For the first time in South African history, the SONA will be delivered outside the Parliament precinct, after the building was gutted in a fire in January. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the SONA at the Cape Town City Hall.

Addressing the media on the 2022 SONA state of readiness, Mapisa-Nqakula said organising this year’s event had been a logistical nightmare, as the fire threw preparations into uncharted waters.

She said: “The 11th-hour change in the venue has caused a serious setback in the planning and preparations, which ordinarily begin several months in advance. Parliament, in cooperation with the executive, has had to swiftly adjust and set in motion an around-the-clock, intensive implementation of programme of action plan to ensure SONA is neither derailed nor delayed”.

The Cape Town City Hall was where former President Nelson Mandela on 11 February 1990 addressed thousands of South Africans for the first time after his release from 27 years of incarceration.

The theme for the 2022 SONA is: “Following up on our Commitments: Making your Future Work Better”, consistent with the theme of the sixth Parliament.

''This theme reinforces the character of a people's Parliament and the spirit of the Constitution, which enjoins us to entrench and deepen democracy, and improve the quality of life of all South Africans.''

This year, as per tradition, President Ramaphosa will be ushered in by Imbongi Mosimanegape Jeremiah Jason, who will recite his poem in Setswana. The 31-year-old Jason is from Manthe village, in Taung, in the North West province.

The Speaker said since the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament had enhanced its ICT and started working in a hybrid manner.

“We confirm that we will continue with this approach for the SONA, together with the debate thereon and reply thereto,” she said.

In this regard, and in keeping with government regulations to manage the spread of COVID-19, 298 MPs will be seated in the chamber. A limited number of representatives of other arms of state, spheres of government, dignitaries and media will be allowed in the gallery.

She said: “The proportional representation of political parties was a key consideration in allocating seats to MPs. The National Assembly will be physically represented by 238 MPs, while the National Council of Provinces will have 75 delegates, including provincial premiers and SALGA representatives”.

She said dignitaries invited for physical attendance include former presidents, former presiding officers, SADC-PF President, the Dean and regional deans of the Diplomatic Corps and secretaries of provincial legislatures.

Former President Thabo Mbeki; former Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; and former speakers of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, Max Sisulu and Frene Ginwala, had all confirmed attendance.

“After the President’s address, the two Houses of Parliament will debate the address over two days, 14-15 February, and the President will reply on 16 February.

''The joint sitting will be broadcast live on radio and television and streamed live on the parliamentary website, parliamentary television on DSTV channel 408, and Parliament's YouTube channel.

“The satellite feed of the proceedings will be provided to all broadcasters and other multimedia platforms to ensure as many South Africans as possible have access to that day’s proceedings.''

She said Parliament was confidently ready to host the 2022 SONA.

“With crises comes opportunities; and we hope that this event will go down in history as another proud moment for our nation – notwithstanding the circumstances under which it is being held,” she said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The President was addressing the 31st forum of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

Over the past two years, a spate of coups and attempted coups have beset the West African region in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and most recently, Guinea Bissau.

“The promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance on our continent has become a particularly critical endeavour at this time.

“The resurgence of unconstitutional change of governments in parts of Africa is of concern, and we must continue to support the efforts of the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the AU Peace and Security Council in this regard,” he said.

Turning to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ramaphosa said the continent continued to “soldier on” in the face of the economic and social devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Africa, and indeed the world, has been engaged in an unprecedented struggle for our very survival. The pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of life and existence, and no sector has been unaffected.

“As much as COVID-19 has altered the human health landscape, it has had political ramifications as well, and will continue to do so for some time in the future. As Africa, a number of our developmental aspirations have been severely set back as we continue to marshal all our resources towards saving lives and protecting livelihoods. All of this notwithstanding, we soldier on, and have now turned our focus on the health, social, economic and political recovery,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that in a pandemic-dominated world, the APRM remained integral in the continent’s path for prosperity and good governance.

“The work of the APRM Forum has continued throughout the pandemic. This is testament to the resilience and endurance of this mechanism, as well as to the broad support it continues to receive from participating states.

“We know that the APRM is integral to our efforts to meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063, of a continent that is integrated, prosperous and peaceful,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the APRM must be strengthened to ensure that its mission to create political stability, economic growth, integration and sustainable development on the African continent through the sharing of experiences is realised.

