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News24.com | WRAP | Covid-19 deaths breach 1 000 and schools reopen across SA

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  • The Covid-19 related death toll breached the 1 000 mark on Monday evening.
  • The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to 50 879.
  • As of 8 June, 26 099 recoveries have been recorded in South Africa.

TALKING POINT: On Monday schools across the country opened for teaching, starting with grades 7 and 12. This despite mixed reactions about returning to school amidst the country’s rising number of Covid-19 cases.

A team of News24 reporters was on the ground and found that personnel screened pupils as they entered schools and were given masks and gloves. However, some schools in far-flung areas were still experiencing water shortage problems and lack of proper sanitation which forced some to close its gates.

Here is a wrap of our stories:

38 Gauteng schools have reported Covid-19 cases, says Lesufi

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi announced that 38 schools in the province have reported Covid-19 cases.

Lesufi was updating the media in Midrand on the first day of the reopening of schools on Monday afternoon.

He also said 39 pupils and teachers have tested positive.

“Today only, we received 38 new cases that demand investigations. The 38 new cases that demand investigation is in the process of tracing those that were in contact with those that have tested positive,” he said.

Lesufi also told reporters the province recorded an 85% attendance of pupils and educators on the first day of the reopening of schools. 

He added that nine schools did not open, due to infrastructural issues, which the department is currently addressing.

Teaching starts at one Gauteng school while another raises alarm bells

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko raised concerns regarding the level of cleaning at Sehopotso Secondary School in Sebokeng.

Mazibuko visited the school to inspect the state of readiness as Grade 7 and 12 pupils returned to classrooms on Monday.

The MEC said the school wasn’t thoroughly cleaned, including several classrooms. However, she said the school was ready to resume teaching and learning.

Gauteng farm school closed after mayor discovers there is no water for pupils

School opened for pupils attending Ramusukula Secondary School on Monday, despite there being no water on the school’s property.

Pupils spent more than four hours at the school, which is situated in the Barrage farming area in the Vaal, before Emfuleni Mayor Gift Moerane raised alarm bells.

Moerane made the discovery after he had went to the bathroom and noticed there was no water. The mayor was then informed by officials at the school that boreholes supplying water to the school had run dry.

More than 100 KZN schools still closed due to water shortages

More than 100 schools in KwaZulu-Natal did not open with the rest of the schools around the country on Monday due to water challenges, the province’s Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu has confirmed.

During his visit to schools, Mshengu said it was expected that over 6 000 schools in the KZN province would open. However, 104 schools would not be opening due to water shortages.

Back to school in Limpopo, but one private school closed after pupil tests positive

While schooling in Limpopo resumed in the majority of areas on Monday amid joy and trepidation from Grade 7s and 12s, classes were suspended at a private institution in Polokwane after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19.

The principal at Mitchell House School, Andrew Cook, said in a letter to parents that the Grade 12 pupil had returned to school last week.

The pupil had been in contact with others between Monday and Wednesday, before developing flu-like symptoms.

Most Eastern Cape schools reopen, but mobile toilets, water tanks, PPE still needed at 490

While 95% of schools in the Eastern Cape reopened on Monday, 490 schools have been delayed as the education department delivered mobile toilets, water tanks and personal protective equipment on the first day of school amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Themba Kojana, superintendent general of the provincial education department, told News24 the process of delivering equipment to schools was still under way.

“By 15:00, I will be able to tell you how many schools we have managed to cover. Our workers are on the ground. But we have made sure that the pupils are not suffering. For instance, neighbouring schools are housing learners whose schools are not ready because remember this is only two grades that are returning to school. We are still disinfecting some schools while others are getting mobile toilets.”

Return of Mpumalanga pupils goes smoothly, despite some setbacks – dept

Grade 7s and 12s in Mpumalanga were welcomed back to school on Monday and, despite a few setbacks, the reopening went smoothly, according to Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the province’s education department.

Zwane said most districts across the province had experienced a “relatively stable” reopening, with many pupils able to return.

Zwane said the local business forum had held a protest over tenders in Lekazi near Mbombela.

“We want to condemn this… it is really uncalled for and we think it compromises the future of our children. If people want tenders they should wait for the tender bulletin and apply accordingly,” Zwane said.

