SABC Joburg News Features
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
07
APR
SA's 'V-Mash' remembered
Tributes are continuing to pour in for veteran entertainer, Vinolia Mashego. 'V-Mash', as she was popularly known, shot to stardom in the 90s with the hit show - Jam Alley - on SABC 1. Mashego died in her sleep at her home in Mamelodi in Pretoria on Sunday night. She was 56. Zoleka Qodashe compiled this report...
07
APR
Less emergency calls due to lockdown
Emergency services personnel say there has been a shift away from trauma-related calls to calls about Covid19. It's been 10 days since the national lockdown came into effect and emergency services personnel say there has been a steep decline in the number of trauma-related calls they have received, particularly in relation to alcohol. Zoleka Qodashe spent Friday night with EMS personnel in Hillbrow in Johannesburg and compiled this report....
07
APR
Temporary reprieve for the homeless
Political analyst Tinyiko Maluleke says it's shameful that it took the coronavirus for government to remember that there are homeless people, as well as those without water. As part of the 21-day lockdown measures, government has placed all homeless people in temporary shelters across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. It has also been providing tanks for people without water, especially in rural areas and informal settlements. Wisani Makhubele reports...
07
APR
Is an alcohol free society possible?
Is the idea of an alcohol-free society realistic in South Africa? Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi believes it is, and sees the ban on the sale of alcohol during the 21-day nationwide lockdown as a great opportunity to put the idea to the test. Lesufi has been waging a personal battle for an alcohol-free society, arguing that it's a drug that must be eliminated from society because it destroys lives and has ended many people's careers. Wisani Makhubele compiled this report...
07
APR
BILLS CORONA
There are mixed feelings among parents about paying for services not rendered like school fees, extra murals and scholar transport during the national lockdown. South Africa is currently on lockdown, which has led to the closure of schools and non-essential services. Some parents want to withhold their monthly instalments due to the uncertainty of the future, while others believe they are bound by contracts to pay for fees. Thabile Mbhele reports…
07
APR
Global citizens speak out on conditions of the lockdown in countries most seriously affected by COVID-19
As South Africa progresses into week two of the national lockdown, citizens have taken to social media complaining of the strict conditions and the devastating impact on the economy. However, it seems South Africa is in line with international lockdown measures. Many nations grappling to contain COVID-19 have taken similar measures while others are far stricter. Prabashini Moodley speaks with global citizens living under lockdown
06
APR
Thousands of South Africans stranded abroad await to be rescued
The global lockdown as a result of the deadly coronavirus has meant that thousands of South Africans remain stranded in countries around the world. According to Home Away from Home -- an organisation formed by a group of South African volunteers -- the situation for more than two-thousand citizens, in 130 countries remains dire. Many left the country in search of work. With no accommodation and funds running out -- each day away from home is a battle to survive. Prabashini Moodley reports...
06
APR
Global lockdown results in clearer water and cleaner air
The global lockdown as a result of the Corona Virus has had remarkable impacts on the environment. That's according to environmental justice campaigners who say, the lockdown in some of the world's largest economies have resulted in cleaner water and clearer air on planet earth. Prabashini Moodley reports...
06
APR
SCHEMES CORONA
Three Medical Aid Schemes estimate that they will spend over two billion Rand just on COVID19 testing and treatment. They say they've been forced to be strategic about how they manage the global epidemic. Gems, which covers public servants, says it estimates it will spend close to a billion Rand while Medscheme estimates their costs at half-a-billion rand. South Africa currently has 1655 confirmed COVID19 cases and 11 reported deaths from close to 57 thousand tests. Thabile Mbhele reports…
02
APR
CORONA VANS
South Africa will be able to conduct about 30 thousand tests for COVID19 each day. Thanks to the 60 new mobile sampling and testing units procured by the National Health Laboratory Services, unveiled by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize last night. Currently about five thousand tests are conducted in 24 hours and Mkhize says this figure is far too low for our population. Mkhize announced that currently we have 1380 positive COVID 19 cases in SA and 44 202 tests have been conducted. Thabile Mbhele reports…
01
APR
CORONA DISCLOSURE
Employers have been accused of using the COVID19 state of disaster to violate the country's laws. This comes as some employers have forced employees to disclose their medical conditions, should they wish to work from home during the 21 day lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa implemented the lockdown in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Thabile Mbhele reports....
31
MAR
Law enforcement officers accused of heavy handedness
Members of the South African National Defence Force and other law enforcement officers have been accused of heavy handedness and alleged abuse of power while enforcing the lockdown regulations. Several videos have gone vital on social media showing SANDF soldiers, the SAPS and metro police officers assaulting people and punishing them with physical exercises for not adhering to the lockdown regulations. Already an Ekurhuleni Metro police officer is being investigated for fatally shooting a member of the public. Tshepo Phagane has more…
