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| SA TO HOST 37TH SADC SUMMIT |
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| Preparations are well underway for South Africa to host the 37th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), government said on Thursday, 27 July, during a media briefing at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. (DIRCO) |
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South Africa, as incoming chair of the regional bloc, is hosting the summit from 19 to 20 August under the theme "Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains".
The SADC Chairship, on a one-year-term basis, rotates among the bloc's member states.
The summit will be preceded by the Senior Officials' Meeting from 11 to 14 August, the Ministerial Meeting on 16 August, Double Troika on 18 August and the actual summit from 19 to 20 August.
DIRCO's Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Africa, Xolisa Makaya, said the theme of these meetings, which would take place at the DIRCO Head Office in Pretoria, sought to address two key issues that could help move the industrialisation programme in the region.
The first segment of the theme – "Partnering with the Private Sector" – is focused on the need to build the region's capabilities both inside and outside of government to support industry.
The second component of the theme – "Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains" – speaks to attracting private-sector players to the prioritised value chains.
DDG Makaya said South Africa would use its Chairship to drive regional industrialisation and integration. Three potential growth paths, namely agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and downstream processing value chains, have been identified.
SADC turns 25
The 37th Session will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the formation of SADC, launched on 17 August 1992 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The total membership has since grown to 15 member states, which are united in the objectives of sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development; promotion of common political values, systems and other shared values; as well as the consolidation and maintenance of democracy, peace, security and stability in the region.
Other items on the agenda will be the election of the chairperson and deputy chairperson of Summit of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation; the review of the political and security situation in the region; as well as an update on the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2015 – 2020.
The security and political issues in Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lesotho will also be discussed. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| STEPHEN MCGOWAN A FREE MAN |
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| South African national, Stephen McGowan, who was kidnapped by Islamist militants in Mali has been released, government announced on Thursday, 3 August. |
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McGowan was kidnapped in November 2011 while touring in Timbuktu together with Swedish national Johan Gustaffsson, who was freed earlier this year.
The South African Government together with humanitarian aid organisations have been campaigning for McGowan's release since his kidnapping.
"We are happy to announce that finally these efforts have culminated in McGowan's release on 29 July 2017," International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane told the media following a regular Cabinet meeting in Tshwane on Thursday.
She said the South African Government did not pay a ransom for his release as the kidnappers had demanded.
"Our policy is well-known to the public that government does not negotiate or pay ransom to kidnappers," the Minister said.
She went on to welcome McGowan back home. "We would like to warmly welcome him back home and wish him good health and good fortune in his life as a free man," the Minister said, calling on all South Africans to continue supporting him while allowing him the space and time he needs to adjust again.
McGowan's release is bitter sweet as he returns to the news that his mother, Beverly, passed away in May 2017.
The Minister conveyed her condolences before thanking all the role players who ensured McGowan's release.
"The South African Government would like to convey its deepest gratitude to all the role players such as the government of Mali, NGOs and individuals for their efforts that eventually secured McGowan's release."
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA CONDEMNS THE ATTACK ON AMISOM TROOPS IN SOMALI |
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| South Africa reaffirms its support for the Government of Somalia and the African Union (AU) in their efforts to achieve lasting and sustainable peace, stability and development. |
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The South African Government joins the AU and international community in strongly condemning the cowardly attack on the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers on 31 July 2017 in the Somali capital , Mogadishu, resulting in the death of at least 12 and injury of seven people.
The Government of South Africa expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, the people and Government of Somalia. These brave soldiers have sadly paid the ultimate price in the service of humanity and efforts to promote peace and stability in Somalia. |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT DEPLORES THE LAUNCH OF A BALLISTIC MISSILE BY THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA (DPRK) |
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| The South African Government deplores the latest launch of a ballistic missile by the DPRK, which again violates the obligations of the DPRK under various United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013) and 2270 (2016). |
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South Africa shares the concerns of the international community regarding the nuclear weapon- and delivery system-related activities of the DPRK, which undermines regional and international peace and security. "We reiterate our call on the DPRK to adhere to its UNSC-mandated obligations, to return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to fulfil its safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency. In doing so, the DPRK will pave the way to restore international confidence in its peaceful nuclear and space-related activities."
South Africa supports a negotiated solution that addresses the issues of the Korean Peninsula in a holistic manner and urges the DPRK to fulfil its commitments under the Six-Party Talks with a view to achieving the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.
