Move over Lagos and Cape Town. It’s Durban’s turn to dazzle the continent’s fashion fraternity.



DURBAN, IN THE KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa, is known for many things – the sun, the sea and the food, but certainly not for its fashion. But that landscape seems to be changing now, and the coastal town seems to be making a splash on fashion runways. 



Notwithstanding that the four-day Durban Fashion Fair is becoming an item on the country’s annual social itinerary, the city’s small but growing fashion industry is getting a fresh makeover. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee has also now found a team in Durban to design athletic apparel for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics (if it happens as planned). 



“I think at the moment [Durban is] also [in] the fashion race and we’re also getting there in terms of other parts of the country with a bigger fashion scene,” says model Khwezi Ngwenya Ntombela. “The programs here are helping our designers-intraining get better and step up their game, so each crop gets better with each year. So, as the fashion changes, they change along with it and enhance their skills, which will eventually make Durban a fashion capital.”



Ntombela has been modeling since 2006, and is now the owner of Mold Models, a school training young aspirants to sashay down the ramp. 



“I love the idea of training, teaching and transferring my knowledge. Even when I watch a [fashion] show, I enjoy watching models who know what they are doing and are confident, and knowing that I [had] a part [to play] in that…”she gushes. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-51676" width="597" height="398" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px" /><figcaption>Swastika Maney and Sanyukta Singh</figcaption></figure></div>



Mother and daughter, Swastika Maney and Sanyukta Singh, both designers and joint owners of House of S and S the Label in KZN, have been in the business long enough to agree. We meet them at a café in Pietermaritzburg in KZN, where they are seated, dressed in blue and red and with a pink handbag perched on the table. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-51682" width="355" height="532" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Picture-5-scaled.jpeg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /><figcaption>Designs from House of S</figcaption></figure></div>



The cheerful colors belong to the world they come from – the world of design and dress-making. At their boutique, they curate and retail Indo-Western clothing with pieces imported from India, as Maney explains: “Every piece has been personally selected by me on my travels to India; the textures, colors and styles have all been chosen to make sure I am catering to the taste of all my clients.” 



Since its inception in 2011, the brands have grown and the duo say they have styled the likes of South African celebrities such as Shashi Naidoo and Carishma Basday. 



“I initially started out with 10 pieces on a table in my living room and here we are, 10 years later, in our boutique in Durban selling to clients in-store and shipping to the rest of the world,” adds Maney. 



Having initially begun as House of S, and catering to a mature, more conservative demographic, the brand has since expanded its offerings. S the Label, which Singh has been working on since the age of 17, has its own youthful stamp. Prior to the pandemic, the pair had begun to export their clothes across Africa and have since resumed this with the easing of the lockdown. 



Now at the cusp of launching their own designs and label, they have no intention of slowing down. No stranger to the fashion business, Durban-based Neil Ramautar has also styled celebrities and the well-heeled in the city. 



“When I was younger, my biggest fear was being homeless. I did not have a good childhood and I knew I had to do something… This career happened by accident and I took it and ran with it and here we are today,” says Ramautar, who rose from a “promotional spray boy” for a beauty brand to star stylist. Having done makeup for the likes of names such as Khanyi Mbau and Kajal Bagwandeen locally, he attests to also having made up international singer Miguel and Bollywood star, Bipasha Basu. 



When discussing the fashion scene in Durban, he believes it is the blended culture that makes it unique. “We are happy being in our little world here. We’re not really concerned about the rest of the country, but the rest of the country doesn’t have anything on our culture down here, we have our own little fashion world,” he reflects. 



With a number of projects in the pipeline, a makeup line to his name and a waiting list that could stretch from one end of the Durban coastline to the other, Ramautar is clearly in vogue. Also a part of the Durban fashion industry is Shezaad Ally, in demand for his slick bridal shoots and fashion photography. 



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:29% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51670 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15966139_1246616548757183_1944824179383789545_n-2048x2048.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
We have our own little fashion world [in Durban]. – Neil Ramautar
</div></div>



Having started out with photography as a hobby during a gap year from law school, six years later, his pastime has become his profession and the gap year has become a permanent mode of existence for Ally who also sees photography as a way to relieve the pressures of life. His photoshoots embody Durban’s unique culture as he explains: “There are so many different cultural backgrounds in Durban. Within each culture, you will find that they all have their own unique style to them. And that’s what I love. I love working on new ideas, trying new concepts within people’s different styles.” 



The Durban Fashion Fair is a platform for upcoming designers as well, some of who are making waves in the sunny beach town. We speak to Mbali Zulu, who is part of the team that has developed athletic apparel for the Olympics and Paralympics. 



Having studied fashion design at the Durban University of Technology, she previously worked for some big retailers in South Africa as a fashion buyer. Currently, she is one of the eight rising star designers to showcase at this year’s Vodacom Durban July. 



“My favorite so far has been being part of the Durban Fashion Fair mentorship program which opened doors to be a part of this amazing opportunity to design the opening ceremony outfits for the South African athletic team,” says Zulu. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51659" width="362" height="543" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SDR_9652-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px" /><figcaption>DFF Mentees Show 2020</figcaption></figure></div>



And on being inspired by Durban? 



“Durban fashion has its own unique handwriting. It’s inspired by the mixture of culture… My design signature is inspired by Africa and my culture mixed with a hint of Indian fusion. I love the bold colors from both cultures, the beautiful embroidery on the Indian garment and the stunning Africa beads from the Zulu traditional garment.” 



For the Tokyo Games, the team has designed ready to-wear outfits for the athletes. 



“We designed a stunning print which represents South Africa. We used natural fabrics. We wanted the design to represent every South African… The designs were inspired by the athletes. When they briefed us, they told us about their dream from a young age to represent their country in the Olympics. Nelson Mandela also had a dream to unite South Africa through sport. The design embodies unity and the love we have for our country,” says Zulu. 



Ruth Unwin, who began as a graphic designer before she was drawn in by the allure and appeal of the fashion industry, is also a part of the team designing for the Olympics and Paralympics, working at Mr Price Sport and together with Gavin Maxwell, the head designer of men’s apparel at the brand.



“It has been a fantastic and exciting journey for us as a team and brand…,” they exude. “Durban is unique for the climate, coastal weather and sea, sun and sand. These elements served as inspiration for the warm colors, lightweight textured fabric in easy wearing silhouettes that also suggest the ease of the lifestyle we have here.” 



Designer Nompumelelo Mimi Mjadu also concurs: “Durban’s history and the surroundings… there’s so many stories to tell. Durban has developed a lot of innovative designers through the years… Durban has more undiscovered talent.”



 



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:38% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-51656 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/131416226_1815986198554972_8775049496683180348_n-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">My design signature is inspired by Africa and my culture mixed with a hint of Indian fusion. I love the bold colors from both cultures, the beautiful embroidery on the Indian garment and the stunning Africa beads from the Zulu traditional garment. – Mbali Zulu</blockquote>
</div></div>



And with that, the city is also developing a new and evolving breed of fashionistas and style mavens capturing the imagination and interest of Africa’s growing creative economy.

Zwandyy

Fashion On The Coast: Durban’s Sartorial Moves

From Hollywood exports and Grammy artists to award-winning ideas that can save the world, Africa is not only diverse in its people but also in its industries and creativity. For FORBES AFRICA hundredth issue (since the magazine’s inception in 2011), we decided to curate a list celebrating these very ideas, inventions, and influential role models that have spelt Africa’s growth over the last decade.



Singer, actor, philanthropist, activist, businesswoman, and humanitarian, are just some of the words associated with the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka. She talks to FORBES AFRICA:



Q: So, just tell me a bit about yourself, and what led you to be going on this incredible journey?



A: Well, you know, growing up in Soweto, during Apartheid, I mean, I was born in 1965 and so growing up and so were to watching all the atrocities that with knowing that you are just an entity in this country, never allowed to vote, you know. And when my father passed on the government, took the house from my mum, because she was a black single woman and unmarried because her husband had died. Seeing her fight and seeing what that did to my family inspired me greatly in terms of where I wanted to be in life and I wanted to make a difference.



Q: And then, what was it like, for you to reach the heights of your career that you have? I mean, especially given your years of activism during apartheid, and now becoming this kind of meteoric power within Africa?



A: Well, I think just growing in that environment, seeing inequality, and knowing that there&#8217;s very little that we can do, but maybe just to, to get an education and be empowered, because that was the only thing that could have taken us out of our situation, to just get education, even though the education that was given to black people was minimum, but I thought, I&#8217;ll grab what I have and make do with it. So I became very lucky because when I completed my matric, I started singing, initially my mother wanted me to go and study law, I wanted to study to be a chartered accountant and when that didn&#8217;t happen, and I started singing,



That, for me was just a great platform. Because I thought, whoo, this is a great platform to start telling the world about my country, about what inspires me what I&#8217;d like to see, you know, in others, and what I can learn from others, and how to make South Africa a better place. So I was quite lucky that my very first debut single, sold about 25,000 brands in a week.



That was amazing and made me extremely popular. I don&#8217;t know, how did my manager do it for me to be very popular even outside South Africa during those times, and that&#8217;s when the name the princes of Africa came up, so I started traveling to places like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and all those places. For me, it was Africa, lovely Africa accepted me, and Africa has laid out this red carpet for me. And I wanted to, to know, Africa better, I could have wanted to go to live in America, in Paris or anywhere else; but I was very happy to be to be known in Africa, because Africa opened its arms, you know, for me. And yeah, and I&#8217;m just so happy to be an African and a woman for that matter.



