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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CHAMPIONS VACCINE EQUITY AT G7 |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all G7 members to support the waiver of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and engage in negotiations that will result in a balanced outcome to rapidly expand production in Africa and across the world. |
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“To successfully contain a virus of this nature, to limit loss of life and to prevent the emergence of new variants require that as many of the world’s population is vaccinated in the shortest time possible,” President Ramaphosa said.
He made the call at the G7 Leaders’ Summit session on “Building Back Stronger – Health”, held on Saturday, 12 June 2021.
Accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, the President arrived in Cornwall, United Kingdom, on Friday, to attend the G7 Leader's Summit at the invitation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The summit brought together leaders to discuss efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic and create a greener and more prosperous future for all.
President Ramaphosa was invited in recognition of South Africa’s leadership role on the continent and globally in the fight against the pandemic, including championing vaccine equity within and between nations.
The President used the platform to highlight the need to address substantial financing gap for tests, treatments, critical supplies like oxygen and health systems that enable testing, treatment and vaccination.
He said it was vital that G7 countries – which together account for more than half of global output – provided substantial support to the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.
“Since its formation a year ago, the ACT-Accelerator has supported more than 70 countries to expand lab infrastructure for testing and delivered millions of rapid diagnostic tests; accelerated development and production of vaccines; delivered more than 69 million doses since February 2021; and procured PPE (personal protective equipment) with a value of more than US$ 500 million,” President Ramaphosa said.
The ACT-Accelerator, he said, had the potential to fundamentally change the global trajectory of the disease, but “only if all countries contribute their fair share to close the US$16.8 billion funding gap for this year”.
“If all G7 countries met their fair share target, this initiative would be two-thirds funded – and it would be 90% funded if all G20 countries made their fair share contributions.
“If we are to save lives and end the pandemic, we need to expand and diversify manufacturing and get medical products to treat, combat and prevent the pandemic to as many people as quickly as possible,” the President said.
He noted that the proposed Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights waiver was a temporary, targeted and proportional response, which recognised the unprecedented nature of the pandemic.
“Addressing the intellectual property barriers, enabling the transfer of technology and know-how, while facilitating backward integration to raw materials and distribution rights, is fundamental for scaling up manufacturing of medical products and equipment.
“The negotiations must be concluded soon because the cost of inaction is measured in people’s lives. If the world is to emerge from this grave crisis, it is essential that we work together to mobilise and direct resources to those countries in the greatest need – and that we do so now,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President further commended the G7 and other countries present for the collective action taken to overcome the current global health crisis and the commitment to create a better, greener and more prosperous world.
Building back stronger
Meanwhile, in his opening remarks at the first session of the summit on Friday, Prime Minister Johnson lamented the inequalities that had been entrenched by the pandemic, which posed the risk of “being a lasting scar”.
“We need to make sure that as we recover, we level up across our societies. We need to build back better. I actually think that we have a huge opportunity to do that because as the G7, we are united in our vision for a cleaner, greener world.
“Together, I think there is a potential to generate many, many millions of high wage, high skilled jobs and I think that is what the people of our countries now want us to focus on.
“They want to be sure that we’re beating the pandemic together and discussing how to never have a repeat of what we’ve seen.
“[We must build] back better together, build back greener, build back fairer and build back more equal, and maybe in a more gender neutral [and] more feminine way,” Prime Minister Johnson said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO COMMEMORATE YOUTH DAY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 16 June 2021, commemorate Youth Day at a hybrid event to be held in KwaZulu-Natal. |
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This year marks 45 years since the uprising by school students against the mandatory use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction and the violent response of the apartheid government.
The shootings provoked protests throughout the country and intensified resistance to apartheid.
Youth Day will this year be commemorated under the theme: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Growing Youth Employment for an Inclusive and Transformed Society”.
Due to Alert Level 2 restrictions and the significant rise in COVID-19 infections, the commemoration will have a limited number of guests and key stakeholders, mainly youth, physically in attendance.
South Africans are invited to tune in on government digital platforms and major news channels to follow the day’s commemorative activities.
The President will provide an update on the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention announced at the 2020 State of the Nation Address, and will officially launch SAYouth.mobi, the National Pathway Management Network, to expand opportunities and support available to young people.