"We strongly urge the DPRK and all states involved to refrain from any further action which may undermine the pursuit of such a negotiated solution or that could further increase tensions in the North East Asia region and beyond." |
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| COMMUNICATION CRITICAL IN ACHIEVING SADC INDUSTRIALISATION OBJECTIVES |
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| The Acting Director of Industrial Development and Trade at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, Dr Lomkhosi Mkhonta-Gama, says effective communication is of paramount importance if the objectives of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy were to be achieved. |
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Dr Mkhonta-Gama was speaking at a SADC Industrialisation Strategy Media Workshop that took place in Johannesburg.
The purpose of the workshop was to unpack the strategy to journalists who will be covering the second SADC Industrialisation Week that is taking place at The Focus Rooms in Sunninghill, from 31 July to 4 August. The theme of the week is "Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains".
"The leaders of SADC have repeatedly emphasised that industrialisation will lift the majority of the population of the SADC region out of poverty by creating much-needed jobs, especially for its young people. For this to become a reality, effective communication is of paramount importance," said Dr Mkhonta-Gama.
She added that the SADC aspirations and achievements needed to be disseminated through the media in order that the region was portrayed as the preferred cooperation partner of choice, the world over.
"SADC must be made visible for all the good and successful initiatives that we drive. In this way, we will fully realise our development aim of eradicating poverty in the region, with our own citizens being prime drivers of regional integration.
"It is our mandate to inform the people of the region on the regional agenda that will impact their daily lives and the lives of future generations. We cannot do this successfully without the contribution of the media. As we, together, inform the people of the region, we are openly affording them the opportunity to contribute to the regional agenda so as to enable them to also participate in and contribute to the formation of that which concerns them.
"This is our noble course and for that we need your partnership," stressed Dr Mkhonta-Gama.
She explained that the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2023 were developed as an inclusive, long-term modernisation scheme, which would result in major economic and technological transformation of the region.
"The strategy is anchored on three pillars. These are industrialisation, which is seen as the tool for economic and technological transformation; competitiveness, which will move the region beyond comparative advantage to competitive advantage; and regional integration and geography, the context for accelerated industrial development and economic prosperity," said Dr Mkhonta-Gama.
At the centre of SADC's industrialisation efforts, the Strategy and Roadmap set out three potential growth paths, namely agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and downstream processing value chains. |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT PAWO EVENT |
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On 31 July, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, delivered the keynote address at the Pan-African Women's Day Inter-Generational Dialogue at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria. The event was held under the theme: "The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving Africa Forward".
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The Pan-African Women's Day is commemorated annually to mark the formation of the Pan-African Women Organisation (PAWO) in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on 31 July 1962. PAWO was the first continental women's organisation. Its main aim was to mobilise women to fight for their liberation, especially in countries that were still colonised.
The year 2017 marks 55 years since the formation of PAWO, a year before the formation of the Organisation of African Unity.
During the 28th Ordinary Assembly of the African Unity (AU), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January 2017, the African Heads of State and Government adopted a decision recognising PAWO as a Specialised Agency of the AU. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MFEKETO IN IRAN ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT |
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| The Deputy Ministerial Working Group (DMWG) remains an important diplomatic instrument as part of the South Africa-Iran Joint Commission to consolidate and elevate bilateral political, economic and people-to-people relations between South Africa and Iran into a substantive strategic partnership that will benefit both countries and its peoples. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindiya Mfeketo, met with her Iranian counterpart, Dr Jaberi Ansari, in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran on 31 July.
The meeting took place within the framework of the South Africa-Iran DMWG, which provides oversight in monitoring and guiding bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.
The DMWG ensures regular high-level bilateral dialogue to implement decisions of the SA-Iran Joint Commission and the role of the DMWG in monitoring and guiding agreed upon bilateral projects.
The DMWG reviewed global and regional peace, security and stability challenges in relation to international terrorism and the serious threat of extremist violence to human security.
The parties cooperate as part of a credible and constructive international effort to end the conflict in Syria and for the humanitarian devastation to be addressed internationally and regionally as a matter of extreme urgency. The DMWG also explored ways to address the Palestinian question and for serious dialogue and negotiations to commence aimed at implementing a lasting, fair and just solution. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MFEKETO MARKS NELSON MANDELA DAY IN CAPE TOWN |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindiya Mfeketo, on Friday, 28 July 2019, in collaboration with Carbonado Energy, commemorated Nelson Mandela Day. |
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The Deputy Minister launched the adoption of the Sizimisele Technical High School in Mandela Park, Western Cape. The event was aimed at boosting interest and performance in Mathematics and Science in underprivileged areas.
Aligned with the overall theme for Mandela Month, the outreach programme's theme was: "Take Action against Poverty".
Addressing the event, the Deputy Minister said that the gesture of adopting was an important message for the private sector in South Africa.
