The summit, which was officially opened and chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, was held virtually on Tuesday, 12 April 2022.

The summit was attended by SADC heads of state or their representatives from Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.

In attendance were members of the Troika of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), ministers from the SAMIM Personnel Contributing Countries, the SADC Executive Secretary and Head of the SADC Mission in Mozambique.

According to a communiqué released by SADC, the summit approved the transition of SAMIM from Scenario 6 (Rapid Deployment Capability) to Scenario 5 (Multidimensional Force), with a robust mandate.

“The summit commended SAMIM Personnel Contributing Countries for their continued support by pledging capabilities and personnel to enhance the effectiveness of SAMIM operations and urged member states to continue supporting the mission.

“The summit expressed its appreciation to the African Union and the International Cooperating Partners for the support towards the stabilisation of the security situation, as well as the socio-economic recovery and development of Cabo Delgado province,” the statement read.

The summit has also expressed solidarity with the republics of Botswana, South Africa, Kingdom of Lesotho and the United Republic of Tanzania for the demise of soldiers serving the mission and expressed words of comfort for those wounded in action.

“The summit commended the republics of Zimbabwe and Malawi for the spirit of solidarity expressed through delivery of the pledged donation of foodstuff in support of humanitarian assistance to the affected population of Cabo Delgado,” SADC said.

The Head of Mission was also directed by the summit to coordinate with the Republic of Mozambique on the implementation of the comprehensive Integrated Reconstruction and Development Plan of Cabo Delgado.

The summit has also acknowledged the expression of gratitude by the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, for SADC’s continued support, collaboration and cooperation towards attainment of sustainable peace and security in the Cabo Delgado province.

President Ramaphosa was also commended for his leadership in steering the work of the organ in pursuit of lasting peace, security and stability in the SADC region.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

President Ramaphosa made the remarks at the launch of Isuzu D-Max bakkie, held in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, on Thursday, 7 April 2022.

The launch signified the realisation of an investment commitment by Japan’s Isuzu Motors Limited, which forms part of the investment drive set in motion by the President in 2018.

The plant will secure over 1 000 jobs and indirectly employ 24 000 people, contributing to community upliftment.

President Ramaphosa said the Isuzu bakkie was an iconic vehicle in South Africa and its brand had long been associated with quality and reliability.

“The fact that this bakkie is being manufactured in South Africa is more than a matter of pride. It is a welcome contribution to our efforts to significantly expand local production as we work to rebuild our economy and create jobs.

“The automotive industry is one of our economy’s most important sectors. It is a significant source of employment and small business development in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Gqeberha,” the President said.

The President also commended Isuzu Motors for supporting the localisation objectives contained in the Automotive Production Development Programme. It is anticipated that a local content value of approximately R2.8 billion will be generated through the lifecycle of this programme.

“Isuzu’s manufacturing plant here in Gqeberha, while best known for producing world-class vehicles, also creates jobs and opportunities for many South Africans, and enables local businesses across the value chain to realise their potential.

“This investment, together with the approximately R332 billion in investment pledges made at the fourth South Africa Investment Conference held last month, will do much to support South Africa’s economic recovery,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said of the pledges received at the Investment Conference, seven were from the automotive sector, “signalling that the industry has renewed confidence in our country’s growth prospects”.

“For our part, we will continue to drive the critical structural reforms that are necessary to improve the business and investment climate in South Africa. We will continue to support companies like Isuzu that are investing in the country’s manufacturing capabilities. We will continue to be with you, for the long run,” the President said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

This came after the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council on Thursday.

The resolution received a two-thirds majority in the 193-member GA, with 93 countries voting in favour, 24 against and 58 abstaining. South Africa has again abstained on the resolution.

This was the third resolution since 2 March 2022 tabled on the Ukraine at the UNGA, on which South Africa abstained.

Minister Pandor said South Africa was not indifferent to what was going on in the Ukraine, and remained deeply concerned about the continuing conflict, the loss of lives and deteriorating humanitarian situation.