The National Pathway Management Network is a partnership between the National Youth Development Agency, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Department of Science and Innovation, Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Higher Education and Training, Department of Small Business Development and the Youth Employment Service.
Young people are encouraged to sign up to join the network and access opportunities through SAYouth.mobi.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa says progress has been made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. |
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“The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan is a necessary response to the severe economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The plan aims to ensure a swift and lasting economic recovery, with measures to limit the immediate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable workers and households, and to revive economic growth in the short and medium term.
“Significant progress has been made since the announcement of the plan less than eight months ago,” said the President, when responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, 10 June 2021.
The President said the Infrastructure Fund had been established, and its investment committee had been constituted.
“A total of R18 billion has been allocated to the Infrastructure Fund over the next three years for blended finance arrangements that will leverage private-sector funding.”
To achieve greater energy security, a total of 1 200 MW of new generation capacity has now been connected to the grid from projects approved through Bid Window 4 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme.
“A request for proposals has been issued for 2 600 MW of power from wind and solar PV projects through Bid Window 5.
“Eleven preferred bidders have been approved as part of the emergency power procurement programme, which will together deliver nearly 2 000 MW of power to the grid over the next 18 months.
“As I announced earlier this afternoon, Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act will soon be amended to increase the licensing threshold for embedded generation projects from 1 MW to 100 MW,” said President Ramaphosa.
Presidential Employment Stimulus
The Presidential Employment Stimulus, meanwhile, has supported close to 700 000 work opportunities across a range of programmes, through the creation of new work opportunities, the protection of existing jobs in vulnerable sectors and support for livelihoods.
Four sector masterplans are currently in implementation in the automotive, sugar, poultry, clothing, textiles, footwear and leather sectors.
“This approach, which relies on close collaboration with stakeholders to develop a tailored action plan for high-growth sectors, is already demonstrating results.
“According to data released by the South African Revenue Service, South Africa experienced a cumulative trade surplus of close to R150 billion for the first four months of this year.
“This reflects a massive increase in our exports to the rest of the world, driven largely by the unique strategic value of our mineral resources,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said funding for the measures contained in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan was included in the budgets of all national departments for their areas of responsibility, ensuring that the plan is mainstreamed in the work of government.
“Through the effective implementation of this plan, as well as the structural reforms that form part of Operation Vulindlela, we are reviving our economy and placing South Africa on a new growth trajectory.
“The success of the recovery plan is based on a strong partnership with business, labour and other social partners, as a whole-of-society effort to promote our economic recovery.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT: TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE A NATIONAL PRIORITY |
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| Protracted drought is one of the devastating effects climate change. |
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President Cyril Ramaphosa says transitioning to a low-emissions economy offers new opportunities for development.
“We must acknowledge that the transition to a low-emissions economy and climate-resilient society offers opportunities for new development, investment and job creation.
“It is therefore important that we understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with a climate transition,” the President said when he responded to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, 10 June 2021.
The President said tackling climate change was a national priority that required South Africa to meet its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement adaptation measures to protect individuals, communities and the economy from the effects of climate change.
“If we do not act now, and if we do not act together as a global community, we will be increasingly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement of populations and biodiversity loss.
“At the same time, the country’s response to climate change needs to be well managed to ensure that it does not negatively impact on the economy or exacerbate inequality, poverty and unemployment.”
The President said it was for this reason that The Presidency established the Presidential Climate Commission to identify a path towards a low-emissions economy and climate-resilient society that is just, promotes inclusive development and job creation and leaves no one behind.
The commission is constituted by members of various sectors of society, including business, labour, civil society, youth, research institutes and government.
“This signifies that we recognise the multidimensional nature of climate change and a just transition.
“Cabinet ministers, particularly those from the economic cluster, actively participate in the commission’s work to ensure that there is political oversight.
“As part of our response to climate change, public consultations have been underway on the draft updated Nationally Determined Contribution.