"More than painting and cleaning streets, not that these are not important, we need more long-term sustainable intervention programmes, which look to the future of our country. The private sector in South Africa needs to engage more with us as government in solution-oriented approaches. The problems of this country run deep and date back to centuries. Without defending some of the shortcomings of our government, the reality is that it will take many years to fix our problems and the private sector needs to work more with us to address the needs of our communities, as it is done here today. We know that education and children as the future were very important to Madiba. Education is most vital to us as African leaders. Africa has the youngest population in the world. Our continental vision of Agenda 2063 places huge importance in the youth as a demographic dividend.
"It is only through quality education that our young have any hope for the future. It is also only through quality education that our future has any hope for our young." |
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| SA, DRC TO SIGN VISA WAIVER AGREEMENT |
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| South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) maintain good diplomatic and political relations. |
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The Minister of Home Affairs, Hlengiwe Mkhize, on Monday, 31 July, signed a visa waiver agreement with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security of the DRC, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari.
The highest expression of the quality and significance of these diplomatic relations is the annual Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by the heads of state.
In this regard, during the 10th Session of the BNC that took place in Pretoria in June 2017, both countries agreed that the signing of the visa waiver agreement should be concluded in July 2017. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| BRICS INDUSTRY MINISTERS ADOPT ACTION PLAN ON DEEPENING INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION |
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The Second Meeting of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) industry ministers that was held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, has adopted a seven-point Action Plan on Deepening Industrial Cooperation among BRICS Countries.
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The action plan states that the world economy is still in a period of profound adjustment after the international financial crisis. Industrial sectors, the manufacturing sector and the service sectors related to it in particular, have become key factors in sustaining mid- and long-term economic development. The plan also acknowledges that in recent years, the new industrial revolution featuring digitalisation, networking and intellectualisation is emerging, changing traditional production flows and business models, and giving rise to new industrial forms.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, says the action plan is aimed at facilitating the implementation of the consensus reached at the First Meeting of BRICS industry ministers, held two years ago in Moscow, on expanding industrial cooperation in key areas and joint actions, and deepen the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation in industrial fields, particularly manufacturing areas.
Minister Davies added that industrial development cooperation between BRICS countries could be used as a springboard to foster growth, development as well as employment creation.
The adopted "Action Plan on Deepening Industrial Cooperation among BRICS Countries" says in order to seize development opportunities brought by the new industrial revolution, BRICS countries will take joint actions to fully utilise their advantages of rich natural and human resources, broad domestic markets and vigorously carry out coordination and match-making in the fields of industrial capacity and policies, and cooperation in such fields as development of new industrial infrastructure, technology development and innovation, and small and medium sized enterprises. |
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| MINISTER CWELE LEADS SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION AT THE THIRD BRICS ICT MINISTERS MEETING |
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The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr Siyabonga Cwele, recently led the South African delegation to the Third Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministers Meeting in Hangzhou, China.
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The South African delegation consisted of senior government officials, leaders of state-owned companies and ICT small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
The meeting took forward the commitments made by the leaders of BRICS countries on ICT matters.
"One of our key area of success at this meeting is that our SMMEs have been very active in selling their solutions and seeking partnerships with companies in other BRICS countries. As BRICS ministers, we have declared that we need to improve cooperation in the digital economy value chain, including e-commerce and cybersecurity," said Minister Cwele.
He said the ministers reiterated a need for cooperation on infrastructure, including the BRICS Cable that would connect the BRICS countries through an undersea cable.
"We also need to cooperate in innovation in areas such as applications, equipment manufacturing and operating systems to reduce our dependency on global monopolies that dominate these area. We need to enable BRICS countries to develop their own technologies, driven by SMMEs, which can be sold within the greater market of BRICS countries. Importantly, we need to facilitate the creation of an inclusive society through the use of technology," said Minister Cwele. |
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| REGIONAL INDUSTRIALISATION DRIVE WILL REQUIRE STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR |
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A regional industrialisation drive will require a strong Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA).
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This was said by the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Kgabo Mahoai. DG Mahoai was speaking at the SADC Industrialisation Week that is taking place at The Focus Rooms in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, from 31 July to Friday, 4 August 2017. The theme of the week is "Partnering with the Private Sector in Developing Industry and Regional Value Chains".
According to DG Mohoai, who gave the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the FTA will facilitate increased export diversification, greater competitiveness, more inclusive growth and increased movement of goods and services. This, he said, would create the economies of scale to facilitate new industrial capabilities to take advantage of a large integrated market.
He added that it was paramount to provide an attractive business environment for industrial growth and more opportunities for the traders.
