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| LIVES OF 1976 NOT LOST IN VAIN |
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| The struggle and sacrifices of the class of 1976 were not in vain, as South Africans defeated the apartheid government, said President Jacob Zuma. |
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“We now live in a constitutional democracy, with a Constitution that enshrines the rights of all, regardless of race, colour or creed,” he said.
President Zuma was speaking on Thursday, 16 June, in Soweto during the 40th Anniversary of 16 June 1976, which is commemorated annually as Youth Day.
It was on this day that hundreds of young people lost their lives in the struggle for liberation, which started a revolt that spread to other parts of the country, crafting today’s South Africa that is democratic, non-racist, non-sexist and belonging to all who live in it.
Addressing thousands of young people at Orlando Stadium, President Zuma said South Africa was today a country where government had systematic programmes of providing basic services that improved the quality of life to its people.
“Millions of people now have access to water, electricity, housing, hospital care, quality education and other services, which has led to an improvement in the quality of life,” President Zuma said.
He said government was aware that some people were still waiting for these services given the backlogs but South Africa was a much better place than it was in 1976.
“Each year, we build new schools and refurbish others to improve the learning environment. Government has built 795 schools since 2009 at a cost of R23 billion.
“Government built 78 new libraries in addition to the 304 libraries that have been upgraded. At least 80% of South Africa’s public schools are now no-fee schools and nine million children are exempted from paying school fees in an effort to improve access to education.
“Nine million children also receive free meals at school, as hunger must not prevent children from poor households from performing at their optimal level in school,” President Zuma said.
Government is also building three new universities and 12 technical education colleges to expand access to higher education.
Additionally, government is also investing more in information and communication technologies in education.
“The National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding for training at vocational training colleges, known as TVET colleges, has increased from R318 million in 2010 to R2,3 billion in 2016.
“This is aimed at promoting technical education and providing more electricians, welders, plumbers and other artisans for the economy. But the struggle continues. We will never rest until we achieve a more equal and prosperous society, a society without poverty and unemployment,” President Zuma said. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA HOSTS 60TH CONSUMER GOODS FORUM GLOBAL SUMMIT |
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| Top executives from the world’s most influential consumer and retail companies recently gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the 60th Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Global Summit. |
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The first of its kind on the African continent, the summit was meant to discuss and agree on steps and actions that needed to be taken to develop, sustain and grow the consumer goods industry.
Members of the forum employ nearly 10 million people worldwide, with an estimated 90 million roles along the value chain.
In South Africa, international conglomerates who are members of the CGF include Coca Cola, Nestle, UNILEVER, Walmart, Colgate, Kellogg's, SC Johnson, J&J and Proctor and Gamble, among others.
Their trading in the country continues to contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation.
“We thank you for investing in our country and the positive role you've been playing since the end of apartheid to develop our country and its people,” said Deputy President Cyril Ramophosa in his opening speech at the summit on Wednesday, 15 June.
He assured the top executives that the business environment in South Africa was stable, vibrant and conducive to increased trade and investment.
“Investments, whether local or foreign, are protected by legal prescripts. Our constitutional democracy is supported by a vibrant Parliament, independent Chapter 9 institutions and an independent judiciary.
“Our democratic dispensation has also given rise to world-class consumer protection and adjudication of disputes in this area. South Africa is indeed open for business,” said the Deputy President.
He said the CGF was an ethical and values-driven organisation that was also pioneering groundbreaking programmes to reduce food wastage.
Deputy President Ramaphosa used his address to also applaud the forum for making climate change mitigation a priority. He said the protection of the environment and reduction of global warming must become the new normal, not only for members of the CGF but for all of humanity.
“We are heartened and encouraged to learn of your work to promote sustainable sourcing of commodities, fighting deforestation and reducing the carbon footprint,” he said. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| NEW TRADE DEAL DOUBLES WINE EXPORTS TO EU |
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| The Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, says a new trade deal which has been signed with the European Union (EU) will see more South African agricultural products being exported to Europe. |
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Under the new agreement, South Africa’s duty-free wine exports to the EU will double.
The Minister recently briefed the media in Cape Town on the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The EU is South Africa’s traditional trade partner.
South Africa, together with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland, signed the agreement on 10 June 2016.
The new deal replaces the trade chapter in the bilateral agreement between the EU and South Africa, the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) signed in 2000. Under the TDCA, only 65% of South Africa’s agricultural products were covered. The reverse was the case on the EU, with 80% products.
“We saw the possibility of improving some material improvements in market access, in some of the commitments we made to the EU in terms of policy issues.
The Minister said the newly signed agreement would provide improved market access opportunities for South African products, including a significant improvement in quota for wine and new market access for sugar and ethanol.
