SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST AN EXTRA-ORDINARY SUMMIT OF THE SADC ORGAN

South Africa is Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (Organ Troika) for the period August 2021 – August 2022. Other members are Botswana and Namibia.

It is envisaged that the Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit will be preceded by meetings of Senior Officials (16 – 17 July) and the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (19 July 2022).

PRESIDENT MOURNS PASSING OF FORMER PRESIDENT JOSE EDUARDO DOS SANTOS

President Ramaphosa said: “I offer, on behalf of our Government and nation, our sincerest condolences to the Republic of Angola on the passing of an outstanding revolutionary and leader of a nation.

“President Dos Santos’ humble beginnings, his militancy, his exile from the country of his birth and his education in the then Soviet Union resonate profoundly with the journey many South Africans in our own liberation movement experienced.

“Indeed, José Eduardo dos Santos and the MPLA (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola) he came to lead extended their revolutionary solidarity and material and military support to our liberation movement.

“This support provoked the apartheid regime and its allies to violate the sovereign Republic of Angola by turning Angola into a battleground for preserving the apartheid regime.

“In the end, through the sacrifices of the Angolan people and the unwavering leadership of President Dos Santos, freedom dawned in a democratic South Africa.

“Today, our two nations are united in mourning as we were in struggle, and South Africa will continue to honour the contribution President Dos Santos made to building the Republic of Angola and bringing peace to our region.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ON THE PASSING OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN, SHINZO ABE

“I have been privileged to have a close association with Prime Minister Abe during my term as Deputy President and President of the Republic.

“I recall my warm and productive interactions with Prime Minister Abe during my August 2015 visit to Japan where we made significant progress in strengthening our bilateral relations, especially in the economic sphere, as well as South Africa’s cooperation with Japan in addressing issues on the global agenda.

“I reflect similarly on my participation as President of the Republic in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama in August 2019.

“Prime Minister Abe convened this platform under the theme: ‘Advancing Africa’s Development through Technology, Innovation and People’, which sought to further deepen trade and investment, capacity and skills development, networking and people’s exchange between African nations and Japan.

“Soon after TICAD, I had the pleasure to return to Japan to experience Prime Minister Abe and the Government and nation of Japan hosting people from all over the world for the 2019 Rugby World Cup with characteristic efficiency and hospitality.

“For the championship final on Saturday, 2 November 2019, I had the honour of sharing a Yokohama International Stadium stand with Prime Minister Abe as we witnessed the Springboks triumph as world champions. His warm embrace and handshake at the final whistle embodied the relationship between our two countries.

“It is my wish that the people of Japan and South Africa will find solace in the legacy Prime Minister Abe established in Japan, globally and in the depth of relations between our two countries.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS THE 41ST ORDINARY SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN UNION (AU)

The Session of the Executive Council, made up of the ministers of foreign affairs from the AU member states, will discuss and consider the AU budget for 2023.

The meeting will also consider the following reports:

• the Report of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Scale of Assessment and Contributions
• the Report of the Committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance (F-15)
• the Report of the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System
• the Report on the Ministerial Follow-up Committee on the Implementation of Agenda 2063.

The two-day meeting will also consider for adoption the draft agenda of the Fourth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the Bureau of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 17 July 2022, in Lusaka, Zambia.

In his capacity as the AU Champion for the COVID-19 pandemic response on the African continent, President Cyril Ramaphosa was invited to provide an update regarding the COVID-19 situation on the continent. President Ramaphosa will be represented by Minister Pandor.

MINISTER PANDOR UNDERTAKES WORKING VISIT TO UGANDA TO CO-CHAIR THE SECOND SESSION OF THE SA-UGANDA JCC

Among the key objectives, the JCC meeting sought to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries; consolidate political, economic and social cooperation; oversee the implementation of the signed agreements and memoranda of understanding; and explore possible new areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation, including the opportunities for bilateral commercial cooperation, joint ventures and possible collaborative projects presented by the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest, especially issues of peace, security and development on the continent to advance the African Union Agenda 2063 and enhanced the two countries’ strategic cooperation on the continent to amplify Africa’s voice and the call for the reform of multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council.