“Next year, the APRM will be marking its 20th anniversary. We look forward to this, and it is an anniversary of which we can all be proud. Let us continue with the good work and spare no effort to ensure the APRM is strengthened, supported and becomes embedded across the continent,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The forum is one of the structures of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which aims to promote and protect human rights, consolidate democracy and advance good governance and the rule of law among African countries.

Addressing the country in his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa was one of the first countries to join the APRM in 2003 and has undergone two assessments.

He said the most recent assessment was last year, where the country was assessed on democratic and political governance, economic management, corporate governance, socio-economic development and state resilience.

“South Africa was also cited for its strong corporate governance, open budget processes and for the proliferation of corporate social responsibility initiatives. We were also praised for the evolution of our electoral system through the introduction of independent candidature for last year’s local government elections,” President Ramaphosa said.

With regard to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President said South Africa was congratulated for demonstrating resilience and global leadership.

He said the APRM Review Mission further commended South Africa for publicising its detection of the Omicron variant late last year, “despite the risks to its economy”.

“But the assessment also found several areas of concern. These include rising inequality and unemployment, corruption, incidents of xenophobia and poor service delivery.

“It recommended that government develop a barometer to measure inequality and tools to measure the efficacy of transformative programmes such as broad-based black economic empowerment, employment equity and land reform,” the President said.

The President said the country was taking these recommendations on board and exploring areas of alignment between the APRM National Programme of Action and the work of its National Planning Commission.

“It is greatly encouraging that despite pockets of instability, we have come a long way in consolidating democracy and good governance on the continent,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that the Africa Governance Report 2021, which South Africa presented to the AU Assembly over the weekend, noted progress in consolidating democracy and moving towards economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

At the same time, he said it recommended that leaders take urgent steps to address drivers of instability, such as growing youth unemployment, extremism, mass migration and deepening inequality.

“Because participation is voluntary, the APRM seeks to encourage good governance through self-assessment and peer review. Member states are encouraged to work towards compliance by addressing deficiencies and implementing their national programmes of action.

“While the APRM is not punitive, the African Union has itself taken decisive positions on states whose actions undermine the principles of the AU Charter and the AU’s Agenda 2063,” he said.

For example, he said following coups last year, Mali, Guinea and Sudan’s membership of the AU were suspended and last week, the AU also suspended Burkina Faso’s membership following a coup in the West African nation.

“At the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the AU, in 1963, Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah issued a clear warning to Africa’s leaders: 'Our people supported us in our fight for independence because they believed that African governments could cure the ills of the past … if now that we are independent we allow the same conditions to exist that existed in colonial days, all the resentment which overthrew colonialism will be mobilised against us'.''

The President said the APRM was one of the most important responses of Africa’s leaders to this danger.

“Just as South Africa’s fortunes are inextricably tied to those of the continent, we are also inevitably affected by political, economic and other forms of instability in Africa. This makes our participation in the APRM all the more critical,” the President said.

He emphasised that South Africa shared a responsibility, alongside its sister countries, to strengthen good governance in Africa.

“After all, good governance brings investment, development, peace, progress and, ultimately, shared prosperity,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The President was addressing the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change during the 35th ordinary session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

“COP26 recognises our right to develop our own development pathways towards shared global objectives, based on our national circumstances and the guiding principles of the [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change]. Foremost among them is equity, and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.

“A one-size-fits-all approach to complex issues such as a transition from fossil fuels that disregards the realties on the ground in Africa will simply not work, and is neither just nor equitable. Africa’s special needs and circumstances need to be recognised globally because of our natural resource-based economies, and owing to high levels of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment,” the President said.

He urged AU members to “promote and defend” the right of African and other developing nations to develop their own climate-change strategies.

President Ramaphosa added that these countries must also be given support “in the form of finance, technology and capacity-building” for these strategies to be implemented and carried out.

“Developed economy countries have agreed to support the implementation of just transitions that promote sustainable development, poverty eradication and the creation of decent work and quality jobs.

“It is still of concern that the necessary financial flows to enable developing economy countries in particular to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change remain vastly inadequate,” he said.

The President reflected that global warming had a costly impact on the countries on the continent.

