“As we reflect on our own contribution as a country to advancing African unity, it should be a source of pride that our term as AU Chair in 2020 saw the roll-out of groundbreaking initiatives like the first-ever African Medical Supplies Platform, the appointment of special envoys that mobilised resources to enable the continent to fund its pandemic response and the establishment of an African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that advancing the African Agenda was a fundamental tenet of South Africa’s foreign policy and that our commitment to progressive internationalism meant that South Africa would continue to play its part to enable the continent to meet its aspirations.

“South Africa’s socio-economic development, stability and progress cannot be assured without a peaceful, integrated, prosperous continent. We will continue to contribute to this effort, whether it is through peacekeeping operations, through our role as AU Champion for COVID-19 response, or through supporting development projects through our African Renaissance Fund.

“South Africa will be participating in two important AU summits in Equatorial Guinea later this week that will be addressing the issues of terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian assistance. The continent’s collective action on each of these issues is vital to peace and stability in Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that the African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, would enable local businesses to produce and sell goods and services to a market of almost 1.3 billion people across 54 African countries.

“As a country, we are banking on increased intra-African trade as a key enabler of economic growth and job creation,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that Africa Day was also an opportunity to celebrate South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights.

“As a people who once felt the bitter cold of isolation and exile, we should also take pride that our democracy with guarantee for human rights for all is refuge for many men, women and children fleeing conflict and persecution in the lands of their birth,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that tensions between South Africans and nationals of other African countries was a troubling reminder that the divisions fomented by successive colonial and apartheid administrations had not yet been fully eradicated.

“As we address the critical issue of illegal immigration, as is our right as a sovereign nation, let us never become like the former oppressors, who sought to divide the African people and turn us against each other,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that Africa Day was an opportunity for South Africans to learn more about the role of other African countries in our freedom struggle, and that this was particularly important for the younger generation.

“Travelling across the continent, one sees streets and monuments dedicated to the leaders of South Africa’s liberation movement. Even today, student movements and civic groups in some African countries commemorate events like the Soweto uprising. We will never forget this solidarity, nor the cost that came with it, particularly for our neighbours in the SADC region.

“South Africa must never be seen as a place of intolerance. This is not just an insult to the people of the continent who supported us and gave refuge to our leaders, but also a betrayal of our own Constitutional values,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa called on community and civil-society groups, supported by the South African Human Rights Commission, to initiate dialogues and programmes that bring communities together and foster tolerance.

“Our brothers and sisters from elsewhere in Africa are not our enemies. Our common enemies are the scourges of poverty, crime, unemployment and social exclusion. We need to work together to defeat them, and not turn on each other as Africans,” the President said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told this to the media following bilateral talks with his German Counterpart, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on Tuesday, 24 May 2022.

The two statesmen earlier engaged in a tete-a-tete where they discussed a number of issues of bilateral and international concern, including ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy and climate change, trade and investment and responses to COVID-19 and vaccine demand.

Germany has been a partner in development since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the inauguration of the Bi-National Commission in 1996.

It is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and in tourism, the third-largest single source of overseas arrivals.

The President said they discussed avenues to increase trade and investment of German companies in South Africa, but also of South African companies into Germany.

“This cooperation has been in a range of fields, including good governance and strengthening democracy, HIV prevention, climate actions and energy,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said they also discussed the next steps in the Just Transition Partnership concluded between South Africa, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union last year.

“This historic partnership will support our just transition to a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient society in a manner that leaves no-one behind,” he said.

President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Scholz also spoke extensively on supporting young people and integrating them into the workplace.

Another important area of cooperation between the two countries is that of vocational training and how young people can be more effectively integrated into the world of work.

“There is much we can learn from the German mode of dual education and how German companies integrate the training of young people in the working environment,” he said.

In turn, Chancellor Scholz said that Germany was working together with South Africa in the field of cooperation for developing skills.

Chancellor Scholz agreed with President Ramaphosa that it was necessary to do a lot for young people and “if they have a chance for training and education together, it is big progress.”

Vaccine manufacturing in Africa

President Ramaphosa lauded Germany for being a dependable supporter of Africa’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed the country’s gratitude to Chancellor Scholz for the assistance Germany had given not just to South Africa, but the entire African continent.

“We also discussed the support Germany can lend to our efforts to ensure that vaccines produced in Africa are given greater market share in developed countries, and that vaccines destined for African populations should be procured locally,” President Ramaphosa said.

Earlier, President Ramaphosa told Chancellor Scholz that efforts to produce vaccines in South Africa had suffered a setback as there were no buyers for vaccines produced in Africa.