The new deal further provides for extensive “cumulation”, including with other African countries, which will facilitate intra-regional trade and industrialisation across the African continent.
The Rules of Origin on clothing have also been simplified in the EPA and will encourage South African clothing exports to the EU.
“On particular products, such as wine, there is a quota with zero duties on bottled wine. At the moment under the TDCA, the quota is 50 million litres – now that will rise to 110 million litres, which is an additional 60 million litres of wine that can enter the EU duty free.”
Minister Davies explained that with regard to sugar, there was a no-duty-free quota. Under the TDCA, there was a tariff of between 34 and 42 Euros per 100 kilograms. Now, 150 000 tons of sugar will be able to enter the EU market duty free.
“[Regarding] ethanol, there was a duty of between 10 and 19 Euros per hectare litre. Now, 80 000 tons of ethanol can enter the EU.
“There were also improvements on market access in terms of canned fruit and a few other products,” he said.
Minister Davies said he was satisfied that the new agreement provided South Africa with an improvement in valuable opportunities commercially in to the European market. – www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA COMPANIES EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN RUSSIA |
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| The Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) is part of the Department of Trade and Industry export and investment promotion strategy of focussing on Russia as a high-growth export market and foreign direct investment source. |
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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina, led a business delegation of over 20 businesspeople to Moscow, Russia, from 20 to 23 June 2016.
The aim of the ITI, said Deputy Minister Masina, was to increase South African value-added products and services in Russia and to promote South Africa as a trade and investment destination.
Although current bilateral trade has demonstrated an upward trajectory in terms of total trade, South Africa is still experiencing a trade deficit.
“South African exports increased from R2,1 billion in 2011 to R3,7 billion in 2015. Total imports from Russia increased significantly from R1,2 billion in 2011 to R6,1 billion in 2015,” said the Deputy Minister.
South Africa’s exports basket to Russia is dominated by primary sector products, particularly in the agricultural sector, such as citrus fruit, apples and pears, fresh and dried. Russia’s imports basket includes fabricated products such as fertilizers and rubber products.
According to the Deputy Minister, trade opportunities are present in the live fish and other seafood sector, milk, potatoes and other vegetable products as well as fruits and nuts.
The programme for the ITI included targeted business-to-business meetings, site visits, investment and export-related round-table discussions and seminars. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA READY TO HOST AIDS 2016 CONFERENCE |
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| Commonly known as AIDS2016, the conference will be held from 18 to 22 July at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme "Access Equity Rights – Now". |
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The Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, says South Africa is ready to host the 21st International AIDS Conference.
Minister Radebe, who is the leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AIDS2016, recently briefed the media after the committee held a meeting in the host city of eThekwini.
“The committee received an update on infrastructure, security, health and immigration plans for the International AIDS Conference. The committee will [today] conduct an inspection of the Chief Albert Luthuli ICC and surrounding facilities to assess logistical arrangements.
South Africa will for the second time, in partnership with the International AIDS Society, host the Biannual International AIDS Conference. Sixteen years ago, South Africa hosted the 13th conference in Durban.
The International AIDS Society is the world's leading independent association of professionals involved in the fight against HIV, with 16 000 members in 170 countries.
The International AIDS Conference is the largest conference on any global health or development issues in the world. The world’s top scientists, civil-society members and policy-makers will convene at AIDS2016 to discuss the fight against HIV and AIDS.
AIDS 2016 will officially open on Nelson Mandela Day, Monday, 18 July.
The event will bring together 18 000 conference delegates and attendees and 1 000 journalists, representing 180 countries.
The conference programme will cover more than 500 sessions, workshops and programme activities. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER MALUSI GIGABA OBSERVES WORLD REFUGEE DAY |
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| The Bienvenu Shelter caters for the basic needs of migrant women and children as well as refugees. |
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The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, on Monday, 20 June 2016, observed World Refugee Day by visiting the Bienvenu Shelter in Johannesburg and engaging with representatives from the refugee community at the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg. Minister Gigaba was supported by Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan as well as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees at the event.
South Africa has a constitutional obligation to ensure that genuine refugees are acknowledged and given the support required while offering support to those who have been forced to flee political, ethnic and other forms of persecution. To this end, the Department of Home Affairs plays a pivotal role in the achievement of social cohesion in view of fostering unity in society against xenophobia, Afrophobia, homophobia and related intolerances. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA MARKS WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION |
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| On 17 June 2016, South Africa joined nations around the world in celebrating the World Day to Combat Desertification under the theme “Inclusive Cooperation for Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality”. |
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The slogan for the day, “Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People”, addressed the importance of comprehensive participation and cooperation in working towards achieving land degradation neutrality.