Q: So that brings me to my next question. What does being an African icon mean to you?



A: Woah… I don’t regard myself as an icon, I just regard myself as a servant because when people open their arms for you and when people give you a platform to be able to perform, what do you do in return? So for me these people allowed me into their homes without me even asking, that’s when I’m on television; when I perform at a stadium or any function, they leave what they’re doing and come to support me by watching my show.



So I just think sometimes we become taken away and think we are doing our fans a favor, when no they aren’t as it’s their love and support that makes us who we are. So I never take anything for granted. I appreciate every single moment that I’m granted by the people who have supported me through all these years because I would not be Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the princess of Africa without the support they have given me and my music.



So I don’t think I’m an icon, I just think I’m a servant and I’m asked by a higher authority to do this work and continue to serve my continent in the role that they have given me.



Q: And you also have the awards to show for it. Speaking of, what was it like for you getting the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum?



A: You know, 2012 was just a very amazing year for me. There was going to Davos for the first time, and I&#8217;ve been traveling all over, you know, and then I get invited to Davos for this honor.



So, I went to Davos, but already, oh, wow, I mean, icons and more. It was just something to be nominated, and, even if I didn&#8217;t win, the fact that I&#8217;m counted amongst these people, it matters to me.



And I was very, very chuffed, I must say, you know, because, you know, the World Economic Forum, it&#8217;s the, it&#8217;s the highest sector in business, you know, and it&#8217;s serious people who go there, then you have precedents from different countries, and there&#8217;s few activists that go there and, civil society, you know, but I was very, very chuffed and, and really honored to have been given this award by the World Economic Forum and one of my favorite people was sitting right at the front then and kept on cheering for me, it was the Archbishop Tutu, and it was just so amazing



And, yeah, it was it was just that crazy moment for me and I kept on pinching myself, but it was just, amazing.



Q: There are a lot of black female African singers in the continent currently, but there are very few who own their own music label and their own production company, tell me what that experience has been like for you and kind of being part of the marginalized population when it comes to doing something like that.



A: You know, I was quite lucky when I started singing and I was found, you know, I guess I was at at the right place at the right time and the very first music, which was extremely popular, was written for me. And when I thought, when I saw that there was longevity in the music industry, because I was getting famous, and I was making money at the time, then because I came from a very poor family, and I thought, I&#8217;m not going back to the life that I lived.



I started investing in different things, you know, because I bought, I don&#8217;t know if in 1980 or in 1990, Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be there, or things like that. So every royalty I earned was, invested in some way, either through short term investment, like five years, or things like that. And when I thought I saw that, the, this is the real career that I really want to get into.



I decided, I want to leave a Gallo at the time and in1993, I started my own label, Chaka Chaka music. So I started writing my own songs, and I thought, I want to own my catalogue, because



most of those, most of those old, very popular songs, I don&#8217;t own them. They were written for me, and they owned by Universal Records, or Gallo, depending on who was buying what record company at that time, or buying what catalogue.



So that had taught me a lot, you know, and I look back, and I learned from artists like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and all the other big art. So for me, it was like I will pay for my own producers, I will pay my own studios and effects, I decided to build my own studio, you know, and I do everything in house.



Q: What has that experience been like for you?



A: It hasn&#8217;t been a very good experience, really, because, you know, I don&#8217;t have the manpower that the big record companies have. Sometimes people battle to get my music, I do have a license deal with Universal Records, because they have no recourse and they&#8217;re not going to benefit much. They don&#8217;t put the music in the shops.



You know, lo and behold, things have changed. You can put things now on mp3 people can download people don&#8217;t buy CDs anymore. So you can release a single and put your music, you know, on different platforms here and get that money. But even with that streaming that people rave about, there&#8217;s still no good policies, and what royalty should be paid and things like that. But I&#8217;m just happy that I can put my music in any platform, my own YouTube channel, and people can listen. And, I own it, the fact is that it&#8217;s mine and it&#8217;s my catalogue, and I own it. So there&#8217;s disadvantages and advantages, but you know, it is my IP I hold it, you know, and it&#8217;s mine, and if anybody wants to come and offer me, whatever, I would sell it at whatever price without any middleman.



Q: And I think your savviness as a businesswoman comes through there but not just there, I mean, you&#8217;re on the board of so many different companies, which sector has been interesting for you to be a part of and a bit of a learning experience?



A: Well, really, I love my humanitarian work. I really love it because, you know, working with, UNICEF, GAVI Global Fund, and all those NGOs, if I may call them all or centres, have opened my eyes, and broadened my horizon. You know, just going to different countries. I remember going to, I think it was Tanzania and somebody, you know, a woman had walked for like two hours as her child was sick and as she got to hospital the child was declared dead.



And I had a lump in throat. I thought, things that me and you take for granted could have saved this child. What really got to me most was, this woman did not want to leave the body behind. She said, I&#8217;m going to have to piggy back him dead as he is, and go back home, because what am I going to say to my husband.



That traumatized me so much, and so those are the things that I see happening around, and if I can do my little bit to help, I really try, I can&#8217;t be everything to everybody. So when I go, when I go and do all my humanitarian work, it&#8217;s good to be on the podium with the likes of the Bill Gates of the world and ministers or presidents but for me, it&#8217;s when I go to those people, you know who have absolutely nothing but make do with the little that they have.



So for me, there is proper empowerment, when you go to people, listen to them, not tell them what needs to be done, listen to them, because they know they have problems, all they want is a hand up, not a handout.



So when you empowered them it will level the playing field for people where the environment is conducive for them to function, they would do that. And when people are healthy, when they are educated, they know how to fend for themselves. So that sector really has really, really made me love that sector.



Q: Working in that sector has also led to collaborations with other people who have the same feeling as you I’m sure, who for you has been one of your favorite people to work with or collaborate with bat on stage or in studio?



A: I mean, I&#8217;ve performed with different people really, from Bono to Beyoncé. I think everybody are doing their bit. You know, I mean, there&#8217;s a lot of people out there, who, who would do a lot about education, you know, something about the health sector, excuse me, the health sector, others would want to see girls, you know, having sanitary pads. So all the people that have worked with, I must say, they&#8217;ve been amazing, because they do their little bit, wherever. And I think it&#8217;s important that we all do our little bit in our small corners.



I’ve also gotten to work with a lot of young people like Berita, and Lira and we’ve just rereleased Umqombothi with Amanda Black And it&#8217;s just been so amazing to work with young people just to hear from them, what inspires them? And how would they do things now, you know, because during our time, there was no social media, you know, you just had to sing, go to the go to the shows. And, and that was it, there was really nothing. It was just newspapers, magazines, and television. So now, our young people have got all these platforms, to expand their talent and showcase their talent. And they can be watched by people everywhere in the world, and it&#8217;s very, very good.



Q: You also have such an array of experiences to your name, most recently your Motherland tour documentary, what was that like?



A: Motherland tour for me, I was quite lucky.



Because I worked so well, with different organizations like a Global Fund, GAVI, malaria people, and it was easy for them to to fund the motherland tour because I did not want to be a Goodwill Ambassador that just goes there and give cheques and go.



I wanted to know, if they said, we&#8217;re supposed to go to Uganda, or Kenya or Malawi, I really wanted to know, what am I there for, what are the pre people&#8217;s problems? What are the challenges they go through? How do we help them to help themselves, so I really wanted to get engaged.



And I think they just liked that mind-set. I think at first they could not understand they could not believe, you know, they just thought that I would just come and look pretty to have makeup and tick a box off and be done, but I wanted to be there for the people for real.



You know, for me for the things that I&#8217;ve been asked to be a goodwill ambassador, I thought it&#8217;s a great platform to then do what is right. Go to those people don&#8217;t only go there when there&#8217;s cameras, but go there for real, ask questions, learn from them, help with their struggles and challenges, open doors for them, you know, if they can&#8217;t get to the Minister, or the First Lady, or the president? And I&#8217;m able to do that, why wouldn&#8217;t I do that? And in the past 15 years doing all of that, that&#8217;s exactly what I&#8217;ve done. And that culminated to doing the motherland tour, you know, because it was the stories of these African women who are really trying to do good in their communities. So we documented that as I was traveling from Sierra Leone, Ghana, and all those other places.



Q: My last question, what is the mantra or motto that you live by?



You know, my mantra is that we&#8217;re born with nothing. And when we&#8217;re born, we&#8217;re here to demonstrate what we&#8217;ve been asked to come and do. So each and every one of us has some form of good. And when we die, we take absolutely nothing. So there&#8217;s no need to be selfish, greedy, or wanting to kill one another. Because you know what, we can&#8217;t take everything that we&#8217;re fighting for and what makes us greedy or selfish with us when we die. So we just die with absolutely nothing. So let&#8217;s just enjoy the life whatsoever in life. And that&#8217;s it. 



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/cover-story/2021/04/01/the-100th-issue-100-innovations-inventions-icons-from-africa/">For more on the 100 Innovations, Inventions &amp; Icons From Africa (Forbes Africa)</a>

The DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020 in South Africa

THE 100th ISSUE:  A Conversation With the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka

From Hollywood exports and Grammy artists to award-winning ideas that can save the world, Africa is not only diverse in its people but also in its industries and creativity. For FORBES AFRICA hundredth issue (since the magazine’s inception in 2011), we decided to curate a list celebrating these very ideas, inventions, and influential role models that have spelt Africa’s growth over the last decade.