South Africa and Uganda enjoy long-standing historical relations dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Uganda hosted and trained South African anti-apartheid activists and freedom fighters in the late 1980s. Political and economic relations between South Africa and Uganda have been improving since 1994.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES HOSTS UNITED KINGDOM’S MINISTER OF AFRICA

Bilateral relations between South Africa and the UK are managed through the Bilateral Forum at the level of Foreign Minister and meets biennially. The 12th Session of the Bilateral Forum was held on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in May 2021 in the UK.

The Bilateral Consultations saw a renewed commitment to strengthening relations between South Africa and the UK, with greater emphasis on implementing current agreements and finalising outstanding memoranda of understanding and agreements.

SPEAKER MAPISA-NQAKULA ON TASK FORCE MISSION ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLIC

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said the trip, which follows an invitation by the Ukrainian and Russian parliaments, included a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Polish Senate in Warsaw, before proceeding to Kyiv and Moscow during the week of 11 July 2022.

Mothapo said the Russia-Ukraine conflict formed part of the emergency items debated during the IPU's 144th Assembly, held in Indonesia between 19 and 24 March 2022.

The debate resulted in the adoption of a resolution to form an IPU task team to engage the parliaments of both countries, thereby joining forces with other mediating parties to end the conflict.

The initiative, at global parliamentary level, aims to complement ongoing diplomatic efforts at governmental and United Nations level.

“According to the IPU, the engagements are also in line with the worldwide association of parliaments' ongoing efforts to help build inclusive and accountable parliaments, where all segments of society have a voice; legislative frameworks are put in place whereby the rights of all citizens are guaranteed; and effective oversight is exercised over governmental action – including in terms of the strict observance of international law and global commitments,” Mothapo said.

Since its establishment, the task force has held four planning and preparatory meetings ahead of the scheduled engagement with the parliaments of Ukraine and Russia.

Mapisa-Nqakula has expressed optimism that the current IPU efforts will help secure a ceasefire, reduce the gap between the two nations and create an enabling environment for a negotiated settlement that will deliver peace between Ukraine and Russia.

“Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula expressed concern at the great suffering the ongoing conflict was causing to both nations and many other world nations that continue to be negatively affected by the dwindling supplies of many basic household necessities and sky-rocketing food prices.

"The Speaker described the IPU mission as another global demonstration of growing parliamentary diplomacy,” Mothapo said.

The IPU delegation is led by the President of the task force, Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, IPU Vice-President and Member of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Participating task force members include speakers of parliament from Namibia, South Africa and Uruguay, as well as prominent MPs from Indonesia, Israel and Kazakhstan.

Mapisa-Nqakula is expected back in South Africa on 16 July 2022.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA PARTICIPATES IN BRICS ANTI-CORRUPTION MEETING

The purpose of the ACWG Ministerial Meeting was to foster greater consensus regarding the BRICS anti-corruption agenda, share best practices on anti-corruption efforts, suggestions, learn from expertise of international organisations and contribute to the global fight against corruption.

During the meeting, currently being chaired by China, member countries were expected to adopt a Ministerial Declaration, which South Africa participated in formulating, to show their determination to fight corruption and add more incentive to the individual and collective anti-corruption efforts of BRICS countries.

The Department of Public Service and Administration is mandated to establish anti-corruption norms and standards, is responsible for the coordination of the implementation of international anti-corruption conventions and represents South Africa in the BRICS ACWG.

South Africa joined the formation of BRICS in 2010 and together with member countries, established the ACWG to effectively coordinate their approaches towards the most significant issues of the international anti-corruption agenda and provide mutual support to their joint initiatives.

The objectives of the ACWG include strengthening international cooperation on issues of focus among BRICS member countries, enhancing the use of tools to combat corruption, including through cooperation on asset recovery, and providing technical assistance to each other.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MOHAI LEADS SA DELEGATION TO SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM

The plenary session is hosted in collaboration with the Parliament of Malawi, as it is their turn to host in line with the forum’s constitution.

