response to numerous complaints about illegal drag racing activities between Mitchell’s Plain and Lentegeur. Traffic Service spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout said: “During the drag racing operation in the Mitchells Plain area on Saturday, June 25, 2022, traffic officers recorded approximately 41 arrests.” “Twenty-eight motorists were arrested for drunk driving, 11 for reckless and negligent driving, and one for the possession of an imitation firearm. Officials also apprehended one person for endangering the life of a minor.” Safety and security Mayco member JP Smith said: “Through the joint operation the ghost squad, metro police traffic,…

WALLACEDENE community and faith leaders have come together to buy a new home for the September family, who lost their three young children in a devastating fire on June 16. Rentia September and her partner Jamaldine Erasmus received their new home, a two-roomed shack, donated to them by the Bloekombos and Wallacedene Taxi Association at the weekend. The couple, still grieving the loss of their three children, also received money from the Kraaifontein CPF and the ANC Thembekanone, ward 6 branch. The money will go towards the cost of their children’s DNA tests. The release of the DNA tests will allow the family to begin preparations to lay their children to rest, following their untimely death more than a week ago. Recounting the tragic incident, street committee chairperson and family…

Whether or not members of the agriculture standing committee should interrupt their recess period to intervene in the matter of the imminent closure of Tiger Brands’ Langeberg and Ashton fruit canning factory was the source of a heated exchange in the legislature. Tiger Brands last week said it had embarked on a parallel consultation process with employees and the province regarding the future of its troubled deciduous fruit business Langeberg and Ashton Foods (LAF). While members agreed that the resultant 4 500 job losses and economic impact of the closure should be tackled, they were divided over whether they should wait for the ongoing processes by the province to come to an end or to begin a parallel process. Committee member Derrick America (DA) said there were more and more…

Adversity is inevitable, but inspirational Cape Town businesswoman Aneeqah Sadan believes difficulties should not be a barrier to achieving goals in life – or business for that matter. Sadan overcame great hurdles with regard to her health before seizing the moment and following her passion for baking to launch a business making cookies. “I was diagnosed with developmental hip dysplasia at the age of three months. I had a series of operations until the age of nine and (had) my two hip replacements by the time I was 30. So I know about challenges.” Sadan, who now runs her own company, Cookie Jar Co, told her life story at a graduation last Friday of like-minded young business people from the food industry who have all been on a 5-month mentorship…

Tackling the water pollution crisis – particularly in urban areas – through raising awareness has motivated the Save Our Schools (SOS) non-profit organisation to recently host a community clean-up in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein. SOS marketing and fundraising executive Amy Burrow said this was one of the numerous activities they hosted to highlight the challenges within the water, sanitation and hygiene space. The event at Lofdal Park School in Bloekombos saw the SOS team, government officials, the community and brands, including Recycle 1ST, Essence and Mountain Falls, clean up an area that spanned roughly 1 000m2 and filled over 50 refuse bags with litter. “As a non-profit focusing on the water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) space, we understand the negative implications that poor waste disposal has on fresh water sources and community…

DANNY Jordaan has way too many goals and objectives to fulfil in the next four years for someone who described himself as content with his contribution to the game and was willing to saunter into the sunset. Speaking after securing a landslide victory on Saturday – he received 186 votes to Ria Ledwaba’s 27 and Solly Mohlabeng’s eight – that earned him a third-successive and “last” term as president of Safa, the 70-year-old rattled off a long list of things to achieve as though he was only getting into the position for the first time. “This time we want a Bafana Bafana team that’s competitive; a strong technical plan that can support football in the country; a clean pathway from junior to senior international football and a succession plan,” Jordaan…

“The Currie Cup doesn’t belong in a museum,” a jubilant Jimmy Stonehouse roared after the Pumas beat Griquas to claim their first championship – and you know what, he is 100% correct. The clash on Saturday was arguably not the commercial final that the Cup’s sponsors and stakeholders wanted, but it was the final that SA rugby deserved. It was an excellent emotional reminder of why SA Rugby must do everything in its power to maintain the tournament and keep it relevant for future generations. Big change has already swept through SA rugby with the introduction of teams into the expanded United Rugby Championship, and more changes are afoot that will further evolve the sport. Tomorrow, European Professional Club Rugby holds its draw for the upcoming season and therein the…

Ranked a lowly 1 204th in the world and without a competitive singles match in 12 months, Serena Williams will sweep into Wimbledon targeting what would be her greatest triumph. The seven-time champion at the All England Club will also be chasing down a record-equalling 24th grand slam title. The odds have rarely been so stacked against the great American who can become the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon. With her 41st birthday just three months away, Williams hasn't played a singles tie on tour since limping out of Wimbledon in tears in the first round against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in 2021. The American star has been frustratingly marooned on 23 slams since winning a seventh Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant. She was runner-up at Wimbledon and the US…

Many parents needed the electronic nanny during Covid-19, and the screen-time debate was virtually muted. The Oxford dictionary defines screen-time as time spent using a device such as a computer, television or gaming console. The time has come to discuss how to strike the right balance when it comes to screen-time, as children continue their educational journeys online. Colin Northmore, the principal at Evolve Online School, discusses the three different kinds of screen-time: passive, active and cognitive. “It is important to ensure that the screen-time that a child is exposed to is a combination of these three and that schooling isn’t automatically considered cognitive screen-time when it is, in fact, passive screen-time.” Passive screen-time Is when the person is watching a screen for entertainment reasons without interacting with the content…

After two years of hybrid events, the National Arts Festival is back, boasting an array of full live performances from local and international artists set to showcase their craft. Currrently on until July 3, this cultural celebration will see artists and audiences from across the globe reunite in Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape. From music to dance, theatre, jazz, exhibitions and interactive art experiences, theatre goers will be spoilt for choice at this year’s event. IOL Entertainment has selected the top 10 shows to watch out for at the 48th National Arts Festival. New works by 2021 Standard Bank Young Artists The 2021 Standard Bank Young Artists (SBYA) are: Buhlebezwe Siwani (Visual Art), Thando Doni (Theatre), Cara Stacey (Music), Vuma Levin (Jazz), Gavin Krastin (Performance Art) and Kristi-Leigh Gresse (Dance).…

Victims underage – police launch inquest THE cause of death of at least 21 underage patrons inside a tavern in Scenery Park, East London, remained a mystery as police opened an inquest docket. Speculation was rife that the youngsters met their untimely deaths after suffocating on tear gas sprayed inside the tavern. Others believed that they might have been poisoned or died in a stampede because of the overcrowding. Police however said they don’t want to speculate regarding the cause of the incident as it might risk jeopardising the sensitive investigation that is under way. Police spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana said nine of the victims were females and 12 males. Kinana said the inquest docket had been registered for further investigation. A video that was widely shared on social media showed…

AN economic analyst says the latest Statistics SA General Household Survey (GHS) has shown that it will be politically and socially difficult for the government to end the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant any time soon. Stats SA last week published its latest GHS, an annual publication that tracks social and economic development across several areas including education, housing, health, service delivery, social security as well as household assets and sources of income. The Western Cape came out on top in almost all service delivery metrics with 99.4% of households having access to piped or tap water; 94.8% of households with access to flush toilets and 95.1% of households connected to the mains electricity supply. On incomes, the proportion of households that reported salaries as their primary source of…

Canaan College in Umlazi has expelled a pupil who was captured on video while allegedly slapping another pupil. In the 22-second video, a Grade 10 pupil is seen slapping another Grade 10 schoolmate in a place that looked like a school toilet. The video started circulating this week but the school said the incident happened two weeks ago. This was confirmed to the Daily News yesterday by the owner of the college, Nhlanhla Khambule. He said he would not tolerate any form of bullying in his school and therefore the management decided to expel the alleged perpetrator. He said he was not even interested in what had led to the incident but the bully was wrong and nothing could justify what he had allegedly done. “My school was built on…

Duplicate tertiary registrations do not work in favour of students applying for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, with applications rejected as a result. Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande held a media briefing on Friday, providing an update on NSFAS and challenges faced by tertiary education and training institutions. One of the major challenges faced by public universities and TVET colleges for students applying for NSFAS, was students registering at multiple institutions. In such a case, NSFAS can’t pay because NSFAS doesn’t know which institution is the genuine one that the student is actually registered with. “Students must be advised on the importance of maintaining one institution where they are registered and to cancel whatever registration they might have made at other institutions,” Nzimande said. “The…

The restoration of the Helderberg Nature Reserve was well on its way after the reserve was severely affected by the floods and fires in the Western Cape two weeks ago. The City has since completed a full assessment of the damage and hoped to reopen the reserve on August 1. Western Cape Working On Fire (WOF) spokesperson Limakatso Khalianyane said more than 100 firefighters, a helicopter and a spotter plane was deployed to assist with fire suppression efforts in Lourensford, Somerset West, two weeks ago but the strong gale force winds drew the flames to the Helderberg Nature Reserve and some parts of the Cape Winelands. This resulted in numerous homes and properties being destroyed and caused significant environmental damage that led to the closure of the nature reserve. Deputy…

The only true path to energy security, stable power prices, prosperity and a liveable planet lies in abandoning polluting fossil fuels and accelerating the renewables-based energy transition. Nero was famously accused of fiddling while Rome burned. Today, some leaders are doing worse. They are throwing fuel on the fire. Literally. As the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ripples across the globe, the response of some nations to the growing energy crisis has been to double down on fossil fuels – pouring billions more dollars into the coal, oil and gas that are driving our deepening climate emergency. Meanwhile, all climate indicators continue to break records, forecasting a future of ferocious storms, floods, droughts, wildfires and unliveable temperatures in vast swathes of the planet. Our world faces climate chaos. New…

The importance of the Springboks hitting the ground running on Saturday against Wales at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria was emphasised by coach Jacques Nienaber some time ago when he stressed he can only give newcomers a shot from a position of strength. The Boks are just over a year out from the Rugby World Cup in France and by the end of this year, Nienaber has said he needs to know his number one, two and three and more in every position. Of course, he already has a good idea of how the players stack up, but injuries are a big part of the game while loss of form for some and acceleration in form of others has to be considered. In March, when Nienaber spoke to the media for…

HELALIA Johannes is human after all. The seemingly invincible Namibian athlete was finally defeated in a Grand Prix Series race yesterday, and it was Ethiopian runner Tadu Nare who ended the veteran’s domination of the popular women’s 10km race in Durban. Overall champion in 2019 after winning all of the races in the series, Johannes missed the 2021 edition, which saw Nare dominate. But when she won the maiden leg of the series in Gqeberha last month, it seemed to confirm the notion that Nare would not have been champion last year had Johannes been present. Yesterday though, Nare showed her class when she outsprinted Johannes in the last kilometre to win in a time of 31 minutes and 50 seconds, nine seconds faster than Johannes. Without trying to take…