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| SOUTH AFRICA CONDEMNS THE MISSILE STRIKE AT THE KING KHALID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN SAUDI ARABIA |
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| South Africa wishes to express its condemnation of the attempted ballistic missile strike directed towards the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was intercepted close to the King Khalid International Airport on 4 November 2017. |
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This attack appears to signify an escalation of the conflict in Yemen to an extra-territorial conflict with the potential to destabilise the region. South Africa calls on all countries in the region to exercise restraint in its response to the incident and not allow provocative acts such as this to spread the conflict beyond Yemen.
Furthermore, South Africa remains gravely concerned about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen. It took note of the report by the United Nations Humanitarian Office on 7 November 2017 and urges all parties to allow unhindered distribution of humanitarian supplies to all affected civilians in Yemen and comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable.
South Africa again calls on the Yemeni parties, the countries in the region and the wider international community to promote the adoption of a durable cessation of hostilities and the resumption of inclusive peace talks that would lead to a political settlement of the crisis and a return to constitutionality in Yemen. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK CITY |
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| Acts of terrorism have no place in society and constitute a threat to development, peace and security. The South African Government reiterates its solidarity and commitment to the international community’s fight against the scourge of terrorism. |
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The South African Government unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack in New York City, United States of America (USA), on 31 October 2017, which has caused the death of eight innocent civilians and injured many others.
On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the USA, particularly to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery. |
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| FIFTH SOUTH AFRICA-IRELAND PARTNERSHIP FORUM HELD IN PRETORIA |
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| The meeting reaffirmed the historical ties, close friendship and common interests and values that are the foundation of the strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, hosted the Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development of Ireland, Ciarán Cannon, for the fifth session of the South Africa-Ireland Partnership Forum in Pretoria on 31 October 2017.
During the forum, the parties had wide-ranging discussions on political, economic and social developments in both countries, as well as current affairs in Africa and Europe. They reviewed bilateral political and economic relations, expressing satisfaction on the progress achieved in various areas of cooperation since the last Partnership Forum of 2015 and further agreeing to explore other areas of cooperation over the coming years, including in agriculture and education.
Noting that 2018 would see the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Ireland, both sides agreed to work together to commemorate this important anniversary and to strengthen ties between the two countries, including prioritising an exchange of high-level visits.
The parties acknowledged the good cooperation which existed on migration issues and agreed to further develop the relationship, including through technical visits.
At its conclusion, both parties expressed appreciation for the Partnership Forum, which had provided an excellent platform for dialogue and cooperation since 2004. The parties, demonstrating their commitment to increase cooperation, signed the Joint Declaration of Cooperation, which creates a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between South Africa and Ireland. The inaugural session of the South Africa-Ireland JCC will be held in 2019 in Dublin, Ireland. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER LANDERS DELIVERS OR TAMBO LECTURE |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Llewellyn Landers, in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Office in Pretoria, on 31 October 2017, delivered a lecture, themed: “Centenary of OR Tambo: Leveraging Multilateralism in Support of the Peace, Security and Development Nexus”, during a one-day symposium on multilateralism at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria. |
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The symposium took place within the context of several challenges facing the UN and the global governance system, such as resurgent nationalist sentiments. This pushback against multilateralism, coupled with the requirement to urgently address peace, security and developmental needs in a coordinated manner requires a new and effective approach to the use of multilateralism in support of these and other emerging challenges.
Therefore, the overall theme of the symposium considered the possibilities of leveraging multilateralism in support of the relationship between peace, security and development.
Participants, drawn from the Diplomatic Corps, civil society, academia and government, reflected on ways to leverage multilateralism, including in the UN system, to best respond to the contemporary global challenges.
Discussions are focused on current and emerging challenges to maintaining international peace and security, with a focus on Africa; institution-building for sustainable peace and security; the role of sustainable development in preventing the relapse of conflict; and the reform of multilateral structures with a focus on the UN Security Council.
Deputy Minister Landers said that global collective action, including by working through the UN, remained the hope for the billions around the globe to achieve peace, security and development.
“For this to be realised, however, multilateral organs such as the UN needs reform in all of its bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council to remain relevant and credible in order to address contemporary challenges.
“I wish to stress that for South Africa, a strong and effective multilateral system remains central to our vision of securing a better quality of life for all.” |
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| AMBASSADOR TAMBO GETS SMART ID CARD |
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| The smart ID card handover was timed to coincide with the centenary year of the South African icon as a tribute to the struggles waged by OR Tambo and his wife, Adelaide, in pursuit of human rights, citizenship and justice for all. |
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The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Fatima Chohan, recently handed over a smart ID card to South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy, Tembi Tambo, as part of the commemorations marking the centenary of her father, the late Oliver Reginald Tambo.