She said South Africa, countries on the continent and several other members of the Global South who were affected by the conflict, had sought to assert their independent, non-aligned views on the matter.

“We have resisted becoming embroiled in the politics of confrontation and aggression that have been advocated by the powerful countries. Instead, we have promoted peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and negotiation.”

She said one of their concerns was the “seeming lack of balanced evidence in the United Nations”.

"There needs to be consistency in the approach of the international community to countries that violate international law.

“The international community must focus on finding a sustainable solution. It will not be found in isolating one party or bringing it to its knees,” Minister Pandor said.

The Minister reiterated that President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed to all key stakeholders that South Africa stood ready to support the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Ukraine, with a view to bringing the violence to an end as speedily as possible.

“We are fully cognisant of the deliberate opposition to our call for peace and negotiations, and continue to hold the view that in the end, negotiations will end the conflict,” she said.

As a matter of urgency, Minister Pandor called for a cessation of hostilities, which would be the first step in a comprehensive response to the humanitarian crisis.

“We continue to stress that dialogue, mediation and diplomacy are the only path to end the current conflict. As we stated in the General Assembly yesterday, wars end when dialogue begins and wars endure when there is no dialogue,” she said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Among the dignitaries to attend the function were the South African Heads of Mission deployed across the globe, who were in Pretoria to attend the Heads of Mission Conference.

The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute has earmarked 2022 as the year to continue the work and legacy in line with the principles of #Maxekism, meant to assist with building and sustaining a nation that develops its communities towards education, value-based leadership and a just and equitable society.

When government declared 2021 as the Year of Charlotte Maxeke, DIRCO developed a range of organic, transformative and impactful legacy projects. It decided to celebrate Mama Charlotte Maxeke beyond 2021 and turned the celebrations into a living legacy in a manner that captures her life stories, lessons and memories.

The intention is for future generations to learn from her unparalleled leadership and values.

The event was held at Freedom Park, Pretoria.

“One of the enduring sins of apartheid was the neglect of black communities even in terms of the provision of basic services, which impugned on their human dignity.

“It therefore stands to reason that the provision of basic services such as electricity, clean running water as well as provision of other basic infrastructure to previously disadvantaged communities was at the very core of the first development blueprint i.e. the Reconstruction and Development Plan.

“In giving meaning to freedom, successive democratic administrations since 1994 have had to intensify efforts in making sure that the most basic of services are delivered to the people,” the Minister said.

The 2019 Baseline Survey of the Foundation for Human Rights is one of the most reliable pieces of empirical data that offers a glimpse of South Africa’s progress since 1994 into some of these most basic of human needs.

In terms of housing, there is already an 82% of the adult population living in formal housing, although increased migration from the rural hinterlands into the major urban centres threaten to derail some of the gains in this regard.

“Sanitation, water and electricity are important sets of indicators in tracking the nation’s progress since the dawn of democracy in 1994. According to the 2019 Baseline Survey of the Foundation for Human Rights, progress has been impressive in this regard, considering the fact that clean running water and electricity were a novelty for many communities during apartheid.

Only 10% of adults reported to have access to water outside of their yards or their places of dwelling. With regard to electricity, an overwhelming majority of 92% had access to electricity. A resounding success compared to the estimate of only 53.6% in the October Household Survey of 1994,” he said.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention has enabled young people to have access to opportunities.

Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, government has made it possible for a vast majority of the black poor youth to access higher education, which remains one of the foremost channels to break the cycle of generational poverty.

“Of course, as we learned our lessons from the Fees-Must-Fall phenomenon, not every deserving student has had the necessary financial assistance they require – but government has since been exploring other more efficient avenues for assistance in closing this gap.

“For our part, transformation of the heritage landscape, which had largely remained white, has been key. This is our own way as a sector in bringing meaning to freedom. In ensuring that the many unearthed and untold stories are given the platform through the national oral history project that we support,” the Minister said.

