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

SOUTH AFRICA DECLARES A STATE OF NATIONAL DISASTER

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the media at Union Buildings in Pretoria  Image by : Phil Makagoe/AFP

Nokwanda Ncwane

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a state of national disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. Ramaphosa held a press conference tonight at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Addressing the media and citizens of South Africa, Ramaphosa highlighted that the declaration will enable South Africa to deal with disaster management mechanism that will focus on preventing and reducing the outbreak of Corona Virus. 

Due to the increase in number of cases of Covid-19 in South Africa and around the world, the cabinet has decided on the following measures :

1. To impose a travel ban on foreign national from high risk countries such as Spain, Iran, Italy, China, South Korea, Germany, USA and UK. 

2. A cancellation of visas to visitors from the countries named above and previously granted visas are revoked.

3. Limitation of contact between persons who may be infected and South African citizens.

4. South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United Kingdom, United States and other identified high risk countries, effective immediately.

5. Any foreign national who has visited the high risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa.

6. South African citizens returning from high risk countries will be subjected to testing and self isolation on return to South Africa.

7. All travellers who have entered South Africa from high risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves for testing.

8. Surveillance, screening and testing measures will be strengthened at the OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports.

9. South Africa has 72 ports of entry which are through the land, sea and airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from 16 March 2020. 

10. Gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. Mass celebrations of upcoming days such as Human Rights Day and other large government events will be cancelled.

11. Where small gatherings are unavoidable, organisers are advised to put in place strong hygiene measures.

12. Schools will be closed from 18 March 2020 and will remain closed until after the Easter weekend. To compensate, the mid-year holidays will be shortened by a week.

13. Visits to all correctional services are suspended for 30 days with immediate effect.

14. Shopping malls, entertainment centres and other places frequented by larger numbers of people must bolster their hygiene control.

15. Capacity is being increased in the designated hospitals in all 9 provinces of South Africa.

People are encouraged to wash their hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds. People are also advised to cover their mouths with tissue or reflex elbow when coughing and sneezing. 

According to President Ramaphosa, as of 15 March, 62 people have tested positive for the Corona Virus, this includes local cases of transmission, however no one has succumbed to the virus. 

INGWIJIKHWEBU UKHOZI FM LUHLUKANISA UNYAKA

Ivukana, uSenzo 'Ntencane' Zondi ohlukanise unyaka emsakazweni Ukhozi FM. Isithombe : iReport South Africa
 

Nokwanda Ncwane

Kwenzeke okungajwayelekile namuhla, isiteshi somsakazo Ukhozi FM 'sihlukanisa unyaka'. Lesi siteshi sikhiphe uhla lwezingoma eziyishumi ezivotelwe ngabalaleli okwakumele zibawelise ku 2020. Ohlelweni luka 15:00 kuya ku 18:00  iSisonke Drive obelubanjwe ngokuhlanganyela uTshathugodo no Selbyonce.

Kuzokhumbuleka ukuthi, inkampani Michael Owens Productions yafaka isimangalelo enkantolo isola iSABC ngokuntshontsha umbono ka-Owen Ndlovu wengoma ehlukanisa unyaka, ukuqola izigidi zezimali kanye nokungagcini imigomo nemibandela yenkontileka okwavunyelwana ngayo.

Inkantolo yanquma ukufaka isivimbelo mhla zingama-31 kuZibandlela 2019 ukuthi lesi siteshi somsakazo singazidlali izingoma eziyishumi ezivotelwe ngabalaleli. Nokho, mhla zingama-28 kuMasingana nonyaka, u-Owen Ndlovu uhoxise isimangalelo sakhe bavumelana ngasese ne SABC.

Nalu uhla lwezingoma njengokuvota kwabalaleli.

10. Sami Tee ft Miano and KamuDee - Labantwana Ama Uber
9. Black Diamond - Ibhanoyi
8. Kaygee Daking & Bizizi ft Killer Kau
7. Samthing Soweto ft Shasha, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small - Akulaleki
6. TNS ft Mpumi - Umona
5. DJ Sithelo ft SkyeWanda - Forever
4. DJ Tira ft Joocy - Thank You Me DJ
3. DJ Zinhle ft Mvzzle and Rethabile - Umlilo
2. Master KG - Jerusalem
1. Ntencane - Wawuthembeni

Ukhale wemuka nesicoco sengoma yonyaka uNtencane ngamavoti angu 433 142.