Each of the 15 member parliaments has a turn to host on a rotational basis, and South Africa is next in line to host the session.

The SADC PF 51st Plenary Assembly Session is held under the theme, “Towards Energy Efficiency, Sustainability and Self Sufficiency in the SADC Region”.

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said the SADC PF prided itself on being the flag-bearer of democratisation and socio-economic development through harmonising and synchronising laws and policies in the region.

“It is the first inter-parliamentary association with an organ dedicated to monitoring the domestication of laws and international treaties in the form of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee,” Mothapo said.

Mothapo said items scheduled during the four-day assembly included an opening ceremony to be addressed by Malawi President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, consideration and adoption of the Draft SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management, as well as a review of Executive Committee reports and members’ motions.

“Other plenary objectives and expected outcomes include the promotion of solidarity and inter-parliamentary cohesion among member parliaments,” he said.

The South African parliamentary delegation includes Desmond Lawrence Moela and Nkhensani Kate Bilankulu of the African National Congress, Darren Bergman of the Democratic Alliance and Ntombovuyo Mente of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

–   Source: SAnews.gov.za

TOURIST NUMBERS FROM THE UK TO THE WESTERN CAPE RECOVER TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

The COVID-19 lockdowns were an enormous blow to the Western Cape tourism sector, which employed 300 000 people and generated R16.3 billion in foreign spend in 2018.

The UK is a key tourism market for the Western Cape, and the recovery in tourism numbers sees a return in billions of rands spend. According to a 2017 Wesgro report, the UK market contributed R3.7 billion to the Western Cape’s economy. This ranked it as the top tourism spender for the province.

The return of UK tourists, however, does not mean all the overseas visitors from other key tourism markets are returning at the same rate. The overall number of visitors entering via Cape Town International Airport was 41 310 for the month, which was down by 17 211 from the 58 521 who arrived in April 2019.

Though there has been a substantial recovery in the number of visitors coming from Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Switzerland, the arrivals from these markets are still noticeable lower than they were at the same time in April 2019.

Even though Western Cape tourism still has some way to go to reach its pre-pandemic levels, the trend was welcomed by tourism leaders in the province.

“This is more good news for our tourism and hospitality sector, which is recording a sustained tourism recovery. But we all agree that we don’t just want to get back to 2019 levels, we want to far exceed them,” says Western Cape MEC, for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenge.

Wesgro says it has been working hard at trying to get these tourists to return to the province.

“We’ve been targeting German, Dutch and UK travellers through our respective ‘Neverending Tourists’ international marketing campaigns, which have performed, and continue to perform, exceptionally well in the market,” says Monika Iuel, Chief Destination Marketing Officer at Wesgro.

Iuel adds: “It is extremely promising to see the return of loyal visitors, and welcome new explorers to the destination from our key source markets.”

The recovery in the global airline industry also looks set to give the Western Cape’s tourism sector a much-needed boost.

“From welcoming United Airlines' increased service in February, to Air Belgium’s plans to launch flights to Cape Town from September, and Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to return to the Mother City starting November, we are confident that we are on the right track to surpassing pre-pandemic visitor figures,” says Iuel.

– Source: www.businessInsider.co.za

SOUTH AFRICAN RESTAURANTS STAR ON WORLD’S BEST LIST

The extended list from 51-100 was announced on Tuesday, 5 July 2022, with Wolfgat ranked 90th (a drop from its 50th position last year), and La Colombe just missing out in a place in the top 50 in 56th (a move up from 81st last year). The Top 1-50 will be announced on 18 July.

La Colombe said: “No. 56 in the world! Thank you The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for this incredible news – we are thrilled to be ranked among the world’s best. Thank you, not only to the judges, but to every diner who has visited and supported us over the past year – we’ll be raising a glass to all of you this evening!”

