The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.

According to the United Nations (UN), the conflict has led to hundreds of confirmed deaths, the internal displacement of at least 850 000 people along with at least 1.2 million people fleeing the Ukraine.

He said government remained resolute in its belief that the resolution of the conflict could be attained through negotiations.

“It is our hope that negotiations between Russia and the Ukraine yield positive outcomes that pave the way for the end of the conflict. Even though the pace of negotiations may proceed slowly, there is progress nonetheless. Every effort of the international community should be oriented towards supporting these talks, and to bringing the two sides together,” he said.

The President reflected that South Africa itself had shown that negotiations between conflicting parties could bear fruit.

“Our own experience with ending apartheid, and our country’s role in mediating conflict elsewhere on the continent, has yielded a number of insights.

“The first is that even the most seemingly intractable differences can be resolved at the negotiating table. The second is that even as talks may collapse, they can and do resume, as was the case in our own negotiating process. And that even when it seems the parties cannot see eye to eye, breakthroughs can and do happen,” he said
.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that government’s call for negotiations co-existed with its commitment to the protection of human rights.

“That we continue to support the call for negotiations and dialogue does not render our commitment to human rights any less. Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have expressed our concern at the impact of the conflict on civilians, believing that war is not the solution to conflict and that it leads to human suffering.

“Our country is committed to advancing the human rights and fundamental freedoms not only of our own people, but for the peoples of Palestine, Western Sahara, Afghanistan, Syria and across Africa and the world,” he said.

Abstaining from voting

President Ramaphosa explained that South Africa chose to abstain from the UN resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine because “the resolution did not foreground the call for meaningful engagement” between the two parties.

The resolution was passed at an emergency gathering of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 2 March 2022.

“South Africa expected that the UN resolution would foremost welcome the commencement of dialogue between the parties and seek to create the conditions for these talks to succeed.

“Instead, the call for peaceful resolution through political dialogue is relegated to a single sentence close to the conclusion of the final text. This does not provide the encouragement and international backing that the parties need to continue with their efforts,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President warned that the consequences of any war within that region would reverberate throughout the world.

“There have been some who have said that in abstaining from the vote condemning Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, South Africa has placed itself on the wrong side of history. Yet, South Africa is firmly on the side of peace at a time when another war is something the world does not need, nor can it afford. The results of these hostilities will be felt globally and for many years to come.

“A cessation of hostilities may indeed be achieved through force of arms or economic pressure, but it would be unlikely to lead to a sustainable and lasting peace,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called on the UN Security Council to align energies towards finding a peaceful resolution between the Ukraine and Russia.
“Calling for peaceful negotiation is aligned with values upon which the UN was founded. We are particularly concerned that the UN Security Council was unable to discharge its responsibility to maintain peace and security. This gives impetus to the long-standing calls for the Security Council’s reform to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“The UN Charter enjoins member states to settle their disputes by peaceful means in the first instance, stating explicitly that parties to any dispute should first seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and similar mechanisms. Since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, South Africa’s position has been to affirm this call,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said negotiating a way towards a “cessation of hostilities” could bring sustainable peace to the region, which has suffered some form of conflict for decades.

“The peoples of Russia and Ukraine – two neighbours whose histories, peoples and fortunes are inextricably bound together – deserve a peace that is durable, sustainable and lasting,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have extended the employment of 1 495 members of the South African National Defence Force for a service in fulfilment of an international obligation of the Republic of South Africa towards SADC,” President Ramaphosa said in a letter dated February 28 to National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

He said the extension covered the period from January 16 to April 15, at an expected cost of R984,368,057.

South African soldiers have been in Mozambique since July last year and were initially deployed for three months. In October last year, President Ramaphosa extended their deployment by three months, which lapsed on January 15.

Mozambique was besieged in March last year by insurgents allegedly linked to the Islamic State who overran the gas fields town of Palma, killing dozens of people and displacing many.

– Source: TimesLIVE

Relations between South Africa and Norway are founded on strong Nordic support and solidarity during the struggle for freedom in South Africa. These relations are based on mutually shared values of democracy, equality and social justice, as well as mutually beneficial bilateral economic trade and cooperation.