As a former head of state and Nobel peace prize winner, Sirleaf has achieved more than most in her lifetime. She spoke to FORBES AFRICA on her experiences as president and what she thinks is needed to bridge the gender gap in Africa. In March, she also received the 2021 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award. 



F: What was your experience like in becoming the first female head of state in Africa?



My life was forever transformed when I was given the privilege to serve the people of Liberia. It was an honor to become Africa’s first democratically elected woman president. It was a tough position to hold &#8211; not just because my success or failure would impact the prospects of women coming up behind me, but because of the immense challenges my country faced as it emerged from civil war.



When I left my inauguration after taking the oath of office, I got out of the car and walked along the streets. The crowds followed, walking with me &#8211; it was such a special moment. I knew I had the Liberian people behind me, and that gave me the strength and courage to take our country forward.



Coming into a position surrounded by men was difficult, of course. There was, and still is, a suspicion that a woman isn’t up to the job, and men often doubt you. I had to overcome this by being steadfast and standing up for the things I believe in.



I had to believe in my own potential and do everything I could to better the lives of other women. I wish I could have appointed an all-women cabinet, but at the time it wasn’t possible. So instead, I identified areas that are normally male-dominated, such as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Commerce, and broke taboos by putting women in places where they were not normally found. We got women into leadership positions at different levels, pointing the way towards equity.



F: What were some of the main challenges you faced during your terms as president?



When I took office, Liberia had just emerged from 14 years of civil war. My priority was to sustain peace and help the country rebuild. The reconciliation process involved building the foundations of our democracy and rebuilding the economy almost from scratch. It was very complex and extremely difficult, but I am proud of the work we did to get Liberia back on the path of development. I am also proud that we restored our country’s reputation and creditworthiness.



We invested heavily in Liberia’s youth &#8211; helping them get educated and develop skills to give them access to more opportunities. Helping them see that there was a bright future ahead of them, that they had a common future, also helped to bridge some of the divisions in our society, further sustaining the peace we had worked so hard to attain.



Then the Ebola outbreak engulfed Liberia and West Africa, threatening the economy and hard-earned progress we had made on reducing child and maternal mortality, for example. Just like with COVID-19, schools were shut down and too many lives were lost. Seeing how the Ebola crisis affected my country was devastating, and it really showed me the importance of access to primary health care and importance of community endeavour.



F: What was it like being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and then being announced as the winner?



It was an honor and a truly humbling experience to be nominated and win the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize along with fellow Liberian Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman of Yemen. Winning the prize alongside these women showed the universality of our struggle, but the award really belongs to the people whose aspirations we had the privilege to represent, and whose rights we have the obligation to defend.



I would not have been in any position to receive that honor without the women of Liberia, Africa, and the world. I never forget that I owe my success to the women who, during the Liberian civil war, stood in the rain and fetched food for their children despite the bullets flying everywhere.



When I accepted the prize, I told the women of the world: “Find your voice! Raise our voices. Let yours be a voice for freedom!”



F: What has life been like since the end of your presidential term?



I had two grandmothers who were illiterate, who were marketeers and farmers. I saw them represented in too many of the women around me. That led to my own commitment: when I had the authority, I would do something to better the lives of other women that is why I focused on rural women and those in the informal sector.



But knew that my work would have to continue beyond the end of my presidency. I have always been committed to bettering the lives of other women, and that commitment did not end with my second presidential term. But I also knew that I must work for more women leaders who can protect and promote women.



I have thus continued to advocate for women’s political representation, education, and equitable access to healthcare. I am proud to be involved in many great organizations working towards these goals. Additionally, I have continued to work in conflict resolution and have contributed to pandemic response efforts around the world.



F: What does being an African icon mean to you?



I am humbled to be considered an African icon. I hope that it will inspire others to work towards causes they are passionate about. I hope that it will have a motivating effect for other women and young girls, encouraging their confidence to set goals and to stay on the path to achieve them.



F: Tell me about the EJS Center and some of the work it does?



The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) was established to be a catalyst for change across Africa, by unleashing its most abundant untapped power — its women. Through our programming, advocacy, research, and exhibitions, the EJS Center works to advance women’s public leadership and development. Our goal is to shift the landscape for women, moving from a culture of tokenism to one that truly values women leaders.



The Amujae Initiative is the EJS Center’s flagship program. We launched it on International Women’s Day in March 2020. Derived from a phrase in Kru, a Liberian language, Amujae means ‘we are going up’. We help women who have already proven their dedication to their communities and to their fellow women, and who are aiming for the highest positions in public service. There are now two cohorts of Amujae Leaders with 30 in all, coming from 16 different countries across the continent. Among them are a county governor, current and former ministers, members of parliament, senior advisors, and activists. We are so proud of them all, of their impressive careers and their aspirations.



In addition to our work through the Amujae Initiative, we are also establishing a presidential library, which will house physical and virtual archives and serve as a convening space where African women leaders are able to strategize together and build strong networks of support.



F: Given the current gender disparities prevalent in African society, what do you think is needed for this gap to be closed and for women to be seen as equals to their male counterparts?



This is not just a problem in Africa &#8211; it is a global problem. There is a lot of work still to be done. We need more women to dare to contend for the highest positions of public leadership and to bring other women along with them. When I was President of Liberia, I made a point of putting women in positions of power so that young girls can see what is possible.



There is also much to be done in terms of ensuring girls’ access to education, ensuring that there is room for women in business and entrepreneurship, and improving healthcare access. Every step we take is a step towards progress, and I’m encouraged by the number of women stepping into leadership roles today.



F: What is a motto or mantra that you live by?



I always tell people &#8212; if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. But you must also have the wherewithal to achieve them, and you must not be afraid to use your voice.



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/cover-story/2021/04/01/the-100th-issue-100-innovations-inventions-icons-from-africa/">For more on the 100 Innovations, Inventions &amp; Icons From Africa (Forbes Africa)</a>

Icons 19

THE 100th ISSUE: Q&A With Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Understanding the new variants of the coronavirus and if and how the vaccines will catch up.



When this story was going to press, Nigeria had a total of 159,000 Covid-19 cases and counting. A big chunk of these cases was attributed to the two variants discovered in the West African country – the B.1.525 also found in the United Kingdom (UK) and the B.1.207 genetically sequenced in Nigeria.



Experts continue to closely monitor the situation of countries that have seen new variants as the effects of these mutations have yet to be determined. In South Africa, more light has been shed on the 501Y.V2 variant which has been found to be more infectious and deadlier than the original strain.



South Africa has also seen a new strain emerge, as the variant, 501Y.V2, which has wreaked havoc on the country and seen the number of cases increase exponentially since its discovery in December last year.



The situation in Nigeria and South Africa are not unique, however, as other parts of the world too have had to face the daunting reality of combating a new variant and the possibility of minimal protection offered by the vaccines now available.



Professor Lynn Morris, interim Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa, explains to FORBES AFRICA that the virus is likely to become a norm and not disappear altogether from society.



“SARS-CoV-2 is likely to become endemic – in other words, it will continue to circulate amongst people who lack sufficient immunity,” explains Morris. With Covid-19 expected to join the likes of HIV in becoming an endemic, mutations are expected as “viruses mutate as they replicate, fortunately most are harmless”.



It is the area in which these replications have occurred, however, that has created the current crisis with the vaccines available. The spike protein is a key component to the survival of the coronavirus cell and is how the virus enters the body and begins to replicate.



The spike protein allows for the coronavirus cell to invade human cells. By doing this, it ensures the survival of the virus as viruses are only able to replicate once they have entered the host cell. Mutations on the spike protein have a number of different implications as each chemical component of the spike protein serves a different purpose.



One of these purposes is the rate of infection as Morris explains: “The 501Y.V2 variant has a number of mutations in its spike protein. One of these is shared with the variant circulating in the UK that has been shown to increase transmissibility. Another three are escape mutations that make the virus partially or in some cases completely resistant to otherwise protective antibodies.”



The other issue that has also arisen as a result of these mutations is resistance to the current vaccine models available. The vaccines produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford and AstraZeneca all use a specific genetic component from the virus in their vaccine and the antibodies created by the body then formulate their reaction based on the genetic material of this component.



The material used by all these companies has been derived from the spike protein of the virus. This then brings the efficacy of the vaccines into question in dealing with the mutations of the coronavirus cell and still being able to provide a high enough level of protection against the virus.



This theory became a reality in South Africa, where the rollout of vaccines had to be paused with one of the main factors being a low-efficacy level of the vaccine when treating the new strain of the virus. The vaccine in question, the Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine, had been purchased from the Serum Institute of India and was due for rollout in February.



Due to results conducted by an independent researcher, and a close approaching expiration date, the use of these vaccines was halted and replaced with the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, Ad26.cov2.S. At the time of writing, this vaccine had been administered to over 145,000 health workers who were given priority.



The possibility of vaccines being a permanent or long-term solution has yet to be determined.



“We don’t know yet how long vaccine-induced immunity will last. If it follows the same pattern as natural infection where antibodies are relatively short-lived, then a booster will likely be required,” says Morris.



As more mutations arise as the virus replicates and the number of vaccines approved for use increases, this war between virus and vaccine is coming to a head and at this point, the victor is anyone’s guess.



Variant B.1.525 – this variant is still relatively new and undergoing investigation is still determining the extent to which the mutations affect the rate of infection. This strain has been found across the world including Ghana and Nigeria.



Variant B.1.1.207 – Initially discovered through genome sequencing done in Nigeria, the exact effects of this variant are still under study, as of March 2021, this variant has been found across the world including countries in Europe, Asia and North America.