“This outlines the country’s targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Once finalised, the updated Nationally Determined Contribution will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ahead of the Climate Change Summit – known as COP 26 – in Glasgow in November,” said the President.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA DECLARES DIPLOMATS PERSONA NON GRATA FOR ABUSING DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES |
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| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently confirmed that it had, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, declared several diplomats persona non grata following an intensive investigation into their flouting of diplomatic privileges. |
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The department’s spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said diplomats were found guilty of engaging in illicit trade in duty-free alcohol.
This decision was taken in line with the Vienna Convention of 1961. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is fundamental to the conduct of foreign relations and ensures that diplomats can conduct their duties without the threat of influence by the host government.
However, in instances where such privileges are abused, the host country is obliged to take the necessary action in line with the convention.
To this end, the Government of South Africa gave the affected diplomatic staff members and their families 72 hours within which they should leave South Africa. They were also expected to relinquish their diplomatic status by returning all the necessary diplomatic tools to DIRCO.
Investigations of similar transgressions by other missions accredited to South Africa are at an advanced stage and similar action will be taken should they be found guilty.
Accordingly, the South African Government calls upon all diplomatic missions accredited to the Republic to respect, uphold and comply with all the laws of the land, including adherence with the prescripts of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO PAKISTAN FOLLOWING A TRAIN CRASH IN THE SINDH PROVINCE |
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| The South African Government has learnt with sadness of the Pakistani train collision in a remote part of southern Sindh province, which occurred on Monday, 7 June 2021, and caused the tragic loss of least 63 people. |
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| The South African Government extends its condolences to the Government of Pakistan following this accident and conveys its deepest sympathy to those families who lost their loved ones. The thoughts of the South African people are with the people of Pakistan, particularly the affected families. |
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| MINISTER DIDIZA HOSTS WEBINAR ON UN-INITIATED FOOD SYSTEMS DIALOGUE |
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| The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, on 11 June 2021 hosted a United Nations (UN)-initiated Food Systems Dialogue webinar. |
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South Africa has been selected as one of the countries to conduct the rapid food systems assessment through the National Systems Dialogue towards the UN Food Systems Summit. Food systems encompass every person and every process involved in growing, raising or making food, right through to consumption.
The dialogue intended to cover the involvement of all role players in the value chain, starting from farmers to fruit pickers to supermarket cashiers, flourmills to refrigerated trucks to neighbourhoods who own facilities from which consumers purchase products.
A significant part of the South African population is still faced with debilitating food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition and endemic poverty, which generally undermine livelihoods of households.
At global level, the UN is convening a Food Systems Summit in September 2021 to launch bold new actions to transform the way in which the world produces and consumes food. This is as part of the Decade of Action to deliver on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which, among others, have an objective to fight poverty and hunger. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S TRIGGERFISH WINS MIFA ANIMATION INDUSTRY AWARD AT ANNECY 2021 |
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| Proudly South African company Triggerfish has brought home another award from the international animation industry, adding to the growing number earned by the company. |
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The Annecy International Animation Festival has awarded Triggerfish the Mifa Animation Industry Award.
“This is to highlight the pioneering role that the company has played in animation in South Africa, and Africa most widely,” says Véronique Encrenaz, head of Mifa.
Previous recipients include Christopher Meledandri, founder of Illumination (“Despicable Me”); the co-founders of Aardman, Peter Lord and David Sproxton (“Wallace & Grommet”); Marc Bonny, the creator of Gebeka Films (“My Life As A Courgette”); Eric Beckman, founder of GKIDS (“Wolfwalkers”); and Women in Animation.
Handing over the 2021 award to Triggerfish CEO Stuart Forrest, Encrenaz celebrated the studio’s animation, which she said had “already earned a constellation of prizes”. Triggerfish’s first two films, “Adventures in Zambezia” and “Khumba”, sold nine million cinema tickets globally. Triggerfish also produced the upcoming 2021 feature “Seal Team” and animated the Academy Award-nominated Roald Dahl adaptation, “Revolting Rhymes”, as well as much-loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptations such as the 2021 Annie Awards winner, “The Snail and the Whale”, 2020 International Emmy winner, “Zog”, the BAFTA-nominated and Annecy-winning, “Stick Man”, and the Rose d’Or-winning “The Highway Rat”, all produced by Magic Light Pictures.
