13 June annually is proclaimed as International Albinism Awareness Day and by acknowledging and celebrating this day, a platform is created to educate people on albinism in a quest to demystify and debunk deep-seated misconceptions and superstitious beliefs on this condition.
In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution calling for the prevention or attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism, and on 26 March 2015, following a recommendations from civil society organisations to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs who require special attention, the Council created the mandate of independent expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.
What is Albinism?
Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in theĀ skin, hair and/or eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In the U.S., approximately one in 18,000 to 20,000 people has some type of albinism. In other parts of the world, the occurrence can be as high as one in 3,000. Most children with albinism are born to parents whose hair and eye color are typical for their ethnic backgrounds.
Common myths about albinism?
A common myth is that people with albinism have red eyes. Although lighting conditions can allow the blood vessels at the back of the eye to be seen, which can cause the eyes to look reddish or violet, most people with albinism have blue eyes, and some have hazel or brown eyes. There are different types of albinism and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. However, vision problems are associated with albinism.
The myth that sex with people with albinism is a cure for HIV/Aids: The false belief has resulted in the rape of women and girls with albinism in parts of Africa.
People with albinism (children in particular) bring bad luck: There is superstitious misconception that the condition brings sickness or even death.
Albinism is a punishment of a curse from the gods or ancestral spirits.
Body parts of persons living with albinism can be used in portions to cure other diseases.
Drinking the blood of a person with albinism gives you magical powers.
People who spent too much time in the sun will develop albinism.
People with albinism have a lower IQ than the rest of the population.
The abovementioned myths is just a few example which may lead to serious harm, or even death of people with albinism, seeing that many people still believe these myths about albinism.
People with albinism are at risk of isolation because the condition is often misunderstood. Social stigmatization can occur, especially within communities of color, where the race or paternity of a person with albinism may be questioned. Families and schools must make an effort to include children with albinism in group activities.
Source of some of the facts: Website of National Organization forĀ AlbinismĀ and Hypopigmentation
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has appointed GIBB Pty Ltd (GIBB) to develop a waste minimization strategy for the district municipality and the seven local municipalities in the district namely:
Bitou Local Municipality
George Local Municipality
Kannaland Local Municipality
Knysna Local Municipality
Hessequa Local Municipality
Mossel Bay Local Municipality
Oudtshoorn Local Municipality
The aim of the waste minimization strategy is to identify mechanisms which can be used to minimize waste generation, increase waste recycling or treatment (including composting) and reduce waste disposal at landfill.
GIBB are engaging with local residents, business and industry, companies involved in waste management, non-governmental organizations, and environmental organisations to gather data and understand recycling and waste minimisation challenges as well as opportunities to increase waste minimization, recycling and diversion from landfill.
The business/ industry survey consists of 8 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 ā 15 minutes to complete.
The public survey consists of 5 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Questions/ queries can be directed to GIBB:
Ms Kate Flood Email:kflood@gibb.co.za all emails to be copied to wastesurvey@gibb.co.za Tel: 041 509 9160/ 084 631 1456 Deadline for responses: Both surveys will close on 10 July 2020
Please note that an Afrikaans and Xhosa survey will be made available in the week of the 15 – 19th of June 2020.
The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has been alerted to an influx of visitors to the Cape Winelands area and in particular the Witzenberg area with visitors allegedly attempting to see the snowfall on the mountain ranges in the area.
The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is requesting members of the public NOT TO travel outside their municipal areas. This includes going to areas like Ceres, Op-die-Berg and Prince Alfredās Hamlet in particular where snowfall is prevalent.
āTravel restrictions remain in place with regards to ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the public is cautioned to adhere to the existing regulations,ā says Bredell.
The South African Weather Service has alerted the centre that adverse weather conditions continue across large parts of the Western Cape. This includes heavy rain across the southern parts of the Province.
āThe SA Weather Services advise that localised urban flooding can continue to be expected in some areas due to continuous ‘on and off’ rainshowers. While the province welcomes the wet weather, we are concerned about the associated risks that increase during bad weather like this, risks which include mudslides and informal settlement fires.ā
Provincial as well as Municipal Disaster Management Centres and emergency services are activated and providing assistance where needed.
The public is advised to contact their closest disaster management centre as quickly as possible should an emergency occur.Ā The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.
āWe are also calling on communities to cooperate with local authorities and emergency response personnel in the event of any emergency.ā
In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:
Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.
What Should I do during a flooding?
Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.
What Should I do after the flood?
Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.
Further tips provided by the SAWS:
(When moving around outdoors) dress in warm brightly coloured wet weather clothing.