According to him, the SADC Regional Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap can only be taken forward and implemented with the support of the region's private sector. He emphasised that the expertise and financial resources lay with the private sector, and were the ones who would ultimately take the investment decisions that were required.
DG Mahoai further made an appeal to the business sector to work with government to create new opportunities for cross-border manufacturing under the SADC Industrialisation Strategy. He added that growing the economy of the region was an investment in the future stability and socio-economic progress to the benefit of the citizens.
The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2023 were developed as an inclusive, long-term modernisation, scheme which would result in major economic and technological transformation of the region. |
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| MEDIA CENTRE NAMED AFTER RONNIE MAMOEPA |
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The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Press Room will now be called the "Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre" in honour of the late veteran government communicator.
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The Minister of Communications, Ayanda Dlodlo, made the announcement on Wednesday, 26 July, during a memorial service held at the GCIS in Hatfield.
Struggle veteran and dedicated civil servant, Mamoepa, 56, passed away after battling with complications following a stroke in June.
"This honour to Ronnie Mamoepa, who is regarded as the Dean of Communicators, highlights the role played by government communicators and their interaction with the media fraternity in ensuring South Africans are fully informed of the work and policies of government," the GCIS said in a statement.
On behalf of the Government Communicators Forum and colleagues in the media , Minister Dlodlo called on all South Africans to join her in paying tribute to a life well lived, in dignity and honour. Mamoepa was buried on Saturday, 29 July. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TOURISM MONTH LAUNCHES WITH PLEA TO HELP BOOST SA ECONOMY |
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| The Chief Executive Officer of Tourism SA recently called on all South Africans to promote tourism to help improve the local economy. |
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"The #Idotourism and #Wedotourism [campaign] is a movement and call to action to all South Africans – we all have a role to play in tourism," Sisa Ntshona said during the launch of Tourism Month at Dunkeld Country Estate in Mpumalanga.
"We are in a tight economic environment. Tourism is one of the sectors we believe can pull us out of this place."
Ntshona urged South Africans from each province to find what was unique about their region and how it could contribute to tourism.
The Minister of Tourism, Thokozile Xasa, said the Government and the private sector must come together to promote aspects of the country that would draw tourists and assist economic growth.
"We need to tell more good stories of our country and tourism presents that opportunity," she said.
Xasa added South Africans needed to travel the country in order to appreciate it.
"By travelling the country, each of us can leave a financial footprint where we visit – that's how we leave money in these places," the minister said.
She added that the theme for Tourism Month this year was "Sustainable Tourism for Development", which is aimed at promoting employment and community development while having a low impact on the environment. – Source: eNCA |
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| MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESSES 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK (MZNP) |
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| The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, on Monday, 31 July 2017, delivered the keynote address at the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape. |
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The event included the official opening of new cottages and chalets in the park.
MZNP is situated just outside Cradock in the Eastern Cape. It was proclaimed on 3 July 1937 for the purpose of protecting a remnant population of the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra). The down-listing of the Cape mountain zebra species off the endangered list at COP17 last year signalled 80 years of successfully conserving this species within the park.
The Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment was officially declared by Minister Molewa on 1 April 2016, involving 66 landowners and spanning an area of 286 343 ha. The protected environment is situated between Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Cradock and Pearston. |
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| SA'S TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM JOINS 100 AQUARIUMS IN ANTI-MARINE LITTER DRIVE |
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| Cape Town's popular Two Oceans Aquarium says it is proud to have joined the European Commission's global "World Aquariums Against Marine Litter" Campaign. |
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Two Oceans, together with 100 aquariums from around the world, are part of the campaign launched at the iconic Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on 27 July.
The event was officiated by the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella; together with HSH Albert II, Prince of Monaco; Head of the United Nations Environmental Programme, Erik Solheim; and the CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Doug Cress.
The campaign will highlight the impact of litter on the marine environment to their visitors and followers and while designed to shock, it will also offer concrete solutions to prevent and fight marine litter.
Marine pollution is one of the six main themes of the forthcoming Our Ocean, An Ocean for Life Conference (Malta, 5-6 October). This high-level international event will bring together ocean champions from government, civil society and business.
"Aquariums are windows on the ocean, showcasing the beauty and diversity of life beneath the waves. However, the oceans are under threat as a result of human activities and one of the major threats is plastic pollution," says Helen Lockhart, Communications and Sustainability Manager of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
"It is our responsibility to inspire and empower people to see the connections between their actions and the health of the oceans, and to provide practical actions to lighten their footprint, including leading by example." – Source: www.traveller24.com |
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| WEALTHIEST CITIES IN AFRICA |
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Four South African cities are among the top 10 wealthiest in Africa in terms of "total wealth held", according to a review by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth. |
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For the purposes of the report, "total wealth" refers to the private wealth held by all the individuals living in each city. It includes all their assets – property, cash, equities, business interests – less any liabilities. Government funds are excluded from the figures used.