"This is a matter of great concern for us and this is an area that should also concern you because you have been in the forefront of helping us as the continent to move up the ladder of being able to produce vaccines. We believe that vaccines destined for Africa should be produced in Africa,” he said.

In turn, Chancellor Scholz said he was happy to have helped with the manufacturing of vaccines in Africa and South Africa in particular. "We should increase the investment in your country, and making it more easy is one of the aspects we will discuss,” he said.

War in Ukraine

During their discussions, President Ramaphosa and Chancellor Scholz spoke about the war in Ukraine and the need for negotiations to bring about an end to the conflict.

President Ramaphosa said that Chancellor Scholz and himself discussed a broad range of international issues, including the pursuit of peace and security on the African continent.

“We also discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the need for the international community to encourage dialogue and negotiation towards a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Earlier, Chancellor Scholz weighed in on the war, saying it was necessary for peace in the world that the war stopped as soon as possible.

"We have to convince Russia that they will go out of the war and peace has a chance for Ukraine and the development of all of us,” he said.

Later on Tuesday, Chancellor Scholz and his delegation visited Sasol Place in Sandton for the launch of a South African-German consortium that will advance technology research for the production of sustainable aviation fuels.

President Ramaphosa said the launch was a historic partnership for the development of carbon emissions reduction technologies, including green hydrogen.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and Egypt enjoy very good political, economic and social relations, following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on 29 March 1995. The relations have since been conducted through a JCC, as a structured bilateral mechanism to provide for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries.

As the JCC has recorded an upward trend of economic achievements and vibrant bilateral relations over the years, the Working Visit created space for deliberations on issues of mutual interest and concern pertaining to the continent and global governance.

Additionally, the visit sought to work towards the elimination of non-tariff barriers to bilateral trade, in the spirit and letter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and reviewing and implementing standing agreements. In addition, discussions and negotiations were held towards locating future relations as both countries seek to strengthen existing areas of cooperation while identifying new ones.

The Minister led a delegation comprising senior official representatives of at least 14 national departments, including members of the South African National Space Agency. 

The meeting was hosted by China, in its capacity as the incumbent BRICS Chair, under the theme: "Strengthen BRICS Solidarity and Cooperation, Respond to New Features and Challenges in International Situation”. The meeting was opened with a video message from President Xi.

The BRICS Plus Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue Meeting took place under the theme: “Increased Role of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries in Global Governance”.

The BRICS Plus foreign ministers invited to the dialogue were Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

While a BRICS Plus Outreach has been held before on the margins of the summit, this is the first time that non-BRICS foreign ministers were invited to a BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

South Africa initiated the BRICS Outreach Programme during its first Chairship of BRICS in 2013. South Africa continues to champion engagements with its regions as well as other like-minded members of the Global South.

The meeting has endorsed a joint statement, entitled: “Strengthen BRICS Solidarity and Cooperation, Respond to New Features and Challenges in International Situation”.

South Africa, as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2023, will host the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting in September 2022, in New York, on the margins of UNGA77

The laptops that Minister Pandor handed over were generously donated to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation by Ambassador Tariq Al-Ansari, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa.

Ambassador Al-Ansari joined Minister Pandor during the hand-over event at the school. Other dignitaries included the MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, Bonakele Majuba; the Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, Cllr Dan Nkosi; and members of the School Governing Body.

In addition to the JCC, the DMWG was established to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries in various areas of cooperation.

Furthermore, the DMWG serves as an intersessional mechanism in-between JCC sessions to allow both countries to review progress and work towards the implementation of the decisions and outcomes of the previous JCC. This mechanism also allows for an exchange of political views on issues of mutual interest.

Foreign diplomats affiliated to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were among the participants at the seminar.

The event brought together the business community, investors, academics, government departments, municipalities and organs of the state to explore investment opportunities available to both local and international investors.

In her address to the last Heads of Mission Conference, held in April 2022 in Pretoria, Minister Naledi Pandor said the pursuit of economic diplomacy must drive the work of DIRCO, adding that this: “cannot be mere rhetoric, as the outcomes of our efforts on the ground must result in increased foreign investment and trade.”

“Recovery is being bolstered by international arrivals,” she said.

Minister Sisulu said South Africa was among those African destinations that experienced the biggest declines in arrivals in 2021: 78% down when compared to 2019, while countries in East Africa were not as deeply affected.

“Cape Town International Airport's total passenger activity had increased to 66% of levels last seen in the first quarter of 2019.