ISIPILIYONI SIKA SANDILANDS SIMENZE WAYIGUGU

Unozinti we-Orlando Pirates, uWayne Sandilands.  Isithombe: Goal.com

Nokwanda Ncwane

Ubevutha engabaselwe unozinti we-Orlando Pirates uWayne Sandilands, emdlalweni we-Absa Premiership ezakhe ebezitholene kuwo neBlack Leopards enkundleni yezemidlalo eThohoyandou, ngempelasonto.

Sekuwumlando ukuthi ezika Magebhula zinqobe lo mdlalo ngegoli elilodwa eqandeni sekuvalwe amehlo, okube umkhonto ogwaze ekhaya kaThabiso Mokoena ngemuva komnyakazo ka Vincent Pule we-Orlando Pirates, ngesikhathi sikanompempe.

USandilands, osemnkantshubovu ukhethwe njengomdlali ovelele kulandela ukushaya into ecokeme kulo mdlalo. Lo nozinti usebenze kanzima ukuvimba imizamo yabagadli be Lidoda Duvha, okuyikho okuqikelele ukuthi isiwombe sokuqala siphela ingahambi phambili. Ngesiwombe sokuqala, iLeopards iyona ebihlasela ngamandla, iphinde yaba namathuba amaningi kepha yahluleka ukuwasebenzisa.

Ephawula ngemuva komdlalo uSandilands uthe “Ngibonga labo abaqeqesha onozinti eqenjini ngokusebenza ngokuzikhandla uma sizilolonga. Kuyamangalisa indlela iqembu elidlala ngayo ngokuzimisela. Kumele sizithobe, siqhubeke nokwenza kahle.”

UMqeqeshi we Lidoda Duvha ukhale ngamathuba ezakhe eziwalahlile, egcizelela ukuthi bebedinga amaphuzu amathathu, okungenani elilodwa. “Sizamile njengeqembu, umuntu obephakathi kwethu namaphuzu amathathu uWayne Sandilands,”

“Ukulimala kwabadlali nakho kube ingqinamba ephoqe ukuba kushintshe enkundleni, ebesikuhlelele lo mdlalo.” Kusho u-Alan Clark.

Ezika Clark, zingezinye lamaqembu alengelwa izembe njengoba zilele endaweni yeshumi nane ngamaphuzu angamashumi amabili, ngemuva kwemidlalo engamashumi amabili nanye.

UJoseph Zinnbauer ocija iBhakabhaka uthe, “USandilands ube inhlanhla yethu enkulu esize ukuthi sinqobe lo mdlalo. Sijabule kakhulu ngamaphuzu amathathu, kuyakhombisa ukuthi iqembu lilangazelele impumelelo ngokunqoba imidlalo. Sesibheke umdlalo phakathi kwethu nomkhaya iKaizer Chiefs mhla zingamashumi amabili nesishiyagalolunye kwephezulu.”

Ukunqoba lo mdlalo kwe Pirates sekuyibeke endaweni yesibili kwi log yesicoco se-Absa Premiership, ngamaphuzu angamashumi amathathu nesishiyagalolunye ngemuva kwemidlalo engamashumi amabili nanye.

 Izimbangi zayo ezinkulu iKaizer Chiefs isaqhwakele esicongweni se log ngamaphuzu angamashumi amane nanhlanu ngemuva kwemidlalo engamashumi amabili.          

MISS UNIVERSE 2019 ZOZIBINI TUNZI ARRIVES HOME


Nokwanda Ncwane

Following her much anticipated arrival since her crowning moment, Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi is finally home!

The 68th Miss Universe winner landed at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg today. Scores of proud South Africans were already waiting at the airport to welcome the 26 year old home.

Tunzi is home for the first time since she was crowned Miss Universe on 9 December 2019 at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia where the beauty contest was held.

Addressing the thousands of people at the airport, the previously crowned Miss South Africa said "Thank you so much for being here, I know that all of you guys woke up early and it was raining, but you committed to being here today. That is so special and it means so much to me."

She also added that she has been feeling the love of South Africa since she got crowned Miss South Africa, even before taking the Miss Universe stage. "While I was walking on the Miss Universe stage, I knew that I was there as one body but as I stood on that stage, I stood as millions of South Africans and for that I want to thank you so much." She said.

Lungisa Tunzi, Zozibini's father said he feels great and can not wait for his daughter to come home. "The day is finally here, we are patiently waiting for her to come home and it's awesome," He said.