The initiative was also part of the general drive by the Department of Home Affairs to get all South Africans to apply for smart IDs. The department will work with various institutions and groups in the next few months to create awareness on the importance of smart IDs.
Presently, the department is engaging the family of the late Ahmed Timol and learners from Manenberg on the Cape Flats, as part of its roll-out.
“It is important for us to pay tribute to leaders such as Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, so that we can reflect on their values and the sacrifices they made to move the country forward.
“It is through their efforts, alongside many South Africans, that their children and grandchildren and millions of South Africans now have basic rights previously denied,” Deputy Minister Chohan said.
The four machines that are used to print smart ID cards were named after Sophie de Bruyn, Rahima Moosa, Helen Joseph and Lilian Ngoyi, leaders of the 1956 anti-pass laws march.
Smart IDs are more convenient than the current IDs and are much safer since personal information is carried in a computer chip on the card. The chip cannot be stolen from the card and neither can the information in it be duplicated. They will drastically reduce the potential for identity fraud
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MEMORIES OF THE STRUGGLE: AUSTRALIANS AGAINST APARTHEID AN EXHIBITION BY ASAA |
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| A multimedia exhibition launched last week, is showcasing a photographic timeline of events that weaves together a narrative of Australia’s involvement in the fight against apartheid. |
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The Australasian South African Alliance (ASAA), in partnership with the Australian High Commission in South Africa, Brand South Africa and Constitution Hill, recently launched an exhibition, titled: Memories of the Struggle: Australians Against Apartheid, at Constitution Hill, in Johannesburg.
This multimedia exhibition is a photographic timeline of events that weaves together a narrative of Australia’s involvement in the fight against apartheid.
It shares insights into the Australian contribution to the collapse of apartheid, such as the “Stop the Tours” movement, which served to sever cricket and rugby relations with apartheid South Africa. Such activism did not occur without political controversy or conflicts as related throughout the various sections of the exhibition.
“Brand South Africa is honoured to be partnering with the ASAA in the execution of the exhibition, especially at such a historical place such as Constitution Hill, which symbolises South Africa’s journey to democracy”, said Brand South Africa’s CEO, Kingsley Makhubela.
"We are indeed proud to be welcoming the exhibition within the Constitution Hill precinct, which indeed serves as an effective custodian and proponent of constitutionalism, human rights and democracy in South Africa. It is a living museum where the past, present and future collide in a unique paradox that celebrates the victory of our present-day democracy. A visit here leaves you forever changed with the unrelenting resolve ‘never again must one human being treat another human being in this manner'," said ConHill CEO Ms Dawn Robertson.
The exhibition, though focused on Australia, surfaces a largely unknown “history” and narrative among the local general public of the significant roles played by social justice activists around the globe in support of the anti-apartheid struggle whether through blockades of armament factories by workers in the United Kingdom (UK); the vigorous divestment campaigns on campuses throughout the United States of America; and the “End Bank Loans” and “Boycott Outspan Oranges” campaigns across most of Western Europe, the UK and Japan.
“This celebration of activism fits so well with the current (social justice) campaigns that prove you CAN make a difference. Principled and gutsy Australians helped make a difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Africans”, said former Chair of the Australian National African National Congress Support Committee, Jane Singleton.
“I hope that visitors to the exhibition leave with the knowledge that Australia was, and remains today, a friend and supporter of a free and democratic South Africa”, said Australian High Commissioner, Adam McCarthy.
– Source: www.brandsouthafrica.com |
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| FORD INJECTS R3 BILLION IN SA OPERATIONS |
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| Ford Motor Company has announced plans to inject R3 billion into its South African manufacturing operation. |
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The investment will be used to expand the production capacity of its best-selling model, the Ford Ranger bakkie.
As part of its future plans, the company also aims to introduce a new off-road variant to the market, the Ford Raptor. Investment in Ford Southern Africa has now reached nearly R10 billion since the current Ranger was launched in 2011.
The Ranger has been South Africa’s second most popular vehicle, including cars, for the past two years.
– Source: eNCA |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S YOUNGEST BLACK FEMALE CARDIOLOGIST – DR VIWE MTWESI |
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| South Africa’s youngest black female cardiologist, Dr Viwe Mtwesi, – who is just 32 – graduated from Wits College of Medicine recently. |
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She attributes her awesome accomplishment to her family who brought her up to believe in herself, and advises others to believe in yourself and then surround yourself with those who really believe in you.
