#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.

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