Now that she is home, Zozibini added that she hopes her first meal will be umngqusho (samp) and is looking forward to blasting local song Phoyisa, by DJ Maphorisa and Cassper Nyovest. The song took social media by storm, resulting in the #phoyisa and #phoyisachallenge.

MY FIRST YEAR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

MY FIRST YEAR STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Nokwanda Ncwane

Growing up, I'd always hear unpleasant stories about students in general, more especially those who lived in student residences. I know quite a number of people in my community who went to institutions of higher learning and lived in places far away from home. They all have something in common, they didn't come back home with diplomas/degrees however, they returned with babies. Yes, they would fall pregnant in their first or second year of studies and will eventually drop out in order to raise the babies. So, to me institutions of higher learning and student residences were this evil monster that corrupted our brothers and sisters as soon as they were not under the guidance of  their parents.

Having applied to study in one of the universities in Durban and to live in a student residence, I feared I would succumb to the pressure as well. Start drinking, be a regular in clubs and parties, start having unprotected sex with multiple partners for the sake of benefits and be friends with people that are a bad influence. These are things I thought a typical student does. Those were all my fears.

When our academic year began and I slowly got used to the idea of living in a student residence. I realised that the stories I'd heard growing up were based on people who abused their freedom, who somehow failed to learn from other people's mistakes and failed to prioritize.

So, here are a few things that helped me survive my first year.

1. PUT GOD (OR WHOEVER YOU BELIEVE IN) FIRST

In everything that you do, put God first. Pray everyday, when you wake up in the morning, before you go to campus, when you do your assignments. Go to church and join religious student bodies in your campus or residence.

2. FOCUS

I found that If you're focused on your goal ( which is to graduate in record time) and you constantly remind yourself of the reasons why you enrolled in the first place, chances of you slacking or getting derailed are less. Attend classes, work hard, start working on your assignments early and respect deadlines.

3. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY
Being an introvert and a loner, one of the goals I had in the past year was to make friends and to learn to co-exist. I found myself being part of a group of six friends.

Some of them didn't attend classes, did not do their classwork and homework, they would do assignments on the eve of the submission date, they always made me feel guilty for spending most of my time at the library and would call me a nerd. I almost thought there's something wrong with me for being studious. I feared that if I walk out of the group I'd have failed to achieve my goal and I didn't want to go back to being a loner and socially awkward. Eventually, towards the end of the first semester, I changed my friends. I attracted the right ones for me, who were studious just like me.  

I realised that most of the time, the people you associate with and the environment you're exposed to have a very big influence on you as an individual. 

Be friends with people that are good for your soul, people that will empower you and encourage you to do better. Choose friends that you share the same values with, people that are honest enough to tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it. Most importantly be friends with people who are doing better than you so that you can learn from them.

4. BUDGET

It's important to learn to manage your money. Draw up a budget a few weeks before you get your allowance (as most students are funded by NSFAS). When drawing up your budget, start with the basic needs (such as toiletries and food) then you can include other things like airtime, entertainment and clothing items. Always make sure you never spend your allowance the same day you get it.

From the +R1400 monthly allowance most students get, you can actually save a minimum of R200 or the +R400 per month. Depending on your needs, how you spend and what you spend on.

If you start this year, you can actually fix the amount you choose to save for 36 months (the 3 years you'll spend in university). It will come in handy when you're preparing for your graduation and when you're job hunting.

5. ABC (ABSTAIN, BE FAITHFUL AND CONDOMISE)

You're done with high school, you're away from home, you feel like an adult and you think it's finally time to lose your virginity. Before engaging in sexual activities be sure that you are ready and mature enough to deal with the consequences.

If you already have a partner and he/she feels that you can start having sex now, I advise you both to visit the clinic on campus. Seek counselling,test for HIV/AIDS and take other tests for all sexually related infections and diseases. Also find out what contraception methods are there and which one will be suitable for you. Then from there, you can decide if you want to go ahead and do the deed.

For those that are already sexually active, this might sound cliché but please have protected sex, use contraceptives and refrain from having many sexual partners because this increases your chances of contracting HIV and STI's. 

6. HAVE EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES

Do something that falls outside the realm of the normal curriculum of college or university education. Join the athletics, play football, soccer, hockey, do aerobics and rock climbing. This will help you lead a healthy life, contribute to physical fitness, reduce stress and help you relax. Sport builds self-discipline and helps us to adhere to social rules for the common good.

7. HAVE A COPING MECHANISM
When the going gets tough and you feel that everything is becoming too much, make use of the student counselling facility in your institution of higher learning.