If caught unawares by strong wind, barricade windows with wooded panels or strips (or furniture if needs be).
If ordered to evacuate do so immediately and in an orderly fashion. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
ENDS.
Media enquiries:
James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:
Hazard
Alert Level
Valid From (SAST)
Valid To (SAST)
Flooding
Warning
11/06/20 01h00
11/06/20 23h00
Localised urban flooding due to continuous ‘on and off’ rainshowers are expected over Cape Winelands, Cape Metropole, western parts of Overberg districts (W.Cape) as well as the eastern parts of Cederberg and Bergrivier municipalities (W.Cape) today (11/06/2020).
Description: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.Precautions: Ā Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.Descriptions:Ā SnowSnow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.Precautions: Snow
If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Ā Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.Ā Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: An intense cod front
A tropical cyclone or an intense cyclonic system is a storm system characterized by a low pressure centre generating extreme winds and numerous showers and thundershowers that produce flooding rain and driving winds. These systems may produce torrential rain, high waves, and damaging storm surges resulting in extensive coastal and inland flooding up to 40 kilometres from the coastline.
Precautions: An intense cold frons
Dress in warm brightly coloured wet weather gear (clothing). In the case of a Tropical Cyclone pack a small waterproof survival kit made up of food and drinkable water. If possible wear a life vest or floatation device. If you have flares make sure these are sealed.
If caught unawares barricade windows with wooded panels or strips as the storm will shatter glass windows. If ordered to evacuate do so immediately and in an orderly fashion. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers. Ā Ā Ā
Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Donāt make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Donāt throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Donāt throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sunās rays and start fires.Ā Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:
HAZARD 1: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 08/06/20 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 08/06/20 18h00
Expected over the Central Karoo, Garden Route and the northern part of Cape Winelands (W.Cape) tomorrow (08/06/2020).
HAZARD 2: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Advisory
Valid From (SAST): 09/06/20 00h00
Valid To (SAST): 11/06/20 00h00
Strong interior winds (50 to 70km/h) are expected over the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and the Garden Route municipalities (W.Cape) on Tuesday (09/06/2020).
DESCRIPTION: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.
PRECAUTIONS: Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
DESCRIPTION: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
PRECAUTIONS: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Donāt make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Donāt throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Donāt throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sunās rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Once a person has been diagnosed with Covid -19, has had mild symptoms only, and has been in isolation for 14 days, noĀ follow-up test is needed. The person is then considered as recovered, and may return to work.
(This also applies to a person who self-isolates for 14 days after the onset of Covid-19 symptoms without testing). Public healthĀ facilities will not re-test anyone after 14 days of isolation. We have received numerous requests from private companies toĀ retest their staff or to issue them with a letter to confirm that they donāt have Covid-19 anymore. The re-test will not be done,Ā but Western Cape Government Health can issue a letter to confirm that a person is fit for work after this above period of isolation.
Wanneer ‘n persoon met Kovid -19 gediagnoseer word, slegs ligte simptome gehad het en 14 dae in isolasie was, is geenĀ opvolgtoets nodig nie. Die persoon word dan as herstel beskou en kan terugkeer werk toe. (Dit is ook van toepassing opĀ iemand wat 14 dae na die aanvang van Kovid-19-simptome ge-self isoleer het sonder om te toets). Gesondheidsfasiliteite salĀ nie opvolgtoetse na 14 dae van isolasie doen nie. Ons het talle versoeke van privaatondernemings ontvang om hul personeelĀ weer te toets of om ‘n brief aan hulle te gee om te bevestig dat hulle nie meer Kovid-19 het nie. Die opvolgtoets sal nie gedoenĀ word nie, maar die Wes-Kaapse Regering Gesondheid kan ‘n brief uitreik om te bevestig dat ‘n persoon geskik is vir werk naĀ hierdie bogenoemde periode van isolasie.
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre
For Immediate Release 7 June 2020
The Garden Route has recorded seven (7) COVID-19 deaths to date – three in George, one in Mossel Bay, two in Knysna and one in Hessequa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 31 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 57 new COVID-19 positive cases ā a total of 155 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.
Today, 7 June 2020 is day 7 of the National Alert Level 3 COVID-19 Lockdown, day 82 of the GRDM District Covid -19 Command Centre activation and day 84 of the National Disaster Declaration. Please note that on Friday, 5 June 2020, the National State of Disaster Declaration was extended to the 15th of July 2020.