Through the geographical names project, government has also deliberately set the country on a path towards healing by changing names of towns and cities, which have unsavoury colonial and apartheid connotations.

“In doing so, we have always sought to consult widely in ensuring that the affected communities are part of the name-change process. Despite occasional litigation by disgruntled parties, this process has had resounding success and it thus remain work-in-progress.

As part of Freedom Month, government has consolidated a programme of activations, which involve most of government as well as state entities.
They will be shared with members of the media in due course.

“I am also pleased to announce that Mpumalanga is our official hosts for the celebration of the 2022 Freedom Day, and Middelburg in the eNkangala District is the chosen venue,” the Minister said.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

The 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject, released recently analyses of 15 200 individual university programmes offered by 1 543 universities in 88 locations around the world, across five broad disciplines and 51 academic disciplines.

Four components are used to rank universities: Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Research Citations Per Paper, and the H-Index. UP is ranked in four broad subject areas: Arts and Humanities; Social Sciences; Life Sciences and Medicine; and Engineering and Technology. Of the 20 academic disciplines in which UP is ranked this year, 35% improved their positions in the rankings, and 25% maintained their positions as of 2021.

UP’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tawana Kupe, noted the reputational importance of global rankings.

“Deciding on a study destination and career plan is no easy feat. Therefore, subject rankings can be a deciding factor in a difficult decision-making process.” According to the QS Enrollment Solutions International Student Survey, nearly two in 10 respondents said that rankings played an important part in their decision on which country or institution they wished to study at.

“This ranking can be used as another measure for the culture of excellent teaching and research that is firmly entrenched at UP across all fields of study,” Prof. Kupe added. “UP’s committed academics have a multipronged approach to teaching and research to ensure that students with a variety of learning strengths succeed. I am pleased with the rankings, and I thank all our academics for their continued hard work.”
He said UP strove to be a future-focussed university.

“This is not to push up our international ranking but to help transform our country, continent and world with high-impact research and innovations. To achieve this, we need to collectively redouble our efforts to attain our strategic goals: student access and success; high-quality research for greater societal impact; global recognition; diversity, equity and inclusion; and institutional sustainability. We will continue to strive to meet our strategic goals for the greater good and benefit of society as a whole.”

Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

As part of her submission, Dia performed numerous scientific experiments and drafted several engineering designs, as well as single-handily developed an app that can help locate and analyse plastic data to be burned by her system.

The inspiration for the PIP system came after Dia watched a horrifying documentary that showed a sea turtle unable to breathe because a plastic straw was stuck in its nostril. Now armed with her certificate and international recognition, Dia is keen to see how she can refine her system to leverage maximum environmental benefit. The Newcastle-based learner has already been approached by several international companies and investors, who have provided invaluable feedback and are willing to work with her to bring the innovative system to market.

Commenting on her phenomenal achievements at the HP Steam International Innovation Expo, Dia says, “I was so excited when St Dominic’s suggested I enter my project for this prestigious science and engineering awards, but I didn’t think I would ever win the first runner-up spot. When the Dubai organisers contacted me to tell me I had won, I couldn’t believe it.” She goes on to explain that the creation of her PIP system was a no-brainer.

“Coming from South Africa and growing up surrounded by the Indian and Atlantic Ocean has made me incredibly passionate about cleaning up our oceans and seas. I just knew that I had to create an idea that championed a positive environmental impact and because I love Science and Engineering, it made perfect sense to use my subject knowledge to help generate something that will benefit future generations,” she notes.

She has made her school and fellow pupils incredibly proud as well. She was flying not only the South African flag on the international stage but her school flag too!

Chad Moses, Executive Head of Curro St Dominic’s Newcastle, praised Dia for her phenomenal achievement. “Dia’s incredible success in Dubai shows how the combination of passion and academic excellence can lead to amazing inventions. By coming in as first runner-up at the HP Steam International Awards, Dia has not only inspired a future generation of female engineers and scientists, but she has also recognised South Africa as an international contender when it comes to prevailing issues such as environmental sciences. As a school, we cannot wait to see where Dia’s pioneering system will take her,” he concludes.