This day was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), to mark the adoption of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa as an international Multilateral Environmental Agreement in 1994.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification is the key global policy instrument to address land degradation and poverty in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid parts of the world. The objective of this convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels. South Africa ratified the convention in September 1997.
“The challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought negatively affect the very land needed for food production, water resources, livelihoods and the well-being of our people. The loss of livelihoods, especially in rural areas, is undesirable and it is for this reason that government has invested in rural development, with specific emphasis on the improvement of rural economies and in particular prioritising women and the youth,” said the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa.
“Land degradation has the potential to undermine government efforts of poverty eradication, fighting unemployment and enhancement of economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. Along with biodiversity loss and climate change, issues of land degradation have been recognised internationally as threats to humanity,” said the Minister.
The Minister appealed to all South Africans to rise to the challenge of ensuring the land is protected. |
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| ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS CELEBRATES WORLD OCEANS DAY |
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| The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) launched the new cycle of the Working for the Coast (Wftc) project on 17 June 2016, during the World Oceans Day celebrations in Durban. |
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The Wftc programme is one of the DEA’s Expanded Public Works Programme projects, which is implemented to clean and rehabilitate the coastline, while at the same time creating jobs and skills development in coastal communities.
The launch introduced a new Wftc project cycle which will run for the duration of two years, covering the entire South African coastline from Alexander Bay to Kosi Bay. These projects will generate approximately 2 407 work opportunities as well as 5 526 full-time equivalent over two years. The project has managed to employ thousands of unemployed youth while giving skills to the beneficiaries through both non-accredited and accredited training.
Since inception, the programme has had numerous achievements, some of which include but are not limited to beaches being awarded the internationally renowned Blue Flag status, availability of beach facilities, creation of access to pristine beaches and a well conserved coastline. The number of Blue Flag beaches increased form three in 2001 to 69 in the 2014/15 season.
In conjunction with the launch, the department also hosted an eventful beach clean-up in celebration of World Oceans Day. |
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| PETER MAGUBANE LAUNCHES JUNE 16 BOOK |
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| South Africa's renowned photo journalist, Peter Magubane, has launched a book on the 40th Anniversary of the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising. |
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Launched in Newtown recently, the book, titled June 16: 40th Anniversary Edition, is a pictorial account of events that took place on the fateful day that marked a significant change in the discourse of South Africa’s push for liberation.
Speaking at the book launch, the legendary photographer recounted how his life was affected by his work. Magubane was at the forefront of documenting the 1976 uprising.
“I was put in solitary confinement for 586 days and when they released me, they banned me. I could not work as a photographer and I could not leave my house … I had to be in the house all the time but I told myself that it’s not going to happen.
“I continued taking pictures, but one day they [police] caught up with me when I got home. I found my house in flames. I was not prepared to put down my camera and I am still not prepared to leave my camera now.
“I told myself that I want to be a good photographer … I want to show the world the brutality of the apartheid system in this country. I was prepared to die for what I was doing. I told myself that I am not going to be told by anyone not to take a picture … I will always make a way to take pictures,” he said.
Magubane said the book was a visual account of the brutality of the apartheid system and the resilience of the youth, who were determined to fight for their freedom. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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CAPE TOWN RESTAURANT CLINCHES BEST IN AFRICA AND INCLUDED IN WORLD'S BEST
50 LIST |
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| The Test Kitchen is Africa's best restaurant, once again garnering international recognition and placing a spectacular 22nd in the 2016 World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. |
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The Test Kitchen was awarded 22nd place at the ceremony, which was held in style in New York City at the Cipriani Wall Street recently.
Osteria Francescana, a restaurant in Modena, Italy, won the top prize in the 2016's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Chef-owner Luke Dale-Roberts says, “The award is an incredible vote of confidence for me and my team. I do what I love, with precision and artistry, and being awarded for this validates what I do every day!”
The Test Kitchen has become a mainstay on the foodie traveller scene in Cape Town – with the city recently named the Condé Nast's title of Best City for Food in the World – showcasing an experience where Dale-Roberts applies his expert technique, passion for true flavour and international inspiration in the creation of challenging and rewarding dishes. – Source:
www.travellers24.news24.com |
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| THE RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST WINE CELLAR IN AFRICA |
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| South African restaurant, Mosaic at the Orient, has won a top international wine list award. |
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Mosaic at the Orient, currently Restaurant of the Year (Restaurant Association of South Africa Rosetta Awards) and seventh best restaurant in South Africa (Eat Out Awards) has won the Best Overall in Region Award at the 2016 World's Best Wine Lists Awards, crowning it as having the best wine cellar in Africa and the Middle East and one of the best in the world.