Find something that will help take your mind off whatever it is that is stressing you. Just make sure it's safe, legal and won't cause you to lack on your academics.

8. DATE WHEN YOU'RE READY
Don't date because you feel lonely, you want to impress your friends or you want to prove a point to somebody. Date because you are ready and you want to. There's also no harm done if you're not romantically involved. You're not obligated to have a relationship and to start having sex on your first year of studies.

However, when you do decide to start dating refrain from having relationships with married and older men for the sake of owning material things. Be mindful that every decision you make today has an impact on your future. Whether it adds value in your life or takes you 10 steps backwards, it's up to you to decide. Life has no manual. Do what feels right and also take into consideration the consequences of every decision you make and how it will affect you and your loved ones.

I hope my experience helps you adapt, cope and make the best of your first year in university. Don't forget to have fun and be responsible.

Kumnyama kweziMnyama

UNtsikelelo Nyauza okwesokunxele, egadulisana noLeonardo Castro okwesokudla, emdlalweni weligi obungempelasonto. Isithombe abe supersport.com

Nokwanda Ncwane

Liqhubekile ishobolo lokunganqobi imidlalo elibhekene neqembu i-Orlando Pirates kulandela ukushawa izimbangi zayo ezinkulu iKaizer Chiefs emdlalweni womkhaya lezi zinkunzi zase Soweto ebezitholene kuwo ngoMgqibelo, eFNB Stadium.

Kulo mdlalo bekulindeleke ukuthi eziMnyama zibuyise izinduku kwazise ziwashiswe ijezi yiyo iKazier Chiefs emdlalweni womkhumula jezi we Telkom Knockout ngesonto eledlule. Lo mdlalo ububanjelwe eMoses Mabhida Stadium eThekwini. Amakhosi anqoba lo mdlalo sekukhahlelwa amaphenathi, ngemuva kokudlala ngokulingana.

Isiwombe sokuqala sivule ngegoli lika Ntsikelelo Nyauza okube umkhonto ogwaze ekhaya, kwalandela elika Leonardo Castro elenze yahamba phambili iChiefs ngamagoli amabili eqandeni. UVincent Pule uvalele phakathi i free kick ayizwe ngendaba unozinti weChiefs, uDaniel Akpeyi, ngomzuzu wama-39. Isiwombe sokuqala siphele Abafana bokuThula noXolo behamba phambili ngamagoli amabili kwelilodwa.

EziMnyama zibuye zingabaselwe esiwombeni sesibili zakha amathuba kubonakala zifuna ukuwunqoba umdlalo. UGabadinho Mhango wazo eziMnyama ulivalele enethini elokulinganisa ngomzuzu wama-60. Injabulo yeBhakaniya iqedwe uDaniel Cardoso ngomzuzu wama-84, evalela phakathi iphenathi Amakhosi ayithole ngemuva kokudlaliswa kabi ebhokisini kuka Bernard Parker. Amakhosi anqobe lo mdlalo ngamagoli amathathu kwamabili, ahamba nawo wonke amaphuzu amathathu.

Ephawula ngemuva komdlalo umqeqeshi weziMnyama ukhale ngamathuba ezakhe eziwatholile kepha zangawasebenzisa ngendlela. Uphinde wagxeka isenzo sabadlali sokubambana ngezihluthu enkundleni nokuholele ekutheni athole ikhadi elibomvu umdlali wasemuva weChiefs uEric Mathoho.
"Kubalulekile ukuthi abaqeqeshi bakhulume nabadlali bamaqembu abo mayelana nokuziphatha kahle enkundleni, bangaziphathisi okwezixhwanguxhwangu." kusho uRhulani Mokwena.

EziMnyama zilele endaweni yesishiyagalolunye ngamaphuzu ayi-13 ngemuva kwemidlalo eyi-11. Izimbangi zayo ezinkulu, Amakhosi aqhwakele esicongweni se log ngamaphuzu angama-28 ngemuva kwemidlalo eyi-11. Amakhosi avule igebe lamaphuzu ayishumi njengoba elandelwa iMamelodi Sundowns elele isibili, ngamaphuzu ayi-18 ngemuva kwemidlalo eyishumi.

DUT RAISES AWARENESS ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

DUT students in the silent protest against Gender-Based Violence at Ritson Campus. Picture by: Sibonginkosi Mabika

Nokwanda Ncwane

Hundreds of students from the Durban University of Technology gathered at the Ritson Campus to take part in the silent protest against Gender-Based Violence on Wednesday, 21 August 2019.