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The list acknowledges "regional champions who are leading the way in their respected wine markets to earn the respect of our Academy of voters," said Justin Smith, publisher for Drinks International.

Fellow South African brand Bruce Jack Wines placed 20th on the list.

Wines from Spain, Argentina and Australia dominated this year, but the Cape wine estate couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

"It’s an incredible accolade! To be listed amongst some of the true great brands of the wine world, and some of the brands that we respect the most is amazing," said Deidre Taylor, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kanonkop.

The famous red wine producer last featured on the list in 2020, where it was ranked in 32nd place.

According to Drinks International, all the brands are judged on the quality and consistency of their wine; the price to quality ratio; and the strength of the brand and marketing.

The Cape winery was commended for its focus on quality and consistency, with maintained growth and expansion into international and domestic markets while cementing itself as a brand leader for blended red wine in the country.

– Source: www.businessinsider.com

The source said Tom and his team first flew to Limpopo for filming and set up a “huge base there”. While staying in Hoedspruit, Tom would fly “the 400-mile round-trip for filming by helicopter most days”.

The insider added how fans can expect “absolutely massive” scenes from the big-budget flick.

They said: “The action on the production is only just getting started and Tom is going to be working on some of the franchise’s biggest and most expensive stunts to date.

“He has hired three bi-planes for stunts he was rehearsing in the UK last year. Tom learned to fly the planes and now he’ll put all that into practice.

“The scenes are going to be absolutely massive and some of the most impressive ever seen in the Mission: Impossible films.” With stunning locations such as Blyde River Canyon and the Drakensberg – the scenes are sure to be jaw-dropping and will showcase South Africa in a way that will attract tourism.

Tom and the crew arrived in KZN last week with “an impressive entourage of six helicopters and three planes, including a Boeing Stearman”, according to the Ladysmith Gazette.

Tom told fans: “I’m very excited to be here, I’ve been wanting to film here for a very long time. I can’t wait for you to see the new movie.”

Tom also flies planes in Top Gun: Maverick (due for release in South Africa on 27 May), and previously promised fans that there has “never been” an aerial scene quite like the one that will be featured in the movie – the sequel to the 1986 hit Top Gun.

Tom will be honoured for his lifetime achievements at the Cannes Film Festival next month, where Top Gun: Maverick will screen.

 – Source: www.sapeople.com

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj captured seven wickets yet again while Simon Harmer's supporting role on day four of the second Test steered South Africa to a comprehensive win against Bangladesh at St George's Park on Monday.

The Proteas clinched a 332-run victory to seal the two-match Test series 2-0.

It caps off a stunning series for the 32-year-old Maharaj, who took 7/32 in the second innings of the first Test in Durban while his 84 with the bat in Gqeberha was also a standout.

Maharaj finishes the series with 16 wickets and Harmer with 13 as the dominance of the South African spinners was ultimately the difference between the sides over the two fixtures.

 – Source: www.news24.com  

Alan Hatherly (Cannondale Factory) took the first short track win of his career with an attack just before the final descent to the finish line to overtake Thomas Litscher (Kross Orlen) in the final 50 metres. Maxime Marotte (Santa Cruz FSA) took third.

All eyes were on Brazilian star Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory), racing in his hometown on a course that he and his father designed. Avancini did not disappoint the huge crowd in the early laps, taking control at the front of the race for the first two laps and always staying in the top three.

Litscher and XCO world champion Nino Schurter (Scott SRAM) both tested the front of the race before 2021 World Cup champion Mathias Flueckiger (Thomus Maxon) attacked hard at the start of Lap 5. The top contenders all responded immediately, with Marotte moving to the front for the penultimate sixth lap.

