The President was delivering a pre-recorded message to Proudly SA’s Buy Local Summit and Expo at the Industrial Development Corporation campus in Sandton on Tuesday, 15 March 2022.

He said there were a number of aims for the summit, including assisting government departments and agencies to use procurement legislation and procedures to drive demand for local goods.

The second aim, the President said, was to encourage corporate South Africa to expand its use of locally made goods and services.

“Thirdly, to educate consumers on labels of origin and on their role in contributing to job creation by making “Buy Local” choices.

“This year’s programme is versatile, dynamic and informative, with sessions on technical innovation, the benefits of special economic zones and workshops for entrepreneurs on intellectual property and other issues,” he said.

Apart from the vast array of products on supermarket shelves that are locally produced, South Africa is a producer of goods and services in agriculture and agro-processing, clothing, textiles, automotive, furniture, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, among others.

The President said a growing local market enabled producers to expand and to start exploring export opportunities in other markets.

“We manufacture many of the vehicles that are exported to the rest of the world. The BMW X3, just like the Ford Ranger and the Mercedes Benz C-Class, is manufactured and assembled here in South Africa. The employment value chain in this sector is enormous – from the factory to dealerships, components and spare parts manufacturing, after sales service, mechanics and sales personnel,” he said.

The President also lauded the output of the creative industries as extensive. He said day by day, South African artists were gaining new audiences around the world.

“We see for example the runaway success of amapiano, and how it is part of the music scene in many parts of the world.  More and more locally produced films are being seen on screens across the globe and on the world’s largest streaming platforms.

“Whether it’s in music, literature, art or fashion, South Africans are setting trends, locally and beyond our borders,” he said.

Importance of local production

President Ramaphosa said the pandemic had both exposed the fragility of global supply chains and revealed the great capacity in South Africa for innovation and adaptation in manufacturing.

In the space of just two years, through collaboration and out of necessity, South Africa managed to build local production capability in ventilators, hand sanitisers, medical-grade face masks and gloves, vaccines, and therapeutic drugs and anaesthetics.

“Not only did we produce these goods to meet local needs, but also to meet the needs of other countries on the continent. Local production is important because it encourages national pride in the goods, services and products made on our home soil,” he said.

The President added that he supported the growth of small businesses and the expansion of larger firms. Local production also supports the manufacturing sector.

Buy and wear local

In his State of the Nation Address in February, the President made a point of mentioning that his suit and shoes were made by local producers.

He did so to draw attention to the quality of local goods and to the capability of local manufacturers, and to encourage all South Africans to support the Proudly SA Campaign.

“It is not enough, however, to encourage people to buy locally. We need to work together to create an environment that supports local companies.

“That is why we have partnered with stakeholders in various industries to develop sector master plans that have already increased investment and production in several industries,” he said.

To create an environment more conducive to local production, the President said they were reducing red tape and removing the barriers to entry for emerging companies.

“We are undertaking far-reaching reforms in energy, telecommunications and in our ports and railways to improve the competitiveness of our products. We all need to make a contribution to this effort – from government and state-owned companies, business and labour, to producers and consumers – because we all benefit from this effort,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the summit and expo were a valuable opportunity to create greater awareness and appreciation about the benefits and transformative power of buying local.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The President was speaking at a Plenary Session of the third South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria.

The commission promotes cooperation between the two countries and encompasses committees in politics and diplomacy, defence and security, the economy and social development.

“Our two countries share a common view on issues of peace, stability, economic development and regional and continental integration.

“We are both undertaking programmes to advance youth development, women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation and job creation.

“These are some of the concrete steps we are taking to realise the vision of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and to improve the lives of our people,” President Ramaphosa said on Friday, 11 March 2022.

Energy

President Ramaphosa told the commission that South Africa was expanding cooperation with Mozambique, particularly in the energy sector.

Currently, the country supplies South Africa with at least 1 000MW of electricity per day from the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric power station.

“Mozambique remains one of South Africa’s top trading partners in the region, and there are several opportunities for expansion. South Africa is keen, in particular, to expand cooperation in the energy sector.

