Coronavirus Forces Some of Media 24's Publications To Permanently Close Shop

Media24 has announced the closure of 5 of its Magazines and 2 newspapers

     Nokwanda Ncwane                                 

Media 24 has announced that it is considering the closure of five magazines and two newspapers, outsourcing  and reducing the frequency of its remaining monthly magazines, taking two newspapers digital only and reducing staff in related support services.

It is an undisputed fact the already struggling print media has been badly hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. Media24 has joined Associated Media Publishing which closed shop permanently and forced South Africans to say goodbye to magazines such as Cosmopolitan, House&Leisure and Women on Wheels among others. Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers also closed their magazine division and affected publications such as Bona, People, and Garden&Home to name just a few.

Media24 CEO, Ishmet Davidson said that consultations with the expected 510 staff to be affected will start today. "The pandemic has accelerated the pre-existing and long-term structural decline in print media, resulting in a devastating impact on our own already fragile print media operations with significant declines in both circulation and advertising since April. For many of our print titles the benefits of prior interventions to offset the structural declines and keep them on the shelf no longer exist and they've run out of options in this regard,"

"Even with a return to pre-Covid-19 economic levels,the impact of the pandemic on our print media operations will be unrecoverable. Sadly, we have no choice but to restructure our business now to curtail the losses in our print portfolio and allow us to focus on keeping the retained titles sustainable and in print for as long as possible." he added.

Here are some of the changes in the magazine portfolio:

• Move, Men's Health, Women's Heath and Runner's World will shut down.
• DRUM magazine will be published in digital format only
• The remaining magazines will be issued six to eight times a year

For Newspapers :

The digital transition of  The Witness will be accelerated.

Son op Sondag, Son (Eastern Cape edition) and Sunday Sun will close

KZN community newspapers will close namely; Amanzimtoti Fever, East Griqualand Fever, Hillcrest Fever and Maritzburg Fever.

Other newspapers will be consolidated into a single newspaper.

Mthethwa : 'Local content must dominate radio and television'

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa addressing the nation on the progress of his department's Relief Fund. Image: Twitter/@NathiMthethwa

The South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa earlier today  hosted a media briefing in Hatfield, Pretoria, to brief the nation on the department's COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

On 25 March, the Minister announced a R150 million Relief Fund. Today he confirmed that the Department has received 5000 applications from the arts &culture sector and 300 from sport sector.

Mthethwa explained that over 1000 applications have been assessed by the independent panel; 232 have been recommended for payments.

"We said that the ceiling is going to be R20 000. So, it means if you feel that you've lost R4 million, we won't have that amount of money. We will have this cake to slice for many people at a maximum of R20 000," he said. 

In the arts &culture sector, over 600 applications were not recommended for payments and 203 were considered for reassessments. There is also an appeal process, unsuccessful applicants can  appeal from today onwards and must provide proof of cancellation of events, tax clearances and other personal information. 

The Minister also pleaded for local content to dominate on radio and television, to ensure that the artist's livelihood is taken care of, especially during this time. 

"We will be engaging with the SABC because it doesn't help to have Needletime Rights royalties to be benefitting artists overseas but not here at home in South Africa,"

"We are concerned about the high number of applications in the arts&culture sector that were not recommended for payments as they didn't comply with the requirements after the independent panel completed its due diligence. The Department will look into this," said Mthethwa

The capacity of the adjudicating panel has been increased to ensure that the process for the COVID-19 Relief Fund for the Arts and Culture sector is fast tracked.  

"On 6 May, we will meet with key national organisations in the creative industries to look at how, within the legal parameters, we can ensure that those who really need the assistance, especially from the disadvantaged communities, receive funding," he ended. 

#CelebritiesAreNotTeachers : Department of Basic Education Under Fire

The controversial star studded line up of celebrity teachers, as pictured in this poster which set the online social media community astir,
Source: twitter.com/dbe_sa

Nokwanda Ncwane

The Department of Basic Education in South Africa faced heavy criticism for allegedly using celebrities to conduct online classes during the national lockdown. Qualified teachers and ordinary citizens took to social media to express their unhappiness over the decision.

Cynthia Mills, a Western Cape high school teacher said that the celebrities are busy teaching and they have no idea what they're doing. Mills teaches Grade 9-12 at the moment and has 3 years experience in teaching Grade 4-6.

"I have been in constant contact with my learners through 5 WhatsApp groups for all my classes. When schools reopen the onus will be on us to catch up and to undo what has been done if learners were taught incorrectly. If you aren't qualified with experience, rather step back and let the professionals handle it." Said Mills

Another teacher, Sphamandla Zulu said that education is not entertainment, there are Codes of Ethics."What was the use of registering with the South African Council for Educators if some celebrities can simply get gigs? We need qualified and registered teachers for our children. It's disrespect to our profession and unions." Said Zulu.