Pupils relocated after viral video shows crumbling school infrastructure in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has relocated pupils and teachers from Makibe Primary School to Mogalitwa Primary School as part of a temporary measure after she expressed her dissatisfaction with the dilapidated state of the farm school.

Makibe Primary School has been shut down and 36 Grade 7 pupils relocated, Mtshweni-Tsipane said on Monday.

“As we speak, that school has been closed with immediate effect – there will be no teaching and learning at the school.

News24.com | No truth to rumours that alcohol ban will be reinstated – Cogta

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  • Rumours that the ban on liquor sales will be reinstituted have been dismissed as “misinformation”.
  • Cabinet has not met since lockdown Level 3 came into effect; therefore, no discussion has taken place on the topic.
  • Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape premier said he would lobby the government to reimpose the liquor ban in the province.

Rumours doing the rounds about the ban on liquor sales being reinstituted can be treated as fake news because the Cabinet has not even met since the Level 3 lockdown regulations came into effect.

This is according to Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Lungi Mtshali.

Mtshali’s comments follow WhatsApp voice notes and messages circulating on Monday, which claim a decision had been taken to reimpose the prohibition on the sale of alcohol.

Mtshali told News24 that a statement would be issued by Cogta, but he confirmed the rumours were nothing more than misinformation.

READ | Level 3: People queue for booze in Pretoria, afraid that ban will return

“Cabinet has not even met since the regulations came into effect, so there hasn’t even been a discussion on the matter,” Mtshali added.

The sale of alcohol was banned under the hard lockdown (Level 5), which was enforced on 27 March, and it remained in place during Level 4 of the lockdown.

The ban was finally lifted on 1 June when the lockdown Level 3 regulations came into effect.

News24 previously reported that trauma cases at one of Cape Town’s hospitals spiked substantially since the easing of lockdown regulations under Level 3, with the majority of the cases linked to alcohol.

On Monday, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane told News24 that he would lobby national government to reinstate the ban in the province due to a surge in alcohol-related incidents since the start of Level 3.

READ | Booze ban: Mabuyane to push for alcohol ban in the Eastern Cape

“We had high incidents on our roads, and we had a lot of reports of gender-based violence on the basis that people were drunk. It is really not about people enjoying themselves. It has contributed to moral decay. It has really eroded our societal moral fibre,” he claimed.

According to Mabuyane, from 1 June until 7 June, the Eastern Cape recorded 3 141 cases linked to alcohol. It included 25 cases of culpable homicide, 94 cases of murder, 355 assault with grievous bodily harm cases, 42 cases of attempted murder, 51 cases of drunk driving and 25 cases of accidents under the influence.

News24.com | Jaco Kriel a step closer to much-anticipated Lions return

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Jaco Kriel (Gallo Images)

Jaco Kriel (Gallo Images)

  • Lions favourite Jaco Kriel is one step closer to a long-awaited return in franchise colours.
  • Their stock at loose forward will be further bolstered by the recovery of Vince Tshituka.
  • Medical testing will dominate this week’s return to training protocol.

Lions supporters’ longing to see Jaco Kriel back on the field would’ve been encouraged by the franchise’s latest medical update.

The dynamic 30-year-old flanker’s return since re-joining the team in February has been delayed by a long-term ankle injury as well as the suspension of Super Rugby.

Yet as the country’s professional outfits return to training this week, Kriel will be in the thick of things – relatively speaking of course.

The Lions’ medical staff have cleared him for agility training, which broadly entails that he can start doing footwork and change of direction drills, all exercises that will put pressure on his ankle.

The prospect of Kriel becoming eligible for selection again is a major boost for the franchise as they’ve battled in 2020 to find their feet in a definitive period of transition.

Inexperienced head coach Cash van Rooyen and his staff only managed one victory from six starts in this year’s campaign.

Kriel last month told Sport24 that he has no immediate thoughts on a Springbok recall, instead focusing on his long-term fitness and providing much-needed experience for a young squad.

The Lions’ punching power in the loose trio will also be boosted by Vince Tshituka having recovered from ankle surgery too.

The 21-year-old is one of the squad’s few options on the blindside flank and his improving defence could be useful.

His presence would also make team management breathe easier about not having to overplay veteran Willem Alberts.

Robust lock Rhyno Herbst is also on the mend after shoulder surgery.