“January and February this year saw strong growth in arrivals from the UK, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Switzerland – 549% up in 2022 versus 2021 from our top 10 source markets (Stats SA).”

Minister Sisulu said as a result, international airlines could not keep up with the demand for travel to and from South Africa, resulting in stubbornly high airfares made even worse by soaring fuel prices.

MoUs with Emirates, Qatar Airlines to grow South Africa’s tourism market

Minister Sisulu said tourism had always been one of the most lucrative activities, contributing billions to the local economy in job creation and small business development.

However, since the onset of the pandemic, the July unrest in 2021 and the devastating April floods, the sector has suffered losses estimated to be in the billions. 

“Last week, we announced that during our attendance at the Arabian Travel Market, SA Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Airlines to grow the tourism market in South Africa.

“Air travel is a key pillar for South Africa’s tourism recovery and we expect this will boost visitor arrivals. It will promote tourism and inbound traffic to South Africa from key markets across the Emirates network,” she said.

Minister Sisulu said the Middle East was a critical market for South Africa and that the collaboration would be instrumental in ensuring ease of access to and from South Africa for travellers from this region.

She said this would also help to elevate South Africa’s trade efforts.

“A similar effort is underway with Qatar Airways,” she said

– Source: SAnew.gov.za

Minister Patel said the Department of Trade Industry and Competition’s (dtic) pursuit of industrialisation sought to expand the level of local output, to secure parts of the local market's lost imports and to boost value added exports.

He said to be labour absorbing, the country needed jobs or providers of critical public goods, healthcare or significant earners of foreign exchange.

Minister Patel said the work of the dtic on spearheading transformation sought to create opportunities for all South Africans.

“This involves the concentrating of our economy [by] opening up exclusive product and service markets to participation by all. It is also about our enduring commitment to support the black industrialists and workers who were previously denied access to opportunities for economic ownership and participation.”

Furthermore, he said it was also about ensuring a spatial strategy that informs how the country builds and supports a new model of special economic zones and industrial parks in secondary towns in co-hubs.

“It is informed by the principle of trying to expand industrial activity beyond its concentration in the urban metropolitan areas. Transformation is about building an economy that works well where people are.”

Economic recovery and deepening industrialisation

Minister Patel said the dtic’s entities would collectively offer R22 billion in customer support packages to companies over the next 12 months.

“This will be complemented by strategic support to deepen implementation of our master plans, including the launch of the new R400-million furniture growth funding partnerships with manufacturers and retailers,” he said.

To support its localisation efforts, the dtic will aim to achieve a R40-billion increase in the production of targeted local industrial output.
He said this would bring the department closer to its five-year target of R200 billion.

"Our investment facilitation and promotion activities will aim to unlock at least R120 billion in investment from the private sector in the next 12 months," he said.

On the dtic's first steps to embrace opportunities in green industrialisation through the green hydrogen and electric vehicle roadmaps, ‘Minister Patel said the department had made "considerable progress" in researching practical options.

In the last financial year, the department identified possible funding. It published a draft green paper and received feedback from stakeholders on this.

"We will now table our draft Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy in Cabinet for consideration and guidance by the end of August, and our electric vehicles roadmap by the end of October.

“Over the next year, officials from dtic entities will work hard to secure at least R600 billion in manufacturing exports with a package of support to grow and diversify South African exports and secure trading future in Africa,” he said.

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Minister Patel said government would commence the next phase of AfCFTA negotiations by developing draft protocols on competition, intellectual property and investment.

Work in these important areas, he said, would enable firms to manage their expansion into the rest of Africa.

"We will also make available a multibillion-rand facility in risk cover to strategic exports through the Export Credit Insurance Corporation. This facility will complement our efforts to launch more export networks with entrepreneurs to share knowledge and coordinate government support among exporters," he said

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“Government, business and civil-society leaders will convene to simultaneously advance long-standing economic, environmental, political and societal priorities and security challenges, all the while reinforcing the foundations of a stable global system,” said the department.

Accompanied by a strong contingent of over 35 South African business representatives, Minister Kubayi attended the meeting with the primary focus of promoting South Africa as an attractive investment destination.

In addition, the meeting also provided an opportunity for government to share an update on South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, promote the country’s economic reforms and advance important public-private partnerships to support the country's development objectives.