“Africa is experiencing the worst impacts of phenomena associated with global warming such as droughts, floods and cyclones. Climate change impacts are costing African economies between 3% and 5% of their GDPs. Despite not being responsible for causing climate change, it is Africans who are bearing both the brunt and the cost,” he said.

President Ramaphosa urged that countries continue to collaborate to address climate change and its repercussions.

“The nations of the world can only address the global climate change crisis by working together. All parties should honour their undertakings and commitments, and base their climate actions and policies on latest available science. They should furthermore respect the UNFCCC’s guiding principles,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Nkosikazi Mhlauli made history when she was elected – unopposed – as the first woman to lead the body of traditional leaders in January.
She was elected following the passing of former Chair, Inkosi Sipho Mahlangu.

“We welcome Nkosikazi Mhlauli as a leader who has been elected to serve traditional communities and our nation in this distinguished and important role. I congratulate Nkosizaki Mhlauli on her election and look forward to her leadership and the continued contribution of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to the development of our nation,” President Ramaphosa said on Wednesday, 3 February 2022.

Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo will serve as Deputy Chairperson of the body.

The President highlighted that traditional leaders still played a pivotal role in South Africa.

“Traditional leaders and communities are vital in shaping our national character and social cohesion, and in building an inclusive economy that draws on and leverages indigenous knowledge systems, customs, land and natural assets shared by traditional communities.”

The President is expected to officiate at the opening of the House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San Leaders in Cape Town later this month.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The White House formally announced the decision in a statement on Saturday, 5 February 2022.

Brigety acknowledged the nomination on Twitter, saying: "I am deeply honored to be officially nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next United States (US) Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. I look forward to the confirmation process in the United States Senate."

The 47-year-old American diplomat and academic will take up the position held vacant since the departure of Lana Marks at the end of former President Donald Trump's administration.

Brigety currently serves as an adjunct senior fellow for African Peace and Security at the Council on Foreign Relations, and as a member of the board of counsellors of McLarty Associates in Washington, DC.

Prior to that, he served as US Ambassador to the African Union, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and as permanent representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, among other things.

The Cambridge-educated Brigety has a doctorate in International Relations and previously served as the vice chancellor and president of the University of the South in Tennessee.

Former US Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, tweeted on Saturday night: "To my friends in South Africa, please trust that @POTUS could not have made a better selection to be the next ambassador to your great nation. @ReubenBrigety is a skilled diplomat, committed humanitarian, rigorous academic, passionate Africanist, and just a good man. Brilliant!!"

– Source: www.news24.com

The Berg Estuary in the Western Cape was declared as a Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in time for the marking of World Wetlands Day.

“The declaration of South Africa’s 28th Ramsar site is an indication of the importance of conserving and protecting these unique environments that are considered super ecosystems because of their contribution to the provision of water and because they provide habitats to a large variety of migratory birds, especially water birds,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Wednesday, 2 February 2022.

The Berg Estuary, which is one of 290 estuaries in South Africa, is the second wetland of international importance to be declared in the country in two years.

In 2021, the Ingula Nature Reserve in the northern Drakensberg was declared the country’s 27th Ramsar Site.

Situated at Velddrif, close to St Helena Bay where the Berg River flows into the sea, this estuary spans an area of 1 162 ha. The West Coast fishing village is situated in the Bergrivier Local Municipality.

“The Berg River forms one of only four estuaries on the West Coast of southern Africa that always have water. This is in addition to the main estuarine channel, which is a floodplain encompassing five major wetland types of importance to 250 species of waterbirds. These are ephemeral pans, commercial saltpans, riparian marshes, saltmarshes (which are the third-largest on the cape coast) and intertidal mudflats,” the Minister said.

Although estuaries comprise less than 2% of South Africa’s territory, these highly productive ecosystems contribute R4.2 billion per annum to the South African economy.

“They are focal points for development, tourism and recreation, as well as important for supporting biodiversity, livelihoods and marine fisheries. The Berg Estuary, in particular, contributes about 60% of the estuarine habitat on the West Coast and is therefore extremely important in terms of the biodiversity, cultural and economic activities that it supports,” Minister Creecy said.

Despite their significance to human life, wetlands are threatened nationally and globally.

The 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment found that at least 79% of South Africa’s wetland ecosystems are threatened.