Johannesburg came out top of the list with total wealth held in the city of $245 billion. The city is home to 18 200 so-called high-net worth individuals (HNWIs) – in other words those with wealth of $1 million (about R13 million) or more. The city also has 970 so-called multi-millionaires – those individuals with wealth of $10 million (about R130 million) or more and two billionaires with wealth of $1 billion (about R13 billion) or more.
Major sectors in the city include financial services, professional services (law firms), construction, telecoms and basic materials.
Cairo in Egypt, with total wealth held in the city of $140 billion, is in second place. It is home to 8 900 millionaires, 480 multi-millionaires and five billionaires. Major sectors in the city include real estate and construction, financial services and basic materials.
Third on the list is Cape Town with total wealth held in the city of $135 billion. It is home to 8 200 millionaires, 440 multi-millionaires and two billionaires.
Major sectors in the city include real estate, financial services (fund management), retail and tourism.
The report found that Cape Town was also a second home hotspot for the wealthy with over 1 500 multi-millionaires living in the city during peak holiday months. Many of these individuals are from outside South Africa.
Lagos in Nigeria, with total wealth held in the city of $120 billion, is in fourth place, followed by Nairobi in Kenya and Luanda in Angola.
Durban came in seventh place with total wealth held in the city of $46 billion. It is home to 3 200 millionaires, 130 multi-millionaires and one billionaire. Figures for Durban include Umhlanga, Ballito, Zimbali and La Lucia. Major sectors in the city include real estate, finance, healthcare, construction, retail and transport.
Another South African city, Pretoria, is in eighth position. It has total wealth held in the city of $42 billion and is home to 2 600 millionaires and 110 multi-millionaires – but no billionaires.
Major sectors in the city include basic materials, manufacturing and financial services.
The top 10 list is rounded off by Casablanca in Morocco in ninth place and Accra in Ghana 10th. – Source: www.fin24.co.za |
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| LUFTHANSA GROUP MAKING THE MOST OF CAPE TOWN POTENTIAL |
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| In the past, Lufthansa only had a seasonal direct flight between Munich and Cape Town from about October to April, therefore, during the European winter. This was mainly due to German tourists coming to the Cape during that period. |
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"We saw the potential for a year-round direct flight and, therefore, started with three weekly direct flights between Cape Town and Frankfurt," says Dr Andre Schulz, General Manager of Lufthansa for Southern Africa, told Fin24 recently.
"Usually, it was mostly inbound traffic over that period, but now we see a balance with outbound sales from Cape Town and we see a nice potential out of Cape Town. So, as from 17 October, we will have five weekly direct flights between Cape Town and Frankfurt as well."
Lufthansa will also be introducing a new brand on the route with its Eurowings airline starting with direct flights between Cologne and Cape Town once a week as from November. This comes hot on the heels of the newly introduced Eurowings direct flight between Cologne and Windhoek.
"Eurowings is our premium low-cost airline. It provides quality at a low cost where you pay only for the options you choose to take," explained Schulz. "Therefore, it is targeting a more price-sensitive customer."
He said German tourists were increasingly looking for new destinations and Namibia could prove to be popular due to the value for money it offers and its historic link with Germany.
"With our new Eurowings offer to Cape Town, we are opening up the market also for people who might not have travelled before. We are seeing both Namibia and the Western Cape picking up as destinations. And on top of that, our seasonal three times weekly direct flights on Edelweiss will again run from October to April," said Schulz.
Austrian Airlines is also set to return to the Cape Town market with twice weekly direct flights.
At the same time, Johannesburg still forms the backbone of the Lufthansa group's operations in South Africa and the airline has just celebrated its 55th year of presence in South Africa.
"We have a long-term commitment in South Africa and our direct flights from Johannesburg to Zurich and to Frankfurt remain very popular," said Schulz. – Source: www.fin24.co.za |
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| REDVOLUTION: A NEW MILLENNIAL-CENTRIC HOTEL SET TO OPEN IN CAPE TOWN |
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The Silo District is welcoming a new edition to its creative space: the Radisson Red Hotel. This hotel is aiming to set itself apart from other hotels in the world with its distinctive red door and innovative processes. |
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Developing within the heart of the upcoming art district of Cape Town, the Radisson Red Cape Town has found its ideal location.