Cluster Five – This cluster was found in Denmark amongst the mink population and was found that it would be possible to spread to humans from mink farms. This then led to the culling of 17 million minks which subsequently led to the extinction of the cluster five variant.

PALESTINIAN-HEALTH-VIRUS-VACCINE

The Conflict Between Virus And Vaccine

Valentine Dzvova, the CEO of African Equity Empowerment Investments, strategically navigated rough waters when Covid hit leading to financial growth at a challenging time.



African Equity Empowerment Investments (AEEI), a fully black-owned and black-controlled investment company situated in southern Africa, faced a turbulent last quarter, but despite this, is probably one of the few in a pandemic-stricken continent that has managed to grow by 44%.



The captain at its helm, Valentine Dzvova, reveals that the strength of the company, majorly focusing on fishing and IT, has been the diversity of its portfolio.



“Having diversity is absolutely vital to weather any storm, with the most recent example being the storm brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Dzvova.



Dzvova, from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe, saw her career scale new heights when she was made Chief Executive Officer of AEEI last year. Having come in when interim results were due and the company’s Chief Financial Officer was leaving, Dzvova dove straight in at the deep end.



“It also helps that I’m not a stranger to AEEI because during my years as an auditor clerk and auditor manager, AEEI was my client as well, so it was almost like rejoining family because they’ve known me from when my career began back in 2007,” she says.



Rising through the ranks at PKF International (a global network of accountancy firms) saw Dzvova familiarizing herself with the likes of AEEI as she was promoted to supervisor and then manager shortly after completing her articles.



Balancing her current role with her home-life has been no easy task, as she states; “I have to be very strategic about how I spend my time, I have to work late at night because you know, during the day, I would have mini emergencies at home that would need my attention, so certainly it has been challenging.”



Dzvova was inspired by ‘career days’ in high school and seeing other girls pursuing accounting inspired her to do the same. She achieved success by completing both board exams successfully in her first attempt while still continuing with her daily workload. Joining AEEI was the culmination of her determination and tenacity.



“The previous CEO and his team did a fantastic job so I joined with there being a very solid foundation already in place,” she says of her predecessor.



Under her leadership, AEEI ensured no jobs were lost during the Covid-19-induced lockdown period as operational costs were streamlined and these practices were also encouraged amongst AEEI’s suppliers and partners.



And about the future, she says: “We are looking at offloading some of our smaller investments so we can really focus on the major ones which are Information Technology and fishing; these are the areas where we feel our strength lies.”



As Dzvova reflects on her growth strategy, she emphasizes the need for one thing – liquidity.



“Cash is king and there has never been a time that this has been more true than right now. With lockdown, businesses weren’t able to trade as normal, so revenue wasn’t coming in but there were still employees and suppliers to pay, so if one didn’t have cash on hand, you were basically dead in the water which is why a lot of businesses closed.”



Dzvova’s expertise, coupled with her business acumen, has seen AEEI grow by 44% and its basic earnings per share increase by 101.3%. It is clear she brings the same enthusiasm for business to everything she believes in.



“Certainly as women, we wear many different hats at the same time and as a result, there is so much more responsibility on us and we just have to work that much harder for everything to fall into place. As women, we have our focus pulled in different directions at different things and it takes a lot of hard work to master this and it’s all the nasty back-ends that no one else sees which is where all this hard work happens,” she says about juggling her multiple roles.

Val Head Shot 2

How to PANDEMIC-PROOF Your Business.

Understanding the successful storage, supply chain, and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine and what Africa needs to do to get it right.



THERE WAS PERSONAL DILIGENCE IN conducting the research for this story, as this writer too tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of December, in South Africa, a country that recorded a million coronavirus infections that same week. Following the story and the world’s quest for an effective cure, this article now focuses on the concomitant issue of vaccine distribution across Africa even as the continent grapples with a deadly second wave of the pandemic.



Different countries have taken different approaches to securing their supply of vaccines. In North Africa, for example, Morocco has secured over 65 million doses, some of which has come from China’s Sinopharm and Britain’s AstraZeneca and Oxford supplies. The country aims to have at least 80% of its population vaccinated with this supply.



South Africa, having joined the COVAX coalition, has secured 20 million doses thus far. The country’s government is using a phased approach with healthcare workers being the first to receive the vaccine, and the continent’s second largest economy aims to have 60% of the overall population vaccinated to initiate herd immunity.



Other countries look to their alliances with China and Russia to provide vaccine doses. While countries have had to ensure the security of their supply first, other issues around the vaccine are also to be considered which in turn plays a deciding role in the type of Covid-19 vaccine a country needs.



One such issue is storage. The current vaccines that have been approved as a result of their high efficacy rates pose a difficult challenge when it comes to shipping and storage. There are certain conditions that have to be met to ensure that a vaccine is stored successfully and still viable for use after being shipped.



This is where the vaccine cold chain comes in. The cold chain is the network of cold storage facilities that are used through every key stage of the vaccines’ journey; from the manufacturing line to their eventual use in a syringe. Proper storage and handling of vaccines during the cold chain process ensures that no part of the vaccine being transported degrades and becomes unusable for treatment.



Part of the cold chain process is also temperature regulation and includes all equipment and procedures required during the transportation and storage process.



Africa faces a unique challenge in the area of storage. With vaccines requiring resilience in being able to travel across great distances and many facilities, particularly in rural areas not reaching the requirements for long-term storage, certain vaccines have had to be ruled out.



There are enough examples now of businesses and services in this critical area. iKhaya Automation Solutions is a temperature monitoring specialist based in Pietermaritzburg, a town in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The company has received accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO) which is critical in the roll-out and storage of vaccines on the African continent.



Eckart Zollner, the sales and marketing executive of iKhaya, says the accreditation could not have come at a more critical juncture. “The temperature of every vaccine (and indeed all temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals) must be kept as advised by the manufacturers during transport and storage to preserve the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety once administered,” says Zollner.



Temperature monitoring systems such as the ones provided by iKhaya are a key component to ensuring that the viability of a vaccine is maintained throughout the cold chain process. Devices manufactured by iKhaya have been deployed at a number of different storage facilities and laboratories that have been involved in the vaccine process.



“Vaccine storage at the recommended temperatures in Africa is not easy to achieve,” says Zollner.



In order for the accreditation to be achieved, a number of compliances and regulations had to be met. The criteria included a thorough examination of the devices and quality of technology being used in its mechanisms for measurement. There were also strict regulations on how the devices interacted with the environment and the alert systems in place should the temperature and condition of the vaccine face being compromised. Zollner elaborates on the importance of data analysis and data storage systems that were also in place and part of the approval of the accreditation process as “it has been quite an intricate and rigorous process in ensuring our data systems matched the criteria set out by WHO”.



Given that the storage of the vaccine is determined by the specific temperature range, the devices created have to ensure that the temperature regulation processes can be monitored in real-time and breaches can be controlled immediately.



“The alerts have a three-level hierarchy to ensure that personnel are able to act accordingly and before temperatures reach a critical juncture and the vaccine is compromised,&#8221; says Zollner. 



In Africa, there are also other issues in the cold chain process. One of them, power.



“Electricity supplies have proven to be unstable in some parts of Africa, which is not ideal for temperature regulation devices; the consistent maintenance of electricity, particularly in rural areas is needed for vaccines to maintain their efficacy,” adds Zollner.



Training is also of importance as personnel needs to be well-versed in the temperature regulation measures needed for the storage of a particular vaccine. Zollner also mentions the lack of qualified staff in certain regions.



Another critical issue is the actual distribution of the vaccine within an African context.



The distribution of Covid-19 vaccines also comes with a subset of issues. Dr John Sargent, one of the co-founders of BroadReach Healthcare, spoke to FORBES AFRICA on some of the issues in Africa.



Sargent explains that the model of distribution for the Covid-19 vaccine is a complex one.



“When you think about from when a vaccine gets into a country to when it gets put into someone’s arm, especially those that require two doses, there are literally a thousand steps that need to happen first,” notes Sargent.



One of the first things that need to happen in each country is regulatory approval.



The second consideration, once approval has been granted, is budget.



“The cost of the actual vaccine is only part of the cost, the cost for the vaccine process needs to be taken into account, this includes costs for syringes, alcohol swabs, personnel to administer the vaccine, and it just continues from there.”



The third area, according to Sargent, is supply chain logistics which he foresees as being a challenge, especially due to the cold chain process. He reasons that this can be overcome by explaining that “in many of the countries I have been in sub- Saharan Africa, I could get ice cream”. 



By this, he means partnering with industries and companies in the private sector and using their facilities as an innovation within the cold chain process.



Apart from the technicalities around distribution, Sargent mentions more intrinsic social issues such as community awareness and adherence as potential concerns.



Sargent feels education needs to happen through communication strategies and exploring avenues such as social media campaigns and community programs.



The last thing Sargent feels is needed is effective project management.



By this, he refers to technical nuances such as an effective data management system or how vaccine candidates are being catalogued and the logistics around key facilities that would offer vaccination.



Understanding the supply chain in distributing the vaccine is going to be instrumental in ensuring that the vaccination process is as widespread as it needs to be.



With different countries adopting different approaches in how the vaccine is distributed, only time will tell which has been the most effective in making Covid-19 a thing of the past.



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Storage conditions of the vaccines currently available: Currently, there are at least five vaccines that have approval and are being rolled out in different parts of the globe. Each of these vaccines have different storage requirements in terms of the temperatures required to ensure they remain viable. The reason for this is due to the components of each vaccine and how they have been structured biologically.