Gillion Bosman, DA Western Cape Tourism Spokesperson, boasted:

”It is no surprise that the only restaurants from South Africa to make the list are based in the Western Cape, as our province is a bastion of culture and recreation.”

Bowman said: “The fact that Wolfgat made the list despite being based in a small town on the West Coast, further underscores the variety (of) tourist attractions that exist in the Western Cape. Tourism is an important driver of our economy, and it is pleasing, although not surprising, to see talented individuals living in our province contributing to the global reputation of the Western Cape as a must-visit destination.”

Wolfgat restaurant in the small fishing village of Paternoster, is just a two-hour drive from Cape Town. The fabulous west coast eatery, enjoyed by none other than South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, was also named as Africa’s Best Restaurant at last year’s The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021.

Accolades are not new for the unconventional restaurant, which in 2020 and 2021 was named by Conde Naste Traveler as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world (along with Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s Klein Jan in the Kalahari).

If you’re heading to Wolfgat, book in advance – the coastal restaurant, a 130-year-old whitewashed beach cottage, is intimate and seats only 20. Chef Kobus van der Merwe has been pioneering sustainable cooking on South Africa’s rugged west coast for a decade and has gained a cult following for his foraged beach vegetation menu. Dishes include delicious seasonal foods like bokkoms (dried fish), veldkool (flower buds) and pickled slangbessies berries. There are also wild oysters and a pâté with homemade fynbos-infused vermouth and foraged purslane … ingredients which are “typical of the ancient diet of the nomadic Strandlopers”, according to CNT.

Wolfgat is nestled above Wolfgat cave, which apparently “contains remnants of an early civilisation”.

Van der Merwe shot to fame a couple of years ago when Wolfgat was named Best Restaurant in the World by the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in February 2019 in Paris, also winning the remote location prize.

La Colombe has also received several accolades, most recently nominated as South Africa’s Best Restaurant in the 2022 World Culinary Awards. “If you have ever enjoyed a meal with us, we’d be honoured if you would consider sparing a few moments to cast a vote for us.” says La Colombe.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

“THE DAILY SHOW” HAS PICKED UP ITS MOST EMMY NOMINATIONS SINCE TREVOR NOAH BECAME HOST

"I'm so thrilled for everyone on The Daily Show team and incredibly lucky to be part of a place where we can laugh, cry, debate and create together to bring some perspective and humour to this hectic world," showrunner, exec producer and writer Jen Flanz said in a statement. "I'm grateful for the support of Paramount, MTVE and Comedy Central and truly appreciative for Trevor, who is as wonderful to work with off camera as he is on."

Sharing the nomination announcement on Twitter, Noah wrote: "Just wow!! Thank you for the incredible honour … And a big congrats to @thedailyshow team and to Chris McCarthy and the whole Viacom / Comedy Central fam! I told you we work well together!"

The seven nominations include Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming, Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.

– Source: www.news24.com

FNB ART JOBURG: AFRICA’S LONGEST-RUNNING CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR RETURNS FOR 15TH EDITION

Johannesburg is the cultural and economic capital of Africa. It is home to three theatres, four major concert halls, 281 heritage sites, 76 art galleries and the largest art collection in the country (housed at the Johannesburg Art Gallery).

Here, gallery hopping, getting dressed to people-watch over brunch, catching a mid-week live performance, or ending the week with dinner and a show does not make for an occasion. It’s central to the lifestyle.

Held in the culture capital of the continent, FNB Art Joburg believes there is no better place than Johannesburg to acknowledge and celebrate the continent’s eminent and emerging artists.

Following two years of pandemic restrictions, the fair will return to its regular location at the Sandton Convention Centre from 2 to 4 September 2022 with offerings from the continent's leading contemporary artists.

Bonga Sebesho, Head of FNB Brand Experience says, “We are excited to continue our journey of empowering African artists through FNB Art Joburg. FNB’s 15-year involvement as a sponsor of the exhibition demonstrates our commitment to support the creative economy, which is an important economic pillar to our economic recovery. Our continent is home to world-class talent and there’s no better platform than FNB Art Joburg to showcase this.”