Her other tip is to NOT always follow your heart … but to rather focus on what you’re good at. She told 702 that her heart’s desire had been to be an engineer, but Maths wasn’t her strong point … and so instead she capitalised on her strengths and studied medicine.
In an interview with IOL, Dr Mtwesi said: “You don’t need a high IQ or brains – all you need is hard work and determination. I was not the sharpest tool in the toolbox, but I made it. Stick to what you are good at, and not what you desire to be.”
Ambition also helps! Mtwesi is already an entrepreneur who owns a company called Rega Medical Tourism, putting people in touch with the right medical facilities when they’ve been diagnosed with a problem abroad.
Mtwesi grew up in the Eastern Cape and studied Medicine at Walter Sisulu University
She has been working at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital as a cardiology fellow (she finishes her training in December), and was awarded a Mandela Medallion Gold Medal by President Jacob Zuma a couple of years ago, for being part of the medical team that treated Nelson Mandela in his final days.
She says treating Mandela was an honour and “the most fulfilling moment”; and it taught her that “every person matters – I treat everyone with dignity and respect”. |
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| TAKE A WALK IN ALL OF SA'S NATURE PARKS WITH GOOGLE STREET VIEW |
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| If you can't physically visit one of South Africa's national parks, you can now see them online. |
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Search giant Google announced recently that all South Africa's national parks and reserves were available on the Google Street View platform.
A year in the making, the project aimed to create 360° imagery of the country's wildest areas and comprised 206 South African volunteers.
"The hundreds of volunteers who helped along the way, proved to be truly passionate about showing the best of South Africa through their participation in the loan programme," said Magdalena Filak, Programme Manager for Google.
Collectively, the volunteers trekked 900 km on foot in all nine provinces, explored 170 new trails, and encountered lions, cheetahs and elephants on foot.
"The Trekker camera is a 22-kg custom-made backpack, fitted with 15 cameras pointing in all directions. The on-board technology plots the camera's exact location on the trail. While recording, the camera takes a 360° photo every two seconds. It's basically the off-road equivalent of Google's Street View cars," said Andre Van Kets of loan programme partner, Drive South Africa.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation heritage sites, such as iSimangaliso Wetland Park, as well as Mapungubwe Hill, the Richtersveld and Drakensberg Mountains are some of the natural environments on display.
All of South Africa's 19 national parks are covered on the platform, which also has built-in functionality to give tourists an overview of the country's natural heritage.
"Harnessing technology allows SANParks to showcase the 19 South African national parks like never before. Google Trekker allows South Africans and foreigners to explore and discover what the different parks have to offer.
"We're really excited that this introduces a new dimension to planning a trip and what better way to do it than through a virtual itinerary which you can then make reality," said Janine Raftopoulos, SANParks Head of Communications.
– Source: Traveller24 |
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| MIRIAM MAKEBA INDUCTED INTO SA HALL OF FAME |
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| Late South African singer, actor, United Nations (UN) goodwill ambassador and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba was on Saturday, 4 November, inducted into the country’s hall of fame during the Unison celebration show. |
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She joins the likes of soccer legend Lucas Radebe and former President Nelson Mandela in the list of South Africans of exceptional accomplishment through their talent, skills, and successes.
Makeba’s international exposure came through her role in the anti-apartheid film, Come Back, Africa in 1959. One of the highlights of her role in the struggle, was her testimony against the South African government at the UN.
– Source: eNCA |
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| SPECMAN GETS NOD FOR WORLD RUGBY SEVENS PLAYER AWARD |
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| Blitzboks star Rosko Specman is one of the three players nominated for the 2017 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year. |
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World Rugby has revealed the shortlist for the Men's Sevens Player of the Year 2017 Award, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on 26 November.
The Blitzbok speedster was nominated alongside American Perry Baker and Jerry Tuwai of Fiji.
SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander, congratulated Specman on his nomination.
"Rosko had a great season and this is just reward for his efforts, which no doubt helped the Springbok Sevens team to conquer the world and win the overall 2016/17 World Rugby Sevens Series," said Alexander.
"He brought that 'Specmagic' to many rugby fields across the world and we are indeed privileged to have a player of his calibre in our midst. Credit must also go to the team and team structures, which allow him to perform at that level and well done to the management and coaching staff for making sure that the team and players can perform at the best of their ability.
"The fact that we had the previous two winners in Werner Kok (2015) and Seabelo Senatla (2016) proves that Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell and his team are doing something right."
The shortlist was selected by participating team managers, match officials and commentators on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17.
Powell said it is gratifying to see their system producing players of the highest calibre: "It is always a team effort and knowing how much Rosko contribute in that system, his nomination is just reward.