Meanwhile, the Lions – like their counterparts – will predominantly be engaged in medical testing.

– Compiled by Sport24 Staff

Branch Manager (Nkandla)

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Remuneration: R15000 – R20000 per month Basic plus commission 
Benefits: Med Aid
Location: Nkandla
Education level: Matric
Job level: Mid/Senior
Own transport required: Yes
Travel requirement: Occasional
Type: Permanent
Reference: #Nkandla
Company: Metropolitan

Job description

Metropolitan is searching for a vibrant and intuitive individual who will be able to join our team. 

We have a Branch Manager vacancy within our Nkandla region.

Must have the following in your skill set and experience gain:

* Atleast 2 Years in a Management position
* Must have an RE 5 qualification
* Must have worked as a Financial Advisor at some point
* Matric Passed
* Drivers License
* Own reliable Vehicle
* Sales Acumen
* People Management skills

If you believe you have the ability and knowledge to apply yourself to add value to this position, please send your cv to:

Mthokozisi.Myeni@mmltd.co.za

Closing date for applications: 12th June 2020

We look forward to hearing from you.

Requirements

  • Sales Ability
  • Management Skills
  • People Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Hard work ethic

Posted on 08 Jun 21:45

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Mthoko
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Metropolitan

With a legacy of over 120 years, Metropolitan has been serving and empowering South African communities with accessible financial solutions through the best and challenging times.

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Health24.com | An app that determines the severity of Covid-19 may soon be available

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  • NYU researchers created an app to detect the severity of Covid-19 cases
  • This may help hospitals prioritise care and resources
  • A research team aims to roll out the app globally within weeks

Numerous innovative mobile apps are playing a big role in helping with the Covid-19 response, for example for self-screening or contact tracing. One of the latest apps, created by NYU College of Dentistry, can determine how severe Covid-19 cases are.

Research assessing the app through studying patients was published in the journal Lab on a Chip.

How it works

The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assess a person’s risk factors and key biomarkers from blood tests. It then produces a severity score which can determine how sick a Covid-positive patient is or may become – something that current diagnostic tests to detect whether someone is infected by the virus cannot do.

In their paper, the team of 15 researchers wrote about the need for a Covid-19 disease severity test that can help to prioritise care and resources for patients at higher risk of death.

“Identifying and monitoring those at risk of severe complications is critical for both resource planning and prognostication.

“Likewise, ruling out and/or reducing the admission of patients with very low risk of complications who can be safely managed through self-quarantine would conserve precious medical resources during a surge of new cases in an outbreak,” they wrote. 

Developing the severity score

Data from a total of 160 hospitalised Covid-19 patients in Wuhan, China, was evaluated, and the researchers identified four biomarkers measured in the patients’ blood tests that were significantly higher in patients who died, versus patients who recovered from the disease.

What these biomarkers do is indicate complications linked to Covid-19, such as lower respiratory tract infections, poor cardiovascular health, and acute inflammation. 

Using the biomarkers as well as two risk factors, i.e. age and sex, the researchers built a model and trained this model using a machine-learning algorithm (a type of AI) to analyse the patterns of Covid-19, which ended up being able to predict its level of severity. 

Once a patient’s biomarkers and risk factors are entered into the model, a numerical Covid-19 severity score, ranging from 0 (mild or moderate) to 100 (critical) is produced. To validate the model, data from 12 hospitalised Covid-19 patients were used. The results confirmed the accuracy of the process.

The model was validated using data from 12 hospitalised Covid-19 patients from Shenzhen, China, which confirmed that the model’s severity scores were significantly higher for the patients that died versus those who were eventually discharged. These findings are published in Lab on a Chip. 

The team wanted to further validate the model and therefore ended up using data from more than 1 000 New York city Covid-19 patients. The helpful tool later became available as a mobile app to clinicians.

Aim to roll out app nationwide

With global coronavirus cases increasing at a fast pace, Forbes reports, the researchers have spent time optimising the clinical utility of the app at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone last month, and intend to roll it out nationwide within the coming weeks. 

“An experienced team and established translation partnerships are both in place to move these systems into real-world practice in a timely manner. Further, the release of an app for immediate impact on Covid-19 patient management in the next few weeks is anticipated,” the authors wrote, adding that there may be a few promising additions to the app:

“Future work may also involve developing a test on the same platform for population-based Covid-19 community surveillance in clinical settings (ambulances, hospitals, clinics, laboratories) and for public settings that are at risk for community spread (businesses, schools, airports, train stations).”