“Mozambique is endowed with significant volumes of natural gas. This can benefit not only the people of Mozambique and South Africa, but also the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“Energy security is vital to economic growth in our respective countries, and we look forward to significant progress towards securing and sustaining our energy needs,” the President said.

Security and international relations

President Ramaphosa recommitted South Africa’s support – through the SADC – for Mozambique in the fight against terrorism-backed conflict and insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region.

“We have weathered many difficulties in the past and through our resilience, we have emerged stronger. The crisis you are confronting in Cabo Delgado is no different.

“We will face it together with the same determination, certain that the forces of democracy and peace will be victorious,” he said.

The President revealed that on the international stage, South Africa would back Mozambique’s bid to have a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“Our countries share similar views on the need to reform the United Nations Security Council, to make it an organ that is representative, where the African continent can have a voice.

“South Africa fully supports Mozambique’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Together with South Africa’s tenure in the AU Peace and Security Council, this will provide an opportunity for our countries to further cement cooperation between the two councils, especially in the area of financing peace-support operations,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“I outlined our position on the conflict that has unfolded, as well as our belief that the conflict should be resolved through mediation and negotiation between the parties and – if need be – with the help of agencies that can help bring a solution to the conflict.

“President Putin appreciated our balanced approach. We believe this position enables both parties to subject the conflict to mediation and negotiation. Based on our relations with the Russian Federation and as a member of BRICS, South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement, the Russian Government said the presidents would keep communication lines open between the two countries.

“At the request of [President] Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of Russia spoke about the reasons for and goals of the special military operation to protect Donbass.

“He also informed the South African leader about the situation regarding talks with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities. The President of South Africa supported the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts,” the statement said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In terms of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is “the head of the judiciary and exercises responsibility over the establishment and monitoring of norms and standards for the exercise of the judicial functions of all courts”.

With Justice Zondo assuming the position of Chief Justice, the position of Deputy Chief Justice will become vacant. President Ramaphosa has accordingly indicated his intention, once the new Chief Justice assumes office, to nominate Justice Mandisa Maya for the position of Deputy Chief Justice. This nomination will be subject to the process outlined in Section 174(3) of the Constitution.

 In September 2021, President Ramaphosa invited public nominations for the position of Chief Justice. The President appointed a panel, chaired by Judge Navanethem Pillay, to evaluate nominations made by the public and to shortlist nominees who fulfilled the advertised requirements for nomination.

After considering the report of the nomination panel, President Ramaphosa identified the following candidates for consideration for appointment:

• Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga
• Justice Mandisa Maya
• Justice Dunston Mlambo
• Justice Raymond Zondo.

The President then invited the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of parties in the National Assembly to express their views regarding the suitability of any of the four nominees for appointment as Chief Justice.

President Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to each of the nominees for making themselves available for the position of the head of the judiciary. He also expressed his gratitude to the Judicial Service Commission, the leaders of political parties, the members of the nomination panel and the many South Africans who submitted nominations.

“The inclusive process of selecting the next Chief Justice demonstrated not only the value that South Africans place on the judiciary, but also the depth of experience and capability within the senior ranks of the judiciary,” President Ramaphosa said. 

“The position of Chief Justice carries a great responsibility in our democracy. As the head of the judiciary, the Chief Justice is a guardian of our Constitution and the laws adopted by the freely elected representatives of the people. The Chief Justice stands as the champion of the rights of all South Africans and bears responsibility for ensuring equal access to justice. I have every confidence that Justice Zondo will acquit himself with distinction in this position.”

Justice Zondo was first appointed as a judge of the Labour Court in 1997 and was Judge President of the Labour and Labour Appeals courts between 2000 and 2010. He has been a judge of the Constitutional Court since 2012 and was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice in 2017. He holds a BJuris degree from the University of Zululand and obtained his LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He also holds an LLM (cum laude) from the University of South Africa and another with a specialisation in commercial law.