With offerings from the continent's leading contemporary artists, the fair is curated into six specialised sections: HUB, MAX, ETC, ORG, LAB and AUX.

Referred to as the HUB, the fair's central section presents the best in contemporary art from across the continent in line with the objective to be a quality rather than quantity focussed fair. FNB Art Joburg is proud to have the following galleries, among others, exhibit this year: Afriart Gallery, blank projects, Eclectica Contemporary, Everard Read, First Floor Gallery Harare, Gallery MOMO, Goodman Gallery, Guns & Rain, Kalashnikovv, SMAC Gallery, Stevenson and WHATIFTHEWORLD.

The MAX section of the fair houses installations or works with challenging scale while the ETC section will give fair goers the opportunity to engage with master print and publishing houses.

The ORG section is a representation of Johannesburg’s seminal art institutions. Whether museums, universities or private institutions, the section looks to redefine how the people engage with organisations that were established for the good of the public.

An incubation to develop emerging galleries and hybrid art spaces, gallery LAB will present and test new ideas and business models aimed at transforming the contemporary African art landscape. Co-curated by Kim Kandan (Gallery Liaison, FNB Art Joburg) and Aida Esi Hayfron-Benjamin (independence curator, Ghana), the LAB pavilion will feature 10 exhibitors that will see West and East Africa connecting with the Sub-Saharan African region.

Spanning talks, public lectures and audio essays, the AUX section will explore a plethora of topics, including magic realism as practice, biennale reflections, the role of arts writing, and art’s place in the metaverse.

Further cementing Joburg as a culture hub, FNB Art Joburg presents the second edition of Open City; a call for Joburg natives and visitors to get out there and support the city’s creative economy. Held from 25 August to 9 September, Open City will unify the city by activating it through art, music, fashion, food and film from the inner city to Soweto, Rosebank, Hyde Park and Sandton.

“We are thrilled to be back with an in-person fair in 2022 while also expanding our culture footprint with 15 plus days of dynamic culture programming through Open City. As the first and longest-running contemporary art fair on the continent, FNB Art Joburg continues to show active commitment to the arts and showcasing the dynamic talent that Joburg, South Africa and the continent have to offer,” concludes Mandla Sibeko, Managing Director of FNB Art Joburg.

– Source: www.news24.com

PERFECT JUNIOR BOKS CRUSH WALES TO WIN TITLE

This ensured they are the only team to leave Italy unbeaten after a few weeks of top-class Under-20 rugby.

After winning their pool games against England, Ireland and France, the SA U20s were pitted against Wales in the decider, with the Junior Boks putting on an impressive display as they won their fourth game on the trot in Italy.

Replacement hooker Tiaan Lange scored three of the South Africans’ seven tries and if it weren’t for lapses in concentration late in both halves from the Junior Boks, the victory could have been bigger.

Junior Bok captain, Sacha Mngomezulu, said afterwards that playing in the U20 Summer Series was a dream come true for him and the team.
“The boys worked extremely hard, and they deserve this,” said Mngomezulu.

“Credit must also go to the coaches who made us work hard and put in such a good effort for us to be ready.

“It’s an amazing feeling standing here unbeaten after four games. Not too long ago, we didn’t even play rugby, so credit to World Rugby and the Six Nations for staging this excellent tournament. They allowed the boys to create life-long memories,” added the Junior Bok skipper.

Scorers:

South Africa 47 (26)

Tries: Louw Nel, Tiaan Lange (3), Suleiman Hartzenberg (2), Eathan James
Conversions: Sacha Mngomezulu (3), Donovan Don (3

Wales 27 (3)

Tries: Mason Grady, Joe Westwood, Ethan Fackrell, Cameron Jones
Conversions: Joe Hawkins (2)
Penalty: Joe Hawkins

– Source: www.sarugbymag.co.za

ANDY BIRKETT RACES TO GOLD FOR TEAM SOUTH AFRICA AT WORLD GAMES MARATHON

Birkett’s gold is Team SA’s first medal of the 2022 World Games, and only the country’s sixth at the Games since 1997 and the first since 2013 when the men’s rugby sevens team won in Cali, Colombia. At the 2017 Games in Wroclaw, Poland, Team SA earned one medal, a bronze, in the women’s tug of war.