Of these, 48% of wetland ecosystem types are critically endangered, 12% are endangered, 5% are vulnerable and 35% are least threatened, making wetlands the most threatened ecosystems of all in South Africa. Over 70% of South Africa’s wetland ecosystem types have no protection and only 11% are well protected.

The report emphasised the role of rivers, wetlands and their catchments as crucial ecological infrastructure for water security and often complementing built infrastructure.

Major threats to these freshwater systems include over-extraction of water, pollution, invasive alien species, habitat loss, land-use change and climate change.

Minister Creecy said by addressing threats to the productive use of land and water, and the functioning of natural systems, South Africa not only supports sustainable livelihoods for local people through integrated landscape management that strives for resilient social-ecological systems, but secures strategic water resources and wetlands.

“By building a new deal for people and nature, work is being done to secure strategic water sources and wetlands in South Africa, which is a water-scarce country. These strategically important areas supply water that sustains 60% of the country’s population, more than 90% of urban water users, 67% of national economic activity and 70% of irrigated agriculture,” the Minister said.

World Wetlands Day is marked annually on 2 February, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

“As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, South Africa remains committed to working towards the wise use of all wetlands through effective land-use planning and the development of appropriate policies and legislation, management actions and public education to protect these natural purifiers of water resources,” she said.

The 2022 World Wetlands Day theme was “Wetlands Action for People and Nature”.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In a statement, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the first prize winners would receive their prizes and certificates on the margins of the 42nd SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The awards were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional cooperation and integration in the region. The first prize winner in each category will receive US$2500 and the runner-up receives US$1000.

“To promote regional integration and cooperation (cross-border issues), the awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region,” GCIS said.

Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from the www.sadc.int and www.gcis.gov.za websites.

The forms and the 2022 competition rules can be found on the link below:

https://www.gcis.gov.za/newsroom/media-releases/launch-2022-sadc-media-awards-competition

All entries must be submitted not later than 28 February 2022.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The list was compiled by travel media company Big 7 Travel.

Lion Sands, Ivory Lodge in Mpumalanga, and La Residence in Franschoek were listed among the world’s most romantic destinations. Included on the list are hotels from Aruba, Botswana, Bali and France, to name a few.

In January this year, South Africa was named the sixth-best honeymoon destination by the Big 7 Travel readership. According to 1.6 million international travellers from Big 7 Travel, South Africa is the place to be to celebrate your love, whether that be on a honeymoon or for a romantic getaway.

Lion Sands, Ivory Lodge – Mpumalanga

The lodge earned the 33rd spot on the list.

“Ivory Lodge thinks of everything – from your champagne of choice in the maxibar to unique dining under the stars. Guests staying at Ivory Lodge can also spend a night or two in a luxury treehouse.

“The Kingston Treehouse is built on boulders, across a small drawbridge, with lanterns to light the way. The pictures speak for themselves …”

La Residence, Franschoek – Western Cape

La Residence earned the 29th spot on the list.

“Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30 acre estate, La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards. One of the world’s most romantic hotels.

“A romantic and indulgent paradise that’s filled with rich fabrics, wonderful artwork and antique furniture. Guests dine either in their suite or the central Terrace Room, beside a fire or the stunning double rim-flow pool.”

– Sources: Big 7 Travel and www.goodthingsguy.com

Described as a modern steakhouse with creative flair, Wits Steakhouse quietly opened in Dallas' trendy Design District at the start of 2022, nearly 15 000 km away from the university after which it is named.
 
It's not just the restaurant's name and some of its dishes which draw inspiration from South Africa; some of the décor also has a touch of Johannesburg. Bookcases, ostensibly a nod to the university, dot the walls, while a trunk full of "gold bars" point to Johannesburg's development in the first place.

The 370m² steakhouse can accommodate around 80 diners. It also features a private area that seats 40, a semi-private chef's table and a large patio.

The restaurant, which is only open for dinner service, was created by owner Richard Ellman, founder of Apheleia Restaurant Group, which owns three other restaurants in Dallas.

Ellman, although born in Gqeberha – formerly known as Port Elizabeth – never studied at Wits.

"We moved to Dallas when I was seven and I've lived here the majority of my life," Ellman told Business Insider South Africa, adding that his mother attended Wits, and that's what inspired the name.