Bilateral relations continue to expand and intensify, and the two countries cooperate on regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

The Deputy Minister also held consultations with Halvard Ingebrigtsen, Norwegian Secretary of State to the Minister of Trade and Fisheries, and visit the Nobel Peace Centre for a roundtable discussion with the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs (NUPI) on South Africa’s foreign policy and peace and security.

Deputy Minister Botes’ delegation participated in a business seminar hosted by the Norwegian-Africa Business Association, with a focus on green energy and South African investment opportunities in this field. Deputy Minister Botes had an opportunity to promote South Africa as an investment destination.

On Thursday, 10 March 2022, Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, announced Dangor's appointment as DG of DIRCO following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

Dangor and two other appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the relevant clearance.

Dangor has served as Minister Naledi Pandor's special adviser since June 2018.

Before that, he had a short stint at the Soul City Institute – an organisation geared at women's rights.

He spent 10 years at the Department of Social Development, where he worked as chief operations officer, special adviser and then DG.

– Source: www.news24.com

These students, many of whom have limited resources, were forced to flee Ukraine into neighbouring countries in the wake of the raging armed conflict.

The students and other nationals crossed into neighbouring countries like Hungary, Polandons, Romania and Slovakia. Most didn’t have the means to return home.

After learning of the plight of these students, Aspen Pharmacare joined forces with DIRCO to expedite both the travel arrangements and funding required to assist with their safe return to South Africa. The first group of 10 students arrived on 10 March 2022 on an Air France flight at OR Tambo International Airport.

Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade, said, “The Ukraine conflict has created a significant humanitarian crisis, from which a number of South African students studying abroad in the Ukraine have been severely impacted. After the weekend appeal to our Government and Corporate South Africa from many of these students,  Aspen, which has a presence in Ukraine and neighbouring territories, decided to join forces with South African Government to ensure the timeous and safe return of these students to their home country, so that they can be united with their loved ones. Our students are our future, and it is important that the Spirit of Ubuntu prevailed and that together with our government, we were able to move swiftly to ensure their safe and timely return. We hope that they will be able to resume their studies in the not-too-distant future. Aspen is particularly privileged to have played a role at this time where we are witnessing a global humanitarian crisis unfold before our eyes. We expect 23 of the 25 students to be safely home by the weekend and remaining two to return during next week”.

Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General of DIRCO, said, “We would like to thank Aspen Pharmacare for heeding the call of our government to partner with us and bring our citizens back home. We also want to extend a word of gratitude to all our ambassadors, team of diplomats and South African volunteers (at home and abroad) who played a role in this project. This is the diplomacy of Ubuntu in practice”.

With globally-benchmarked health and safety protocols in place, South Africa is poised to not only give travellers a life-enriching experience with its wide variety of tourism experiences and products, but travellers can have the comfort of knowing that they will be safe enjoying their time in South Africa.

The “Live Again” Global Brand advert captures the story of a young traveller’s life-changing journey through South Africa. Feeling numb, she leaves her home country and heads to South Africa. From the moment she arrives, she starts to reawaken as she begins to experience South Africa and its amazing people. It is a showcase of captivatingly beautiful landscapes, dynamic culture and people, vibrant night-life and exquisite cuisine.

Headlining the launch, South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, spoke of the South African tourism sector’s intent to restore tourism’s allure; “Resilience, industriousness and adaptability are part of the indefatigable South African spirit. Fuelled by these qualities, and driven by an unshakable conviction that we can and must climb back to the peaks we have previously summited with tourism in our country, we boldly announce to the world that South Africa is open and ready to welcome all visitors”.

Minister Sisulu added that “the goal is simple, albeit daunting under the circumstances – restore the sector to its pre-COVID-19 pinnacle and take it even higher. The aim is to use this to catapult South Africa’s tourism sector to the forefront of the country’s economic recovery effort and position South Africa as a safe and secure destination.”

Also speaking at the launch, SA Tourism Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mzilikazi Themba Khumalo, said: “This campaign sums up South Africa’s resolve to not postpone living life to the fullest one moment longer. It taps into South Africans’ renowned optimism and resilience that have stood this nation in good stead at every turn when we faced seemingly intractable challenges. Through it all, we never lose our zeal for life and we’re inviting the world to approach the COVID-19 situation in the same way. We are inviting everyone to come experience the unique sounds and textures of South African cultures and experience.