After the eight-lap final, Birkett said: “The pace that Mads was setting down was insane! He has taken the race from a slow, strategic race with a big end-sprint to a fast race, and to be competitive in the end-sprint you have to be there.

“I had the goal of just trying to stay with him. I don’t think anyone has stuck with him in a race for a while,” said Birkett.

“I found another gear towards the end and backed myself,” the 2018 world champion added. “I am happy because yesterday I had quite a bad race.

“This is the first time back racing internationally after a long time, so I am happy to just be in the mix,” he said.

“It is always a privilege to race against the world’s top athletes and that was my intention here, to try and get back into the mix and feel what it is like.

“In South Africa, we have a lot of races so keeping your motivation for the sport is easy!” he added.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

CAITLIN ROOSKRANTZ EARNS GOLD AT 16TH AFRICAN ARTISTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN EGYPT

The boys Junior MAG gymnasts placed third overall in the African Championships Junior Team finals. The team was made up of Burhaan Mia, Daniel Mclean, Sibusiso Zulu, Keegan Klopper and Kadin Chester. The Senior MAG gymnasts placed third in the team finals as well. The team consisted of Ruan Lange, Muhammad Khaalid Mia and Luke James.

Caleigh Anders and Karma Visagie placed second and third, respectively, in the All-Around WAG junior competition, earning silver and bronze for their efforts. The girls’ junior WAG gymnastics scored second in the team finals. The team consisted of Caleigh Anders, Karma Visagie, Sarah Armstrong, Farrah Brett and Tatum Daniels.

And then Caitlin earned her gold as the WAG Senior All-Around Champion.

Caitlin made history in 2019 when she became the first South African to win a gold at an international gymnastics competition. She won gold at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the uneven bars. She started gymnastics at the age of seven and now represents South Africa on the global stage. She also earned a gold medal in Egypt earlier this year at the International Gymnastics Federation, held the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup.

“GOLD! Team SA’s Caitlin Rooskrantz is the 2022 African Champion after claiming top honours at the 16th African Artistic Championships in Egypt.

“For the first time in 8 years, a South African gymnast has been crowned the WAG Senior All-Around Champion. Caitlin won by a massive margin after an incredible personal best performance in international competition.” – Gymnastics South Africa.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA’S THOMAS VAN RIJCKEVORSEL TAKES INDIVIDUAL GOLD AT YOUTH EQUESTRIAN GAMES

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the postponement of the Youth Olympic Games that were to be hosted in Dakar, Senegal, until 2026. In light of this postponement, the global equestrian sport governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale, announced it would host the first-ever Youth Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, to allow the young hopefuls the opportunity to compete at a global level under the same conditions they would have done so at the Youth Olympics. On 2 July 2022, in front of a packed stadium at the CHIO Aachen, South Africa’s Thomas van Rijckevorsel (17) claimed the gold medal in the Individual Show Jumping event from a field of 30 young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 from across the globe.

The victory came as Thomas emerged from the second round of the final competition as the fastest rider with a clear round in a time of 31.69 seconds, riding the borrowed mare, Lucy 781. All athletes taking part in the competition rode borrowed horses that were drawn randomly, placing them all on a level playing field. Van Rijckevorsel finished ahead of Morocco’s Jed Guerraoui and the USA’s Mimi Gochman to put South Africa on the top step on the global stage and etch his name into the history books.

“It was amazing – it hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me!” said Thomas of the victory.

The gold medal was Thomas’ second medal-worthy performance at the Youth Equestrian Games after picking up bronze as a member of Team Africa earlier in the week.

Thomas is no stranger to success, having competed in the open show jumping classes in South Africa on his three top-level horses, racking up numerous victories over the last few years against vastly more experienced opposition. But victory in Aachen is undoubtedly the highest achievement so far for Thomas, who trains with Dominey Alexander of Cellehof Stud, Livery and Training Centre in Kyalami, Johannesburg.