The restaurant also took awards for:
- Best Champagne and Sparkling Wine List
- Best Dessert and Fortified Wine List
- Best By The Glass Wine List
- Best Hotel Wine List and a special Jury Prize.
The 2016 World's Best Wine Lists, run by The World of Fine Wine, were announced globally recently. The awards are now in their third year and are "rapidly becoming as coveted as Michelin Stars", according to World Sommelier champion Gerard Bassett.
The awards celebrate the importance of a good selection of wine from around the world and are assessed by a panel of senior judges.
Restaurant Mosaic, outside Pretoria, hosts one of the finest wine cellars in the country with some of the best and rarest wines from both South Africa and the world. In January this year it was also announced that Restaurant Mosaic was one of only 14 South African restaurants to make it onto La Liste, a new selection of the 1 000 most remarkable restaurants across the globe.
Mosaic was placed in the Top 10 best restaurants in the country at the annual Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards held in Cape Town. – Source: www.food24.com |
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| SA WINE WINS BEST CHARDONNAY IN THE WORLD |
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| This isn't the first time a South African wine has won this coveted title. |
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It is a well-known fact that South Africa’s wines are word-class. Our wines win countless awards year after year and although many of them aren't often publicised, every now and then an award makes the headlines – like Stellenbosch wine farm, De Morgenzon winning Best Chardonnay in the World at the 2016 Decanter World Wine Awards with their Chardonnay Reserve 2015 vintage. A big round of applause for De Morgenzon winemaker, Carl van der Merwe!
It's the second time in a row that a South African wine farm has nabbed the top spot. Last year, it was Groot Constantia that took home the prize for their 2013 vintage.
Food24's wine editor, Cathy Marston says, "I think this is a fabulous achievement by Carl, Wendy and the team at De Morgenzon but it shouldn’t really come as that much of a surprise! South Africa has been making amazing Chardonnay for many years and DM is right up there with the best." – Source: www.food24.com |
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| MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA WINNER BRENT OWENS TO SHOOT NEW FOOD AND TRAVEL SERIES IN SA |
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| Created and produced by content creation company, Oxyg3n Media, the 13 24-minute series will capitalise on Owens' love for travel, food and adrenalin during his trip through South Africa. |
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Brent Owens, the popular winner of Masterchef Australia 2014 and author of the bestselling cook book, Dig In, is due to travel to South Africa soon to start filming a new food and adventure television series titled Brent Owens Unwrapped … South Africa
Owens will explore local cuisine, learning from those who have crafted these home-grown dishes; digging into aspects of South African history; uncovering fascinating personal stories from locals he meets along the way; and delving into little known areas of the country to expose them to an international audience. And because Brent loves adventure, it wouldn’t be right if he didn’t experience some of South Africa’s adrenalin sports.
Says Oxyg3n Media's CEO and Executive Producer, Rebecca Fuller-Campbell: "We are very excited to be working with the talented Brent Owens and we believe the show's unique concept will make it a fascinating, informative and entertaining series for local and international viewers".
Says Owens: "I'm absolutely pumped to get back over to South Africa and start filming the series. The country has so much to offer and it's so exciting that I get the opportunity to show it off to the world. A hidden gem with endless culinary adventures".
Brent Owens Unwrapped South Africa will be shown locally on a soon-to-be announced DStv channel with worldwide distribution handled by Beyond Distribution. |
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| INTERNATIONAL BAND RELEASES “JOHANNESBURG” MINI-ALBUM |
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Award-winning British rock band Mumford & Sons has released their new mini-album "Johannesburg" today, inspired by – of course – South Africa. |
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In February this year, the band visited South Africa for the first time ever. They collaborated with Senegalese singer Baaba Maal, London/Malawi DJ duo The Very Best, and South African pop band Beatenberg to create Johannesburg – a five-song EP.
They describe Johannesburg as a “bubbly, groove-heavy affair that, when paired with Mumford & Sons’ folk-y passion, burns bright like a perfect Kruger Park sunset”.
The band, who hails from London, was formed in 2007 and has released three previous studio albums and won Brit and Grammy awards. Band members are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane.
Of being inspired by the sounds of South Africa, Lovett explains: “There was something unique and foreign that attracted us to the music”. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, the band described their trip to South Africa as an “insanely productive” odyssey.
The band excitedly announced: “Friends, ‘Johannesburg’ is out now! Big love to Baaba Maal, The Very Best & Beatenberg for their incredible work together on this mini-album”.
The album is available on CD, vinyl AND limited edition cassettes.
Coinciding with the album launch there is a “Johannesburg” pop-up exhibit in New York City, which will next be in London. – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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