''We’re saying it’s time to ‘Live Again‘ but to continue to observe COVID-19 safety protocols.”

“The 'Live Again' brand campaign entails the country’s brand promise to deliver the ultimate leisure and business events travel experiences that will re-energise body, mind and spirit. Through the South African song created especially for the film – weaving in sounds and textures of this rich tapestry of people and experiences, we continue to extend our signature hospitality with grace and gratitude,” adds Khumalo.

South Africa welcomed 2 255 699 arrivals in 2021. Already, green-shoots of what promises to be a strong recovery of the sector are increasingly observable, with thousands of travellers making their way to our shores to scratch the travel itch that has been bugging them for two years.

Kingdoms of Fire, Ice & Fairy Tales (available to view on Showmax in South Africa and to international subscribers) has already scooped several global accolades around the world, including an Award of Excellence from Impact DOCS’ for De Bod’s on-screen presenting and narration.
Acclaimed film critic Leon van Nierop said:

“Kingdoms is breathtaking, but it is the enthusiasm and respect with which Bonné de Bod observes nature, that makes it so remarkable. The way in which she almost becomes one with the landscapes, is what is the driving force behind this film.”

The film takes place in pristine wildernesses ranging from the world’s greatest national park, Yellowstone, to the iconic Black Forest and then to the frozen lands of the Arctic Circle. Kingdoms was also awarded Best Travel/Nature Documentary at the New York Cinematography Awards; and was selected for several international film festivals.

In further good news, the two South African women are currently on location filming a follow-up to Kingdoms!

De Bod and Scott say their partnership with Multichoice in Africa, and now ARTE in Europe “gives the Kingdoms films a larger audience to showcase the beauty of the planet and hopefully inspire these audiences to connect further with nature.”

– Source: www.sapeople.com

Goodman is a father, photographer and passionate surfer, born and raised in the beautiful city of Cape Town. His career began 16 years ago in the local film industry, working as a cinematographer, shooting mainly commercials, short films, documentaries and feature films. But he has always had a strong pull towards still images and eventually transitioned to the world of still photography.

Hasselblad Masters is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s most prestigious professional photography competitions. In fact, a list of some of the past winners reads like a list of some of the most prominent names in professional photography over the past 30 or 40 years: Anton Corbijn, Patrick Demarchelier, Albert Watson and Mary Ellen Mark, among others. The winners are chosen through a combination of a public vote and a professional Hasselblad Masters Jury comprised of internationally renowned photographers and imaging experts.

The 2021 competition received a record-breaking number of over 63 000 submitted images.

Goodman was the winner of the Art Category, having submitted three photographs from three different shoots as part of his entry.

“As this is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the world of photography it’s a very surreal and humbling experience. Even more so, is now being part of the Hasselblad family – a brand I’ve admired from the beginning of my photography journey,” he says of his win.

As well as being named a “Hassleblad Master” as part of his prize, he will be partaking in fulfilling a brief for a new collaborative project set by the brand.

“Each winner receives a new Hasselblad camera system and lens to keep, as well as a theme/brief from Hasselblad – we are then asked to conceptualise an 8 -10 image series based on this theme. We pitch our concept to the Hasselblad team and receive a budget to help finance the production. The images are then printed and released in the biennial Hasselblad Masters book,” he explains.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Mokoka has won national titles in his career, ranging from 1 500m up to the marathon. His marathon best is 2:07:40 from Shanghai in 2015, while he set the South African half marathon record when running 59:36 to place seventh at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia.

South Africa's Tete Dijana was runner-up to Mokoka, clocking 2:44:08, with compatriot and 2019 Comrades winner, Edward Mothibi, third in 2:45:27.

Given the increasing popularity of 50-km road races, the decision to add the distance to the list of events for which world records are recognised was made at the World Athletics Council meeting in Tokyo in July. Negasa's 2:42:07 was then ratified as the inaugural men's world 50-km record at the start of this year, while the 3:04:24 run by South Africa's Irvette van Zyl in the same 2021 event was ratified as the world 50-km record for a women-only race.

