Minister Cele said the active participation of ministers in the SARPCCO agenda created a platform of massive growth in strategic matters of the business of policing, saying this would further yield positive results in the fight against transnational crime.

Working in silos would never produce fundamental change and progress, he said.

“We are encouraged that this fight against transnational organised crime is not ours alone. Equally encouraging is SARPCCO’s ambitions of improving policing relations between police chiefs of member states through the facilitation of investigations and joint cross-border operations.

“SARPCCO’s ambition of harmonising legislation and other policing activities contributing to public order security in this region is also encouraging,” said Minister Cele.

The Minister said it was evident that the region needed to walk and speak in unison.

“We, as [SADC], are in this together and we will combat drug and human trafficking syndicates, wildlife poaching and maritime crimes in all their manifestations. We ought to also have our focus firmly set on minimising cross-border vehicle theft, as well as the proliferation of arms that contribute to violence in our communities.

“These are just some of the crimes from a host of cross-border crimes that must and will be dealt with, through this regional partnership.”

South African law enforcement, Minister Cele said, remained committed to its international and regional obligations aimed at combatting lawlessness -- whether at sea, land or in the air.

“Criminal gangs are becoming highly sophisticated and dangerous. The cross-border crime trade has increasingly become more diverse and sophisticated. The criminal networks we are trying to take down, enjoy unlimited deep pockets, which allow them to study our collective security vulnerabilities and lack of coordination and partnership.

“They use this information to advance and expand their criminal activities.”

The Minister said SARPCCO must change the game and “let these criminals know that they are now playing by our rules”.

“We can only change the game if we step up our intelligence, as criminals are adopting new and complicated forms of operations. The harmonisation of legislation should influence our counter operations and proactive programmes, if indeed we want to effect change.”

In his address, Minister Cele also called for the expansion of INTERPOL policing capabilities beyond the National Central Bureau.

He said the effective utilisation of the INTERPOL policing capabilities was crucial to disseminate criminal data.

“This kind of information will equip and empower frontline officers at all ports of entry. The usage of INTERPOL databases, which contain [volumes of] information, can be shared among law enforcement officials mandated to prevent and combat international crime.

“At the same time, political oversight is crucial to the success of this policing partnership. The security ministers of the 16 [SADC] member countries should monitor the commitments made by our respective police chiefs, derived from the SARPCCO annual general meetings,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Government is planning to donate nearly R800 million (over US$49 million) to support the Government of South Africa’s efforts to vaccinate South Africans in every corner of the country.

As part of ongoing efforts to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health and Right-to-Care, supported by USAID, have developed a web-based app, called FindMyJab.co.za, to make it easy for South Africans to locate vaccination sites closer to their places of work or residence.

The app is accessible from any device and includes the name of the vaccination site, address, contact information and operating hours of sites across the country. Once you enter your location, you will see a list of sites closest to you, including the pop-up sites

The event served to celebrate the partnership between the governments and people of South Africa and the US.

The US Government supports a diverse array of activities, including providing quick, safe and equitable access to vaccines.

This year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and eThekwini Municipality commemorated the day in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

WED is the biggest international day for environment awareness.

Led by UNEP and held annually since 1974, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet.

This year, WED was held under the campaign slogan: “Only One Earth”, with a focus on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”.

This year is a historic milestone for the global environmental community. It marks 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, widely seen as the first international meeting on the environment.

The world is facing three major environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, as well as waste pollution.

This is driven by human activity and unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. The world’s most vulnerable communities are often the worst impacted by environmental crises.

“The recent torrential rains and deadly floods experienced in KwaZulu-Natal are evidence of the devastating impact the environmental crises have on humanity, our economies and our natural world, and a stark reminder of the urgent action needed,” the DFFE said in a statement.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The conference officially opened on 6 June 2022 at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen.

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said the South African delegation would participate in the plenary and side meetings of various committees, including Executive Committee, Commonwealth Women’s Parliament Steering Sub-Committee, Constitutional Amendment Ad Hoc Sub-Committee, Regional Representatives Sub-Committee, and Programme Planning and Finance Sub-Committee.

“The high-level delegation includes the National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, in his capacity as a member of the CPA Executive Committee, usually referred to as a Regional Representative, as well as speakers and observers from the provincial legislatures,” Mothapo said.

The South African delegation is expected to deliberate on the following topics, among others:

• strengthening parliamentary visibility: Parliamentary efforts in resource allocation for purposes of executing its Constitutional mandate
• evolving and adapting new strategies for increased women participation in politics
• the role of African parliaments in accelerating intra-Africa trade
• mobilising regional, international coordination and cooperation to respond to COVID-19 and future pandemics
• drawing lessons from COVID-19 to build foundations for future pandemics.

The CPA was founded in 1911 at a meeting of heads of government in Westminster Hall as the then-Empire Parliamentary Association, and its affairs were administered by the United Kingdom Branch.

The original members were Australia, Canada, Newfoundland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

By climbing Mount Kili as an ostomate, she is raising some serious awareness for those living with the same condition. Lerato has had to pack additional medical supplies to be able to complete the climb safely and in good health. This additional weight to her pack further highlights her important cause.

Starting small, she hopes to raise R20 000, which will be used to get medical supplies for a fellow ostomate. Lerato hopes to reach her funding goal and hopefully go beyond it by the time she reaches the summit in eight days.

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

When Hendrien was born, the vines were already 30 years old. Still, it took her creativity, qualification and commitment to a rich family heritage deeply rooted in Citrusdal in the Western Cape to deliver a wine worthy of the praise it now enjoys some 30 years later. Some 1 300 wines were submitted in this year’s competition from more than 36 countries, so to rise victorious was no mean feat. Weighted and rated on quality, value and packaging, this was where Piekenierskloof’s Bergendal Chenin Blanc 2020 ruled supreme in its class.

In 2022, the winemaking falls to Hendrien, and with that, the opportunity to work hard and reward the investment made in her ability.

“Our cellar master, Jaco van Niekerk, believed and trusted me enough to throw me in the deep end,” Hendrien recalls. “It’s intimidating, as a young female winemaker, to stake my claim and install myself in a fast-evolving industry. Jaco offered me that freedom, and I would like to think his belief in my ability is paying dividends.”

Piekenierskloof Wines is no small operation, so attention to detail, working within a well-oiled machine and being given enough room to inject personality and curiosity to deliver extraordinary wines is rare.

“I work with what Mother Nature gifts us, and thankfully the terroir is amazing, and the old vines, especially, continue to deliver spectacular vintages,” Hendrien shares.

“I am a perfectionist in everything I do,” Hendrien insists. “You must be precise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be playful,” she says with a confident wink. “With every varietal and every vintage, I let my imagination run. I am one part of a bigger chain of thousands who toil the soil to realise a palatable and precious product.”

Mere days after winning in the United Kingdom, Winemag’s Prescient Chenin Blanc Report 2022 delivered a confirmatory endorsement that Piekenierskloof’s Bergendal Chenin Blanc 2021 was Top 10 worthy, with an impressive score of 93. Upon reflection, what’s remarkable is the number of times Piekenierskloof Wines has been decorated at the Novare SA Terrior Wine Awards, Michelangelo, Merit Awards and Decanter World Wine Awards. Further to that Tim Atkin, Platter’s, the Prescient Chenin Blanc Report, Gilbert & Gaillard, Veritas and the International Wine and Spirits Competition have prolifically endorsed Hendrien’s investment in delivering only the very best.

– Source: www.goodthingsguiy.com

The project will also raise money and awareness for ocean conservation through partnerships with Conservation International and Sea Shepherd; all facilitated through the Chris Bertish Foundation.

The new-and-improved wing foil craft is powered solely by wind, solar energy and hydropower to be carbon net-zero. This expedition requires Bertish to complete the equivalent of more than two full marathons per day, winging a minimum of 8-12 hours per day, for over 60 days, unsupported and completely unassisted until he arrives at the Aloha Dock at the Hawaii Yacht Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, between the end of July to the beginning of August.

Bertish will post weekly “Captain’s Vlogs”, sharing valuable ocean temperature, PH and plastic and noise pollution data, which he will collect during his expedition. The team is also developing a first-of-its-kind “Ocean in Motion” classroom session series to give back to education during the expedition. Bertish will be talking with influential leaders in ocean conservation to share their insight and wisdom on what we can all be doing to minimise our negative impact, take action and be part of the change that we want to see in the world.

“It will be a lot of work to complete the 2 550-mile journey this summer, but with all of the planning, alterations and upgrades that we have made since last year, we are stronger than ever, and if we set our sights on a goal and overcome a challenge, we can get through anything,” said Bertish just before the launch.

If you are curious about where he is on this adventure, you can track him here. To get involved and stay updated as Chris relaunches his journey, join the adventure at https://chrisbertishfoundation.org/wing-project/.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Simphiwe “Sims” Kubeka, the fourth-place contestant from the most recent season of Masterchef South Africa, has been crowdfunding to make his dream of being a chef a reality. He hoped to raise R850 000 to use towards getting a formal education in cooking, with his biggest hurdle getting a chance to study at a culinary school in France like all the greatest chefs.

The dream started for Sims while working as a software developer. He took that desire to cook, and when auditions for Masterchef South Africa opened, he jumped at the opportunity. Sims made the cut and won over the hearts of South Africans with his likeable personality, genuine kindness towards others and passion for success.

Putting it all on show, Sims baked and cooked his way to the final week before being outcooked by fellow contestants. He left the kitchen in fourth place. The competition ignited a drive in Sims, and he became determined to follow his dream of becoming a chef. Launching the crowdfund was his first step toward the big dream.

“Throughout the show, I pushed myself to my limits and gave my absolute best at every challenge. I really felt like the underdog coming into the competition because most of the other contestants had experience in the industry in one way or another and I was in awe of the skill that stood around me. I decided to not let that hold me back and use the opportunity to learn from everyone around me. I spent every night studying recipes and every waking moment coming up with dishes and concepts to try out in the kitchen. Although I learned so much during the process, it was clear to me that I needed more training and if I wanted to pursue this as my career, I would need to go back to school. “

What Sims didn’t imagine happening, was being given the opportunity of a lifetime by South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef, Jan.

Sims’ girlfriend Kayla Domnakis wrote to the Good Morning Angels (GMA) team at JacarandaFM to ask for help in highlighting Sims’ education fund. The GMA team reached out to Jan, and together they started planning a surprise for Sims.

In an emotional but incredibly positive on-air moment, Jan-Hendrik invited Sims to Nice, France, for a three-month apprenticeship at his Michelin Star restaurant “JAN”. The opportunity every chef dreams of. Sims will be working side-by-side with South Africa’s most acclaimed chef and learn from Jan and his team of experts in the gastronomical capital of the world.

Jan-Hendrik told Sims that his internship would be entirely paid-for, including “the costs of the return flights to France, accommodation, and a salary”, so that Sims can concentrate on developing his food passion into a career.

“Kitchens are not easy spaces, but it’s the opportunity to put that on your CV, it might even open more doors than any diploma can ever do,” added Jan-Hendrik.

The restaurant showcases the balance between South African heritage classics and French cuisine. Restaurant JAN offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the fine dining arena. The artistry of the cuisine is enhanced by the exquisite décor, which reflects both Jan Hendrik’s culinary and cultural inspirations.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon will take place from Monday, 13 March, to Friday, 17 March, in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. The competition is hosted by the cultivar association Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in partnership with local as well as international partners.

Over the past decade, the competition has taken place in winegrowing regions all over Europe, including Bordeaux, Touraine, Styria, Rueda, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Torres Vedras. Sauvignon Blanc has in recent years become an extremely popular varietal in the international marketplace.

“Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s top-selling cultivar and our most exported varietal,” says Sauvignon Blanc SA Chairperson, RJ Botha.

“South African Sauvignon Blanc is a unique asset, which helps build and maintain a strong brand reputation for the country. It makes perfect sense to host this competition, the largest and most significant international competition entirely dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, in the Cape Winelands. To be the first host ever outside of Europe is an amazing accomplishment for our country and our wine industry.”

“We are excited to work closely with our platinum partners: Wesgro, Concours Mondial du Bruxelles and Vinventions, as well as our bronze partners: Boutes South Africa, Tonnellerie Sylvain and Enartis, to bring together hand-picked specialists from around the world to taste and evaluate some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc wines.”

“The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is more than just a competition between producers and appellations. It is aimed at fostering dialogue and creating a meeting point for industry specialists. In 2022, a total of 1 120 entries from 23 producer countries were evaluated by over 70 judges representing 20 nationalities, guaranteeing the outstanding diversity that sets the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon apart from other wine competitions.”

“We look forward to hosting these international members of the wine industry, journalists, and wine writers on local soil. We are excited to introduce them to our country, our people and our unique South African hospitality,” Botha concluded.

The competition was launched in 2010 to promote white wines and showcase one of the world’s most popular white grape varieties. Since then, the event has become an international competition, with the number of producer countries taking part increasing year on year. Technical management of the tastings is handled by the organisers of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, who boast over 20 years’ experience in organising world-class wine competitions.

The Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is open to all wines made from a majority percentage (51% min.) of Sauvignon blanc and/or Sauvignon gris, irrespective of their producer, origin or category. Since 2017, a new category has allowed Sauvignon-based sparkling wines to take part.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Organic waste is the most problematic waste stream because it produces methane in the landfill and can pollute groundwater when dumped in the landfill. Himkaar has a big dream to divert all South Africa’s organic waste from the landfill so that it can be properly composted and thereby become a valuable soil conditioner. The richer and healthier soil is, the better it retains water and thus, the cycle of water changes.

Himkaar is so passionate about the soil and water, he has a Facebook group dedicated to helping South Africans on their composting journey. The group also connects people to composting companies and services within areas not serviced by The Compost Kitchen.

“I feel proud to have been selected for the 30u30 list, especially during this time in South Africa when people are wondering what the future looks like, because I am showing that there is still a lot of opportunity for innovation, business and impact.

“My life has always been about water and in the next 30 years, I am working on a new technology that will hopefully aid in solving one of mankind’s gravest problems related to irrigation.”

Himkaar believes there is untapped potential for entrepreneurs in the food waste recycling industry, mainly because a business can be started with very little. Doing good used to only be associated with non-profits, but Himkaar is trying to show that impact can also be made while making a profit too.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The festival is widely regarded as one of the leading film festivals on the African continent and a vital event on the international film calendar.

This year’s festival is a hybrid event with both online and live screenings. The latter is made possible through a partnership with Avalon Group and screened at CineCentre Suncoast Casino.

Over 3 000 films were submitted to the festival this year and after an intense selection process, the programming team selected 157 shorts, features and documentaries, and will present 19 live screenings.

"The live screenings are a definite highlight for us as organisers, the industry and the filmmakers. We cannot wait to see audiences indulge themselves in the authentic Diff experience in the cinema again” said festival manager, Valma Pfaff.

This year’s curatorial theme is ''Adaptation', Survival and Sustainability''.

“The last two years of a national lockdown of almost the entire globe has forced us all into re-thinking the ways in which we engage with our planet and with communities, societies and nations. Our festival theme intends to amplify our determination to build more sustainable societies, systems and opportunities”, said Ismail Mahomed, director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Diff 2022 will also mark the launch of the inaugural Isiphethu Student Film Festival, which with the theme of migration, aims to develop young talent in the industry.

Aside from student screenings, the Isiphethu programme also consists of a seminar and workshop component to stimulate industry development and a community outreach programme to engage underserviced audiences and celebrate cinema through the exhibition of films.

At the heart of the Diff is a mission to enable partnerships that aim to strengthen the film industry and create opportunities for African, and newer voices. The festival’s outreach programme will work with a range of organisations to take parts of the festival programme to community centres which include, among others, the Wushwini Arts Centre, Luthuli Museum, Ubuntu Nest and K-Cap.

Diff will take place from 21 to 30 July and is presented with support from the Kwazulu-Natal Film Commission, National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts & Culture, and Avalon Group.

– Source: https://www.bizcommunity.com/

National Arts Festival CEO, Monica Newton, said, “It's a much-needed reunion for jazz musicians who will once again gather together to jam, collaborate and share. With a big focus on local talent and local jazz excellence, the 35th National Jazz Festival Makhanda has assembled an exciting programme of artists from across South Africa. Our celebration of jazz this year is bitter-sweet; as musicians once again take to the stage of the festival to engage with live audiences for the first time in two years, we will also be remembering and celebrating lives lost during the pandemic.”

The National Youth Jazz Festival brings together talented, young musicians from across South Africa and through the programme, some 300 plus young musicians from schools, universities and informal institutions around the country can meet and connect with successful and diverse jazz musicians. These young musicians also audition for the National Youth Jazz Band - a springboard that has helped shape the careers of artists like Kesivan Naidoo, Siya Makuzeni, Tutu Puoane and Kyle Shepherd. Many of these musicians in turn mentor younger musicians and so the circle continues.

National Jazz Festival Makhanda curator Alan Webster pointed out that the programme had a strong line-up of younger jazz artists and, although the headlines were filled with young South African jazz artists, excellent musicians from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Britain and Spain would be collaborating with them for this very special celebration of jazz.

– Source: www.bizzcommunity.com

Masheane was born in Soweto but grew up in the Free State. She studied Marketing Management and Speech & Drama and has been a dedicated teacher of her craft. A love of storytelling and a dedication to female empowerment inspired Masheane to create the HerStory International Theatre Festival for Womxn in the performing arts.

“I am beyond myself and in awe that a dream that started as a seed is as of today, unfolding into an artistic legacy …

“Bana-Beso … I am honoured to introduce ‘HerStory International Theatre Festival’… which is a layered artistic programme of theatre works and performances by Womxn – for Womxn – with Womxn creatives across the world.”

The festival, a first of its kind in South Africa, will play host to performers from local and abroad; including Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Lesotho, Botswana, Nigeria, Sweden, United States of America, Madagascar, Namibia, Netherlands, Caribbean Islands, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“I want my words to stop cowering when they should stand tall even when they make others uncomfortable. As black womxn storytellers and theatre-makers, we should never apologise for claiming spaces, creating platforms, speaking out, thinking back or talking back against any form of injustice against us; our voices, our bodies, our gender, our sexuality and our very own being. HerStory, by all means, has to be re-birthed, re-lived, re-told, and re-imagined into HiStory” – Napo Masheane

The festival is set to take place at the Soweto Theatre from 1 to 7 August 2022. The 17 womxn artistry will be bringing together a series of 50 creative works – dialogues, drama, poetry, comedy, music, dance and masterclasses – at the Soweto Theatre.

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Thompson is from Durban and joined the Surfing South Africa team at the 18th ISA Junior World Championship. The Surfing SA team was made up of several proudly South African surfers. Surfing South Africa is the national governing body for the sport in South Africa. SSA is a member of the South African Sports Commission and Olympic Committee and the ISA.

The team was made up of U18 and U16 competitors in both the boys and girls categories.

Connor Slijpen (Llandudno, Western Cape), Daniel Emslie and Luke Thompson (Durban, KZN) and Adriel Wolmarans and Aimee du Preez (both East London) and Indiphile Osinachi made up the U18 representatives, while Nate Colby, Ntokozo Maphumulo (both Durban) and Luc Lepront (Scottburgh, KZN), Sarah Scott, Gemma Hanafey (East London) and Zia Hendricks (Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape) made up the U16 side A.

Luke earned the Bronze by scoring 730 points overall. The whole South African team placed 10th overall in the competition with 4 033 points.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

“Fans around the world can mark their calendars and look ahead with excitement and certainty to a series which promises to be highly competitive and intense from the start to finish with Paris 2024 Olympic qualification on offer for the top four women’s and men’s teams in the 2023 Series standings.” – Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive

Capetonians are excited that the event will be returning to the city just months after the world cup and the Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, shared hope that the event would be able to take place with a stadium at full capacity.

“I was excited to see World Rugby’s announcement yesterday that the HSBC Sevens tournament will return to Cape Town after a two-year hiatus. The tournament will be played on the weekend of 9 to11 December and will see Cape Town’s own DHL Stadium playing host to the world’s best male and female sevens rugby players.

“It is fantastic to see renowned international events such as this return to the Mother City. Not only is the economic boost that results from events like this crucial for our post-COVID economic recovery, but this also reinforces Cape Town’s status as an international events destination.

“Cape Town is ready to welcome all players and fans to our shores for a sports-, fun-, and entertainment-filled summer.” – Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Stormers centre Ruhan Nel was second with 1 339 minutes, while another Bulls player, flank Marcell Coetzee, played 1 296 minutes.

"I am humbled and honoured to receive the United Rugby Championship Ironman Award for the 2021/22 season," said Nortje.

"To receive this recognition in a world-class competition with some of the most respected players is definitely something that will remain a highlight in my playing career for many years to come," he added.

Nortje, who said he was proud to pull the Bulls jersey over his head, thanked his teammates, coaching staff and supporters.

"I am grateful to the Bulls, our director of rugby, Jake White, the coaching staff, my teammates and the supporters of the franchise for the faith and support they have all given and had in me."

"To be able to put on the blue jersey and play for the badge in such a premier championship is something I do not take lightly. I look forward to many more memories and matches in the URC," said Nortje.

– Source: www.news24.com

Twenty-three-old left-back Vaughan and goalkeeper Maartens, also 23, are now looking to build on their Tokyo experience.

“I definitely think that playing in Tokyo has helped me understand the level of international polo that we will be up against at World Champs, plus the standard we will need to reach to be competitive,” said Vaughan.

“It will be essential to play as a team and not forget that the end goal is to improve the programme of SA polo overall.

“It’s important to never drop our heads, no matter the score, and to be grateful that we are able to play with and against the best of the best.”

Vaughan and Maartens were both part of the Currie Cup-winning side and have continued to work hard to develop their overall play.

“I have been training and competing under Delaine since the Olympics and have been learning from her,” added Vaughan, who said she was grateful for the opportunity to prove herself as a worthy international.

She expressed her gratitude to the coaches who had mentored her throughout her career.

“I hope to make them proud and let them know that all their hours of coaching me have not gone to waste.”

Maartens said she had been working on specific aspects of her game and was looking forward to sharing the experience gained at the Olympics with new members of the squad.

“To keep improving, I have been watching a lot of water polo matches and assessing shooters to see how they get into position to shoot,” she said. “I have also been putting a lot of work into plyometric exercises in the gym to try to improve my explosiveness in the goals.”

She added that competing in Tokyo had opened her eyes on how to prepare for international competition.

“It also means I can pass on some of the things I learnt to new players and guide them through their first big event.

“We have a five-day training camp (in Eger, Hungary) before Worlds, which I think will be a great boost for the squad as we learn how to work together.

“I believe the secret to success is to stick together as a team, trust the process our coaches have put in place and always work hard for each other.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Zalika started diving at the age of nine, specialising in springboard diving and synchro. She is able to dive from both the 1-metre board and the 3-metre, a height that gives most jelly legs. Zalika was set to be the first South African black female junior diver to qualify for the FINA Diving World Junior Championship in over a decade. Her dream was so close to reality and then the new variant caused a travel ban for South Africans and she had to cancel her trip to the championship. Winnie, Zalika’s mother, had managed to fully fund the trip thanks to a successful crowdfund on BackaBuddy.

Thankfully, Zalika’s dream can now resume. She was invited to join the team of South Africans representing the country at the 19th FINA World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. The event will run from 17 June to 3 July.

This is Zalika’s chance to get experience in an international competition. She is competing in the 1-metre Springboard. All her supporters and crowd funders are excited to finally see her dream become a reality.

Her school, St Mary’s Waverley, took to social media to celebrate her.

“Zalika, Form III, has been selected to compete in the Senior World Championships taking place in Budapest from 24 June to 3 July.

“This is a major achievement as she will be competing with the best divers in the world. It is the first of the qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Good luck, Zalika!”

Attending the FINA World Championship leads her one step closer to representing South Africa at the Olympics.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com