– SAnews.gov.za

The Commonwealth, which represents 54 countries on six different continents, are joined in pursuing their common goals to promote a fairer, prosperous, sustainable and secure future, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

South Africa cooperates with the Commonwealth in the fields of economic development, trade and investment, education and skills development, women and youth empowerment, technology and innovation, as well as the blue economy.

“South Africa will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth, to build a common and inclusive future, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. On Commonwealth Day, South Africa again renews its pledge to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth,” said Minister Naledi Pandor.

According to Minister Pandor, the establishment of the AU’s African Central Bank (ACB), African Investment Bank (AIB) and the African Monetary Institute (AMI) is considered critical to facilitate a single currency and boost the intra-Africa trade.

"In every available continental platform, South Africa has consistently reaffirmed her commitment to continuing to support the continental integration in line with the provisions of the Abuja Treaty of 1991, which seeks to assist the AU member states to overcome trade barriers that impede the flow of goods, services and capital," Minister Pandor said.

This emerged in Minister Pandor's response to a written parliamentary question from EFF MP Thembi Portia Msane.

Minister Pandor said the "operationalisation" of the AfCFTA and the start of trading on 1 January 2021 were viewed as catalysts for long-term continental "prosperity and integration".

"It is against this background that the establishment of the African Union Financial Institutions (AUFIs) comprising the ACB, the AIB and the AMI is considered as critical to facilitate the creation of a single currency and boost the intra-Africa trade.

"These institutions form a key component of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063," she said.

Furthermore, Minister Pandor said South Africa utilised its participation at AU statutory meetings to call for the establishment of the AUFIs and the subsequent realisation of a single currency.

"It is for this reason that during the 12th Extraordinary session of the AU Assembly in July 2019 in Niamey, Niger, South Africa supported the launch of the operational instruments of the AfCFTA, which included, among others, the digital payment system. The launch of the AfCFTA instruments is a remarkable achievement following the entry into force of the AfCFTA," she said.

Minister Pandor also said the August 2021 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit reaffirmed the bloc's position to create a SADC central bank and monetary union.

According to Minister Pandor, this is a long-term objective in creating harmonisation of SADC countries' fiscal and monetary policies.

"In this regard, the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank should be long-term objectives."

To that end, South Africa is encouraged by the AU Assembly decision from the recently concluded summit in February 2022, which directed the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU Commission to continue to work with the Association of African Central Banks (AACB) to finalise the negotiations on all the outstanding technical issues, particularly the macroeconomic convergence criteria, which remain a hurdle in the early operationalisation of the AUFIs.

"The negotiation process on the matter is currently underway; South Africa reaffirms its readiness to work with all stakeholders and in cooperation with other AU member states to ensure that all outstanding technical issues are addressed expeditiously," she said. Minister Pandor said the suggestion that South Africa was not advocating for creating a single currency on the "continent is incorrect".

– Source: News24

Other panellists included Pacôme Moubelet Boubeya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, Francophonie and Regional Integration in charge of Gabonese Living Abroad, Gabon; Kairat Sarybay, Executive Director, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia-CICA; Volkan Bozkır, Ambassador, President of the 75th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Turkey; and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain.

The panel discussion focussed on the UN’s central role in the international system, including its response to addressing global challenges such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes expressing deep concern at violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law, the loss of life, the humanitarian impact and the forced displacement of people as a result of the war in Ukraine; and recognising that armed conflict will no doubt result in human suffering and destruction, the effects of which will not only affect Ukraine, but also reverberate across the world.

“No country is immune to the effects of this conflict. As the UN Secretary-General has indicated, the conflict will ‘have a huge impact on the global economy in a moment when we are emerging from the COVID [pandemic] and so many developing countries absolutely need to have space for the recovery’.

“South Africa emphasises respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” said Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini.

On 9 September 2021, BRICS leaders expressed concern at the continuing conflict and violence in different parts of the world.

The BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and reiterated that all conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means, and through political and diplomatic efforts, in line with the international law of the UN Charter.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini said South Africa urged all parties to approach the situation in a spirit of compromise, with all sides respecting international law.