Encrenaz praised the way Triggerfish had helped with “structuring an industry to give all its professionals support”, playing key roles in setting up crucial pillars of the animation industry in South Africa, like the industry association, AnimationSA; the showcase and networking event, AnimationXchange; and The Cape Town International Animation Festival, originally called Kunjanimation. She also pointed to their support of The Animation School, both through bursaries and in taking on so many of their graduates.
In addition, she acknowledged the impact of their free online course, Triggerfish Academy, and the Triggerfish Story Lab, a Pan-African talent search that has already seen two series greenlit for the world stage: “Mama K’s Team 4” for Netflix and “Kiya” for eOne, Disney Junior and Disney+.
“I’m feeling so proud,” says Mike Buckland, head of production at Triggerfish, after watching Encrenaz’s video speech. “Sometimes you need a speech and a rabbit to remind yourself of how much you appreciate your partners and your team. Thanks to everyone who’s helped get us where we are.”
“We’ve been very fortunate to come of age in a time when the world really is looking for other voices,” says Forrest. “We know animation has a unique ability to cross boundaries, so we’re so excited to share the new wave of groundbreaking African creatives with the world.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| NETFLIX TO RELEASE FUN SERIES ABOUT RESIDENT SEABIRDS OF SIMON’S TOWN |
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| “Penguin Town” will be released by Netflix on 16 June and the series focusses on the hilarious antics of the Simon’s Town penguin colony. |
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South Africa is blessed to be home to the African Penguin. They are full of character and while they seem like they live pretty great lives, they also face their share of danger. Simon’s Town is home to a protected colony that lives on a beach famously known as Boulders.
For years, people could swim on the beach along-side the penguins. Since then, this has been discontinued and now you can only view the colony from the ramps built up over their beach.
Despite being located on these protected beaches, the penguins do get out and about the town. This is where Netflix steps in.
Netflix is releasing an eight-part series about South Africa’s penguins. It is called “Penguin Town”.
“You’ve never met penguins like these before. Forget ice and snow, this rowdy colony of African penguins are hitting the sun-drenched beaches and breaking all the rules. Filled with boisterous shenanigans and loads of adorable penguins, this eight-part series from Red Rock Films about the real lives of African penguins brings flipper-flapping fun and drama. Join the ride … this town is gonna get painted black and white!” – Netflix.
– Sources: Netflix and www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| KNITWITS CROCHETED THE BIGGEST SPRINGBOK BLANKET FOR CHARITY |
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| A total of 2 754 blankets have been put together to make up the world’s largest Springbok portrait blanket, which will be used to keep young and old warm this winter. |
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67 Blankets “Knit-Wits” worked hard to knit and crochet blankets to help set a new world record for South Africa: the world’s largest Springbok blanket portrait.
A total of 2 754 blankets were put together to make up the giant Springbok blanket. However, it has taken several months and hundreds of generous KnitWits, an affectionate name for those who knit or crochet blankets for 67 Blankets’ causes, to make all the blankets needed for the record.
Once the large blanket has been made and the record set, the blankets will be dismantled and donated to children’s homes, elderly care homes and other charitable organisations. Why the Springboks?
In 2019, the Springboks reminded South Africans that we are “Stronger Together”. With the pandemic hot on the heels of our victory, it became apparent that we needed to stick together to get through the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic.
Through it all, the “KnitWits” of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has embraced this iconic motto. On 9 June 2021, they were joined by Rassie Erasmus, John Smit and Tendai Mtawarira to show their colours in the #BokkeBlanket Reveal at Steyn City School, Steyn City.
The “blanket” covered the entire rugby field with the image of our iconic “Bok” and South African flag.
– Sources: 67 Blankets and www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SASCOC UNVEILS TEAM SOUTH AFRICAN KIT FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS, PARALYMPICS |
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| The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has unveiled South Africa's Olympic and Paralympic kit for this year's Tokyo Games. |
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At the ICC in Durban on Thursday, 10 June 2021, the apparel for South Africa’s athletes was on display in a fashion show.
Four local young designers worked with local sportswear retailer Mr Price Sport to design the official kit for the teams.
This is the first time that the South African Olympic and Paralympic team apparel is designed locally.