Some of the key messages Team SA focussed on at WEF included:

• unpacking government’s priorities for supporting higher levels of economic growth through areas such as infrastructure and industrial growth
  
  
• outlining commitment to higher economic growth through faster implementation of structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela – a programme led by The Presidency and National Treasury to fast-track structural reform implementation in key sectors such as energy and telecommunications
  
  
• commitment to addressing climate change, the green economy and transitioning to lower carbon emissions
  
  
• commitment to deepening economic cooperation within the continent and globally and simulating trade
  
  
• implementing reforms that will support the ease of doing business, such as reducing data costs and one-stop shops for setting up businesses.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The conference will be held in Cape Town in 2024 and represents the world’s largest gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, intersex and asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) persons.

The conference was last held on African soil at least 25 years ago in Johannesburg.

The Minister said this was a significant move towards furthering inclusivity in South Africa.

“With help from civil-society organisations such as Gender Dynamix and IRANTI, we are constructing a truly inclusive society – one which not only accepts, but celebrates diversity, where people can be themselves no matter what their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics may be and where everyone has the same enjoyment of their human rights,” Minister Lamola said.

The department said the bid was indicative that the country still “has much work to do” to protect and promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons in communities.

“Despite our progressive laws and legislation, discrimination, prejudice and violence on the basis of a person’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics still exist.

“We have no doubt that this platform will enable us as society to heighten our institutional mechanisms and to address societal attitudes so as to prevent homophobia, transphobia and the general violation of human rights in our communities,” the department said in a statement recently.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

This is according to Government Communication and Information System Director-General, Phumla Williams, who opened the Africa Communications Week 2022 on Monday, 23 May 2022.

Africa Communications Week is a week-long series of events in 20 countries across Africa. It kicked off under the theme: “Ahead of the Curve: What’s Next for Comms in Africa?”.

Addressing fellow communicators across the continent, Williams said in preaching the message of hope they could ensure that Africa regains its rightful place in the world.

“It begins by us working together as communication professionals to change the narrative of our continent. The coverage of disasters, famine, terrorism and corruption alone has created a distorted view of Africa.

“It has created the impression for many that the continent lurches from one crisis to another and this has a huge impact on the development of the continent and its people,” Williams said.

She emphasised that the role of communicators was to find ways to shift Africa’s narrative to one of hope.

The Director-General added that there were exciting developments on the continent that needed to be communicated to citizens and the world.

“More people need to know that Africa is working hard to improve its capabilities in vaccine and medical supplies manufacturing.

“Earlier this year, we saw NantAfrica, a division of global entrepreneur Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong’s Nantworks, launch state-of-the-art medical infrastructure to accelerate domestic production of pharmaceuticals, biologics and vaccines that will reach users across the African continent,” she said.

It is the largest genomics facility on the African continent and an important milestone in the development of advanced healthcare on the continent. “It places Africa at the forefront of genome research and bolsters the continent’s epidemic and pandemic public health response,” she said.

The Director-General urged communicators to shift their emphasis towards more proactive communication on African issues.

She said this would result in claiming the communication space on key issues facing the continent and was an opportunity to re-frame how Africa moves forward in a post-COVID-19 environment.

“We have seen that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, African nations maintained their spending on infrastructure projects and it is these stories that we need to actively share. According to the Deloitte African Construction Trends 2021 Outlook report, there was an increase in the number of infrastructure projects by a fifth compared with 2020,” she said.

Williams further advocated for the communication of Africa’s changing landscape represented by the 462 infrastructure projects on the continent valued at US$521 billion.

Touching on a number of projects across the continent, Williams said the highest number of projects were in the transport sector with 197 projects, the energy sector registered 88 projects while there were 85 real estate sector projects.

“African governments owned 73.8% of projects and they were top funders at 31.8%. South Africa recorded 37 projects valued at US$54.7 billion. It includes the Kusile power plant, Waterfall City Development, Baywest City Precinct, Steyn City development and the Roggeveld wind power project,” she said.

Through communication, she said, they could support the continent’s recovery efforts through profiling interventions and providing regular updates that help shape the narrative for Africa.

On the economic front, African nations have a chance to build back better as they leverage advances in green and low-carbon energy in pursuit of its growth objectives.

Williams said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented enormous opportunities and the recent adoption of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin covering 87% of goods on the tariff lines of African Union (AU) member states was a historic breakthrough that demonstrated commitment to dramatically scaling up intra-African trade.

“We must put forward common front towards promoting Agenda 2063, which is Africa’s strategic roadmap to move us to a free, safe and fully developed continent.”

She said that Agenda 2063 was underpinned by the AU’s vision to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa that is a dynamic force in the international arena.

It reflects the aspirations of Africa as a continent with strong cultural identity, values and ethics.