“Peaceful resolution of the matter can be achieved by all parties if diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the concerns raised by Russia resume.

“Currently, it is critical for all parties to uphold and protect human rights, and abide by their obligations in terms of international law and international humanitarian law.”

The Deputy Minister said South Africa continued to support and encourage regional initiatives such as the Minsk Agreements, and that South Africa welcomed the work of the Normandy Format, the Trilateral Contact Group and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

“Noting that international action must create an environment conducive for diplomacy, dialogue and mediation, greater attention must be paid to bringing the sides closer to dialogue and not take them further apart.

“The international community should support engagement between the parties in a spirit of compromise, while de-escalating tensions, committing them to the cessation of hostilities, and building trust and confidence.

“As the Government of South Africa, we urge all South Africans not to take sides in the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as this could go against our principles. In addition, South Africa has good bilateral relations with both countries.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, 10 March 2022, Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said Cabinet called for a negotiated diplomatic solution. The executive has urged all parties to uphold and protect human rights and abide by their obligations in terms of international law and international humanitarian law.

“Government continues to assist South African citizens to leave the Ukraine and a number of them have since returned home. We have also expressed our concern at the ill treatment of Africans trying to cross international borders during this time,” Minister Gungubele said.

The Minster said Cabinet believed that developing countries must enjoy a greater share of voice and influence in institutions of global governance.

“South Africa therefore advocates for a more equitable international system and for the reform of multilateral institutions to promote greater equality,” he said.

South Africa Investment Conference 

Meanwhile, South Africa is set to host the fourth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) on Thursday, 24 March 2022, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The conference is part of government’s investment drive to attract R1.2 trillion in investment. It draws delegates from South Africa and worldwide to discuss investment opportunities.

Since the first investment conference in 2018, Cabinet said South Africa had attracted R774 billion in commitments across a wide range of economic sectors.

Of the 152 investment announcements made previously, 45 projects have already been completed and a further 57 projects are currently under construction.

“As of February 2022, those firms who have completed their reporting, have advised that R314 billion (40.6%) of the committed investment pledges have been expended.

“These new investments will help us to grow the economy, create much-needed jobs and improve the lives of people,” Cabinet said.

Africa Energy Indaba

Cabinet has welcomed the successful conclusion of the hybrid Africa Energy Indaba held in Cape Town from 1 to 3 March 2022 under the theme, "The Business Meeting of Choice for the African Energy Sector".

The gathering brought together influential global and local players from the energy sector to deliberate on how the African continent can use energy as a catalyst to grow the economy and improve the lives of people.

Minister Gungubele said South Africa remained committed to achieving an energy mix that is consistent with its development goals and its climate change goals while ensuring security of supply.

Economy

Cabinet also noted the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by Statistics South Africa recently, which show South Africa’s GDP grew by 1.2% in the fourth quarter of 2021, after shrinking by 1.7% in the third quarter of 2021.

This brings South Africa’s annual growth rate for 2021 to 4.9%. The main contributors to this growth were recorded in agriculture, manufacturing, services and transport.

“Cabinet remains resolute to continue working with its social partners towards our inclusive economic growth and create an environment where we will be able to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Cabinet said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The aims of the MoU include:

• the exchange of information on climate change mitigation and best practices within the agricultural sector
• connecting academic institutions to further research and collaboration on water-use efficiency in the agricultural sector
• furthering the use and availability of climate-smart agricultural technology and on-farm practices to improve soil health, water-use efficiency and modelling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The agricultural sector in the Western Cape and California both have Mediterranean climates and are essential for food security globally. They share many similarities and challenges related to production, climate and soil.

The plant will produce the same amount of power used by 822 suburban Durban homes in a year.

The plant includes battery storage and will help reduce the mall's reliance on the national grid.

Africa's largest solar rooftop on Cornubia Mall in KwaZulu-Natal may be up and running as early as April 2022.