"He had an unbelievable season and always delivered when we needed him to. It is no co-incidence that he was part of all five tournament wins last season, something in itself a magnificent performance."
Specman played in 48 matches in the 2016/17 series and scored 20 tries and two conversions for the Blitzboks.
He earned five tournament titles, being part of the winning squads in Dubai, Wellington, Sydney, Las Vegas and Paris.
He was also named Player of the Tournament at the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| WORLD RUGBY BACKS SA FOR 2023 RWC |
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| South Africa’s hopes of hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup received a significant boost recently after the country was recommended as the preferred host nation. |
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This announcement was made by World Rugby after the global rugby governing body received an independent recommendation as to which country should host the 2023 tournament.
South Africa was named in preference to fellow bidders, France and Ireland, as the candidate best able to fulfil the agreed criteria laid out by World Rugby to deliver a successful and profitable tournament.
“Based on the evaluation contained in this report, the candidate that scored the highest marks and is therefore deemed to be the optimal candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2023 is South Africa,” said the report.
“It is the recommendation of the RWCL Board of Directors to the World Rugby Council that South Africa should be awarded the right to host Rugby World Cup 2023.”
South Africa still has to clear one final hurdle before the celebrations can begin.
The recommendation will now be put to the vote of the World Rugby Council in London on 15 November. All three candidates will appear on the ballot paper but World Rugby has stressed to its members that recommendation of the evaluation committee should be taken into consideration.
There are 39 votes at stake with a simple majority required to determine the eventual host nation. The candidate nations do not have a vote.
SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux, promised that South Africa would deliver a “Triple Win” Rugby World Cup in 2023.
“We told the World Rugby Council that we would deliver a triple win tournament when we presented to them last month – a win for the game with record receipts; a win for the fans with an unforgettable tournament in a bucket-list destination; and, most importantly, a win for the players with the most athlete-centric event in the tournament’s history,” said Roux.
“This nomination is confirmation of that belief and reward for an outstanding bid in which no detail was too small to be addressed or any question not comprehensively answered. We are 100% confident that the commitments we made in our document will be delivered. We will make all of world rugby proud of South Africa 2023.”
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| AMLA CRACKS TOP 10 T20 RANKING |
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| Proteas opening batsman, Hashim Amla, has broken into the top 10 of the ICC T20I batting rankings after South Africa won the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh, 2-0. |
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Amla's 88 runs in the series helped him gain five slots to reach seventh position. JP Duminy, who stood in as skipper for the injured Faf du Plessis during the series, has moved up three places to move into the top five of the all-rounder rankings.
Proteas batsman David Miller, who smashed a T20 record 35-ball century, moved up 16 places to 22nd in the batting rankings.
Meanwhile, Proteas spinner Aaron Phangiso moved up 19 places to lie 47th in the bowler rankings.
Imran Tahir, who was absent from the series, has dropped down the bowling ratings and currently sits in fifth position.
Du Plessis also dropped two places – to 12th – in the batting rankings.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| GARY PLAYER INDUCTED INTO PGA OF AMERICA HALL OF FAME |
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| Just a day after his 82nd birthday, South Africa’s legendary golf champion Gary Player was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, along with Renee Powell, Mickey Wright and Lew Worsham. |
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PGA said the sportsmen were a foursome that “impacted American and global golf”.
Player said he was honoured and that he’s “very grateful for what occurs in my life on a daily basis. I’m very happy in life and I’ve made so many great friends all over the world."
“I’ve always wanted to have the best global record. I’ve won in 15 different countries and travelled to beat the best players. Travelling is better than any college degree. I’ve experienced so many cultures, languages, religions and peoples. To experience so many interesting parts of the world is something you cannot obtain at even Harvard or Oxford University.”
The 2017 class was honoured at the PGA’s 101st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, United States of America. The PGA said: “This class captured many of the prize jewels of our sport; stood strong against social injustice; inspired junior players and future professionals … and [left] an indelible mark in our sport.”
They described one of the qualities of Honorary PGA Member Gary Player as “achieving the unprecedented”.
“The most travelled golfer at more than 26 million kilometers, Player wanted to be the global performer. He went on to win in 15 countries in 27 consecutive years, and won 168 professional events worldwide.
“In 1965, at age 29, he became the third to complete golf’s career Grand Slam. Today, he is one of only five to do so. With nine major championships on the PGA Tour and nine majors on the PGA Tour Champions, Player was the first player to complete the Grand Slam on both tours.”
Player turned professional in 1953, and joined the PGA Tour in 1957.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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