“In support of Agenda 2063, we can foster unity among all Africans across the continent. Future growth will be spurred by the continent’s commitment to Agenda 2063 to drive the social, economic and political rejuvenation of Africa,” she said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“When one of us is recognised by a global audience, we all become very proud because the South African flag is flown high. We acknowledge and appreciate Mana’s enormous contribution to the media industry. We have seen her passion coming through every time we watch her on our television screens,” GCIS Director-General, Phumla Williams, said on Friday, 20 May 2022.

Government is pleased with Manas’s recognition as it also highlights the key role that the media plays in a democratic society, and in promoting social change.

Government also notes with appreciation the work that the South African media in general has been doing in covering some of the most important stories in our country, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Hundreds of thousands of people have come to Cape Town to find their freedom. Cape Town Tourism reports a recovery rate April 2022, compared to April 2019 of 74% for international arrivals and 76% for domestic arrivals.

This continues an upward trajectory in local and international passenger movements seen since January. Easing of COVID-19 restrictions, coupled with the lure of a South African summer, has meant many booked their bucket-list trips to the Mother City. And Cape Town Tourism has launched a first-of-its-kind experience to keep the visitors coming.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says, “Revenge travel refers to people ‘rebelling’ against the lockdowns of the last few years and consciously choosing to explore more. We expect to see a surge of people coming to Cape Town this year, as the industry opens, and people feel safe to set forth and travel with purpose.”

“We are committed to moving from tourism recovery to a chapter of tourism readiness. In March, we saw a 72% recovery in domestic arrivals and 62% in international arrivals. In April, our domestic recovery numbers increased by 4%, alongside an impressive 12% jump in international arrivals. The numbers are looking extremely positive, and we hope to keep the momentum going, even with the inevitable impact of winter.”

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, adds, “The recovery of Cape Town’s visitor economy is a major gain for the city’s economy even though we haven’t yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Given that the sector contributes between 2% and 3.5% annually (pre-COVID) to the local economy and sustains up to 5% of all jobs in the city – not to mention those working in affiliate industries – we must do all we can to support local tourism. These positive figures are the result of targeted and effective campaigns and strategies implemented by the City and Cape Town Tourism that capture the variety of our destination and we will continue working hard to ensure we reach greater heights.”

Alongside this, the Cape Town Tourism accommodation report indicates that the Mother City is also looking good with occupancy rates for March reaching 66.6% – up from 39.8% in March 2021 with the average room rate for that month rising to R1972, up from R991 in 2021. And last year, despite the ongoing pandemic and lockdowns, tourism drove R5.8 billion into the city’s economy.

Find Your Freedom

Cape Town Tourism recently launched Find Your Freedom, an immersive travel experience that uses game-style graphics and an interactive interface to take people on a journey of the best of Cape Town.

The landmark initiative is their most important to date, offering a pioneering user experience. Global travellers select their persona – the Fearless Foodie, Nature Warrior or Urban Adventurer – then go down a rabbit hole of rapid videos showing top Cape Town offerings tailored to their interests. Users can then easily book these experiences via Expedia.

“Find Your Freedom presents an array of unique Cape Town choice-driven video experiences to viewers via the latest digital technologies. You choose your adventure. It’s an interactive journey from start to finish,” says Duminy.

Tourism South Africa also recently launched a beautiful advert welcoming tourists to our country.

The Albie Awards, named in honour of Justice Albie Sachs, who is revered for his heroic commitment to ending apartheid, will take place in New York later this year.

Not only has the CFJ named the awards after South Africa’s Justice Albie Sachs, but they will also award him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Pursuit of Justice on the evening.

Other recipients at the “Albie” will be the Nobel prize-winning Filipino journalist Maria Ressa who will receive the Justice for Journalists Award; iACT, a groundbreaking international organisation that works alongside survivors of genocide and other mass atrocities, will receive the Justice for Survivors Award; Viasna, a human rights group that has been a voice of resistance in Belarus for nearly 30 years as it has led a brave campaign for freedom and democracy against President Lukashenko’s regime, will receive The Justice for Democracy Defenders Award; and Dr Josephine Kulea, the Kenyan women’s rights campaigner and founder of the Samburu Girls Foundation that helps to rescue girls from child marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices will receive the Justice for Women Award.

Albert “Albie” Louis Sachs is a South African activist, lawyer, writer and a former judge appointed by Nelson Mandela to serve on the first Constitutional Court of South Africa. After twice being detained in South Africa for his anti-apartheid activities, in 1966, he went into exile and was later the victim of a car bombing executed by the South African security services. He lost his right arm and vision in one eye. In 1990, Sachs returned to South Africa to help write the Constitution of South Africa and later served for 15 years on the country’s Constitutional Court.