The development and distribution of an affordable and portable smart sensor technology that can be widely distributed within months promise to be a significant solution for the management of the current health crisis, the researchers said, as well as a tool that can be adapted to fight any future viral or biological threats. 

Zakiyah Ebrahim

Dental Receptionist Start Asap

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Busy private dental practice requires full time receptionist. General administrative tasks, billing, accounts, authorizations skills will be an advantage. Minimum 3 years experience in similar position required. Proficient in English and Afrikaans, other languages will be an advantage.

Technical Product Lead (Johannesburg)

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Remuneration: R955000 – R960000 per year Cost to company 
Location: Johannesburg
Type: Permanent
Reference: #ND45571
Company: E-Merge IT Recruitment

This client will give you that fluffy feeling; a top product shop, in the heart of Sandton, looking for the clever clots. If you are a product lead with key experience in a technology, language and applications; UI, QA, along with a knack for pinpointing business challenges, then this is your job!

You’ll be part of a technology-driven company, with access to advanced analytics and quantitative decision support and data science product’s; along with a high degree of flexibility to work-from-home once you on your feet! Are you grinning?

Required:

  • You have four years’ key experience working as a Product Lead in a technology environment.
  • You’re an a-type personality that keeps learning and tackling new code.
  • You have an eye for details – you can locate the problem and identify technical and business changes required to address them.
  • You understand the .NET Framework
  • You are familiar with Agile and Scrum principles
  • You know your stuff – you have deep industry and/or application domain knowledge and can see the big picture.
  • You are a natural-born leader and decision-maker.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Ensure invoicing is done appropriately with regards to both JVs and partners.
  • Ensure clients are being invoiced correctly and licenses renewed timeously.
  • Manage and control costs of partnerships.
  • Maintain, renew, refresh and where appropriate, develop, marking collateral to support the sale of the product. This includes PowerPoint, brochures, videos, demonstrate website (and supporting notes), case studies and quotes and references.
  • Develop sales material for inclusion in pitch packs.
  • Provide support to commercial directors during sales process i.e. addressing queries regarding product functionality.
  • Ensure that the product-specific training material is updated.
  • Train the implementation teams, super users and partners on the use of the product.
  • Capture and prioritise critical development for the product i.e. bugs.
  • Capture and prioritise enhancements of the system.

Qualifications:

  • IT-related degree/diploma required
  • A good mathematics score at university level

Reference number for this position is ND45571 which is a permanent position based in Sandton; paying a salary of R960,000 per annum cost to company, salary negotiable on experience. Contact Nicole on

az.oc.egrem-e@delocin

at www.e-merge.co.za or call her on 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other opportunities.

Are you ready for a change of scenery? e-Merge IT recruitment is a niche recruitment agency. We offer our candidates options so that we can successfully place the right people with the right companies, in the right roles. Check out the e-Merge IT website for more great positions.

Do you have a friend who is a developer or technology specialist? We pay cash for successful referrals!

Posted on 08 Jun 16:53

Apply by email
Nicole de Sousa
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Field Account Manager (Butterworth)

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Remuneration: R10450 – R10450 per month Cost to company 
Location: Butterworth
Education level: Matric
Job level: Junior
Own transport required: Yes
Travel requirement: Often
Type: 3 months
Reference: #FAM Butterworth
Company: MVC Marketing

Job description

MVC Marketing are seeking vibrant and hardworking individuals to join our dynamic team as Field Account Manager in the Eastern Cape Butterworth Region. Applicants must be able to work independently and integrate well into a team.

Job Description:

  • Call on a database of stores in the area,
  • Managing allocated store database in the area,
  • Merchandise products in store,
  • Data collection
  • Reporting on store related issues
  • Place point of sale displays in stores,
  • Manage product displays as per the seasonal cycles
  • Interact regularly with all store staffs to keep them informed about upcoming product promotions
  • Build and maintain relationship with store managers and floor salesmen in the store,
  • Conduct in store training and complete system reporting.
  • Travelling/Store Visits daily. 