Thomas returned to South Africa to rapturous applause at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 6 July, where he was greeted by a large group of supporters from the South African equestrian community. While he will now turn his focus back to local competition, his heart is firmly set on returning to the international stage after just his first taste in Germany.

“After this week, I definitely want to come back and jump at Aachen again – I’d love to have a career in this sport, it’s my life!”

For South Africa, Thomas’ victory puts the country on the global map and showcases the high level of up-and-coming talent we have to offer. Team Arica’s strong showing in the Team event is also a boon for equestrian sport on the continent and comes after years of preparation that involved African countries grouping together to host various training clinics under the auspices of the African Confederation of Equestrian Sports FEI Solidarity programme. The result and the message sent from South Africa and Africa to the world is clear: We have the talent to compete at a global level, and we won’t stop until victory is ours.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

KIRSTEN MCCANN EARNS A BRONZE FOR SA AT THE 2022 ROWING WORLD CUP

McCann, a part-time teacher at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg, showed great promise. Before her bronze win, she had a ranking of sixth at the event. Rowing South Africa shared her exciting progress through the event.

“Going into the afternoon’s A-Final McCann was only ranked 6th, but she was able to step up and put herself in a very good position off the start. By the 500-meter mark, she had solidified 3rd position against Great Britain and Mexico. Through the middle of the race, it was a three-way fight for the bronze medal position between South Africa, Germany and Italy. In the final sprint for the line, Italy and South Africa left Germany behind them. On the line it was Great Britain in first place in a new world record time, 2nd place was Mexico and in 3rd place it was McCann ahead of Italy by just 0,32 seconds after 2000 meters of racing.”

The bronze win is a great start to Kirsten’s comeback after failing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. 

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

BANYANA BANYANA BEATS BOTSWANA TO SET UP AFCON QUARTER-FINAL AGAINST TUNISIA

But, Majiya's goal-scoring instincts capped off the perfect week that saw Banyana beat tournament favourites Nigeria 2-1 in their opening match and earn a hard-fought victory against Burundi 3-1 on Thursday, 7 July 2022.

South Africa, Nigeria and Botswana all advance to the quarter-finals, joining hosts Morocco, Zambia, Senegal and Cameroon in the knockout rounds of the prestigious competition.

– Source: www.news24.com

GREAT WEEKEND FOR SA MOUNTAIN BIKERS AT THE SWISS UCI WORLD CUP

Lenzerheide's downhill track is typical of the steep and treacherous Alpine trails that define what true mountain biking represents for the gravity racing community. With massive tree roots littering the forest floor and steep off-camber corners, the Lenzerheide track humbled many pro riders.

Minnaar tamed the daunting Lenzerheide downhill course with speed and confidence, displaying his proven riding style.

Getting closer to that first win ...

Sunday's XC race saw a spirited performance from Alan Hatherly. In a season where he has been a feature rider in the breakaway groups at each UCI World Cup event, Hatherly came desperately close to that first win in Lenzerheide.

Although beaten to the line by Luca Braidot, a second-place finish shows that Hatherly's first win is but an inevitability this season.

Riders and their teams will now travel to Andorra for the next UCI World Cup event, scheduled to use the Vallnord trails, from 15 to 17 July.

– Source: www.news24.com

BELLA'S WIMBLEDON RUN ENDS IN QUARTERS

– Source: www.tennissa.co.za

SPRINTER SHIRLEY NEKHUBUI JOINS TEAM SA FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Twenty-one-year-old Nekhubui made an impact on South African sprinting earlier this year when she set a record of 16.96 seconds in winning the 150m race at the Newton Classic in Johannesburg.

Now she looks forward to taking her running to the next level as she excitedly anticipates her first appearance at one of athletics’ major international meetings.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy at my selection for the national team,” said Nekhubui. “The prospect of making further progress in my career is a blessing and I’m keen to make the most of this opportunity.”