The Department of Basic Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga said that there's confusion between the STEM Lockdown Digital Classroom branding (which is conducted by qualified teachers) and the STEM Lockdown Reading Club by volunteer celebrities. These two launched at the same time and they look alike.

"None of these celebrities will be paid. They volunteered their time. It's more like friends getting together to do something constructive during the #COVID19 pandemic. Nothing more." Mhlanga added.

The Africa Teen Geeks also released a statement clarifying that MsZora by Africa Teen Geeks in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the Sasol Foundation presented the FREE STEM Lockdown Digital School. A call out was made to all teachers countrywide, they received over 9000 applications and selected only 56 teachers and these are teachers with experience ranging from 5-20 years.

Duduzile Kubheka, one of the qualified teaches said to be conducting online classes, in the Lockdown digital migration wave.
Source: twitter.com/dbe_sa

"It's important to note that it's reading not teaching, to promote awareness of the campaign which is targeted at Grade R-3. This initiative is aimed at supporting the Department of Basic Education efforts to keep learning and teaching going even during the current lockdown, following the closure of schools to combat the spread of Coronavirus." The statement continued to read.

TV Personality Penny Lebyane, who is also part the Reading Club said she fails to understand the outrage. She added that she is not a celebrity and is not offended.

NDABENI-ABRAHAMS' CONTROVERSIAL PUNISHMENT

Nokwanda Ncwane

South Africans have come out guns blazing on social media streets after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for 2 months, one month of which will be unpaid and ordered her to deliver a public apology to the nation.

This follows the allegations revealed on social media that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies violated the lockdown regulations. Yesterday former ANC MP and deputy minister, Mduduzi Manana shared a snap, that has been deleted of his family and the Minister having lunch on Instagram.

President Cyril Ramaphosa summoned Ndabeni-Abrahams on Tuesday. The President reprimanded and directed the Minister to deliver a public apology to the nation.

"None of us, not at least a member of the National Executive should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation, no one is above the law.  The law should take its course."

South Africans took to social media to voice out their opinions on the matter.

@innocentmpofu said "Public apology is not enough, she must be arrested, beaten, do squats and roll on the ground like everyone else."

@JabulaniJavas said "We are waiting for Cele (Minister of Police) to take her to a police cell."

@BuntuMag said "Release everyone who has been arrested for breaking the lockdown regulations. We want public apologies from them too.

@CarlaKatjie said "Action was take. Good. But what is "special leave"? Because if it's getting to Netflix and chill for two months and still get paid, then I want special leave too #stellandabeni.

@sosospay said "#stellandabeni deserves a special cell not special leave. This government is inconsistent."

@Nkulu_sync said "Why are people acting like they don't know that ANC officials are above the law, they don't get arrested."

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams posted a video via social media, apologising to President Ramaphosa and South Africa at large for bridging the lockdown rules put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

BAKHALELWE AMASONGO KASIGONYELA ABASHADIKAZI ABABANJWE OQOTSHENI.

Nokwanda Ncwane

Bangaphezu kwamashumi amahlanu abantu abakhalelwe amasongo kasigonyela  endaweni yase Nseleni, ngaphandle kwase Richards Bay ngemuva kokugasela kwabakasidlodlo emshadweni.  Lokhu kungenxa yokuhluleka ukulandela imigomo yokumisa nse yonke into kuzwelonke (lockdown).

Abashadikazi kanye nomfundisi obengamele umshado babalwa kulabo abazolala bebaliwe. Baboshelwe ukuphambana nomthetho we Disaster Management kulesikhathi sombhedukazwe iCoronavirus.

Ngokubika kwe-SABC uMkhulumeli kaZwelonke wamaPhoyisa uVish Naidoo ugcizelele ukuthi imishado ayivumelekile  kulezi zinsuku ezingamashumi amabili nanye zokumisa nse yonke into ezweni.

"Abantu bavumelekile ukuhlanganyela babe ngaphezu kwamashumi amahlanu uma kungumgcwabo,inqobo nje uma indwendwe izosuka endaweni egcina izidumbu iqonde elibeni, lapho kuzofihlwa khona. Ngiyaphinda ngiyagcizelela imishado ayivumelekile ngalesi sikhathi." Kusho uNaidoo.

Kuzokhumbuleka ukuthi akukapheli zinsuku ezingaki kuboshwe abanye abashadikazi base Nkandla, enyakatho nesifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal. UMnuz Jabulani Zulu no Nkk. Nomthandazo Mkhize baboshwa ngemuva kokusho izifungo zabo zomshado. Inkosi Bhekiziwe Biyela wasesigodini saseMahlaziyeni eNkandla yaluma indlebe abakasidlodlo ngemuva kokuthola ukuthi lezi zithandani ziyaqhubeka nomshado, yize esezixwayisile ngobungozi bokuqhubeka nomshado ebeziwuhlelile.