BNT162b2 (Pfizer and BioNTech): This vaccine needs to be shipped and stored at temperatures between -60 to -80°C. It can be stored for up to five days in normal refrigerator conditions (2-8°C) before use and has a shelf life of up to six months under the right storage conditions.



mRNA-1273 (Moderna): This vaccine has easier conditions to meet than the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine as it only needs to be shipped and stored at temperatures between -15 to -25°C, the average temperature of a freezer. It can also be stored in refrigerator conditions for up to 30 days and also has a shelf life of six months.



AZD1222 (AstraZeneca and Oxford): The vaccine created by AstraZeneca and Oxford has the easiest conditions in terms of storage as it can be stored and shipped at temperatures between 2-8°C, the average temperature of a refrigerator. It can also be stored at these temperatures for up to six months without use.



CoronaVac (Sinovac): This vaccine uses an inactivated vaccine approach and as such, can be stored at refrigerator temperatures (between 2-8°C) for extended periods of time.



Sputnik V (Gamaleya): Using a viral vector approach, the viral vector vaccine can be stored at refrigerator temperatures when in dry mass form, and at temperatures of around -18.5°C in liquid form.
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JAPAN-HEALTH-VIRUS

Virus, Vaccine, And Viability

Animals, adventure, and a pit stop for riders off Johannesburg’s city limits.



It’s sunrise on a Saturday morning in South Africa and I am wide awake. Spring is one of my favorite seasons. With spring, comes the uplifting scent of the Jacarandas as they start to bloom, the smell of the wet earth and freshly-cut grass mixed with the smell of exhaust fumes as I pass the sights and sounds as a pillion passenger on a motorbike.



Just before the expedition, I ensure all necessary safety checks are done and take the winter lining off my jacket. I stand, rubbing my hands together to beat the misty morning cold as my fiancé turns on the ignition, warming up in preparation for our daytime two-wheel adventure.



Helmet on, inhibitions off and we’re on our way. The silence on the roads is rattled by the noise of the engine revving up at each red robot and my ears slowly adjust to the muffled noises of the outdoor world as I wear ear plugs to protect myself from the whistling wind and the screaming engine.



I hold on tightly as the city and red robots fade away and the views begin to unfold of open, uninterrupted roads. We encounter other bikers and a respectful nod is passed between riders in the split second they’re able to glance at each other. There is an assault of fresh air through an opening in my helmet.&nbsp;



Riding around the Cradle of Humankind site northwest of Johannesburg gifts us with sceneries of green rolling hills and sleepy farm life. The long and winding roads are adorned with bikers and cyclists alike, all of whom pause at certain points on this Saturday morning to take in the valleys and knolls that dot the landscape.



The last few kilometers to our destination prove tenuous to me at best as the pot holes and speed bumps are a challenging experience. The Black Horse Brewery &amp; Distillery is a hidden gem nestled away in the rocky green mountains of Magaliesburg. Stopping here is the norm for bikers.&nbsp;



Accompanying the delightful breakfast spread here are the animals who roam between tables looking for nibbles. A stoutly Pekingese and genteel Maltese wait patiently as they receive attention from loyal patrons.



Outside, horses trot around rather majestically as they return to their stables from their morning canter. Meandering through the property reveals a garden and grounds that could be the picture for a postcard.&nbsp;



The rustic feel of the buildings and intimacy of the architecture make this a popular venue, as evidenced by a wedding party preparing for their special day. &nbsp;



Having meandered through the grounds one last time and thanking the warm staff, we don our gear and make our way to the exit. Mounting the bike, I smile because our journey begins again. More adventure awaits.

Visitors center, Cradle of Humankind, Tumulus Building exterior earth covered

South Africa On Two Wheels

What a year it has been! In this mid-November interview with South Africa’s health minister Dr.Zweli Mkhize, he dwells on the early days of the pandemic and the country’s response, and the opportunities that have arisen.



Q. What do you think are some of the contributing factors to Africa having a relatively low caseload in comparison with other parts of the world?



A. While there are no definitive answers for this yet, there are several hypotheses I have with regards to this. Firstly, Africa had most of its initial cases come from various parts of the world, in particular Europe. As soon as the initial onset of the virus was identified correctly, international borders were closed. This meant that there was a significant decrease in imported cases and the focus could be shifted to cases being transmitted internally. This issue then in turn affected the number of cases. South Africa, for example, has an estimate of around 21 million international flyers per annum, however once this number was decreased; it played a significant role in decreasing the rate of spread. This also happened in Ethiopia and Kenya and had the same effect in reducing the rate of spread in their respective countries.&nbsp;



The second hypotheses I have relates to the intrinsic social systems that exist within the continent. The difference we have to more developed countries is that we have grassroot workers who go around and inform communities. This is the system we have used when dealing with other crises such as HIV, malaria and so on. The utilization of this system has proven itself to be consistently beneficial, especially given that universal health is not our strength.



Another theory, which has scientific grounding, is the presence of sunshine and the time it takes for the decomposition of the virus and given the theories around this, sunshine may well be a factor which impacts on the survival or life-span of the virus.&nbsp;



The demographics of the continent have also played a role as Africa has a significantly skewed younger population. This group is affected less by the virus and rarely show symptoms or they experience very mild symptoms which could have also been a factor.



Lastly, testing could also prove to be a factor and as with other parts of the world, provides an estimation of the positive cases which may well be bigger than the figures show due to people within the population being asymptomatic and therefore not realizing that they need to be tested. For example, antibody tests carried out in certain regions indicated that antibodies were present but they had not tested positive for the virus or had not gone in to be tested due to little or no display of symptoms.



All of this however does require more research, as the points I’ve raised are anecdotal and still require more evidence from the science community.&nbsp;



Q. According to CDC Africa, the southern parts of Africa currently have over 800,000 Covid-19 cases [as of mid-November], higher than any other region within Africa. What do you think are some of the possible reasons for this?



A. Within the southern region, South Africa is responsible for around 90% of these positive cases. I think the social dynamics and metropolitan social life in South Africa would probably be a significant contributor.&nbsp;



The increasing numbers of cases, which were mainly imported, means that South Africa has quite a noticeable relation to the Western capitals that have been hard hit and because of the mode in which the virus reached our shores, we ended up with a high number of imported cases and at the same time, because of a more metropolitan lifestyle, we as a country, ended up with a much higher increase.



That then explains why South Africa has got higher numbers because as soon as we closed our borders to international travelers and our numbers began to be driven by internal transmission, we saw the rate of infection begin to slow, much like it did for other countries within Africa.



Q. South Africa is also renowned for its spirit of Ubuntu; do you think this has played a role in how the nation has approached overcoming this pandemic?



A. I think the element of Ubuntu probably works in the context of our community networks as people go out and use their existing social networks and understanding to try and prevent infection in others. It does tend to be a mixed bag as these social networks can also be used as a means to spread infection when not taking the proper precautions but it’s a factor you can’t completely rule out and needs more research.



Q. One thing that has come through is how efficiently the clinical trial process of vaccines can be expedited… Do you think these enhanced methods of management could be applied to other clinical trial processes such as HIV vaccine trials?



A. I think the innovations are very encouraging if you take into account their ability to carry out some phases in parallel to each other. This means that they were able to cover more ground with their research at a quicker pace and it is being done more efficiently than it has been done in the past. I think the lessons that have come through for the larger scientific community is that it is possible to expedite certain processes within the phases of trial research.&nbsp;



Concern for safety has arisen as a result of how quickly these trials have happened but should these vaccines prove their success in their final phases, then these new methods are a breakthrough as it has provided methods for safe and efficient clinical trials and definitely has applications to other vaccine trials within other fields of virology.



Q. South Africa is currently the only African country to be conducting clinical trials with Kenya awaiting final approval from internal processes and Uganda’s Virus Research Institute looking to collaborate with the Imperial College of London. What do you think needs to be done for Africa to become more of a clinical trial hub?&nbsp;



A. I think that the Africa CDC has the potential to play a vital role in this sphere as there is the potential to create a strong network of biomedical and biotechnological experts wherein various levels of expertise in different fields are able to collaborate on a single platform. This is so the level of knowledge and information sharing is more or less equal across various countries.&nbsp;



This will assist in creating a clinical trial hub within Africa. If you have specialists and experts within a specific field and have them in communication with each other, it creates collaboration which brings about new ideas on what needs to be done within clinical trials. If this then forms part of a network coordinated through the Africa CDC, you can then have the African CDC assist this process by acting as a base of support for countries willing to participate in these clinical trials and it allows for this to be done without needing to reinvent the wheel.



This means utilizing what’s available and getting the necessary support so you could, for example, have collaboration between the African CDC and all the current Covid-19 vaccine research institutions and this could provide a platform for trials to occur. Early discussions could look at the strengths of each research institute in each African country and evaluate who can rise to the occasion and who cannot, who could carry out a portion of the study and then be partnered with another country to carry out the other portions.&nbsp;



Once this platform is established, it provides the possibility for these African research institutes within various countries to apply and allows for assistance from African CDC in the form of resources and expertise, should any of these institutes be allowed to conduct a clinical trial. This should be the direction that the future takes.



The Covid-19 pandemic has proven this is possible as a pool of experts in various fields was created and was shared with the African CDC, so the teams within the CDC who are working on the Covid-19 pandemic consists of specialists who have all come from different countries and are from different disciplines. This is a good start to increasing clinical trials, as should these teams be enhanced and efforts towards collaboration are intensified, particularly across disciplines. This will then allow for them to communicate with other specialists and experts within various institutions across the globe.&nbsp;



Q. With organizations such as COVAX attempting to ensure vaccines reach every part of the globe, when do you foresee the vaccine reaching Africa and how do you think distribution of the vaccine should work?