– Source: News24 |
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| SOUTH AFRICA BEATS WEST INDIES IN FIRST TEST, WITH RABADA ON THE RAMPAGE |
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| South Africa’s Proteas cricket team has won the first Test match against the West Indies, with fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada “on the rampage”… helping his team to victory by taking five wickets. The Proteas won – before lunch – by one innings and 63 runs. |
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Cricket South Africa said: “A clinical performance by the #Proteas sees them wrap up the first Test match on Day 3 at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia.”
The West Indies managed a score of 97 in their first innings, before being bowled out for 162 against South Africa’s 322.
After the victory, Proteas captain, Dean Elgar, said: “It was a collective effort by the side. There has been a lot of planning and there was a massive effort from us. I had asked the guys to score big hundreds and to take five wickets and we had three of those accolades in this match.”
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| CHAUKE JOINS LAUREUS AMBASSADOR RANKS |
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| Dumisani Chauke, assistant coach of the South African netball team, has been announced as the latest Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Ambassador. |
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Chauke joins a prestigious group of South Africans, including Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and star Amanda Dlamini, Olympic gold medallist Wayde van Niekerk and Springboks Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana.
Born in Limpopo, Chauke played basketball and soccer before getting involved in netball around the age of 10. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management at the Tshwane University of Technology and went on to play for the Proteas for several years.
She retired from international netball in 2014 to focus on her coaching at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where she was a player-coach before being made head coach. In 2016, she was appointed assistant coach for the baby Proteas and is currently the SPAR Proteas assistant coach.
Chauke has made a tremendous impact both on and off the court. She launched her Netball Foundation at Mangangeni Primary School in Malamulele. The foundation aims to empower young girls through netball coaching, life skills training, as well as various community-based programmes. She decided to give back to her community by establishing the foundation at her alma mater, where she nurtured her talent. The foundation has been a great success, reaching more than 500 girls across Limpopo and Gauteng provinces.
‘I am thrilled and humbled by this amazing gesture. This is a remarkable opportunity and I understand the power of sport and the immense impact it has on uplifting our communities. It is an honour to be part of this amazing organisation, that continues to do incredible work using sport as a tool for change to help those in need,’ said Chauke.
Laureus Ambassadors are a select group of both current and retired sportsmen and women who have achieved sporting greatness or made significant contributions to the sporting community during their careers. They are recognised as role models and icons of success and volunteer their services to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good.
– Source: www.teamsa.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA'S GARRICK HIGGO EARNS MAIDEN WIN ON PGA TOUR |
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| South Africa's Garrick Higgo earned his first victory on the PGA Tour in just his second start on Sunday, 13 June 2021, edging late leader Chesson Hadley to capture the Palmetto Championship at Congaree. |
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Higgo chased down Hadley on the back nine, shooting a three-under 68 for the round to finish at 11-under overall.
Hadley blew a two-shot lead with bogeys on his final three holes, finishing with a 75 at the South Carolina golf course.
The 22-year-old Higgo, of Johannesburg, earned US$1.31 million (R18 million) in prize money and an exemption on the tour until 2023. He is the second South Africa to win this season, joining Branden Grace.
"I worked so hard with my coach on my short game and my putting and I guess all this has paid off," Higgo said. "I am just happy I don't have to play a playoff right now.
"I am very lucky my mom was here. Hopefully, my family can come over."
The tournament at Congaree filled in for the Canadian Open, which was cancelled for a second straight year because of the global pandemic.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| JOY AS NAVEEN DARIES BOOKS HER SPOT IN TOKYO |
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| It was a day of firsts for South Africa at the recent 15th Individual African Gymnastics Championships in Egypt. |
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For the first time, a women’s team was represented by sisters with Zelme and Naveen Daries both contesting for a spot to the Olympic Games together with fellow teammate Mammule Rankoe. This trio was accompanied by fellow star Caitlin Rooskrantz, who travelled with the team to support the girls in their quest to qualify and get some much-needed international participation experience in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympics.
The girls competed on all four apparatus against strong competitors from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon in the pursuit of the two berths (only one per country) to the Olympics. Naveen, Zelme and Mammule recently took part in the African Champs Trials, which saw them all finish within a narrow margin of 0.500 points of each other, making entering this event anyone’s game within Team South Africa alone.