“I take huge pleasure in working with Amal and George Clooney and getting to understand and appreciate their deep feeling for justice. I delight in their imaginative, creative ways of doing things and connecting with people,“ says Justice Sachs. “I am a living survivor of a generation of South African lawyers like Griffiths Mxenge and Bram Fischer, who gave their lives for freedom and justice. I will be thinking of them when I receive this wonderful award alongside the other remarkable people and organisations.”

The awards, hosted by George and Amal Clooney and Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, will take place on 29 September at the New York Public Library, with some of the biggest names in international human rights, philanthropy, law, business and entertainment in attendance and will include powerful stories of the CFJ’s work fighting for survivors of human rights abuses.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

John Nkengasong, the Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, hailed both de Oliveira and Dr Moyo as symbols of excellence in science from the African continent in his article for TIME. The scientists are named in the “Pioneers” section of the list.

While many people were frustrated when the rest of the world placed travel bans on the African continent for the identification of the new variant, the scientists performed their duties with integrity. They kept the world safer by sharing their findings.

The ability of African scientists to monitor and sequence pathogens is some of the best science in the world. This is due to the HIV epidemic and the rates of TB and other diseases like malaria.

South Africa’s CERI is based at Stellenbosch University. The hope is that the research teams from all major universities around South Africa can develop an interlinked system that will create unrivalled data systems in Africa. Essentially, CERI tracks the genetics of any one disease, bacteria or virus and studies how it evolves. They have the ability to discover where is originates from as well.

“My research interests concentrate on viral evolution under selection pressure created in the transmission, acquisition and drug escape processes. A particular point of interest is on the study of viruses’ origins and the effect of the network of transmissions in the spread of epidemics in Africa and other continents. I also enjoy developing bioinformatics software applications and running a next-generation sequencing and innovation research centre.” – Tulio de Oliveira

Prof. Tulio de Oliveira joins the ranks of Oprah Winfrey, Volodymyr Zelensky, Rafael Nadal and Faith Ringold, to name a few.

–  Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The 20-year-old potstill brandy is a rich, decadent brandy, with delicate sweet vanilla, spice and rose water, ending with a supremely velvety finish.

For the complete list of the 2022 World Brandy Awards visit the World Brandy Awards. There are quite a few locally produced brands that have won bronze, silver and gold awards too.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

An upscale sanctuary in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest districts, an international business hub renowned for its shopping, art and design, and exclusivity, voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank delivers on the promise of its name – “to invite” or to “come together” in Latin.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG said: “As part of our growth strategy in Africa, we have partnered with Valor to expand our footprint on the continent. Valor has been our long-term partner in the United States and the United Kingdom, and we are delighted to open our first voco hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank is a best in class property and a great entry to market for IHG. voco The Bank is a distinct hotel with an individual character in the buzzing “walk-work-play” district of Rosebank and will be a great addition to the destination. This new opening in the trendy hub of Rosebank adds to the momentum we are building in the IMEA region with six voco hotels openings in key cities.”

The 131-room hotel embodies the characteristics of voco with exclusive features and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.

– Source: https://lenationniger.com/

“I am beyond happy to have won this category award as it gives me the confidence to know that I am heading in the right direction in realising my dream of becoming a member of a Formula One team. Although an amazing achievement, I still want to prove my conclusions and am really keen to learn about computational fluid dynamics simulations and how this can add to my findings,’ he says.

A science enthusiast from an early age, the 17-year-old couldn’t wait to get stuck into this project and marrying his love for science with his other huge passion – Formula One, made perfect sense. He has been gripped by the sport from a young age, even learning about its technology and engineering a few years ago, and now hopes to pursue a career in the field when he finishes school.

Dash’s project was first chosen by his school to compete in a national and then international science fair held by Eskom. From here, the top seven projects, including Dash’s and one by Ra’ees de Witt from Curro Hermanus, were chosen to represent South Africa at the world’s largest global high school competition.

“We are incredibly proud of Dash and his fantastic achievement in America. It is both beautiful and refreshing to watch such a talented individual live out his passion and win awards at this level. His dynamic personality, drive and enthusiasm for sciences and sports not only make him a wonderful role model but will no doubt set him in good stead for what I am sure will be a very bright and successful future. Well done, Dash,” said Riaan Stroebel, Executive Head at Curro Durbanville.