In Sunday's women's race, Ethiopia's Amelework Fikadu Bosho won in a dominant time of 3:04:58.

Kenya's Shelmith Muriuki was second in 3:08:30, while Van Zyl was third in 3:13:23.

– Source: www.news24.com

Binder started the season's qualifying session on Friday with the fastest time and then qualified to start seventh on the grid for the race on Sunday, 6 March 2022.

Binder got off the line in great form, going straight to third place from the start in seventh from the grid. He took second place fairly early in the race and managed to keep his position throughout the race until the last few laps and slipped back to third.

Pol Espargaro lost his second place with just a few laps to go, handing the place back to Binder, while his brother Aleix Espargaro was fourth behind Binder.

Marc Marquez stayed on Binder's tail in fourth place during the race, but slipped down to fifth at the end of the race.

Darryn Binder, who started his debut premium class race at the back of the grid in 24th place, worked his way up to 16th place with a great effort.

– Source: www.news24.com

Ayabonga Khaka was the star, claiming figures of 4/32 (10) to land the Player of the Match Award.

Along the way, Khaka also notched up a significant milestone by becoming just the fifth South African woman to reach 100 wickets in ODI cricket. 
 
It was an emotional moment, and speaking after the match, Moreeng said that the dedication Khaka had consistently given to becoming a better bowler meant she was fully deserving of the success she was enjoying now.

"She has been one of the unsung heroes of this attack," said Moreeng.

"Ayabonga has been one of those very consistent cricketers who has been economical and worked extremely hard around the game and how to improve.

"The accolades that she's getting is because of the hard work she's been putting in over the years and the professionalism she shows in everything she does.

"She's a very good student of the game and she assesses conditions and opposition extremely well, and maybe that's what gives her the edge on days when the chips are down.

"We're very proud of her."

Khaka and the Proteas will next be in action when they take on Pakistan on Friday.

– Source: www.sport24.com

Goosen finished the tournament at 15-under 198.

The win is a noteworthy one for the two-time United States Open champion, who underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season. It was his second win on the PGA Tour Champions, having also won the 2019 Senior Players event.

KJ Choi finished second after a final-round 66, while Lee Janzen (69) and Stephen Ames (67) tied for third at 9-under.

– Source: www.news24.com

“This exciting international event will put Cape Town firmly on the global racing circuit, showcasing the city to audiences around the world. This will help bring more people to Cape Town, driving economic recovery and growth.

“It will attract a new market of racing enthusiasts to visit Cape Town. Our city has a strong local racing community, and I know they’ll be thrilled with this event. There are so many benefits to bringing Formula E to our city. Hosting this global event will help Cape Town create job and business opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The city’s contribution in preparing for this massive event will have extensive economic benefits.

“The Mother City is raring to host another world-class international motor sporting event. Cape Town has already shown its skill in hosting major international motor sporting events such as the FIA Rallycross Championship, the Extreme Festival National Championship at Killarney, as well as the annual Drift City at the iconic Grand Parade,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Alberto Longo, co-founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: ''We’ve had a very positive response within our ecosystem of teams, drivers and sponsors about coming to Cape Town, so we are delighted that the City is joining our Season 9 calendar. When I first met Iain Banner, Chairman of race promoter e-Movement (Pty) Ltd, in 2019, he said that he was confident that Cape Town had the potential to be one of the top cities on our global calendar. This is my first visit to South Africa, and having seen the amazing beauty of the Mother City, I feel confident that he is right. The support of Executive Mayor Hill-Lewis and Premier Alan Winde is important to us, and I thank them for being a part of our journey in bringing the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to Cape Town in 2023.''

Much work has been put in over the last two and a half years to meet all of the requirements for hosting an event of this magnitude.

With Formula E’s cars running on 100 percent renewable energy and a major focus on developing alternative energy solutions, staging Formula E in Cape Town will assist the city in raising awareness of the adverse effects of air pollution.

The event will also include local communities and schools to educate them about electric cars, how they can contribute to a sustainable future of mobility and the impact of reducing inner-city air pollution.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com