Area Allocation:

Butterworth

  • Queenstown
  • Sterkstroom
  • Kentani
  • Komga
  • Tarkastad
  • Nqamakwe
  • Butterworth
  • Idutywa
  • Engcobo
  • Cala
  • Cofimvaba
  • Tsomo
  • Willowvale
  • Lady Frere
  • Elliot

A Field Account Manager is required to be well groomed and professional always. Applicants are required to provide themselves with their own transport and own vehicle insurance when required to travel.

Duration: 3 months

Salary Package:

  • Basic: R5500.00
  • KPI: R2000.00
  • Travel Allowance: R2000.00
  • Company Insurance Benefit: R950.00

CTC: R10450

Requirements:

  • Complete Matric
  • Valid Driver’s Licence
  • Own reliable vehicle
  • AT least one Certificate in Marketing/Sales or related industry.
  • Cellular/Network Knowledge and Experience
  • At least one-year experience in merchandising and sales
  • Good communication skills and fluency in English.
  • Good computer literacy, knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office packages
  • Field Marketing Experience.

Requirements

Skills:

  • Presentation skills
  • Customer relation
  • Communication skills
  • Time management
  • Administration Skills

Posted on 08 Jun 16:25

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Rose Mokoatle

0112447900

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Accountant/Business Administrator (Durban)

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Location: Durban, Ballito
Reference: #DUR001693/LP
Company: Sandi Crowther Recruitment

Ballito Opportunity exists for a competent Accountant and Business Administrator who is extremely thorough and has been involved in the full supplier processing process to join a well-established company supplying luxury and value consumer products to the retail sector.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Manage the company’s accounting process
  • Management accounting preparation (working with an external Financial Manager)
  • Budgeting (working with an external Financial Manager)
  • Accounts receivable and accounts payable
  • Full supplier processing
  • Wage preparation and management      
  • Inventory control
  • Preparation for filing all statutory requirements (with an external Financial manager)

Requirements:

  • BCom Accounting Degree, or similar
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position
  • A thorough understanding of accounting and financial management
  • Understanding of all government financial regulations and requirements
  • The ability to prepare management accounts (Under external Financial Manager guidance)
  • Competent in Pastel Accounting, Inventory and Payroll
  • Strong Excel knowledge
  • Extremely thorough

Posted on 08 Jun 16:06

Sandi Crowther Recruitment

One of the most established team of Recruitment Consultants in Durban with a reputation for sourcing and placing top quality candidates at select companies.

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Intermediate/Senior Developer – C# (Johannesburg)

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Remuneration: R400 – R450 per hour Cost to company 
Location: Johannesburg, Sandton
Type: Permanent
Reference: #ND48999
Company: E-Merge IT Recruitment

Job description

New work in at a multifaceted risk management spot in Sandton central with a big footprint in financial services. I like this highly experienced and globally aligned team. As a C# developer, you can expect to develop lots of web-based/Windows-based applications, while getting entrenched in some pretty interesting projects.

This role is best suited to those happy to contract and who are consultative by nature; you will earn premium hourly rates; while working on evolving projects amongst a team of highly intelligent, technically robust devs! What’s not to love!

Reference number for this position is ND48999 which is based in Sandton and surrounds, paying R400 to R450 per hour on a 12-month contract. Contact Nicole on

az.oc.egrem-e@delocin

or call her on 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other opportunities.

Are you ready for a change of scenery? E-Merge IT Recruitment is a niche recruitment agency. We offer our candidates options so that we can successfully place the right people with the right companies, in the right roles. Check out the E-Merge IT website for more great positions.

Do you have a friend who is a developer or technology specialist? We pay cash for successful referrals: https://www.e-merge.co.za/careers/referralprogramme/

Requirements

Do you have what it takes?

  • You have been coding with C# ASP.Net for a good eight years
  • Your key skills include .Net Core, Web API restful services, entity framework, SQL, SharePoint and some Angular on the front end.
  • You have some skills in Business intelligence – SQL Database, SSRS/SSIS/Power BI
  • You are naturally passionate about learning and improving systems
  • You are self-driven by nature
  • Experience within a financial services institution (Securities-specific experience an advantage)
  • Form close working relationships with business partners and vendors

Qualifications:

  • BCom (information systems)/BSc (computer science) or relevant qualifications
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer or something similar

Posted on 08 Jun 15:09

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Nicole de Sousa
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