The REDvolution is set to open in September 2017. It is the third Radisson Red hotel to be opened, along with the Radisson Red in Brussels and Minneapolis.
The hotel prides itself on "new methods of integration, relaxation, comfort and a millennial approach". – Source: Traveller24 |
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| SA'S KWV SCOOPS 2017 WORLDWIDE BRANDY TROPHY |
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| Paarl-based KWV has been awarded the Worldwide Trophy and numerous Gold Awards for its brandies in two separate global wine and spirits competitions recently. |
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KWV's 15-year-old Potstill Brandy achieved an Outstanding Gold (a score of 93/100 or more) as well as the Worldwide Trophy for Brandy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).
This competition, which aims to set the international benchmark for quality in wine and spirits, receives entries from nearly 90 countries, with their submissions scrutinised by over 400 global experts. Proving that quality is evidenced throughout its ranks, KWV's Worldwide Trophy for Brandy is flanked by a handful of Gold Awards for its other potstill brandies, from the same competition.
In addition to its global award, KWV was also awarded Gold Awards (a score of 90 to 92.9/100) for the KWV 20-year-old and 12-year-old potstills. KWV also received Gold for its Heritage XO Cognac, made in partnership with French House of Charpentier, from a blend of Cognacs from the Petit Champagne region in France.
The quality of KWV's brandies was also recognised by judges in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) – a separate competition but equally influential – where KWV mirrored its IWSC performance, by also claiming Gold for its Potstill 12-year-old and its 20-year-old.
Over the years, KWV has established itself as a key competitor at international spirit competitions.
"Last year, KWV's 15-year-old claimed Best Brandy in the World, at the ISC, after claiming the same title for KWV 20-year-old the year before. Collectively KWV's brandies have secured the ISC trophy eight times, and the IWSC trophy 10 times – far more than any other producer, making KWV brandy one of the most awarded Brandy brands in the world," says De Bod. – Source: www. bizzcommunity.com |
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| PRINCESS CHARLENE MADE PATRON OF LIFESAVING SA |
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| Former Olympic swimmer, Princess Charlene of Monaco, has been appointed patron of Lifesaving SA at an event held at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga. |
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"It is a great honour for me to be named patron of Lifesaving SA, an organisation which shares the same vision as my foundation and one that I have always been inspired by.
"Your commitment to drowning prevention is remarkable and the spirit of volunteering that you are instilling in our young people is infectious," Princess Charlene said.
The princess discovered her passion for the water and dedicated 20 years of her life to become an Olympic swimmer, representing South Africa in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was established in 2012 and has since reached more than 300 000 people worldwide, with operations being established here in 2013. The work of the foundation is internationally acknowledged and celebrated for raising public awareness about the dangers of water, teaching children essential water safety skills and how to swim.
The partnership between the foundation and Lifesaving SA will strengthen the promotion of water safety and support "learn to swim" projects.
Lifesaving SA's Watersmart Programme is a classroom-based educational water safety programme developed to complement the current Grade 4 Life Skills curriculum.
The programme, presented by Lifesaving SA Watersmart facilitators, will during the course of 2017 be delivered free of charge to over 80 schools nationwide. – Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SA'S LEVY SEKGAPANE WINS GLOBAL OPERA COMPETITION |
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Sekgapane, who hails from Kroonstad, beat hundreds of talented opera singers from around the world.
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South Africa's golden voice Levy Sekgapane's win at a prestigious global competition will be a boost for the country's opera scene.
Sekgapane has followed in the footsteps of Pretty Yende by clinching the top prize at the Operalia World Opera Competition, held in Kazakhstan this year.
Sekgapane, who hails from Kroonstad, beat hundreds of talented opera singers from around the world. His singing teacher, Hanna van Schalkwyk, said, "Pretty Yende won the Operalia a few years ago and to now have two people from South Africa win it is amazing." – Source: www.ewn.co.za |
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| GLOBAL ACCOLADES FOR ISIXHOSA MOVIE INXEBA |
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South African isiXhosa-language movie, "Inxeba", movingly explores the conflict of traditional rites of manhood, when initiates "go to the mountain", with awakening pride in gay identity. |
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The team behind the South African film Inxeba – internationally titled, The Wound – scooped up local and international awards this year, two from the recent 38th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).
It was announced at the DIFF's closing ceremony that the Best Director Award went to John Trengrove and the Best Actor to Nakhane Touré. The festival was held from 13 to 23 July 2017.