Before the protest, there was a dialogue and a Q&A session about Gender-Based Violence. There was a gloomy and tense atmosphere as victims shared their stories of the various forms of abuse they have been subjected to.

Zola Mdlalose an HIV/AIDS Counsellor who facilitated the dialogue session said "The aim of the protest is to allow victims to speak up about what they're going through, to let them know about facilities they can utilise in order to get through their painful experiences,"
"Because our facilities are limited, if we can't help the victims we refer them to Psychiatrists in the Addington, King Edward Hospital and crisis centres in Durban," the Winterton Residence Ambassador added.

Mandisa Khwela, a UKZN student said we often encourage women to stand up for themselves and walk out of abusive relationships but the moment they do, they're brutally murdered by their partners. "The law enforcement agencies have blood on their hands because they only take action once a person has been killed. A protection order is just a piece of paper, it doesn't do anything to protect the victim from the perpetrator,"

"We as members of the LGBTI+ community are abused by heterosexual people who throw homophobic comments and subject us to corrective rape. At the end of the day, sexual orientation does not define an individual," she continued to say.

"I gained a lot today and also saw that a lot more needs to be done to educate society about Gender-Based Violence. We need to create safe spaces for people to share their stories," said Sondelani Mwandla, a DUT student.

The protest was hosted by the university's HIV/AIDS Centre and the Student Counselling and Health department. The protest was within the Ritson Campus.

ORLANDO PIRATES HEAD COACH RESIGNS

Orlando Pirates Head coach, Milutin Sredojevíc who resigned on Friday night.
Image: Orlando Pirates Media

Nokwanda Ncwane

Orlando Pirates has announced that Head coach, Milutin Sredojevíc has resigned on Friday, for personal reasons he did not disclose, after spending two seasons in charge of the Buccaneers.

A statement issued by the club on their official webiste stated "The club would like to place on record that this decision was taken unilaterally, and it was the management's decision to accept Mr Sredojevíc to vacate his position based on reasons he has presented which are of a personal nature."

"Rhulani Mokwena assumes coaching responsibilities assisted by Fadlu Davids and Franck Plaine." The statement continued to read.

Bidding farewell to the fans Micho said "I would like to take this moment to thank the supporters, the spiritual owners of Orlando Pirates and the chairman of the club, Dr Irvin Khoza. I wholeheartedly appreciate all the 740 days that we have spent together."

"I really value and appreciate each and every moment spent with you and as we are always saying, once and always." He continued to say.

Under Micho, the Soweto giants ended runner-ups in the league to Mamelodi Sundowns in the past two seasons. They also reached the final of last season's Telkom Knockout competition and lost to Baroka FC on penalties. In the 80 games that he was in charge of the club across all competitions, Orlando Pirates won 35 games, drawing 26 and losing 16.

According to Football  256, an online publication that extensively covers Ugandan football and Africa at large, Milutin has been appointed as Head coach of Egyptian club, Zamalek and the club president Mortada Mansour has confirmed the news. However, there is no official statement that has been issued by the club confirming the news.

Zozibini Tunzi: Miss South Africa 2019

Zozibini Tunzi, the 2019 crowned Miss South Africa.   Image from Twitter/Zozi Tunzi.

Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned the 2019 Miss South Africa on National Women's Day at Sun Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.

Tunzi, a 25 year old who is completing her BTech in Public Relations is originally from Tsolo, Transkei in the Eastern Cape, currently living in Cape Town. She represented the Western Cape Province in the Miss SA Contest.

The theme for this year's pageant was Dreamwalkers and the pageant aimed to break out of the narrow idea of what it means to be beautiful  and what it means to be a beauty queen. The organisers loosened the rules to make this year's competition more inclusive, embracing imperfections and the more typical, larger South African figure as there were two contestants labelled plus size according to the industry standards.

Many took to Twitter to congratulate the newly crowned beauty queen. Amongst others was Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa who tweeted "Congratulations to @ZoziTunzi for taking the #MissSA2019 crown. We were inspired by how you addressed questions around the paradigm shift necessary to pursue gender equality and we look forward to seeing you use this platform to be a positive influence and fly our flag high."

Zozibini is the 61st Miss South Africa and is taking over from last year's winner, Tamaryn Green also from the Western Cape who did exceptionally well during her reign scoring a runner-up spot at Miss Universe.