The Regeneron ISEF is one of the world’s oldest high school competitions. More than 1 750 scientists from 63 countries took part in the overall fair this year, with almost US$8 million in awards and scholarships handed out to the winners.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Despite her young age, Kea is no stranger to the global stage. Under the guidance of her mentor, Dr Mmatepeng Muda Temane, Kea became the youngest member of the American Field Services Inter Culture South Africa – a global peace-building organisation, when she joined as a toddler.

She quickly rose to the ranks of a peace ambassador and was featured in the 95 Voices Strong for Peace Campaign during the riots in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng in 2021.

If that wasn’t enough, Kea also runs her own project called Sharing inspires Caring under the Ditsala Children Shield banner, where she donates clothes and shoes for needy children in the surrounding areas of Mamelodi. And to top it off, she is a passionate champion of the environment, recently involving herself in a clean-up campaign in Nellmapius with the local councillor, Shaun Wilkinson.

“Despite only joining our school at the start of this year, Kea’s passion and commitment to the local community is a treasured quality. We are incredibly honoured to have such an empowered and motivated learner with us and look forward to supporting her as she accomplishes even more remarkable achievements,” says Johan Goosen, Executive Head at Curro Academy Pretoria.

Kea hopes to continue her charitable endeavours while in school and would like to host motivational sessions with other learners.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

South Africa has an abundance of filmed entertainment content. However, the past years have been difficult from a cinema perspective, with theatres being shut by lockdowns around the world. Fortunately for the industry, that seems to be changing with cinema-goers returning to view their movies on the big screen. This makes the timing for this showcase right while the industry returns to its feet.

The 11 films being showcased at Cannes range from The Domestic (horror / psychological thriller starring Tumisho Masha, Amanda Du-Pont and Thuli Thabethe) to 8 aka The Soul Collector, award-winning The White Line, action-comedy Bordering on Bad Behaviour, crime drama Juggernaut and Call Me Thief, originally released as Noem My Skollie. Gold Coast Lounge, starring Greg Kriek and Christia Visser, Santana, Sisters (Susters), The Recce and The Windmill are also being exhibited.

“The slate of films being showcased at Cannes is testimony to the creativity, passion, high standards and quality of South African filmmaking,” said Benjamin Cowley, CEO of Gravel Road Distribution Group.

“With such a wide variety of genres, I’m thrilled that we can make these local productions available to the world’s cinema buyers,” he added.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The festival recently announced new additions to its 2022 programme with one night only concerts from Amanda Black, Ringo Madlingozi and Bongeziwe Mabandla.

The programme, already a feast of theatre, dance, music, jazz, visual art, comedy and more, is now live and open for bookings.

CEO Monica Newton says the festival is looking forward to welcoming the return of the artists and visitors, as is the town of Makhanda, which has missed the R90-million annual boost the festival has brought to its economy in years gone by.

"A lot has changed in the years since our last live festival in 2019 and we are mindful that the economic situation in the country may have an impact on the number of visitors to this year’s festival. We are heartened by the enthusiasm for the live festival and bookings are starting to come in fast.

"One of the realities we, along with the performing arts community, face is the 50% capacity rule in our venues. This will mean fewer seats and fewer tickets as well as less revenue for artists and the festival. It’s going to take a while for us all to get back to ‘normal’ but we are making a strong start," says Newton.

In addition to the 50% capacity COVID-19 legislation, the festival has been designed to allow for more time between shows to ensure mask wearing and sanitising protocols are followed precisely.

For the first time, ticketing will be paperless and all tickets bought on the festival’s online ticket platform can be displayed on a phone or tablet to gain entry. 

Those who won’t be making the trip this year will still be able to enjoy an online programme with some of the shows being live streamed from Makhanda as well as online shows created for virtual audiences to enjoy.

– Source: www.news24.com

Also screening at the festival will be Girl Taken, the story of Zephany Nurse. The film tells a tale of hope and loss, of a broken family battling their way towards finding togetherness again and explores the concept of nature and nurture.

The prolific multiple award-winning documentary filmmaker Jane Lipman brings us an intimate portrait of George Bizos in another African premiere for the festival. A 13-year-old Greek village boy and refugee from Nazi-occupied Greece becomes a South African and international icon. The film documents his journey to becoming a South African human rights and constitutional lawyer through the brutality of the apartheid years. He defended heroes such as Steve Biko and Chris Hani.

Shameela Seedat, whose award-winning film about Thuli Madonsela entitled Whispering Truth to Power opened Encounters in 2018, returns to the festival with African Moot, straight from revered Canadian documentary festival, Hot Docs. African Moot delves into the complexities of the global legal world, as aspiring lawyers gather for the annual African Human Rights Moot Court Competition.