A. This is an interesting topic and I can only speculate here as Pfizer foresees the progress with their vaccine reaching approval by the end of this year and getting a license to begin production. South Africa as a country would like to be a part of this success and therefore distribution can occur through initiatives such as COVAX, which in itself will look to utilize these vaccines as they become available.



Johnson &amp; Johnson is looking at completing at the end of this year and possibly starting production of their vaccine around May. Now again, the need is to ensure that platforms such as COVAX also receive this vaccine as it becomes available.



The key challenges here are availability of financial resources to ensure that these vaccines are paid for; this is unaffordable to some countries, especially in Africa. Therefore, some countries on the continent will have no choice but to wait for humanitarian efforts from the likes of COVAX and CEPI.



There is also the collaboration of financial institutions such as the World Bank who are willing to provide support to some countries to ensure that they also have access. This will be a continuous effort to ensure that no country gets left behind and everyone is effectively immunized against Covid-19.



Q. Do you think there are protocols within the NHI that could have assisted with the free and fair distribution of vaccines within South Africa?



A. If NHI was currently an active entity within South Africa, this would have ensured that the total availability of these vaccines would have been secured through NHI protocols for funding, however given the current circumstances; everyone will now receive the vaccine according to their need and the criteria that has been set out by the country.



Certainly, the NHI would have assisted with the distribution of a vaccine. This, however, does not mean that we are unable to obtain access to a vaccine as government is still involved in procurement. We [government] are currently examining possible ways to ensure that the vaccine reaches everyone who truly needs it first.



Q: What applications does the NHI have to a pandemic such as Covid-19?



A: The fundamental point here is resilience and sustainability of the South African health system and that there is a strong foundation. If the foundation is strong, a pandemic such as this [Covid-19] becomes easier to manage. All of these points ensure the delivery of quality healthcare for all South Africans and the NHI becomes the platform from which a crisis response is formulated.&nbsp;



This system also ensures that the healthcare being received is the same in both rural and urban areas and should medical assistance be required, it is given without any compromises on the quality and speed at which these services are received. In a pandemic, this quality of care is essential in making sure it is properly treated no matter what the environment.



The key issue is ensuring that the NHI allows us to build an unshakeable foundation for the South African health service with good infrastructure and an abundance of human resources, adequate supplies of medical and technological devices and sufficient health information and promotion systems. All of which should be able to service all South Africans.



When a crisis such as the coronavirus occurs, we should then be able to utilize this system to allow a quick and efficient response and therefore ensure that those who require urgent attention have received it. We can also use the functions within this system to ensure the rest of the population has been adequately informed to ensure their safety.



Q: Do you think with resources being directed to the pandemic that it then forestalls on when the NHI becomes a viable option to the South Africa public?



A: I think the approach we take to a pandemic should not be a matter of ‘an either, or’ situation, the approach should focus simultaneously on our response to a pandemic like Covid-19, and the approach that allows us to move closer to using a universal health cover approach.



It then becomes a question of infrastructure systems used to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and that these additions to existing infrastructure not being dismantled after it has served its purpose. It should instead, be absorbed into existing infrastructure for future use.



Therefore what this pandemic has done is accelerate the creation of some infrastructure that will bring us closer to implementing the NHI. The second area it has impacted on is human resources; we will use this time to further expand on our pre-existing human resource pool which is part of securing South Africa in the future against crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.



It has also moved forward collaborations and partnerships between the public and private health sector and basic agreements have begun to be reached on how to approach health-related issues going forward. Access to some private hospitals by public sectors was also given based on the needs of the public sector which included accommodations for costs, the quality of care that was received and so on.&nbsp;



So there have been opportunities that have arisen from the pandemic and the need for investment into the future of NHI has become apparent.&nbsp;



Q. With unified healthcare being a success in countries such as Brazil and Canada, do you think there are any lessons South Africa could take from them?



A. I think there’s only lessons to be learned from countries with a universal healthcare system; that we cannot wait any longer for the implementation of NHI as it provides healthcare to the areas where it is needed most.



Q. Lastly, do you have any concerns around the implementation of NHI?



A. I think this pandemic has shown us that circumstances don’t matter and shouldn’t forestall something this important. The pressure put on health resources by the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on the economy has slowed down the speed with which the NHI could have been implemented.



However, this does not mean that it should not still proceed, it means understanding that the current situation that we are in has placed constraints on certain aspects of the economy and this in turn has had an impact on the implementation of the NHI.



However, other countries have never looked at their wealth or state of economy when implementing a universal health system, this time with all these constraints is when implementing NHI is most essential and part of this is building on the infrastructure and systems that were successful.&nbsp;



So what NHI is now and what it can be in the future has to be taken into account as this is dependent on the available resources and look at how we can maximize the resources that are available.

South African  Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize visits Clairwood Hospital in Durban ahead of the expected peak in the Province

The Collaborative Direction The Future Can Take In Vaccine Research And Distribution

Professor Barry Schoub, a world-renowned virologist, details the Covid-19 vaccine process and the innovations being made in the field as well as the involvement of Africa in these trials.



 



Q. Given how each phase within a clinical trial has been expedited to find a Covid-19 vaccine, do you think it will have the same effectiveness or efficacy as other vaccines used to combat infectious diseases similar in nature?



A. I think up to the Pfizer release, scientists, virologists, vaccinologists thought it would be a vaccine with a 60% efficacy. So these results are in the same ballpark as the influenza vaccine because it’s got a similar kind of disease process. It is only an interim analysis of course, but it certainly has very good connotations attached to it. It is also a possibility that the corona vaccines will have a higher protection rate than the influenza vaccine for example. However, it will not have the same efficacy rate as more successful vaccines such as the measles vaccine which has an efficacy of about 95% and therefore we do need to have some reservation.



Q. There are a number of vaccine types currently in trials. Pfizer and BioNTech are developing a genetic vaccine while Johnson &amp; Johnson are trialing a viral vector vaccine model they have used for finding an Ebola vaccine previously. Do you think the type of vaccine influences the efficacy rate?



A. These vaccines are all new, this has never been done on humans, so there is no definitive way to say. We’ve never had an RNA or DNA vaccine going into human beings and we’ve never had a virus vector going into human beings. Previous use of a viral vector for HIV vaccine trials didn’t go well because of pre-existing immunity to the adenovirus being used as the vessel. All of this is new territory and really in a way, unpredictable.



Q. What do you think of the innovations then made with these vaccines?



A. It’s very exciting and just the speed with which these vaccines have come out as well. This disease has only been with us from the beginning of the year, so it’s amazing as vaccines usually take years to develop.&nbsp;



Q. These trials are also being tested throughout the world, and given that South Africa is the only site in Africa with any of these trials happening, do you think there should be more testing sites in Africa?



A. I don’t think all of Africa needs involvement in trials per se… It would just be where there is prevalence of disease, for example, endemic diseases such as HIV and TB in southern Africa and more tropical diseases so these are scenarios that do need to be looked at.



Q. Do you think these trials have accounted for all necessary factors that could play a role in how successful the vaccines could be?



A. In European and American trials, there are still key populations missing in the evaluation of these vaccinations like the elderly or people with co-morbidities, so all of these factors do need to be evaluated. All the vaccines currently in Phase III lack the optimal populations, so they all have a set age parameter and these vaccines still need testing in high-risk populations.



Q. Do you see any potential barriers that could decrease the uptake of the vaccine?



A. Well… there’s always suspicion, and polls here and abroad have shown hesitance and reluctance. First of all, things have been done at such fast speeds so there are concerns about safety and also the novelty of these vaccines and that they haven’t been used on humans before. So these factors can lead to suspicion.&nbsp;



Q. Do you think there any possible solutions to this?



A. They need to be reassured that these do undergo very rigorous safety testing and this will prove to be an educational exercise.



Q. What are your thoughts on the eventual accessibility of the vaccine within Africa?



A. In the beginning, we could possibly get a relatively small proportion of vaccines for the population, so the initial batches will have to go to priority groups. This includes frontline workers as an example, people in elderly homes and other high-risk populations.



Q. Do you think initiatives such as CEPI could also see Africa receiving the vaccine sooner than anticipated?



A. Initiatives such as CEPI and COVAX are pooled procurement mechanisms, so these aim to provide both middle and low income countries with their initial supply of the vaccine when it becomes available. So the vaccination process will need to happen in two steps; first step would be to protect vulnerable groups and then only later try to achieve herd immunity.



<div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow">
[IN NUMBERS] 



<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-12-billion">$12 BILLION</h2>



In an African Union (AU) meeting in November to discuss Africa’s strategy for financing Covid-19 vaccines, AU Chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that about $12 billion was required, and this was expected to come from three sources: the COVAX Donor Initiative, The World Bank, direct donors, and the African Import-Export Bank, which has committed to raising up to $5 billion.
</div></div>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading</h4>



PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;More stories regarding the Covid-19 vaccine will be published. However, if you would like to read the full Focus piece by Simone Sribrath, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-dec-jan-2020/">here to download the digital copy of FORBES AFRICA.</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/what-goes-into-a-clinical-trial/">What Goes Into A Clinical Trial?&nbsp;(Forbes Africa)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-vaccine/">All You Need To Know About The Vaccine (Forbes Africa)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/10/qa-endemic-diseases-like-hiv-are-still-an-emergency/">Q&amp;A: ‘ENDEMIC DISEASES LIKE HIV ARE STILL AN EMERGENCY’ (Forbes Africa)</a>

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‘ALL OF THIS IS NEW TERRITORY AND REALLY IN A WAY, UNPREDICTABLE’

Dr. Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa:



Q. Currently, clinical trials can take years to reach Phase IV. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how much quicker it can go. Do you think there are lessons that can be taken from this?