Investec Property is working with energy engineering company Terra Firma Solutions to install the plant. Work began in October 2021, and the plant is due for commissioning from April 2022, Investec Property said.

Once completed, the plant will be among the top 15-largest in the world.

It consists of 9 505 solar panels spread across Cornubia Mall's rooftop and has a direct current capacity of 5.25 megawatts-peak (MWp). It will be 10.5% bigger than the current biggest rooftop system in Africa, which has a direct current capacity of 4.75 MWp, Investec said. 

…The Cornubia Mall solar PV plant will produce the same energy as 822 suburban Durban homes use in a year.

The plant also includes battery storage. The power won't cover all of Cornubia Mall's energy needs, but it will "drastically reduce" its dependence on the national grid.

The plant's construction has required 34 workers - 20 of these jobs were newly created for Duran residents, and 14 consist of skilled experts from Terra Firma Solutions.

– Source: News24

The museum shows the history of the apartheid regime and before COVID-19 arrived in South Africa, and it was reportedly seeing up to 1 000 tourists per day according to Reuters.

The Woman King is set to be an incredible Hollywood movie that celebrates African history from the 18th and 19th centuries. South African actress Thuso Mbeda made headlines for starring alongside Viola Davis, an Oscar-winning actress who is known for her roles in How to Get Away with Murder, The Help (for which she won an Oscar) and Suicide Squad.

The Woman King is a historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The story follows Nanisca, General of the all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit, who together fought enemies who violated their honour, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.

Viola only had good things to say about Thuso when the news of the role broke.

“The depth and complexity of emotional life, her authentic beauty, and regalness is potent. We were mesmerised by Thuso Mbedu. We wanted Woman King / Nawi to be the vehicle to introduce her on the big screen” said Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions.

Thuso is not the only South African included in the film. Masali Baduza, Thando Dlomo, Siv Ngesi, Makgotso M and former Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi have all earned roles in the movie.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Trisha Chetty was the batter that sent her teammates and the country back home into raptures when she swiped Nat Sciver through mid-wicket for the winning boundary in the last over, but she was only one of the heroines for the Proteas on this sparkling night in Tauranga.

The most influential was, of course, though veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who claimed her maiden ODI five-for before taking the Proteas to the brink of victory with a crucial 32 off 34 balls.

Although she was trapped LBW with 10 runs still required off 10 balls, this glorious win will always be remembered as "Kappy's night".

South Africa's chase had begun in nervous fashion from the start, after Lizelle Lee departed early, courtesy of a beautiful in-swinger from Ana Shrubsole.

It was just reward for the 2017 Lord's World Cup final hero for Shrubsole had Laura Wolvaardt dropped in the second over already when Tammy Beaumont grassed a straightforward chance at point.

England's fielding woes at this World Cup certainly followed them throughout this innings with Wolvaardt (77) the fortuitous benefactor of four missed chances during her innings.

Wolvaardt was dropped on 4, 23, 62 while Amy Jones also missed a regulation stumping when the opener had just passed 50.

The stylish right-hander wasn't able to fully capitalise by converting her good fortune into a three-figure score, but she was able to set the platform through partnerships of 56 and 73 with Tamzin Brits (23) and captain Sune Luus (36).

This was sufficient for Kapp and rest of the middle-order including Chloe Tryon (15) and Trisha Chetty (11 not out) to take South Africa over the line.

In the absence of star opening bowler Shabnim Ismail, who left the field halfway through with a toe injury, Kapp was ably supported by Masabata Klaas.

The 31-year-old took on the responsibility of stepping into Ismail's shoes with a superb spell of 8-1-23-2.

The Proteas' victory has left a massive impact on the World Cup table as they now join Australia on top of the log as the only two remaining unbeaten teams, while England are left in serious danger of not qualifying for the knockout stages after three consecutive defeats.

Kapp was the hero for the Proteas again on Thursday, 17 March, hitting 36* (35) in Hamilton to see her side home in yet another final over thriller against New Zealand at the Women's Cricket World Cup.