Top (fltr): Cllr Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Mr Monde Stratu (GRDM Municipal Manager). Second row (fltr): Mr Gerhard Otto (Head of GRDM Disaster Management Centre and Command Centre Chairperson, Dr Terence Marshall (Cluster lead: Health), Mr Johan Compion (Cluster lead: Municipal Health), Ms Melanie Wilson (Cluster Lead: Business, Economy and Tourism). Bottom row (fltr): Mr Ettienne Terblanche (Cluster lead: Security), Ms Una Pietersen (Cluster lead: Social Services), Mr Thys Harmse (Cluster lead: Education), Mr James Robb (Cluster lead: Transport) and Mr Herman Pieters (Cluster lead: Communication).
The following list of actions/important matters discussed over the past week
The Red Dot Taxi service to be used to transport people to quarantine as well as isolation facilities will be in operation from next week;
SASSA indicated that in terms of the Covid-19 R350-00 grant, they had received 6 million applications and of these 2,7 million were processed and approved. These payments should be done before the end of this month;
All Western Cape schools were re-opened on Monday 01 June 2020 for the return of grade 7 and grade 12 learners;
It has been verified that businesses with on-consumption liquor licences would be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for take-away purposes only. This has to happen between 9h00 -17h00 from Mondays-Thursdays only;
From this week the GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen will be allowed to attend a high-level feedback meeting with Cabinet on Tuesdays and Fridays;
The District Executive Mayor expressed his concerns and the concerns of businesses regarding the delay in re-opening of the George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay as well as Bitou airports.
Social Development in the Western Cape reported that to date they delivered 37 287 of the 50 000 food parcels the past week;
All municipalities were advised to implement special arrangements to ensure the continuation of essential service delivery.
COVID-19 Statistics from a week back compared to today, 7 June 2020.
Cases (31/05)
Recoveries (31/05)
Cases (07/06)
Recoveries (0706)
Bitou
17
11
15 (+2)
14 (+3)
George
72
24
105 (+33)
50
Hessequa
13
9
13
10 (+1)
Kannaland
1
All recovered
1
All recovered
Knysna
51
26
69 (+18)
44 (+18)
Mossel Bay
29
23
34 (+5)
28 (+5)
Oudtshoorn
11
4
17 (+6)
8 (+4)
Totals
194
98
254 (+60)
155 (+57)
Public Health and Hygiene interventions
Cloth Masks
We note the new advice issued by the World Health Organisation on the use of cloth masks. The organisation now advises that people should wear masks in public places like on public transport and in places where social distancing may be hard such as in grocery shops, schools and in places of worship.
Please ensure that your masks are clean and worn correctly, which includes only touching them by the straps when putting them on and taking them off, and sanitising hands before and after this.
Cloth masks should not be seen as the only line of defense against this virus and must always be used in conjunction with good hygiene, hand washing and social distancing must always be adhered to.
Healthcare workers
The Western Cape Department of Health is currently conducting a recruitment drive for healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, to take up temporary posts during the COVID-19 period. Qualified healthcare professionals who are interested in taking up temporary employment during the peak, can find more information on the work, and the application processes.
Advice for home-based recovery
Most people will recover from COVID-19 and experience only mild symptoms. The provinceās new risk adjusted testing strategy means that healthy people under 55 will not be able to be tested in the metro region.
The following groups of people who are experiencing symptoms will be tested: healthcare workers, those over the age of 55, those in hospitals or in old aged homes, those under the age of 55 with comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, TB, chronic lung disease and HIV with poor ARV adherence.
This strategy is in place because of the national backlog in testing and will prioritise those groups of people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. This system will ensure that those who need testing most are prioritised over young, healthy individuals.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, a sore throat, or a cough, and are young, fit and healthy, you should act as if you have Covid-19.
If you are able to self-isolate at home, you will need to move to a separate room or area of the house, where you have no contact with anyone else.
If you live with other people, one healthy person can act as your caregiver. This person should leave food for you at the door of your room, and regularly clean surfaces.
Use a dedicated set of items such as cups, plates, cutlery and towels for yourself. Dispose of any waste carefully by placing it in two bags and keeping it separately for five days before putting out for collection. Ensure you wash your clothing, towels and cloth masks at a high heat.
You should not leave your home, and should rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthily and use paracetamol for fever or pain.
If you are unable to do this at home, you will be referred to an isolation or quarantine facility where you will be able to safely complete the isolation period.
If at any stage of your illness, you experience shortness of breath or pain or a sensation of pressure in your chest, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
The National Institute of Communicable Diseases considers a person recovered 14 days after first symptoms are experienced, or 14 days from discharge from hospital for those who have been discharged. It is essential that if you are recovering at home, this 14 day period is observed.
