The buying, selling and reading of books is an essential service
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA An open letter from 328 South African published authors, academics, and readers, asking that all books be available for trade at Level 4 of Lockdown. The letter has been submitted to the National Coronavirus Command Council through the correct portal, and letters will be written, individually, to...
World’s most defiantly joyful song rereleased by UNICEF | ‘Pata Pata’
Once called the “world’s most defiantly joyful song”, Miriam Makeba’s ‘Pata Pata’ has been rerecorded by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo, to spread information and hope in a time of Coronavirus. Without any alteration to chords or syllables, though with several changes to the lyrics, ‘Pata Pata’ will be rereleased by UNICEF across the...
Department of Water and Sanitation delivers more water tanks to curb Coronavirus
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has delivered a further 141 water tanks across needy areas of Gauteng to push back against the rising tide of the novel Coronavirus pandemic. So far, 1 926 water tanks have been distributed in the Cities of Joburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni and the Sedibeng and West Rand...
SA participates in global COVID-19 tech initiative
South Africa has taken part in the launch of the World Health Organisation’s initiative, which will see international collaboration aimed at accelerating the development and production of COVID-19 health technologies. The initiative will also ensure that there is the equitable global access to these technologies. The virtual launch on Friday was...
SA moves from level 5 to level 4 lockdown as of 1st May
Life in South Africa will gradually begin to return to normal from next month, with the government steadily easing the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, albeit under stringent stipulations. From 1 May, the government will implement a risk-adjusted strategy aimed at easing the current lockdown restrictions. The decision was taken during a National Coronavirus Command Council...
‘SA will have a mild coronavirus epidemic compared to the US’
Head of Internal Medicine at Wits University Professor Pravin Manga, says South Africa will have a mild corona virus epidemic compared to the United States of America. He says fewer people will die of corona in South Africa than the US, Italy and Spain. This is contained in the first clinical data on COVID-19 published by the...
Laager Rooibos gets to the heart of the matter | COVID-19 pandemic
A recent study undertaken by the University of Columbia found that COVID-19 poses a significant risk to those suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension, as a result of the additional stress that the respiratory disease places on the heart. This means patients with heart conditions are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications if they...
Engen fuel brings hope and relief to Diepsloot community
As a company that cares deeply about the communities in which it operates, Engen fuel retailers from Gauteng brought some hope and relief to the people of Diepsloot by distributing 1 000 food hampers and basic supplies, including blankets, on Friday, 17 April. This marks the second distribution by the group in just one...
SAPNEntertainment | SA Heroes Awards Nominees Announced
Finalists for the 2nd annual South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) have been announced. The awards which were introduced last year celebrate unsung community heroes in six categories - Women Empowerment, Youth Empowerment, Business Empowerment, Community Service, Community Health and Specialised Care. Of over 100 entries submitted, 63 finalists have been...
The DBE to provide learner support programmes
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has put measures in place to support learners during the national coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. Minister Angie Motshekga met with the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) to evaluate plans that will ensure learners are better informed about the virus and that they continue their education in their homes. The...