There was pressure and panic in another run chase drenched in drama as the Proteas lost their composure along the way.

Kapp, however, was the perfect balance between calm and intent, and she got the job done in what is an early contender for match of the tournament.

It is South Africa's fourth win in a row, and they remain the only undefeated side in the competition alongside Australia.

– Source: www.iol.co.za

Another Springbok World Cup winner, Makazole Mapimpi, won the Sportsman of the Year Award, the Springboks won Team of the Year and Rassie Erasmus won Coach of the Year.

"Thank you so much, thanks to the coaches. This is because of the coaches … thanks to everyone," Mapimpi said.

Earlier, when accepting the Sportswoman of the Year Award, Schoenmaker said: "What an honour. I always get the question, 'how much does my team contribute to my success?' Well, my team everyone is everyone supporting me and who has my back. So, it’s an easy question to answer. They are my success.

"This doesn’t feel real."

– Source: www.news24.com

It’s known as one of the toughest races in the world, and this has been on Gerhardt and his wife AJ’s bucket-list for over 20 years since they first saw a DVD of the Iditarod.

The ceremonial start of the race was on 5 March in Anchorage, with the official start taking place on Sunday (6 March) in Willow. The winner was expected to reach Nome by Monday (14 March).

Gerhardt’s participation was the culmination of a dream that he and AJ, and their best friends – Natalie and Andre van der Merwe – have shared for over two decades since they first met 22 years ago, far away from Alaska, back in sunny South Africa.

Natalie told SAPeople: “We were their mentors and got them started in this sport in South Africa – on dirt farm roads running on wheeled scooters and carts. We all had the same dream and emigrated to USA within 6 months of each other (about 12 years ago). We settled in different states doing the identical job (working at a sled dog kennel) and became USA Permanent Residents within 3 months of each other.

“So our journey has been the same from the start. There can only be ONE musher, ONE team on the Iditarod trail but the musher and his team can only undertake this awesome adventure with the support of his wife, many sponsors, friends and family.

“We are proud to support our best friend in achieving his dream – both through our small company – CTC Dog Gear USA as a corporate sponsor, as well as via individual sponsorships.

“Proud does not begin to begin to explain how we feel watching our friend travel the Iditarod trail… making history as the first South African to ever do so.” And in true South African fashion, Gerhardt was snapped tucking into his stash of biltong before he set off on the race of his dreams.

And throughout the race, Gerhardt’s proud South African roots could be seen with the SA flag flying on his yellow and gold sled! As a former lieutenant in the SADF, Gerhardt was dedicating his rookie run to honour, support and raise awareness to the needs of US veterans.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

She shares that she never knew rugby was a female sport, and when she went to university, she joined the team and never looked back. Now the sport is her way of breaking barriers and inspiring women from her community to use the sport as a way to climb up out of the violence and poverty they face.

Not only is she breaking barriers in female rugby, but she also helps break the taboo of menstruation by assisting young girls in discussing their periods and gaining access to free sanitary products through the organisation, The Menstruation Foundation.

She hopes to one day move beyond the field and work with World Rugby or with policymakers to boost the female sport.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

If the Springboks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph was a heroic tale, the story behind the famous win is even more remarkable.

And who could forget the story behind one player in particular… Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi! Mapimpi scored South Africa’s first-ever try in that World Cup final, but his real story is something of a fairytale, being born into the poorest of circumstances – in the Eastern Cape village of Tsholomnga – and rising to the stardom he enjoys today.

And the documentary will be on Supersport TV on 27 March 2022 at 8 pm.

"After the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup, we identified Makazole Mapimpi’s story as the next piece in our video series as there were some incredible nuances about Eastern Cape rugby that we wanted to document and share with SA and the world about the remarkable talent that exists in this region of our country.”

The story grew into a 75-minute feature and includes interviews with Thando Manana, Bryan Habana and other familiar faces, expertly interviewed by Sibusiso Mjikeliso – deputy editor, Sport24 – and directed by Dinner at Somizi’s Bongani Morgan.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com