Since her record-breaking run in February, the Madibaz sprinter has been competing in various meetings around the country.

“I participated in the ASA Grand Prix in Bloemfontein where I came third in the 400m,” said Nekhubui. “The 400m is not my preferred distance so I was very happy with the result.”

She won the 200m at the Grand Prix meeting in Potchefstroom and finished just off the podium at the national championships in Cape Town in the same number.

“I did not do as well in the final at SAs as I had hoped, coming fourth.

“Based on how my training unfolded, I was just not able to respond the way I expected. I was a bit anxious as this was a major event in my career.
“But each race is an experience that equips me with the ability to navigate similar situations in the future.”

Nekhubui, who was born in Tswera Mashishi in Limpopo, also participated in World Athletics Continental Tour events in Botswana and Kenya.

“It has been a very busy season but I would say the highlight was when I was selected for the African champs in Mauritius for the 200m and 4x400m relay.

“I managed to qualify for the finals but, unfortunately, did not make it to the podium.”

Being selected for the Commonwealth team is the “the icing on the cake”, she admitted.

“I’m focussed on giving it my best and to enjoy being part of the national team. I’m proud to be flying the South African flag high.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES THREE TRIATHLONS IN A WEEK

The day started before sunrise with a freezing 3.8km swim in the dam at the Bosman Family Vineyard, followed by a 180km cycle and then a 42.2km run, ending at the church where Frikkie started and ended his career.

The team was up early again on Tuesday morning to set off at midday for Uganda and the second triathlon. But, not without a stop in Khayelitsha first to meet some of the children that ForAfrika supports in this informal settlement on the outskirts of the city.

They only arrived in Kisoro, south-western Uganda, at about 8 am on Wednesday morning and headed straight from their tiny chartered plane to Lake Mutanda for Rehan’s swim.

The second triathlon was the most arduous of the three – unfamiliar, hilly territory and unfamiliar gear, including a borrowed bicycle with cleats that broke en route! The marathon only ended after 2 am on Thursday and the team just managed a quick shower and three hours’ sleep before trekking off to the refugee centre to see ForAfrika in action there.

“The visit to the refugee centre was a highlight,” said Rehan, adding that it was incredibly sad to see so many children without their parents.

“But it was also wonderful to see how many refugees volunteer at the camp,” said Carel Meganck, ForAfrika’s general manager in the United Kingdom (UK).
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“Uganda was very different and we had to improvise a lot, but it was beautiful terrain and we even went through parts of the forest where gorillas live,” he said. “The ForAfrika team was very encouraging and passionate, cheering Rehan on the whole way without losing a drop of enthusiasm on what turned out to be a very long haul.”

One volunteer, Mike Kisegerwa, who happens to be a celebrated cyclist in Uganda, accompanied Rehan for the whole 180km cycle.

At the finish, ForAfrika’s Allan Tingu exclaimed: “A million thanks to all of you for the flexibility and support you extended to the Uganda team during this great mission. We are proud to host such a mesmerising team led by a man with a big heart, Rehan!”

After an hour at Kisoro, it was back to the airport for a plane bound for England – where the final event took place on much more gentle ground.

The physical action may be over, but Rehan is still adding up the pennies – his aim is to raise £100 000 this year to assist vulnerable children in Africa.

This was the fifth personal challenge that Rehan has set himself since he was “miraculously healed” in 2017 from multiple knee injuries.

For the past few years, he has set himself personal quests under the title of “Run Forest Run” – in recognition of his childhood nickname, which he was given because he had to wear metal leg braces just like the film character Forrest Gump.

After being healed of his knee injuries during a CRC church service, he decided to give thanks by taking on these quests in support of vulnerable children. In 2021, he raised a whopping £50 000 (almost R1 000 000) by running the equivalent of seven marathons in one go; the furthest he had ever run.

Rehan, a chartered accountant now living in the UK, is the biggest individual fundraiser in aid of ForAfrika (previously known as JAM).

– Sources: www.goodthingsguy.com