Inxeba had its African premiere at the festival, with the screening held at The Playhouse in Durban. It was in competition with Serpent (South Africa), Le Clair Obscur (Turkey), La Belle et la Meute (Tunisia), El Hombre que Cuida (Dominican Republic), Asinamali! (South Africa), Liyana (South Africa), Atanyn Kereezi (Kyrgyzstan) and Basta (Morocco).
Inxeba tells the story of Xolani, a factory worker in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. During initiation season, he is also a caregiver for young men on the mountain. Xolani is gay, but no-one knows. But during the few weeks of one initiation his orientation is exposed, and drama follows.
Director John Trengrove said in a press release: "From the very beginning, the process of making Inxeba was characterised by intense collaboration and risk-taking. This film demanded everything from those who came on board".
The Inxeba premiere outside Africa was at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Utah, United States of America. The film later opened the Panorama section of the 67th Berlin Film Festival.
Inxeba was a 2014 Durban Film Mart Project. This initial pitch enabled the team behind it to get funding from a number of international financiers, resulting in a co-production between South Africa, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Nakhane Touré plays Xolani in the film. The actor is also an indie rock musician and a novelist.
The film also cleaned up at Spain's Valencia International Film Festival, winning Best Film and Best Actor at the Cinema Jove section. Inxeba also won the Best Film Award in the International New Talent Competition at the Taipei Film Festival in Taiwan.
Other international awards are:
- Best Feature Film at the 32nd Lovers Film Festival
- The Jury Prize for Best Narrative at the 19th annual Sarasota Film Festival in Florida.
Source: www.brandsouthafrica.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN ACTORS JOIN THE FLASH TV SERIES |
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| South African actors, Neil Sandilands and Kim Engelbrecht, join the fourth season of the hit superhero series, "The Flash", in high-profile roles. |
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The Flash television series featuring the DC Comics character debuted in 2014 and has proven to be a critical and popular hit around the world. The fourth season begins in October 2017 and will feature new characters played by South African actors Neil Sandilands and Kim Engelbrecht.
South African acting talent is strong in Hollywood, from the Oscar-winning Charlize Theron to Pearl Thusi's star turn in the hit series, Quantico. While Arnold Vosloo may not be a household name, thanks to his roles in geek favourites The Mummy and Darkman, he is a cult favourite.
This is not Sandilands' first foray into US television. In 2016, he starred in the cult sci-fi series The 100 and he was a member of the supporting cast in the Sundance Channel's crime drama Hap and Leonard. Sandilands has also had high-profile guest roles in NCIS and The Americans, playing South African characters.
Sandilands plays Clifford DeVoe in the forthcoming season of The Flash. DeVoe is also known as the Thinker, master of mind control and arch-villain to The Flash, played by Grant Gustin.
Sandilands will be joined by a fellow South African in The Flash, actress Kim Engelbrecht, who plays the Thinker's gadget maker, the Mechanic, a character created exclusively for the show.
Engelbrecht also got her start in television in a popular South African soapie, playing the teenage rebel from the wrong side of the tracks, Lolly van Onselen, in Isidingo from 1998 to 2005. – Source: www.brandsouthafrica.com |
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| LEGENDS OF R&B RETURNS TO SA WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT AND BRANDY |
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Big Concerts recently confirmed The Legends of R&B would be returning to South Africa in December 2017, featuring Brian McKnight and Brandy.
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Presented by East Coast Radio, 947, Kfm 94.5, Channel24 and Mzansi Magic, it's another Big Concerts experience.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, 2 August, at 09:00 from Big Concerts.
As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 17 albums to date, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
Brandy has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide (including the 5x-platinum selling Never Say Never) and is ranked one of the best-selling female artists in American music history by the RIAA, having sold over 11 million albums in the United States of America.
Tour information:
- Pretoria, Saturday, 9 December 2017, Sun Arena, Time Square
- Johannesburg, Sunday, 10 December 2017, Ticketpro Dome
- Cape Town, Tuesday, 12 December 2017, Grand Arena, GrandWest
- Durban, Thursday, 14 December 2017, Durban ICC.
– Source: www.news24.co.za |
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| BLACK COFFEE LANDS BEATS 1 GIG |
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DJ Black Coffee has made history again, this time being the first African host of Beats 1 Radio on Apple Music. |
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His first show was broadcast on Friday, 28 July, on Beats 1 at 9 pm and repeat on Saturdays at 9 pm.
The show is called Black Coffee on Beats 1. He is co-hosting with DJ and record label owner Mario Cee.
The first show hosted an artist from his own label, Soulistic Music. House producer and DJ, Nicodimas Sekheta Mogashoa, better known as Da Capo featured as the first guest mix. – Source: www.enca.com |
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| SA MODEL THANDO HOPA JOINS DIDDY AND LUPITA IN NEW PIRELLI CALENDAR |
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South African model Thando Hopa will take her place among the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Noami Campbell and Diddy in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar.