IMPORTANT TOOLS FOR BUSINESSES
Western Cape Government has created the following important tools for businesses to access during the COVID-19 pandemic:
SupportFinder tool which helps businesses navigate and apply for the available financial relief packages,
Tech Volunteers Programme which connects businesses who want to become more digital with industry experts for free two-hour advisory consultations, and
#GoDigitalWC webinars which brings leading experts in digital technology and business transformation to present ideas and advice for SMMEs on how they can adapt and innovate during Covid-19.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
The Western Cape Government has made online resources available for employees and employers which can be accessed here:
On the eve of the commemoration of the 2017 wildfire disaster which ripped through Knysna and Plettenberg Bay like a blow torch, Cobus Meiring, on behalf of the Southern Cape Landowners Initiative (SCLI) and the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), asked Knysna Municipalityās Environmental Manager, Pam Booth, about her thoughts on the environmental recovery of the natural environment of the surrounding towns.
Says Booth, āThe natural surrounds of both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay reflect what is true of most of the Southern Cape landscape, and that is the sad fact that it is severely affected by invasive alien plants.ā
āIt is common knowledge that the prevalence of impressive densities of invasive alien plants provided the biofuel that turned the wildfire into the inferno it became, generating heat so incomprehensible that everything in the path of the fires was obliterated.ā
Continues Booth, āAt the time, there were justified fears that, given the intense heat which the wildfire exerted on the landscape, that the indigenous seed bank in the ground, which would allow Fynbos species such as Proteas and Ericas to recover, was so badly affected that they will never recover, allowing even more of the beautiful landscape to become infested with invasive alien plants over time.ā
āOne such example was the invaluable terrain that is harbouring the unique set of plants sustaining the world-famous and endemic Brenton Blue butterfly. As confirmed now, the Brenton Blue is safe and sound, and much is being done by Brenton locals to ensure that invasive alien plants do not encroach on the town, giving indigenous vegetation a chance to recover, whilst reducing fire risk and creating jobs at the same time.ā
āFortunately, the plant species counted in the Southern Cape and Garden Route Fynbos Biome is a hardy species, which by nature are dependent on fire for survival and rejuvenation. Even as conservationists feared for the worst, the Fynbos came back, and after two seasons of favourable rainfall, the hills around Knysna and Brenton are alive with wildflowers of all kinds already standing two meters tall in places,ā says Booth.
Regrowth of invasive alien plants poses a threat
According to Booth, the regrowth of invasive alien plants is a matter of great concern.
āIt is true that in a great many places where invasive alien plants were present in numbers before the fire, they also grew back with a vengeance. This is a matter of great concern to all, as that may well set the scene for a repeat of the 2017 disaster in the coming years. Government is coming down hard on landowners who defies the laws governing the prevalence of invasive alien plants on their land, and already a number of landowners have received pre-directives and directives to either clear their land or face the court and the penalties associated.ā
āEfforts by entities such as the Table Mountain Fund, WWF SA and the Southern Cape Landowners Initiative (SCLI) to empower and assist landowners to deal with the regrowth of invasive alien plants did make an impact, and private land bordering river systems such as the Knysna and Goukamma today is in a better state of invasive alien plant infestation than before the wildfire disaster.ā
The Garden Route, including Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, is a jewel in South Africaās crown of scenic tourist destinations. Thousands of jobs and the socio-economic survival of the area are dependent on its natural surrounds.
āNot only is it based on this premise that we implore landowners to manage invasive plants on their land, but also for the sake of biodiversity conservation which is also facing the impact of a changing climate and an ever-increasing human and development footprint,ā says Booth.
*Sunday 7 June marks the commemoration of the 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster.
Photo: Fynbos in Brenton
Despite fears that the intensity of the 2017 wildfire disaster destroyed the underground seed bank of indigenous vegetation, Fynbos has made a remarkable recovery in the Garden Route. (Photo: SCLI)
** The Southern Cape Landowners Initiative (SCLI) is a public platform and think tank for landowners and land managers with an interest in invasive alien plant management, water stewardship and land management. SCLI is supported by the Table Mountain Fund (TMF), a subsidiary of WWF SA. SCLI also manages the Secretariat of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
** The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional forum for collaboration in conservation, environmental adaptation and community interaction. The forum aims to coordinate regional conservation efforts, serve as a catalyst to drive climate adaption practices in the Southern Cape and strive to establish a better-coordinated approach to environmental management.
