In addition, MTN also announced they will be zero-rating the use of the app on the network. Meaning, use of the app will be free for MTN subscribers. The app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The COVID Alert SA app, which was designed by Discovery for the National Department of Health, uses Bluetooth contact-tracing technology to let people know when they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It does this in a way that always preserves app user privacy and anonymity.

According to MTN SA’s executive for Corporate Affairs, Ms Jacqui O’Sullivan. “One of the critical aspects of combatting COVID-19 is the ability to detect positive cases early and to isolate as many contacts as possible. The COVID Alert SA app gives every smartphone user in South Africa the chance to understand their exposure to the virus, so that we can all protect our families and our communities, and especially those people who are most at risk of severe disease.”

Since the start of the nationwide lockdown MTN has worked with government to zero rate over 900 individual URLs to ensure that South Africans are able to access important online resources and information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produced in under six weeks, while the production teams were under various forms of lockdowns and social distancing rules, Ripple Effect: First Wave is narrated by UK podcaster Hannah Maguire. As the documentary seeks to address the cause and effect of this unprecedented pandemic, it features the personal stories of COVID-19 victims, survivors, frontline workers, and their families and friends. It also weaves together the voices of the topmost experts from around the globe in various fields such as infectious diseases, viral pathology, world economics, political science, and more. They explain the cause and effect of this virus in simple terms.

Ripple Effect: First Wave is the handiwork of Kevin Fox, Ellen Douglas, Liz Levenson, and Benn Watson and a co-production between Cactus Tree Entertainment and Toronto-based RMI.  It is dedicated to Levenson’s father, Maury Levenson, who died on April 11 from COVID-19.

While Ripple Effect, First Wave takes up the 19:00 slot tonight, the tenth and final season of the police drama Hawaii Five-O will still commence next week (Wednesday 20 May) at 19:00.

One World: Together At Home – a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, will air both National Geographic (DSTV 181, StarSat 220) and FoxLife (DSTV 126, Starsat 133) on Sunday 19 April at 15:50 (CAT). This unique event will also be streamed on the National Geographic Africa Facebook page (NatGeoAfrica) at the same time.

Launched by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the World Health Organization, One World: Together At Home will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.

One World: Together At Home is not a telethon – it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most. For updates on the broadcast, follow National Geographic Africa on social media (NatGeoAfrica).

The entire thing will be channeled according to the Spanish government’s health priorities in coordination with the High Sports Council (CSD). The charity macro-concert will bring together 20 top artists for the first time and will involve players from all LaLiga Santander clubs.

The festival will take place on Saturday 28 March from 18.00 (CET) for fans around the world. A total of 20 top artists of the rank of Alejandro Sanz, David Bisbal, Aitana, Sebastián Yatra or Antonio Orozco, who have never previously been involved in the same event, will take part in ‘LaLigaSantander Fest’. All the participants in the festival will participate from their respective homes.

‘LaLigaSantander Fest’ will be broadcast simultaneously in all countries of the world. It can be followed through all LaLiga channels and the LaLigaSportsTV platform. In addition, LaLiga will offer the signal to all its international broadcasters. Donations can be made through the Santander Foundation, through various channels that will be announced shortly. All funds raised will go towards the purchase of medical supplies in a coordinated effort with the health authorities and the CSD.

“LaLiga wants to support everyone who are in quarantine and at the same time, raise money to buy medical supplies to deal with COVID-19. We are very happy with the response we have received from all fronts; footballers, clubs, artists and sponsors have all joined together for this initiative. I am convinced that together we are going to create something very memorable,” said Óscar Mayo, director of Business, Marketing and International Development at LaLiga.

LaLiga’s being played at home          

This festival is part of the “LaLiga se juega en casa” (LaLiga’s being played at home) campaign, which seeks to support fans throughout this period of quarantine, making it more bearable and raising awareness about the importance of staying at home to halt the spread of COVID-19.

This concert will take place exactly a week on from #LaLigaSantanderChallenge, the online challenge that saw influencer Ibai Llanos invite all of the LaLiga Santander clubs to compete in a FIFA20 tournament. The competition, which was staged between Friday and Sunday, raised more than €142,000 towards UNICEF’s aid efforts.

As one of this country’s longest running events, we’ve been through a lot, standing side by side with our fellow South Africans. We are an integral part of the community and its spirit. After listening to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address yesterday and in the best interests of our community, we have decided to postpone the show. The event will be rescheduled at a later stage and will be done in consensus with government.

The Rand Show would like to thank our partners, and all sponsors for their understanding
and continued support during this time. We believe this decision to be in the best interest of our nation.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the postponement but remain committed to hosting the show at a time when all South Africans can attend and enjoy the Rand Show, without any concern for their personal health or safety.

Should you be interested in following the latest developments around the Rand Show then feel free to check in here. We’ll of course also keep you posted as and when we hear more.