Following a strongly contested battle, Naveen Daries from South Africa and Zeina Sharaf from Egypt walked away with the coveted two Olympic qualification spots.
“It has been a tough 15 months with no international participation for the girls, with immense pressure with the Olympic qualification as their first competition back,’ says Ilse Pelser. ‘I am proud of how they applied themselves and adjusted on the day in their quest to qualify for the Olympic Games. Today, saw Naveen pull out every strategy to grab that coveted place.”
The results see South African women’s gymnastics qualify for the first time ever to the Olympics.
“We are so proud of our Women’s Team,’ said Donny Jurgens, President of Gymnastics South Africa. “All their hard work over many years is finally seeing the results. We can’t wait to see them on the Olympic stage in July following the Egyptian World Challenge Cup.”
Caitlin and Naveen remain in Egypt with coach Pelser and judge Paddy Chadwick to attend the World Challenge Cup before returning home for final preparations for Tokyo.
– Source: www.teamsa.co.za |
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| AKANI SIMBINE VICTORIOUS AT ROME DIAMOND LEAGUE |
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| While a 100-metre race lasts just 10 seconds, it took Akani Simbine most of that time to get going, but he did enough to clinch victory in the Rome Diamond League meeting on Thursday night, 10 June 2021. |
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The South African champion has spent the last few weeks training in Gemona, Italy, having last run at the national championships in Pretoria in mid-April.
His coach, Werner Prinsloo, told IOL Sport that he wasn’t expecting a seriously quick time from his athlete, and he was proven right as Simbine won in 10.08 seconds on a perfect night in Florence.
That made it two wins in two years, after he clocked 9.96.
Thursday’s time was well short of his season’s best of 9.99, but the 27-year-old will be delighted to have taken top spot against a solid field that included American veteran Mike Rodgers and Ivorian Arthur Cissé.
It was Antigua’s Cejhae Greene and Briton Chijindu Ujah who were the fastest out of the blocks, with Simbine taking a while to get going. Ujah exploded ahead at the 50m mark, but the South African stayed in touch and eventually caught up and just claimed the win on the finish line in 10.08.
Ujah grabbed second in 10.10, with Liberia’s Emmanuel Matadi third with 10.16.
For Simbine, though, it’s all about peaking at the Tokyo Olympics, and this is the first step on his journey to Japan
– Source: Independent Online |
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| RISING HOCKEY STAR EDITH MOLIKOE JOINS SOUTH AFRICAN HOCKEY SQUAD FOR OLYMPICS |
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| Edith Molikoe joins the South African hockey squad for the Olympics; this is the tale of her journey from school hockey to the Olympics. |
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Rising hockey star Edith Molikoe, a former Woodridge College pupil and 2019 head girl, is relishing the prospect of testing herself at the highest level after being named in the South African women’s hockey squad for this year’s Olympic Games.
The 21-year-old University of Pretoria student says she went through a wide range of emotions when she heard about her selection in a sport she fell in love with when she first made the Eastern Province U13 team.
Reflecting on her selection, she said: “To be honest, I knew I had worked hard, and there was nothing I could do but to be positive that I would make the team.
“It wasn’t easy at all because everyone was working hard to make the team, so when it was announced I was in shock the whole day. I just couldn’t believe that what I had been working for most of my life had turned into a dream come true, especially at my age.
“There were so many emotions and I know I did cry a lot as well,” she added with a smile.
“This means so much to me because it’s something that’s never happened in my family and I have learnt that no matter how old you are your dreams can come true.”
Her selection is a feather in the cap for Woodridge, based at Thornhill just outside Port Elizabeth, a co-ed school that has produced numerous national players over the years. However, Molikoe is the first Woodridgean to be selected for a women’s Olympic hockey squad.
College headmaster Derek Bradley and former coach Maxime Bird spoke of the significant impact the young star made in her time at the school from 2015 to 2019.
“Edith has been an excellent ambassador for the school, the province and the country,” said Bradley. “She was our head girl and hockey captain, was extremely popular and an outstanding role model.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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