A: We have learned a lot during the Covid-19 pandemic about how we can potentially expedite processes and get products to the people that need them rapidly and I think it’s important to remember that in our region, endemic diseases like HIV are still an emergency. While we don’t want to cut corners and while we want to ensure that we have safe and effective products for people, something that Covid-19 vaccine trials may need to grapple with is no longer using placebo-control trials as it is harder to justify from an ethical perspective, especially as more vaccines begin to hit the market.



Q. What does this then mean from a design perspective for trials going forward?



A. Trial design is going to be very interesting to see going forward. In terms of just the processes, there have been discussions about how to diminish the transition time from Phase II to Phase III and these large gaps that affect when results are being received.&nbsp;



Q. What lessons are there for clinical trials running during a pandemic such as the current one?&nbsp;



A. Future trials are going to have to Covid-proof themselves. We learned during conducting our trial, sibling trials during a pandemic are challenging and we’re going to have to think about how we do these studies so that we are managing staff and participant safety. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading</h4>



PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;More stories regarding the Covid-19 vaccine will be published. However, if you would like to read the full Focus piece by Simone Sribrath, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-dec-jan-2020/">here to download the digital copy of FORBES AFRICA.</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/what-goes-into-a-clinical-trial/">What Goes Into A Clinical Trial? (Forbes Africa)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-vaccine/">All You Need To Know About The Vaccine (Forbes Africa)</a>

Medical technician preparing a human sample for HIV testing

Q&A: ‘ENDEMIC DISEASES LIKE HIV ARE STILL AN EMERGENCY’

The complex world of Covid-19 vaccine trials explained.



SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP UNEXPLORED depths of Madagascar, an unknown herb is probably on its way to becoming a global panacea for the pandemic



This is Africa, a continent ripe with possibilities, where you cannot rule out that a cure for Covid-19 could perhaps come from nature itself. Just like Madagascar, currently touting Artemisia Afra (umhlonyane in Nguni languages and previously used as an ingredient for treating malaria) as a potential cure for Covid-19, bigger economies like South Africa are also looking to the botanical world for answers. Its national Department of Basic Education has reassigned R15 million ($960,982) of its budget on Covid-19 interventions such as Artemisia. Nigeria has also made a move towards a more homeopathic approach, as a ministerial committee has been put in place to further examine the potential natural compounds hold in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.



But the focus of this story is exploring humanity’s race to uncover a universal vaccine – or any cure – that can assuage a health crisis confronting the entire world.



Currently, there are over 60 possible vaccines the world over being put through the paces. Of these, only nine are in the third<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/what-goes-into-a-clinical-trial/"> phase of trials.</a> The road to finding a Covid-19 vaccine since the start of the pandemic this year has been long and arduous. For the layperson, desperate to see an effective vaccine come online soon, the deluge of news on vaccine trials can seem complex. This article will discern the facts around them.



In comparison to its European and American counterparts, Africa has seen a relatively lower rate of virus spread and a lower death rate. As of November 11, Africa accounted for 3.7% of the world’s total number of cases; and southern Africa the worst hit with over 800,000 cases.



Scientists are yet to definitively map out the effects of the Covid-19 virus and its ability to recur within individuals who have had it before. Fear of public spaces and physical interactions have become the norm. Face masks and sanitizing products have become staples in every handbag and car cubbyhole.



Put simply, a clinical trial is a series of phases within an experiment being conducted to test a new drug, type of therapy or new medical device. It also looks at the efficacy of pre-existing medical interventions in the treatment of numerous illnesses and different types of patients.



Clinical trials can be performed on both healthy and ill participants. There are a number of protocols and regulations that accompany a clinical trial to ensure that the wellbeing of the participant is maintained as far as possible. It ensures that the benefits of the medical intervention being tested outweigh the risks and each phase of a trial plays a part in testing this.



Clinical trials usually happen in four phases. Before these phases occur, a preclinical test is done. Each phase needs to produce a favorable result in order for the next phase to be conducted. In order for a medical intervention to get to the stage of manufacturing and distribution, all four phases need to have occurred successfully. The success of each phase is measured by the number of medically adverse events that have occurred as a result of the medical intervention being tested. These adverse events include mild to serious medical side-effects that have occurred to the participants of the trial.



Dr. Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa explains how innovations made with expediting the clinical trials for the Covid-19 vaccine could reshape how clinical trials are done across the board. She has also been the lead on HPTN 084, an injectable form of an antiretroviral (ARV) used to prevent HIV in women in sub-Saharan Africa.



The frantic search for a Covid-19 vaccine is being closely watched by every country on earth. At the time of going to press mid-November, there were currently 51 trials between Phases I and III of the clinical trials. When they will be available to all is a question on everyone’s mind.



South Africa’s Health Minister, talking to FORBES AFRICA about vaccine manufacturers, says: “Collaboration across global institutions has led to the transfer of technology and therefore new developments and new discoveries in combating the pandemic.”



In an interview with Aspen Pharmacare CEO and founder, Stephen Saad, he highlights to FORBES AFRICA the need for efficient manufacturing and distribution channels for the vaccine, once it becomes available. Aspen recently partnered with Johnson &amp; Johnson for their vaccine Ad26.COV2-S(now known as JNJ-78436735). This partnership will see the manufacturing and distribution capacity of Johnson &amp; Johnson increase significantly.



Saad explains that Aspen uses just 40% of their current manufacturing capacity for their own products and the other 60% was available for use. “Covid-19 is prevalent everywhere. We were very committed to trying to find a partner that would use our capabilities to be able to provide a vaccine,” says Saad.



At the heart of the partnership is the transfer of technology as Johnson &amp; Johnson share their protocols and blueprint for creating the vaccine so they are able to manufacture it once it has passed Phase III trials.



“We are very pleased because Johnson &amp; Johnson have made big commitments to distribute their vaccine universally, so they’ve made commitments through the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and to their own public statements about offering up 500 million doses to the developing world,&#8221; says Saad.&nbsp;



The manufacturing site in Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province will be utilized in this partnership where as many as 300 million doses can be produced and this is expected to begin the second quarter of next year should the Ad26.COV2-S proves successful.



“So much depends on the trials and the success of these trials,” says Saad. Aspen, having been linked to the success of the steroid Dexamethasone, and now as a vaccine frontrunner, have proven their reputation as a pharmaceutical powerhouse.



With an investment of R3 billion ($194 million) into their “sterile site”, Saad is confident. “There’s not a lot of companies that can manufacture on this scale,” he says.



Saad recognizes the urgency for a vaccine. “Our first and only priority right now is to get the product out to the world and our focus is on the job that we have to do very quickly over the next period.”



Currently, the only African country involved in the trial phases of these vaccines has been South Africa across different sites. Progress is being made by Oxford University as they await final clearance to begin trials in Kenya and the Uganda Virus Research Institute is aiming to collaborate with the Imperial College London and begin trials in Uganda in December.



Historically, only 2% of all vaccine trials have occurred on the African continent, according to a report in The Lancet.



Despite being no stranger to viral outbreaks, Africa as a whole is often excluded from the vaccine process and as such there is a severe lack of understanding of the African context when trialing a potential vaccine or medical intervention.



There are several factors that could possibly hinder the efficient and comprehensive administration of a Covid-19 vaccine when it eventually becomes available.



Accessibility to the vaccine is seen as a key issue, particularly within developing countries. While there are several initiatives such as the investments made by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations as well as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, African countries are still amongst the last buyers of any possible vaccine that emerges.



There is surely light at the end of the tunnel but it may be a while before a cure will finally see the light of day.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading </h4>



PLEASE NOTE: More stories regarding the Covid-19 vaccine will be published. However, if you would like to read the full Focus piece by Simone Sribrath, click <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-dec-jan-2020/">here to download the digital copy of FORBES AFRICA. </a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/what-goes-into-a-clinical-trial/">What Goes Into A Clinical Trial? (Forbes Africa)</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/10/qa-endemic-diseases-like-hiv-are-still-an-emergency/">Q&amp;A: ‘ENDEMIC DISEASES LIKE HIV ARE STILL AN EMERGENCY (Forbes Africa) </a>

Dialing medicine into syringe from glass bottle. Ampoule and syringe needle close-up.

All You Need To Know About The Covid-19 Vaccine

This story is part of the &#8216;<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-vaccine/">All You Need To Know About The Vaccine</a>&#8216; piece. 



Preclinical Phase



This phase within a study is most intensive and can often require the most amount of time and extensive research into possible cellular reactions between the intervention being investigated and the body’s immune response. This phase is often tested thoroughly with the use of animal test subjects before proceeding to Phase I.



Phase I&nbsp;



This initial phase is conducted on a relatively small number of participants (six-10). It allows scientists to closely study and examine any effects or interactions that the intervention being investigated has in human participants. This phase is used to determine the safety and tolerability elements that an intervention may have in treating human participants. Participants are closely watched for the possible occurrence and severity of any side-effects that may occur.