Things seemed to settle down a bit for this lap, with no one willing to make a long attack. Schurter jumped at the beginning of the final lap, but neither he nor Avancini could respond when Litscher surged on the final climb. The Swiss rider looked to have it won on the descent into the finish, but Hatherly attacked hard in the final flat run-in to the finish line to come by for the win.

"It's incredible," admitted Hatherly, the first-ever South African short track winner. "This is unbelievable, the crowd is insane. Super happy to take the win for the team. It was a really crazy race. A few efforts were going with three laps to go, but nothing was sticking, so I sat back a bit and waited, using some road tactics."

– Source: www.cyclingnews.com

Jingqi, who is coached by Paul Gorries, set the new record during the South African Junior and Youth Athletics Championships in Potchefstroom and is currently the fastest under-18 female athlete over 100 metres and 200 metres in the world. On the Thursday, during the same Championships, she won the 100 metres in 11.22s.

The Tuks sprinter seems intent on “renewing old records”. In February, during the Twizza Super Schools Meeting in Ruimsig, she ran 11.47s. It was the fastest time by a South African under-18 athlete in 38 years and four months. The previous record was held by Mari-Lise Furstenburg, who ran 11.56s in November 1983.

The time of 11.22s she ran is also a new South African junior 100-metre record (under-20). Marcel Winkler ran 11.25s in 1989. It will be interesting to see if she can also improve on Evette de Klerk’s 200-metre junior record. In 1984, De Klerk clocked 22.76s.

The well-known South African athletics statistician, Danie Cornelius, is confident that Jingqi will dip under 23 seconds in the 200 metres this season.

“The one thing that can’t be coached is big match temperament. Jingqi has got it. She proved it last year during the World Junior Championships in Nairobi when she finished third in the 200 metres semi-finals being only 16.

“I sort of felt sorry for her when she lined up to compete. She looked so small and vulnerable compared to the international athletes. But the moment the starter’s pistol was fired, she became a ‘giant’. She was not intimidated. All that mattered to her was to be fast.

“During the national championships in Potch, it was the same. Jingqi still has no physical traits distinguishing her from any other athlete. Only when she races will people realise that she is the real deal.''

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Schoenmaker, who soared to gold and silver at last year's Tokyo Olympics, sealed her qualification time in the heats (2:25.16) and final (2:24.01) in the 200m breaststroke.

The 24-year-old world record holder was delighted to earn her spot at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which gets under way from 28 July to 8 August.

"It burned a lot more than the Olympics but I just wanted to make the Commonwealth team and I can’t wait to race internationally again," said Schoenmaker.

"Obviously this isn’t the best time, but that’s not what it’s about at the moment. It’s about getting back into racing again after such a big event so I’m happy."

Joining Schoenmaker in the 200m breaststroke is Tuks teammate Corbett.

Corbett also achieved qualifying times in both races with a 2:25.41 in the morning and a 2:24.66 in the final for the silver medal.

"This year, I was definitely coming in with the intent to try and get this time as soon as possible and not put as much pressure on myself to get a qualifying time," said Corbett.

"I’m just happy it’s over and I get to hopefully be on the Commonwealth team, so that’s always just a huge plus side for me – to be able to race and compete for my country."

Meanwhile, South Africa's most decorated athlete Le Clos added his name to the list of qualifiers as he powered to victory in the 200m butterfly final in 1:55.75 to dip under the required time by almost a second.

With that, Le Clos secured his 12th consecutive national title in the event.

"I’m over the moon. I was very nervous … not nervous to race anybody but I needed to qualify," said Le Clos, who is a three-time Commonwealth champion in the event.

Matt Sates claimed his first World Championships and Commonwealth Game qualification time on day two of the championships in Gqeberha.

The 18-year-old, from Pietermaritzburg, who has been setting the United States college circuit alight for the University of Georgia, won the 200m freestyle title in an impressive 1:46.15 to ensure he’s up for selection for the major championships later in the year.

“It was a good one. It’s my first gala long course since Olympics so I’m still getting used to it … but the more racing I do, the faster I’ll get,” he said afterwards.

– Source: www.news24.com