"I still have quite a bit of family in South Africa and it's where my roots are. Wits is a way to bring attention to South African food and culture and hopefully it provides a small taste of the homeland for the many South Africans living in Dallas."

The restaurant serves traditional steakhouse dishes, like tomahawk steaks and ribeye. It also experiments with starters like wagyu meatballs and matzah ball soup.

The uniquely South African flavours start with a serving of biltong and include a free-range chicken braai with roasted peppers and sunchokes, which costs US$28 (or around R430).

The South African influence comes through even stronger when it comes to the drink's menu. Diners can enjoy Windhoek Lager; technically from Namibia but much-loved in South Africa. They can also sip on cocktails called the "Gold Digger" and "Mine Cart".

Bottles of wine from Mulderbosch, Hamilton Russell Vineyards and Simonsig also represent South Africa.

"We hope to exceed expectations with our steaks and seafood by offering guests a different experience than they might expect," said Ellman.

"Because we are not the typical Texas steakhouse, we are taking a chance and embracing what sets us apart."

– Source: Business Insider

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the West Indies women set the Proteas women a target of 175 for victory.

The Proteas reached 175 in the 40th over for the loss of just four wickets to register victory and win the series.

Openers Deandra Dottin and Rashada Williams combined for a paltry 19 for the first wicket. Shabnim Ismail removed Williams for six in the fifth over. Dottin and Kycia Knight rebuilt the visitors’ innings with their 65-run partnership, taking them to 84.

Dottin was next to depart. She was caught for 36 by captain, Sune Luus, off the delivery of Ismail to leave the West Indies on 84 for two.

The West Indies women lost wickets at regular intervals and were all out for 174.

Afy Fletcher was the last wicket to fall after she was caught behind by Sinalo Jafta for six, off the delivery of Nadine De Klerk.

Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits had an opening partnership of 38 for the Proteas women.

Wolvaardt was caught at midwicket for 23 off the delivery of Aaliyah Alleyne in the 10th over. Fletcher then removed Britz for 20 in the 12th over to leave the hosts on 56 for two. Andrie Steyn and Luus’ 92-run partnership lifted the hosts innings to 144.

But the Proteas captain was removed for 47 by West Indies captain, Anisa Mohammed, with the hosts needing 31 for a win. Chloe Tryon and Mignon du Preez took the Proteas over the line with the hosts winning by six wickets in the 40th over.

– Source: www.sabc.com

Fellow South African Zakhele Siwela assisted Gomes along with Lesotho's Souru Phatsoane and the Democtac Republoc of Congo’s Olivier Safari Kabene.

The highly respected Gomes became the first South African to ever officiate in an AFCON final.

Senegal became champions for the first time in the country's history. Senegal outlasted Egypt in the final on Sunday, winning a penalty kick shootout (4-2) after the two sides were scoreless through 120 minutes. It's the first-ever AFCON title for Senegal, who denied Egypt their eighth championship.

– Source: www.news24.com

Team Qhubeka has announced the 2022 team and two South Africans are on it this year. Nicholas Dlamini makes a return to the team as a rider and mentor while 19-year-old Travis Stedman joins as a new rider.

The team boasts a wide range of diverse talents from South Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Italy. Team Qhubeka plays a crucial role in cycling’s fabric, with over 50 riders from Africa having had the opportunity to grow through the programme and race at the highest level, which in 2019 saw Samuele Battistella crowned the under-23 World Champion.

26-year-old Dlamini from Cape Town has accepted the unique role as a mentor and rider for the Team Qhubeka UCI Continental team. The team is based in Lucca, Italy. Dlamini graduated from the team’s development outfit before turning professional in 2018.

“I am really excited to stay with Team Qhubeka as the team means an enormous amount to me and is a part of my DNA. To continue to support the Qhubeka Charity in racing for a purpose is completely unique across not only cycling, but all sport.

“The team has given me personal opportunities, including being able to fulfil my childhood dream and to ride at the Tour de France. This year, I will fill a mentorship role to the under 23 riders in the squad. Having moved through the ranks and now being able to mentor the youngsters in the team and show them the ropes, will be extremely fulfilling for me.

“Regarding the Tour de France, there is unfinished business and I would love to go back to the Tour to finish what I started; I still have a lot of years ahead of me to race my bike and to achieve my dreams and goals.”

– Sources: www.goodthingsguy.com