Phase II&nbsp;



The size of the participant pool could vary greatly here as the size is dependent on the type of illness being investigated (typically between 20-300 participants). In this phase, the dosage is often experimented with. This is done to successfully determine the dosage required for the intervention to be most effective and safe to administer. Different dosages of the intervention could produce different results. As such, multiple simulations of Phase II may occur for a single intervention, being tested within numerous populations of interest.



Phase III&nbsp;



As with Phase II, the sample increases substantially (300-3,000 participants). These large numbers are used to confirm the level of safety and efficacy of the medical intervention. This phase also allows for a significant comparison between the drug being tested and other similar interventions on the market. It can also be used to test the efficacy of the intervention when used as part of a treatment plan and it tests the interactions it has with other medical interventions within the treatment plan. Finally, this phase allows for the prescribed dosage to be finalized.



Phase IV



The last and final phase occurs after regulatory approval has been granted. This phase looks at the long-term administration of the medical intervention and possible side-effects that could occur as a result of prolonged use of the intervention. This phase tests the overall efficacy and safety of the intervention within larger groups and sub-groups within a population. By this phase, the occurrence of any serious medical events has been resolved and the intervention becomes available as a viable treatment option within the sub-area of the medical market. Regulatory bodies keep a close eye on the intervention as it continues to monitor the administration of the intervention to the general public. Doing this ensures that any medical intervention currently in the public domain or in the clinical trial phase is entirely safe for human use.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading </h4>



PLEASE NOTE: More stories regarding the Covid-19 vaccine will be published. However, if you would like to read the full Focus piece by Simone Sribrath, click <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/product/single-digital-issue-dec-jan-2020/">here to download the digital copy of FORBES AFRICA.</a>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-vaccine/">All You Need To Know About The Vaccine</a> (Forbes Africa)



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2020/12/10/qa-endemic-diseases-like-hiv-are-still-an-emergency/">Q&amp;A: ‘ENDEMIC DISEASES LIKE HIV ARE STILL AN EMERGENCY (Forbes Africa)</a>

Florida Volunteers Take Part In COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

What Goes Into A Clinical Trial?

The third South Africa Investment Conference was held on November 17-18in Johannesburg, bringing together powerhouses from public and private sector entities to discuss issues around the South African economy and drum up investment for the country. &nbsp;



In the past two years, R660 billion ($42.5 billion) has been raised by this conference and this year’s investment drive raised R109.6 billion ($7 billion). &nbsp;



The panels held over two days addressed participants both digitally and in person.&nbsp;



A total of nine discussions took place and each delved into a pertinent issue related to rebuilding the economy. The Director-General of the BRICS’ New Development Bank, Monale Ratsoma, announced that the bank would be investing&nbsp;$2 billion towards the development of South Africa’s infrastructure. Ratsoma was firm on the involvement of the government in ensuring regulatory compliance. &nbsp;



Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Chief Executive of Infrastructure South Africa, echoed Ratsoma’s sentiments, further emphasizing the need for the implementation of government strategy and action over policy development and discussions around this. Ramokgopa also highlighted the need for government to take actionable steps towards implementation instead of only theorizing the possibilities through the use of policy and regulations. &nbsp;



“We [the government] are very big on talk and policy articulation and there is very little attention on application and delivery,” said Ramokgopa.&nbsp;He&nbsp;said a step towards this would be collaboration with the private sector and reformation of structural procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The message from day one was intertwined into the conversations on day two as Ramaphosa also outlined the need for “walking the walk over talking the talk”. The need for the localization of production was highlighted. &nbsp;



Ramaphosa also outlined the recovery plan which was going to deal with the reformation of the economic structure and stream-lining of industrial processes. Investors into the economy such as Amazon web services and Naspers outlined what their investments have provided to South Africa so far.&nbsp;



“In responding to the coronavirus emergency, South Africa has demonstrated its capacity for innovation, collaboration, and versatility,” said Ramaphosa in his opening speech on the second day. 



As the conference drew to a close, the evidence of its effectiveness or shortcomings will only be revealed in the coming months as the economy continues to tackle the challenges presented by Covid-19.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa gestures as he delivers the opening address during the 3rd South Africa Investment Conference in Sandton

South Africa Investment Conference Bags $7 Billion In Commitments

Navigating the murky waters of financial planning in your 20s is no easy task. With the economy perennially in a state of flux and debt on the rise, maintaining a healthy financial life has proven to be even more challenging. We spoke to some finance gurus and experts to glean from them the following that could throw ideas and provide some relief:



<ol class="wp-block-list" type="1"><li>Save. This money is not for immediate use, it isn’t even for foreseeable use. This money is for the long-term, and can be diversified through a number of different investments and unit trusts. These banking faculties ensure that the money you’re putting away is reaching its maximum potential and will serve you well, when the need for it arises. The amount being saved will depend on monthly income and expenses. Increasing this as you progress to each stage of life is recommended and will serve you well when the time comes to reap these rewards.</li><li>Budget. Keep track of your monthly expenses and reduce frivolous spending. A detailed review of your expenses in a month can help determine the money you need to cover it. After all essential expenses such as rent or loan repayments, the cost for essential items such as food and toiletries should be calculated next. The last to follow is optional expenses such as eating out or luxury spend. In doing this, it ensures all the important factors are covered while leaving room for the occasional splurge.</li><li>Emergency funds. Life can be unpredictable. With this come unforeseen costs. To prepare for this, experts recommend creating an emergency fund. This fund is an accumulation of money that is put away to access should the need arise. It can be used on an unexpected medical emergency or sudden job loss. The creation of this ensures that debt is not incurred and long-term savings are spared. It should be placed in a bank account that is quick and easy to access so the funds are available immediately should you need it.</li><li>Assets. Acquiring assets such as vehicles or property is an important investment into the future. Using the finance options available also has its benefits. Creating a positive credit score is important for anyone especially later on in life when business loans may be needed or when opening accounts. While vehicles depreciate quicker, these are assets that can be kept for years at a time and can be used as collateral for a better model when the opportunity arises. Property is also an investment and does not depreciate.</li><li>Retirement funds. Time waits for no man and age catches up with us all. This is why saving for retirement is something that should be started as early as possible. Everyone wants to age comfortably. To do this, it means taking the initiative while you’re young. Over and above the pension or preservation fund being accumulated through your job, setting up a retirement annuity is also highly recommended. This ensures that either a lump sum or monthly stipend is received ensuring that you age in style.</li></ol>



Being in your 20s can be exhilarating and terrifying all at once. The events of your 20s are a significant factor in how you approach the rest of your life. The one thing you want to make sure is that your finances are in order. Debt globally is the highest that it has ever been, and the economy is in recession. Preparing now makes sure that you weather the storm. With calmer seas, you’ll reap the rewards instead of being stranded with no lifeline. Let your finances be one of the things you do well in your 20s.

Millennials & New Ways of Investing

5 Ways To Plan Your Finances In Your 20s

Nicholas Smit and Nicole Vergos are on a mission to help people living with disabilities overcome them, just as they have.



There aren’t enough hours in the day for Nicholas Smit and Nicole Vergos. For Smit, a typical day includes rounds of teaching, tutoring and motivational speaking. For Vergos, whose day begins at 5AM, it’s pretty much the same, battling traffic to get to work and spending her day addressing umpteen client requests, attending meetings and going over research reports. Even in the evenings, and over the weekend, Smit and Vergos, who are friends and business partners, don’t stop, as they meet to work on their brainchild, Smergos.



They are both driven entrepreneurs with boundless dreams that reach across Africa.



And they achieve all of the above, without letting their own disabilities define or limit them.



Vergos was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes bones to be brittle and this has meant being in a wheelchair all her life. Smit, as the result of a car accident, has lived with cerebral palsy and left hemiplegia for all of his adult life.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“We fell into the trap that most entrepreneurs fall into, looking for perfection.&#8221;</blockquote>



But together, they are a formidable team on a mission to empower other people living with disabilities, helping them live their lives to the fullest.



Smergos itself had humble beginnings at home in South Africa.



Smit, in a frantic search for a birthday gift for Vergos, realized that locally, there were not enough viable products that catered to the day-to-day needs of someone in a wheelchair or moving around with the help of crutches. Products available abroad were expensive and took incredibly long to arrive. 



Armed with this epiphany, Smit chatted to Vergos and Smergos was born. Conceptualized in 2012, the company went public in 2015.



Says Vergos: “We fell into the trap that most entrepreneurs fall into, looking for perfection.” The co-founders spent those early years before going public perfecting the design of their products and sourcing a local manufacturer who could turn their vision into a reality.



Once going public, the response was overwhelming and the company has served the disabled community since.



Winning accolades for their work, the company has also gone from strength to strength. In 2017, Smergos was awarded a grant from ygap, which promotes the acceleration of social impact companies. This grant was used to prototype and test their products which increased the range available to their clientele. And these are bags that fit neatly on any wheelchair, giving the user a safe and easily accessible way to carry their belongings.



Smergos also won a SAB Innovation Award within the disability division and were awarded another grant and mentorship to grow their brand and public reach. Through dedication and determination, Smit and Vergos are continuously striving to improve Smergos and have also been a part of a number of programs focused on mentoring small to medium enterprises.



“Our goal is to become the best we can be so our customers can be the best that they can be,” says Vergos.



It is this constant hunger for growth that has led to the inception of three different product ranges to cater to the needs to their often-marginalized target audience. &nbsp;



“We’re still learning and making sure what we have covers the needs of our market,” adds Smit.



While they are still working on their goal of reaching the rest of Africa, Smergos is paving the way as pioneers within the inclusivity market.



– By Simone Sribrath

Simone Sribrath

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA