| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
SACU CALLS FOR DIALOGUE NEGOTIATION IN UKRAINE CONFLICT |
|
 |
 |
| |
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) says the Russia-Ukraine conflict can further affect the region if not resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiation. |
| |
Reflecting on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Seventh Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of SACU said the conflict would result in “inflation surges, especially on food and fuel prices … dimming the growth prospects of the already fragile economies”.
The summit was held on Thursday, 30 June 2022, in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was in attendance, accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel; the Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo; and the South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter
“In light of these global developments and the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions in the region and globally, the summit undertook to remain resolute in implementing recovery programmes that assist in rebuilding economic resilience, and building on work already being done on analysing the impact of COVID-19 to bring SACU economies back on a sustainable economic growth trajectory.
“This includes prioritising investments in edible oils and other agricultural value chain development as a matter of urgency,” Executive Secretary of SACU, Paulina Elago, said while delivering the joint communiqué.
In relation to the 12th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference, the summit noted that important deals critical to the region were concluded.
These include:
- an agreement that enables the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the patent holders’ authorisation
- the discipline on illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing that will protect the territorial waters of the SACU countries
- food security measures to mitigate against the increase in food prices and food shortages
- the E-commerce Work Programme aimed at setting a deadline for the moratorium on customs duties to secure support for digital industrialisation for SACU and other African countries
- the WTO reforms that provide an opportunity to put forward additional policy space to promote African industrialisation.
“The summit applauded the African ministers for the decisive role they played to ensure that the WTO reaches a historical deal, in particular, on the TRIPS [Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights] waiver that would enable Africa to manufacture its own vaccines,” Elago said.
Elago said the summit agreed that SACU should maximise the opportunity being presented by the emerging global developments and accelerate the implementation of the SACU industrialisation programme, which would result in increased productive capacity to reduce the reliance on imports, especially on food and fertilisers.
The summit further agreed on the need to build greater internal reliance in industrial development and public financing to support growth.
The summit noted the SACU vision on industrialisation, which seeks “to build a diversified, competitive, sustainable and equitable industrial base that supports structural transformation and the economic integration of the SACU region”.
Work Programme
The summit endorsed the Work Programme and Priorities as follows:
- industrialisation through the development of regional value chains, investment attraction and export promotion
- regional financing mechanism
- trade facilitation and logistics
- implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The summit has considered a progress report from the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the SACU Work Programme, which the Council of Ministers adopted at their Fourth Ministerial Retreat, held on 21 September 2020.
Furthermore, the summit endorsed priority sectors such as agro-processing, specifically leather and leather products; meat and meat products; fruits and vegetables; textiles and clothing; pharmaceuticals; cosmetics and essential oils; automotives; and mineral beneficiation.
“The summit further directed the council to prioritise fertilisers, agro-chemicals and seed production as part of the ongoing work on agro-processing to deal with the existential challenges the region is faced with regard to food security,” Elago said.
The summit reaffirmed SACU’s commitment to the AfCFTA and the importance of concluding SACU’s tariff offer to the AfCFTA.
“The summit further emphasised the imperative of advancing industrialisation in SACU and to fast-track work on the development of regional value chains to take advantage of the African market beyond. This requires a systematic approach and practical steps to deepen the region’s industrial base,” Elago said.
The summit noted that the Kingdom of eSwatini would assume the Chair of SACU, effective from 15 July 2022 to 14 July 2023, taking over from the Republic of Botswana.
“The summit commended His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, for the able leadership and guidance rendered during his term as the Chair of SACU.
“In the same vein, the summit congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini, on assuming the Chair of SACU from 15 July 2022,” Elago said.
The summit further noted that the term of office for the Executive Secretary of SACU, Paulina M Elago, would end in October 2022.
The heads of state and government applauded Elago for her leadership and achievements while at the helm of the Secretariat since April 2014 and wished her success in her future endeavours.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING IN BALI, INDONESIA |
|
| |
 |
| |
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, arrived in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday, 6 July 2022, to attend a two-day G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (G20 FMM), scheduled to take place from 7 to 8 July 2022. |
| |
Held under the theme: “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”, the G2FMM will discuss current geopolitical tensions across the world, their humanitarian as well as socio-economic impact and the role and contribution of the G20 in strengthening multilateralism.
On the margins of the G20 meeting, Minister Pandor will have bilateral discussions with some of her counterparts to discuss issues of multilateral cooperation and mutual interests.
Minister Pandor’s visit to Bali follows her successful visit to Singapore from 5 to 6 July 2022 at the invitation of Honourable Vivian Balakrishnan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.
While in Singapore, Minister Pandor also visited various government and business entities such as the National Research Foundation and the Singapore Institute of Technical Education to strengthen cooperation and explore further development exchanges between South Africa and Singapore. |
|
| |
|
| |
MINISTER PANDOR UNDERTAKES OFFICIAL VISIT TO SINGAPORE |
|
| |
 |
|
| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, undertook an Official Visit to Singapore from 5 to 6 July 2022, at the invitation of the Honourable Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation issues of mutual interest. |
|
|
During the visit, Minister Pandor addressed and engaged various government and business entities such as the National Research Foundation and the Singapore Institute of Technical Education. It is envisaged that the engagements will lead to the further expansion of cooperation and skills development exchanges between South Africa and Singapore.
Singapore is an important trade and investment partner of South Africa. The total value of bilateral trade between the two countries in 2021 was R13 billion, with exports at R7.9 billion and imports at R5.1 billion. There is much potential to increase South African exports in the agricultural, food processing and food production sectors. |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
BURUNDI CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE |
|
| |
 |
| |
The Republic of Burundi celebrated its 60th Independence Day on 1 July 2022 to commemorate the day in 1962 when the country gained its freedom from Belgian colonial rule. |
| |
The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, invited the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, to attend the celebrations. President Ramaphosa appointed Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini to represent him at the Independence Day celebration.
South Africa’s relations with Burundi are sound and very cordial since the establishment of official diplomatic ties on 23 June 1995. South Africa played a key role in the African Union-led Burundi Peace Process that led to the signing of the Arusha Peace Accords in 2000.
The major exports from South Africa to Burundi in 2021 amounted to R83,233,390 million and included coal, petroleum and electricity, vehicles and accessories, beverages, spirits and vinegar, sugar and sugar confectionery, catalytic converters, computers, mechanical appliances and medical and photographic equipment. Exports from Burundi to South Africa in 2021 amounted to R7,730,580 million and included coffee; tea; mate and spices; medical and photographic equipment; clothing and accessories, knitted or crocheted; oil seeds; oleaginous fruits; and footwear and gaiters. |
|
| |
|
| |
SOUTH AFRICA AND SPAIN STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION |
|
|
| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, on Friday, 1 July 2022, co-chaired the 14th Bilateral Consultations between South Africa and Spain with his counterpart, Angeles Moreno Bau, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs in Madrid, Spain. |
| |
| Bilateral Consultations between South Africa and Spain were established in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2000, which serves as the main forum for coordinating bilateral relations between the two countries. The last South Africa-Spain Bilateral Consultations took place virtually in April 2021. |
|
|
 |
|
South Africa and Spain have signed 22 bilateral cooperation agreements. A further nine agreements are currently under consideration.
Spain is one of the main investors in South Africa with a foreign direct investment stock of above €821 million. More than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20 000 jobs in the following sectors: infrastructure development, renewable energy, financial services, tourism, textiles, IT & software, metals and mining.
Furthermore, Spanish companies have contributed significantly to the development of the renewable energy sector in South Africa.
The Spanish Government sees South Africa as an important and key role-player in Africa and an important and strategic international partner in strengthening multilateralism.
As part of his programme in Spain, Deputy Minister Botes participated in a roundtable on youth and development in the context of the observance of June as Youth Month in South Africa. In addition, Deputy Minister Botes paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister of Spain, José Manuel Albares, and hold an engagement with the African Diplomatic Corps in Madrid. |
|
| |
|
| |
SOUTH AFRICA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO DISTRESSING NUMBER OF DEATHS OF AFRICAN MIGRANTS ATTEMPTING TO CROSS THE MOROCCO-SPAIN BORDER |
|
| |
 |
|
| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed deep regret and concern at the death of at least 23 and the injury of several migrants who attempted to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish city of Melilla. |
|
|
“We align with the statements of the African Union and the United Nations (UN) that calls for an immediate independent, effective and transparent investigation into the matter. It is imperative that UN member states abide by internationally agreed norms and standards to protect human rights, human dignity and the protection of those fleeing war, persecution and discrimination.
“Such violent incidents meted out to migrants are increasing globally. We see similar anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which at times, aside from challenging the very foundations of our constitutional democracy, could lead to mass violence against migrants irrespective of their status. Cognisant of these national, regional and global trends, DIRCO calls for commitments by all states, to treat migrants and their families with the human rights accorded to them under international law. |
|
| |
|
| |
AFRICA’S NEW SCIENCE DIPLOMACY INITIATIVE TO BE LAUNCHED IN PRETORIA |
|
| |
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will launch Africa’s new science diplomacy initiative in Pretoria on Friday, 8 July 2022. |
| |
The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), initiated by the Department of Science and Innovation and hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), seeks to promote science collaboration across Africa and beyond, towards leveraging and connecting technology innovation with humanity.
|
|
|
 |
|
Minister Nzimande said the SDCfA would create a platform to encourage cooperation between the large diplomatic community hosted in Pretoria and the many leading research and technology organisations hosted in the City of Tshwane.
“The initiative will notably achieve this through promoting South African and other African countries’ science and technology capabilities, which could be harnessed to respond to global challenges,” said Minister Nzimande.
The Minister said this could be done through enabling networking between the Pretoria diplomatic community and leading institutions of South Africa’s national system of innovation, and by offering advisory and support services to enable cooperation.
SDCfA will also profile the capabilities within South Africa’s National System of Innovation for cooperation with African and other international partners.
Speakers at the event will include the President of the African Academy of Sciences, Professor Felix Dapare Dakora; City of Tshwane Speaker of Council, Dr Murunwa Makwarela; CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini; Head of Policy at the Black Business Council, Tilson Manyoni; and the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Anthony John Phillipson.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
SOUTH AFRICA, SWITZERLAND CONCLUDE US$3.5-M FINANCE FACILITY |
|
| |
.jpg) |
|
| South Africa and Switzerland have concluded a US$3.5-million Sustainable Long-Term Finance Facility (SFF), with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Bank. |
| |
In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the purpose of the facility was to leverage private finance to address South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the climate-linked energy transition.
Ministry spokesperson, Mfuneko Toyana, said the chief aim of the SFF would be to develop sustainable and scalable financing solutions in strategic sectors for development linked to climate change, and would particularly support the implementation of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. |
|
|
Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, on Tuesday, 5 July 2022, hosted a Swiss delegation, led by the Switzerland’s Head of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
Toyana said the discussion explored how to deepen long-standing cooperation between the two nations, which culminated in the first SECO South Africa Cooperation Programme launched in 2009.
He said the programme had since expanded to the areas of financial sector development, technology and innovation, skills exchange and climate finance and mitigation.
Minister Godongwana thanked Parmelin and his delegation for their continued support of South Africa’s economic development agenda. In particular, the Minister underlined the importance of collaboration, in relation to preparing South Africa’s policies in addressing physical and transitional risks associated with climate change.
“The big challenge confronting us now is climate change. It has become a reality we cannot ignore. This new facility will go a long way in supporting our efforts to address this challenge.”
The Ministry said the SFF built on the successful completion of the Capital Markets Strengthening Facility.
“The chief aim of the SFF will be to develop sustainable and scalable financing solutions in strategic sectors for development linked to climate change and will particularly support the implementation of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. The Swiss mission to South Africa runs from 5 to 8 July,” said Toyana.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
BOULDER’S BEACH NAMED NINTH-BEST BEACH IN THE WORLD FOR 2022 |
|
| |
| The 50 best beaches in the world have been named, and Boulder’s Beach earned a place in the top 10, all thanks to our famous penguin friends. |
| |
The African penguin is having a year! This is thanks to the awareness raised by the brilliant Emmy-winning Netflix series Penguin Town. The penguins live on Boulder’s Beach and its surrounds, so now the beach is earning accolades too.
The beach has been named ninth in “The 50 Best Beaches in The World 2022” list. The list was compiled by travel media company Big 7 Travel, with a voting readership of around 1.6 million travellers.
|
|
|
 |
|
In January this year, South Africa was named the sixth-best honeymoon destination by the Big 7 Travel readership. According to 1.6 million international travellers from Big 7 Travel, South Africa is the place to be to celebrate your love, whether that be on a honeymoon or for a romantic getaway. In February this year, two local hotels earned a place on the “Most Romantic” list.
If you are not looking to honeymoon or for a romantic trip for two, you can still watch love blossom on Boulder’s Beach as the penguins search for true love and happiness.
The list for Best Beach is now in its fourth year; using aggregated scores from previous media results, official Blue Flag locations, social media popularity and contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team, they were able to select the 50 best beaches. It’s a diverse list, with pink sand covered in crushed seashells, crystalline lagoons and plenty of islands, from Turks and Caicos to Madeira, Portugal.
“Boulders Beach is more famous for its inhabitants than its sandy stretches. A whole colony of as many as 3 000 African penguins nest on the beach. The best time to see them is during the summertime. The cool, clear False Bay water and rock pools are an added bonus.” – Big 7 Travel
The top 10 beaches are:
- Playa Conchal – Costa Rica
- Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia
- Grace Bay – Turks and Caicos
- Siesta Beach – Florida, United States
- Punta Mosquito – Holbox, Mexico
- Secret Lagoon – El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
- San Fruttuoso – Italy
- Pedn Vounder – Cornwall, England
- Boulders Beach – South Africa
- Reynisfjara Beach – Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
SA’S CLIMATE CHAMP LEWIS PUGH GRANTED HONORARY DEGREE FROM STIRLING UNIVERSITY |
|
| |
 |
|
| The University of Stirling recently bestowed a well-deserved honorary doctorate on South African (and British) endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh. |
| |
Lewis said on social media: “This year marks my 35th year of endurance swimming and ocean advocacy. So I’m especially delighted to be receiving (this) honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling”.
He gave a huge thank you to the university, which is in Scotland, and said “learning and research are the basis of all our work to protect the planet and the oceans for future generations.” |
|
|
Lewis was granted the honorary doctorate along with Mike Robinson, CEO of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. The university said it was honouring these “two public figures who have dedicated their lives to campaigning for the environment”.
Stirling said: “Endurance swimmer and environmental diplomat, Mr Pugh – who has been instrumental in protecting more than two million square kilometres of vulnerable ocean – was recognised for his outstanding contribution to sport and international environmental issues.”
After receiving the honorary degree, Lewis drew parallels between his environmental work and the world-leading research conducted by the University of Stirling, home to Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the Institute of Aquaculture.
“There is much synergy between the mission of the Lewis Pugh Foundation to draw attention to the environmental crises playing out in our oceans – such as overfishing, wildlife decline, global warming and plastic pollution – and the impactful research being conducted in this area at Stirling. I look forward to working with the University in the future.”
As his South African fans know, Lewis draws attention to the plight of the world’s vulnerable ecosystems by taking on mammoth swim challenges and was the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean across the world.
“In a career spanning 35 years, he has pioneered more swims around famous landmarks than any other swimmer in history with his feats, including the North Pole, a glacial lake on Mount Everest and the English Channel. He is the United Nations Patron of the Oceans; and his dream is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030,” said Stirling University.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
|
| |
|
| |
YOUNG SA RESTAURANT OWNER NAMED ON LIST OF WORLD’S 50 BEST |
|
|
| Mmabatho is South Africa’s next big thing on the international scene … and has just been named on the World’s 50 Best 50 Next. |
| |
| Mmbatho Molefe’s modern Zulu restaurant, Emazulwini, at the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing, has made waves in the local dining scene; now, the young head chef’s visionary culinary interpretations have scored her a spot on ''The World’s 50 Best 50 Next'' list. |
|
|
 |
|
The second-ever list of 50 Next celebrates 50 people aged 35 and under who are shaping the worldwide gastronomy scene, getting their work recognised on a global stage. Winners from around the world are drawn from the entire food and drink ecosystem and divided into categories: Game-changing Producers, Tech Disruptors, Empowering Educators, Entrepreneurial Creatives, Science Innovators, Hospitality Pioneers and Trailblazing Activists.
Molefe, age 27, attended the awards ceremony on 24 June in Bilbao, Spain, where she joined in an inspirational day of discussions with members. Along with other winners, Molefe got to share her vision “to be an outspoken black woman, to reintroduce indigenous ingredients to the South African diet and to show the beauty of them”.
Emazulwini means “the heavens” in IsiZulu, and it opened in 2020 after Molefe lost her job in the restaurant industry due to the pandemic.
“People are prejudiced against offal, and I want to show people that if you treat it right, it can taste just as delicious as any other cut of meat. I also want to promote nose-to-tail dining, so that is why it is important for me to champion this sustainable way of eating,” Molefe said.
“Makers Landing is a food space promoting local cuisine and SMMEs, and my mentor helped me fund the set-up to share my story as a black, young Zulu woman.”
She cooks the food that her mother used to cook back home in KwaZulu-Natal in her youth, albeit in a new way.
“My parents always tried to make sure that as a family, we always spent time together, so when I think of food, it is associated with family and being in a group.”
The menu is a seven-course set menu, consisting of dishes such as chicken liver truffle – paté with a dusting of dark chocolate; Ulimi noshatini – ox tongue and variations of tomatoes and Isijingi – a sweet pumpkin porridge served with orange caramel, roasted pumpkin pieces and a cinnamon tuille.
“I tell myself every morning I am telling my story; my interpretation of what Zulu food is. I hope people embrace it for what it is. We hope to elevate ordinary dishes to the exceptional.”
The recognition comes just weeks after Emazulwini won the African Restaurant of the Year title at the fourth annual Luxe Restaurant Awards.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
LOCAL ETHIOPIAN FAVOURITE ADDIS IN CAPE REOPENS AFTER TWO YEARS |
|
| |
.jpg) |
|
| The much-loved authentic Ethiopian restaurant Addis in Cape has opened its doors in a new location in the bustling CBD. |
| |
The reopening of the restaurant comes nearly two years after a closure announcement in August 2020.
The pandemic caused severe distress in the restaurant industry with many beloved spots having to wave goodbye to customers and shut their doors.
Speaking to Eat Out, the owner and founder of Addis in Cape, Senait Mekonnen, shared the impact that the COVID pandemic had on the business.
“COVID uprooted our business and the pandemic strongly impacted us as we rely on the support of our fans and customers to keep the restaurant open.”
While the lockdown may have left some restaurants permanently closed, it was not the end of the chapter for Addis in Cape and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so did this local favourite. |
|
|
Although faced with the challenges of the pandemic, Senait remained hopeful that Addis in Cape would reopen again.
“I knew I would reopen the restaurant, but I did not know when.”
Same but different
After months of renovation and hard work, the new restaurant opened in the heart of Cape Town at 168 Loop Street in a small heritage building.
“It feels wonderful to see clients here enjoying all that Addis in Cape has to offer. We were often flooded with enquires and calls from our loyal customers about when we were reopening. I can happily say the wait is over for them and we are now open for business,” says Senait.
Although the restaurant is located in a new spot, the iconic food offering remains the same with plans to add new items to the menu.
“I plan to introduce Ethiopian coffee in an casual Ethiopian-style coffee ceremony. As raw as it can be. Addis’ new lunch menu and Ethiopian coffee ceremony is something worth looking forward to. We will also continue having a weekly live jazz band on the ground floor.”
The restaurant prides itself on its menu that features options which are gluten-free, halaal-friendly and plant-based – catering to vegans and vegetarian diners.
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHOIR WOWS AUDIENCES IN AUSTRIA, EARN FIRST PLACE |
|
|
| The Kearsney College Choir from KwaZulu-Natal recently set off on an adventure to Austria to compete at the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Competition in Vienna in the Male Choirs Category. |
| |
The choir was on tour through Europe, making stops in Salzburg, Vienna and Prague. The tour was highly anticipated as it was the first time since the pandemic that they had been able to travel.
“Following the postponement of the 2020 World Choir Games, and Kearsney’s decision to withdraw from the 2021 competition due to COVID complications, these talented boys have been itching to perform on the world stages once again. |
|
|
 |
|
''The opportunity to perform in the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival and Competition in Vienna was grabbed with both hands.”
The 53 performers and five teachers set off on 28 June for a 10-day tour. The first leg was in Salzburg, and the next Vienna, Austria. The next stop was Prague, where they will tour until 8 July before returning home to a winner’s welcome!
The choir performed early in the day at the festival and had to spend the rest of the day in anticipation of the final results. Thankfully, the wait was worth the result, and efforts paid off with a first-place win.
“The results are in!
“Yesterday our choir took part in the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Competition in Vienna in the Male Choirs category. They were very happy with their performance, which was the first of the day, yesterday. They had to wait patiently for the results, which have been announced in the last hour. The Kearsney College Choir came FIRST in the Male Choirs section with an ‘Outstanding Success’ rating. Well done boys and staff. We know it takes a tremendous amount of work and it has paid off.
“An awe-inspiring performance drew many visitors to the performance area. Both staff and boys were highly emotional after the performance. Visitors with tear-drenched faces approached the boys and teachers, expressing their appreciation and awe of the experience.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
SA DESIGNERS' WORK ON DISPLAY IN UK AT V&A MUSEUMS FIRST AFRICAN FASHION EXHIBITION |
|
| |
 |
| |
London's Victoria & Alfred Museum opens its exhibition on African fashion recently, making it the first exhibit of its kind at the establishment in its 170-year history. |
| |
According to The Guardian, the showcase will feature designers who have worked with stars like Beyoncé and will also include photographs and films from 25 of Africa's 54 countries.
More than two years in the making, the team behind the exhibition turned to experts as well as young people from Africa for help.
"We wanted to showcase the Pan-African fashion scene – that's really what connects the creators in the show," Christine Checinska, Curator of African and African Diaspora Fashion at the V&A, told the publication.
"So, whether it's Morocco to South Africa or Ghana in the west, [we want] to try to strategically break down those old colonial boundaries."
The exhibition will be split into two parts: one focussing on historical outfits and images, and the other showing off contemporary designers and photographers.
Included in the latter section are South African designers Rich Mnisi and Sindiso Khumal.
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
THE PLAYGROUND IN BRAAMFONTEIN WILL BE HOME TO VIBRANT MURAL ART |
|
| |
 |
|
| When Adam Levy, founder of Play Braamfontein, opened The Playground market in January this year, he promised that the new iteration would excite a whole new generation and be a holding place for outstanding talent. |
| |
True to his word, he is doing just that with an initiative that saw The Playground join forces with Heineken, inviting artists to submit their work to create mural art at the location.
According to a statement released to the press, more than 70 artists responded to the call. |
|
|
Play Braamfontein has erected over 40 metres of concrete panels around the inside of The Playground and will give 10 muralists the opportunity to make their mark, rather than just one.
"The big mural … that will come after the 10 artists we’ve chosen to paint have been given a space to showcase their work," Levy said.
"One of the artists selected said that this would be ‘the best business card ever’. And that’s what Play Braamfontein hopes to be for a new generation – the place to visit when you’re looking for fresh talent, and the place that fresh talent can find a home to develop their skills.
"Play Braamfontein already has an impressive list of alumni linked to their history: Dokter & Misses, Willowlamp, Kudzanai Chiurai, Banele Khoza, Black Coffee, Critical Mass, Adidas Runbase & Area 3, Kalashnikovv Gallery, Stevenson Gallery, Balkan Burgers and Father Coffee to name but a few. We’ve asked ten more creatives to join their ranks.”
Once all 10 murals have been completed, members of the public will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite mural via Instagram.
This will help to inform the selection of five artists, who will work with Heineken to submit creative concepts that will be considered for the final two-storey mural. “We are going to make Braamfontein a beacon for exceptionalism again," concludes Levy.
"Art, and murals, have the power to create a sense of community, pride and belonging. Play Braamfontein has already orchestrated more than 20 major murals in the area, and one by one they will ignite a sense in people that this is a city worth belonging to and taking care of."
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
BANYANA BANYANA KICK-STARTS WOMEN'S AFCON WITH VICTORY OVER TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES NIGERIA |
|
| |
 |
| |
Banyana Banyana claimed a crucial 2-1 victory in their opening Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encounter against tournament favourites Nigeria on Monday, 4 July 2022 |
| |
After a goalless first half, South Africa quickly took a comfortable two-goal lead on the hour mark when Jermaine Seoposenwe opened the scoring. Less than three minutes later, Hildah Tholakele Magaia put the ball beyond Nigeria’s goalkeeper to double the lead as Desiree Ellis’ charges looked charged after the half-time break.
South Africa’s game management got the better of the Super Falcons for the remainder of the fixture, but poor defending resulted in Nigeria pulling a goal back.
Rasheedat Ajibade netted from close range, but the referee sounded the full-time whistle two minutes later to ensure a Banyana win at the Moulay Hassan FUS.
Banyana is now top of Group C, with matches against Burundi (Thursday, 19:00) and Botswana (Sunday, 22:00) on the cards later this week.
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
SA'S BRANDEN GRACE WINS PORTLAND LIV GOLF INVITATIONAL, LANDS R66 MILLION PAY DAY |
|
|
| South Africa's Branden Grace grabbed five of his eight birdies on the back nine on Saturday, 2 July 2022, to pull away for a two-shot win in the Portland LIV Golf Invitational and capture the US$4 million (R66 million) first prize. |
| |
The 34-year-old, ranked 128th in the world, pulled level with Carlos Ortiz with a birdie at the 13th, then birdied the 15th, 16th and 17th to secure the win in the second event of the Saudi-funded series.
"This new format, everything is amazing and everybody is having a blast," Grace said after the win in the 54-hole event in which there is no cut and all 48 entrants earn some piece of a purse of more than US$20 million.
Grace carded a final-round 65 and finished two strokes in front of Mexico's Ortiz, who closed with a three-under par 69.
|
|
|
 |
|
Two-time major-winner Dustin Johnson, at 17th in the world the highest-ranked player so far to bolt for the new series, started the day tied for the lead with Ortiz but finished tied for third with compatriot Patrick Reed on nine-under.
Johnson carded a one-under par 71 while former Masters champion Reed moved up with a five-under 67 that included a chip-in eagle at the 17th.
Grace had taken the outright lead with his birdie at 15 when his tee shot at 16 skipped through the fairway into a strip of rough alongside a cart path.
His second shot went through the green, but he strengthened his grip on the lead by chipping in for birdie.
The team title went to the All-American quartet of Johnson, Reed, Tolar Gooch and Pat Perez, each pocketing US$750,000 in addition to their individual earnings.
The third LIV Golf event is scheduled for 29 to 31 July at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey.
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
WAYDE VAN NIEKERK MAKES BRILLIANT COMEBACK AFTER LENGTHY RECOVERY |
|
|
 |
|
| Wayde van Niekerk, the 400-m men’s world record holder and proudly South African athlete, showcased his sporting comeback at the American Track League meet in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, 2 July 2022. He ran a time of 44.58. |
| |
| Van Niekerk has been undergoing a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period after he faced an anterior cruciate ligament. The injury occurred during a game of celebrity rugby for charity in 2017. Not wanting to cause irreparable damage, he took his time through the recovery process to ensure he could come back to the sport without concern for the injury. With the pandemic, it meant he had to face even more time away from the track. |
|
|
This is what makes his return so exciting. While his injury may have been nearly five years ago, the pandemic put a hold on his track career and brought with it some tough luck. Seeing him come back to his first race of 2022 with a time below 45 seconds was just outstanding!
“Blessed weekend and a positive step forward. Grateful for finishing my race healthy and looking forward to the next. Thank you for all your love and support” – Wayde van Niekerk
Now, with two weeks to go until the World Athletics Championships, things are looking exciting for the South African-born record holder. He is still making his comeback, but this victory is a sprint in the right direction.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com
|
|
| |
|
| |
DRICUS DU PLESSIS WINS UFC 276 WAR |
|
| |
| South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis picked up an unanimous decision victory over American Brad Tavares at UFC 276 in Las Vegas on Saturday, 2 July 2022. |
| |
Du Plessis delivered on his promise of becoming a household name in the MMA world with a unanimous decision win over Tavares at UFC 276 in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Du Plessis was awarded the fight 29-28 on all three judges’ scorecards after 15 minutes of thrilling action inside the octagon at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada.
With his win, Du Plessis moved to 17-2 in his career and into the Top 15 in the UFC middleweight standings.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
BOK COACH HEAPS PRAISE ON MATCH-WINNING STAR DAMIAN WILLEMSE |
|
|
 |
|
| Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was full of praise for Damian Willemse's match-winning performance in the 32-29 success against Wales at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, 2 July 2022. |
| |
Willemse started his sixth Test at 15, but with Elton Jantjies having a poor first half, he moved into the dual-pivot role of flyhalf and fullback with a great deal of success in the second period.
|
|
|
Crucially, he assumed the goalkicking duties and nailed crucial kicks, including the match-winning penalty that kept the Springboks' spotless home record against Wales intact.
Nienaber said after the match that Willemse had been the Bok coaching staff's pet project and they're more than happy that he's finally starting to show his full value.
"I thought Damian did well and like we said during the week, he's a project and he's been one since 2018," Nienaber said.
"We've been slowly giving him more game time, experience and confidence in our system and what we'd like him to do.
"I said it in the week that he's probably our next Frans Steyn in terms of covering at 10, 12 and 15. He had to cover 10 and 15 and I thought he did it excellently."
Willemse's goalkicking has been the one part of his game that has come under the most intense scrutiny.
The fluctuating nature of that skill-set was such that the Stormers and Western Province were often forced to field inferior flyhalves who could kick better to ensure Willemse's game-breaking skills weren't lost as a result.
"I don't know what the stats are in terms of his goalkicking at the Stormers, but I do have to say that he kicked well," Nienaber said.
"I'm happy."
– Source: www.news24.com |
|
| |
|
| |
LOCAL EXTREME ENDURANCE CYCLIST SMASHES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN 51 HOURS |
|
| |
| Road closures, a crash, missing deer at night, bear encounters, countless mosquito bites and over 160km of climbing and descending rough gravel roads made for an epic first US Im’possible Tour for South African ultra-endurance cyclist Grant Lottering. |
| |
On Wednesday, 1 June 2022, the Laureus Sport for Good Ambassador set off from the picturesque Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest in central California on a gruelling solo non-stop ride of 986km, climbing more than 18 000m over 16 mountains, reaching the village of Big Bear Lake, north of Los Angeles, after three days and nights of continuous cycling.
Dubbed The US Im’possible Tour, this was Lottering’s first ultra-endurance fundraising ride in the States in aid of The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Sponsored by UHSM Health Share and Mercedes-Benz Vans, Lottering and his support team made their way through the Sierra and Sequoia national forests, along the Santa Ynez mountains set in the backdrop of Santa Barbara and then through the Ventura and Los Angeles counties. He continued along the rugged peaks and mountain forests of the San Bernardino Mountain range and on to Lake Arrowhead, known as “The Alps of Southern California”. He finally reached Big Bear Lake early on Saturday morning, 4 June, with a total ride time of 51 hours, 40 minutes, which included only two hours and 45 minutes of sleep.
|
|
|
 |
|
Taking on a challenge of this nature is nothing new to Lottering, and he has repeatedly demonstrated perseverance in the face of adversity. Lottering founded the first of his annual Im’possible Tours in 2013 after suffering a near-fatal accident during a world championship preparation race in Trento, Italy. Only 11 months later, after six surgeries and close to 100 rehabilitation sessions, Lottering was back on the bike for the first Im’possible Tour in 2014.
The second Im’possible Tour took place in 2015. Lottering became the first South African to complete a solo, non-stop 420km ultra-endurance ride through the northern French Alps in under 24 hours. In 2016, Lottering did what many considered impossible and set off on a non-stop ride through the length of the French Alps from Nice on the French Riviera to Les Saisies Ski Resort, one hour south of Geneva. He covered 962km in 46 hours, climbing 19 600m over 21 of the most ruthless Alpine mountains in all cycling folklore over two days and nights of riding.
Despite 12 surgeries and a bout of cancer to overcome, 2018 saw Lottering traverse the entire French Pyrenean and Alpine mountain ranges in one 72-hour effort and a year later, went on to complete a single, non-stop, 1 314km mountain bike ride from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape in 66 hours and 12 minutes. An injury forced Lottering to put the brakes on his #xtremeSA2020 Im’possible Tour after cycling for 45 hours and covering 842km through the Eastern Cape Highlands in non-stop wind and rain. Still, he was back in January 2022, where he successfully completed his eighth Im’possible Tour in aid of charity where he traversed the 750km Cape Cycle Route from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch in 37 hours, which was by no means his longest tour, but without doubt the hardest ever due to the extreme heat and terrain.
Lottering’s remarkable story has raised hundreds of thousands of rands for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a charity using sport for social change with partners worldwide. He has shared his life story with audiences in over 12 countries and has reached over 90 million people globally as he continues to inspire and challenge audiences to reach beyond their limits and accomplish the impossible.
Already described as a “remarkable” and “astounding” accomplishment, the end of the US tour saw Lottering exhausted but exhilarated. “Without my support team and sponsors, I would never have finished this ride,” said Lottering. “It was imperative that I succeed at my first US Im’possible Tour and reward my sponsors, UHSM and Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa, for their continued belief in my fundraising efforts. Failure was simply not an option.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