Ngokusho kuka Ngqongqoshe wezamaPhoyisa uGeneral Bheki Cele bangaphezu kwezinkulungwane ezimbili abantu asebeboshiwe selokhu kuqale ukumiswa nse kwezinto kuleli. UNgqongqoshe uCele ukusho lokhu ngoMsombuluko esedolobheni iNewcastle elisenyakatho nesifundazwe sakwaZulu-Natal lapho bekunesivimba mgwaqo khona. 

RELIEF FOR GRANT BENEFICIARIES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO OPERATE ON NORMAL HOURS.

Minister of Transport relaxes the public transport operating hours for the next 5 days for social grant beneficiaries.

Nokwanda Ncwane

The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula has announced relaxation of public transport operating hours for social grant beneficiaries. Effective from 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020, buses and taxis will be permitted to operate from 05:00 until 20:00 in order to cater to the transportation needs of society's most vulnerable.

Last week, it was announced that minibus taxis, metered taxis, e-hailing vehicles and buses were allowed to operate from 05:00 to 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 20:00 for the duration of the 21 day nationwide lockdown that started on the 26th of March 2020. This forms part of the strategic plan to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Mbalula decided to amend the Public Transport Directions in order to accommodate grant beneficiaries following a request by the Minister of Social Development, Minister Lindiwe Zulu, the taxi industry and a  number of various industry bodies.

Grant recipients will be required to carry their Identity Documents(ID) and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards when travelling on public transport, to assist law enforcement efforts.

The exercise of social distance by all those using public transport will be observed and enforced. Taxi ranks are required to provide commuters with sanitisers and to allow a maximum of 7 commuters per taxi.

ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY PUTS DRASTIC MEASURES TOWARDS COMBATING COVID-19 SPREAD IN THE CITY.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda. Picture: www.durban.gov.za

Nokwanda Ncwane

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda has issued a directive that restrictions must be imposed in some of the city's open spaces and public facilities. This follows the announcement of the National State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.

The directive is as follows:
1. Libraries - All municipal libraries will be closed, but the staff will be at work.

2. Community Halls - All functions will be limited to grouping of less than 100 as per the directive of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Events previously planned where more than 100 people were expected have been cancelled.

3. Cemeteries - During funerals, community is encouraged to limit the number of mourners to family members only or to restrict the mourners to not more than 50 at the cemetery. Mourners should keep to burial time slots allocated to prevent delays in accessing the cemetery.

4. Museums - All museums will be closed to the public, but the staff will be at work.

5. Durban Art Gallery - Number of visitors will be restricted to less than 50 at a time, school bookings will be restricted and only open after Easter.

6. Arts and Living Cultures - All events, cultural or departmental programmes are cancelled indefinitely.

7. Gospel Icon Discovery Competition - The 7th Gospel ID competition is now postponed, and new dates will be announced after Easter.

8. Parks - Access to parks will be monitored. Weddings and social gatherings are now suspended, indefinitely.

9. Swimming and beach bathing - All swimming pools will be closed effective immediately for the duration of schooling break and will reopen after Easter. Bathing in all beaches is now prohibited with immediate effect, however, lifeguards will remain on duty to monitor and ensure safety.

10. Informal settlements and transit camps - The Municipality will provide water storage tanks in all informal settlements where no communal ablution facilities exist. These will filled by mobile water tankers, installation of liquid soap dispensers and hand sanitisers at all communal ablution facilities in informal settlements and transit facilities.

11. Hostels and communal residential units -  Hand sanitisers will be provided in the 10 hostels. These will be installed in bathrooms and access points and regularly filled by cleaning staff. There will be on going sanitation and cleaning of facilities to ensure hygiene for the 181 000 occupants.

12. Public transport - The Municipality has 25 taxi ranks across the city and it has already engaged with stakeholders within the industry to create awareness and bring alignment on measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The following actions have been planned and some being commissioned.

(i)) Public taxi ranks - The taxi industry is already distributing sanitisers to commuters. The Municipality has improved cleaning of ablution facilities within taxi ranks to include sanitisers and ensuring that they are continuously disinfected.

(ii) Bus Operation (Fleet) - A meeting has been held with Bus Operators and consensus reached that they will be procuring and installing hand sanitiser holders in buses. The drivers will receive gloves, masks and individual sanitisers.

The eThekwini Mayor has ordered the city management team to be vigilant and ensure that safety measures, including but not limited to hand sanitisers, wet wipes, continuous cleaning of public spaces and educating of public continues in Municipal facilities.

The Municipality has also encouraged residents to make use of the electronic systems of payment to pay their accounts where possible. Customers can access their utility bills on the following link: http:www.gov.za/Online_Tools/Pages/eAccount_Registration.aspx
Alternatively, customers who have enquiries can contact the customer service helpline on 031 324 5000
Fax number : 031 324 5111
Office hours : Mon - Fri from 07:30 to 16:30
Saturdays : from 07:30 to 11:30