More films will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

– Source: www.news24.com

“Everything still feels so surreal,” says Remy. “Conditions were close to perfect, and I was one of the first people to summit Mount Everest at 5.30 am on the 15th, and spent 45 minutes on top of the highest place on Earth, marvelling at the location and the moment. I never knew that beauty like this existed. I summited exactly at the time of the super blood moon eclipse, and while climbing Mount Everest; I witnessed the moon set over Nepal and the sunrise over Tibet – it is an image I will never forget.”

“When I summited Lhotse, two climbers were making their way down; otherwise I was up there on my own. While climbing Mount Lhotse, I was gifted with being able to witness the sunrise and illuminated Mount Everest. It was the most wildly beautiful experience, and I feel good, strong, blissful and grateful for this epically special season.”

Where to from here?

Having only discovered her passion for high-altitude mountaineering four and a half years ago, Remy aims to be the youngest African to climb the Seven Summits – the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

To date, she has summitted six of the seven mountains that make up the Seven Summits – Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in South America, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Vinson in Antarctica and now Mount Everest in Asia. She plans to scale the last remaining peak later this year with a climb up Carstensz Pyramid in Papua.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

In an interview a couple of years ago, Surprise revealed his surf heroes were Brazilian Italo Ferreira and fellow Durban surfer Jordy Smith, and that his dream was to “surf the best waves in the world”. He said within five years “I see myself surfing against the best surfers in the world”. Less than three years later, and his dreams are coming true.

It took hard work, passion and dedication to get here … surfing before and after school, arriving at competitions – like in the Eastern Cape – a few days earlier so that he could learn the feel of the waves before the comp.

Surprise says he owes it all to his coach, former pro surfer Chad du Toit, his father Jakes (Sibonela) Mpanza who encourages him, his dad’s surf company boss Jason Ribbink (who spotted his talent on a skateboard and encouraged his dad to get him to surf), and Jason’s son, James. As best mates, when they were 10, the two young boys used to head down to the beach most days, and Surprise would skateboard while James surfed. And then one day, James said “come into the sea”. Surprise said yes, thinking he’d just paddle around while James surfed, but James had other plans, and soon Surprise was standing for the first time on a board. “It was the best feeling,” he remembers. And he hasn’t looked back. At 11, he’d already won a national competition.

The teen surf sensation told a local TV station that for him skateboarding and surfing are “the same, just skating’s on land and surfing’s on the ocean”.

“For me, surfing is my world,” he told Surfline last year. “Everything I do is about surfing.”

– Source: www.sapeople.com

Tegan Phillips loves to cycle, so much so that she uses her love of cycling to empower other women and uplift women in poorer communities. Her love of cycling is taking her on an adventure that will set a world record and see the South African flag fly high. Tegan plans to become the fastest woman to cycle from Cairo to Cape Town.

Tegan started her love of cycling most comically; she entered a competition by submitting a comic and won an adventure bicycle. The win was such a life-changing one that she used the bike to cycle through Spain and drew cartoons about her experience.

At the time, Tegan was studying to be a lawyer, but it became evident that her calling was cycling and comics. Over time, she was able to turn her love of both into a sustainable income, and she has not looked back!

Tegan loves adventure cycling and took an 11 000-km bike trip through Africa with her family and completed a 10 Iron Man triathlon around New Zealand. This next adventure is the most important one yet.

“I am passionate about cycling but I am mostly passionate about women’s cycling, and I want to set this women’s record because I truly believe it just needs to exist.”

The Cairo to Cape Town route is a famous one and has been completed many times by all means of travel. However, it has never been done by a woman on a bicycle for a world record attempt. When Tegan realised that, she set her heart on setting the record and becoming the first woman to complete the journey.

She started training for the massive cycle, which will take her through eight countries and over 10 600 km. Tegan starts this incredible adventure on 16 October 2022. She is riding solo but will have a support team driving along the way to ensure she has access to medical and mechanical support.

“Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa. I’ll mostly follow the established route that the record-chasers before me have used.”

To make sure she is ready, Tegan has already done a few incredible practice trips, including a ride from Cape Town to Namibia and back, in just five days.

Setting this world record is part of a bigger picture though, and Tegan hopes the journey will inspire other women to take part. Along the way, she and her team will be raising funds to purchase 100 bicycles for women in Khayelitsha. Khaltsha Cycles will use these bicycles to empower women within the community.

“One of the best ways to empower a girl or woman is to give them a bicycle. It’s mobility, confidence, health and freedom all rolled into two wheels and a metal frame.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com