Palesa Chidi

  Twitter: @palesa_chidi The liquor industry was one of the most dominant and resilient industries in South Africa, but it was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. They had to deal with the ever-changing levels of the lockdown and restrictions. This has caused loss of revenue, job losses and liquor traders to close down and lose business. So far, the industry has suffered four alcohol bans as part of the lockdown restrictions. The alcohol ban has affected negatively even on the country’s economy as it is one of the industries that make a lot of money. In a statement released by SALBA, CEO, Kurt Moore explained the impact that the bans had on the economy. https://salba.co.za/salba-welcomes-partial-lifting-of-alcohol-ban/ “These bans are harmful to both government and business revenue and they are serious threat to jobs. 248,759 jobs are still at risk across the industry – about 1.59% of the national total of formal and informal employment for 2020. In addition, the alcohol...

How to make sure that you don’t contract Coronavirus at home Midnight of Thursday, 26 March was the beginning of the 21-day national lockdown that was declared by President, Cyril Ramaphosa. Until 16 April, South Africans will have to stay put in their homes. This was implemented to reduce the spread and the number of Coronavirus cases in the country. Essential service providers including laboratories, pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, healthcare providers and petrol stations will stay open during the lockdown to make sure that the people’s needs are taken care of. The essential workers play a vital role in making sure that the cases of Coronavirus decrease. To protect themselves against the virus, essential workers are provided with face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers which are must-haves at this time. They will have to carry a permit indicating that they are classified as essential workers during the lockdown. For those who will be in their homes have to adhere to...

  Soweto urban will always be my second home. When my time kickstarted at urban, I was quite nervous about whether I would do great or would I even be remembered when I eventually leave. My first few months working for Soweto Urban was quite difficult, being introduced to the work space on its own was a great challenge. I struggled to find sources at first but as time went on and I evolved and formed new relations along the way, things became more simple. My fellow colleagues made me feel welcomed and offered me help with stories as much as they could. My biggest challenge was learning new areas, I would have to catch an Uber taxi to a story at times to avoid getting lost in an area I don’t know, but luckily for me I always found great sources to interview and they would assure me that I will get used to the Soweto corners. It’s the little things that made me grow more along the way, it was the panic and the anxiety of having to submit my stories on time and also getting to wor...

"I am an African, not because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me"- Kwame Nkrumah By: Palesa Chidi https://images.app.goo.gl/bL3bQe5vXeWkfJYg9 What has happened to the peace that was initiated by our forefathers and liberated leaders? The togetherness that was always preached about? What happened to us? Africans celebrated the Independence of Nigeria in 1960 together, Zimbabwean independence that was gained in 1980 in solidarity, the first ever democratic elections of South Africa in 1994 in peace. I could spend the whole day writing about the achievements of our continent and the times we have shown love and peace to our fellow sisters and brothers. Most days I ask myself, where did we go wrong. How did such a beautiful continent become a place full of hate and violence. Each day, our brothers and sisters are getting killed for seeking a better life for themselves, on the contrary our brothers and sisters are dealing drugs and forcing ...

DO YOU CARE? THE 'HIP' WAY OF KNOWING YOUR STATUS By: Palesa Chidi Fortunately HIV is no longer the biggest killer in our country, it has been overtaken by depression, TB and pneumonia. This is because we as a country have taken this deadly disease seriously and took serious measures to prevent it, by "we" i mean doctors, scientists, people who actually care and me of course. https://images.app.goo.gl/paYibCuTBzAizxPy5 A lot of people are afraid of getting tested especially at the clinics or hospitals. It is a scary thought I know, but it is of paramount importance to get tested. People use a lot of lame excuses like "i'm scared of needles" or " I don't want my blood to be mixed with someone else's." Like give it up, we know those excuses. A few years ago, doctors introduced a home HIV test and people were relieved. FOR THAT TIME ONLY. I though it was a very good idea, did you? The home HIV test are expensive ...

Africa month colloquium African solidarity for Africa's people By: Palesa Chidi https://images.app.goo.gl/hQYaEeY6CJRJQunQ6 In celebration of Africa month and 25 years of democracy, the department of arts and culture hosted yet another Africa month colloquium. This programme takes place in a lot of places during Africa month. on the 31st of May, the colloqium was held at the Ditson Museum in Pretoria. The theme of the discussion was: Afican solidarity for Africa's people. A networking and discussion session on imaging and imagining Africa.  The discussion was led by CNBC's business anchor and producer, Fifi Peters. The likes of  Prof: Sipho Seepe, Prof Zodwa Motsa, Prof Chris Malikane and Dr Andre Gouws were key speakers. They got to give factual information and also their views on Africa's economy. https://images.app.goo.gl/EwviMeLmigs7SnUZ7 Visa, Trade and a lot of economical factors were discussed. Prof Zodwa Motsa stated that she is ...