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The calendar, which features an all-black cast, takes on the theme of Alice in Wonderland.
According a post by Thando, Diddy and Naomi Campbell take on the roles of The Royal Beheaders, while Lupita plays The Dormouse.
Thando herself takes on the role of The Princess of Hearts. – Source: www.news24.co.za. |
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| CSA PRAISES PROTEAS TRIO FOR MAKING ICC'S WORLD CUP XI |
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| Cricket South Africa (CSA) has congratulated three members of the Proteas women's national squad – Dane van Niekerk, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp – on their selection for the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 Team of the Tournament. |
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The Team of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 was selected by a five-person selection panel that comprised Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager - Cricket, and Chairperson Event Technical Committee), former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, former England captain Charlotte Edwards, former India player turned journalist Snehal Pradhan and former Australia all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar.
"This is another wonderful achievement by our women players," commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.
"It shows the high growth curve we are presently enjoying and this is the first time we have this many players in the select XI.
"It goes without saying that their selection was extremely well deserved," he said.
"Dane (15) and Marizanne (13) were the two leading wicket-takers in the competition, despite playing two matches fewer than most of their challengers, while Laura scored more than 300 runs and also boasts the fifth best average – an impressive 64.80 – at the tender age of 18.
"Only England, the eventual champions, provided more players for the select XI.
"We congratulate them all on being selected for a world team which is a wonderful achievement. I am certain this will be further inspiration for the team going forward," concluded Lorgat. – Source: www.sport24.coza |
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| FINAL PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP IN CT |
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Final preparations are being rolled out at Killarney International Raceway ahead of the World Rallycross Championship. |
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The circuit is to host the final leg of the series in November. Officials expect 30 000 people to attend.
The FIA World Rallycross Championship is a sprint style motor racing event on a closed, mixed-surface circuit and takes place over 12 two-day events worldwide.
Event spokesperson, Pieter Cronje, says that the world champion will be crowned at Killarney.
"An important part is the jump that will see cars get airborne and that is part of the spectacular World Rallycross, especially against the background of Table Mountain."
Racecars worth R230 million are expected in Cape Town for the motorsport showpiece. – Source: www.ewn.co.za |
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| LE CLOS HUMBLED TO RECLAIM 200-M BUTTERFLY GOLD |
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| Chad le Clos won the men's 200m butterfly gold medal at the world championships recently after defeating home favourite Laszlo Cseh, the defending champion, in Budapest. |
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South Africa's Le Clos, the 2012 Olympic champion, clocked one minute 53.33 seconds with Hungary's Cseh, 0.39sec behind, taking silver and Japan's Daiya Seto earning bronze at 0.88sec.
"It was an emotional race, before, during and after it," said a teary-eyed Le Clos, who had braced himself for a raucous atmosphere at the Duna Arena.
The noise was near-deafening as the crowd roared on Cseh and Tamas Kenderesi, who finished fourth.
"I knew it was going to be difficult with everyone cheering for the two Hungarians," said Le Clos.
"I'm very humbled to have come out on top and reclaim the gold medal that I lost last year," he added, referring to his fourth-placed finish in the 2016 Olympic final.
Le Clos said his victory in Budapest atoned for his disappointment in the 200-m butterfly in Rio, where it emerged during the Olympic Games that both his parents were battling cancer.
"Last year, my family's health was more important than gold medals," said Le Clos, who won Olympic silver in both the 200-m freestyle and 100-m butterfly.
"I make no excuses for what happened last year.
"I said that was the worst performance of my life in the 200-m fly and I'd like to come back stronger and try to win the gold medal.
"That's what I did tonight." – Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| VAN DER BURGH CLAIMS BRONZE IN 50-M BREASTSTROKE |
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South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh finished third in the final of the men's 50-m breaststroke at the FINA World Championships in Budapest recently. |
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The 50-m breaststroke became Van der Burgh's sole event in Hungary.
Van der Burgh pulled out of the 100-m breaststroke in order to focus on the 50-m breaststroke.
World record holder, Adam Peaty of Great Britain, dominated in the breaststroke by stopping the clock in a time of 25.99.
The determined South African could muster enough strength to touch the wall and take bronze in a time of 26.60.
Joao Gomes Junior of Brazil finished ahead of Van der Burgh in a time of 25.52.
Van der Burgh is the first man to finish on the podium in 10 consecutive World Championships in the men's 50-m breaststroke. – Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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