PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO HOST CÔTE D’IVOIRE PRESIDENT OUATTARA ON A STATE VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA

Bilateral relations between the two countries are managed through the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), established in December 2015, as a structured bilateral mechanism to facilitate political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Since the establishment of the JCC, nine memoranda of understanding and agreements have been signed between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, mining, transport, telecommunications and defence. During the State Visit, the two countries aim to sign additional agreements to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire remains on an upward trajectory. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, total trade between the two countries increased from R1,3 billion in 2019 to R2.0 billion in 2021. This represented an increase of about R774 million of total trade between the two countries.

The portfolio of South Africa’s investments in Côte d’Ivoire is also increasing rapidly. Among others, the following South African companies are invested in Côte d’Ivoire:

• MTN
• Standard bank
• Multichoice
• Sanlam
• Investec
• RMB
• Development Bank of Southern Africa.

EU COMMITS TO ASSIST AFRICA TO ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY

“In this regard, a joint project plan was agreed to assist Africa in developing its own fertiliser production capacity. The commitment follows positive reception to President Ramaphosa’s proposal to the G7 countries at the recent G7 Summit hosted in Germany, that Africa be enabled to invest in developing its fertiliser to deal with food insecurity,” The Presidency said in a statement.

President Ramaphosa hosted President Michel at his official Mahlambandlopfu residence on Tuesday, 19 July 2022.

The bilateral meeting was centred around cementing the South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership and discussing key trade, peace and security issues.

Bilateral trade

The South Africa-EU Strategic Partnership functions within the framework of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), which was ratified in 2004.

The Presidency said that the EU was South Africa’s largest trading partner as a bloc.

“Since the adoption of the TDCA, total trade increased from R150 billion in 2000 to R843 billion in 2021. Exports to the EU increased steadily over the years, growing from R64 billion in 2000 to R482 billion in 2021.

“During the same period, imports from the EU also increased from R86 billion in 2000 to R361 billion in 2021,” The Presidency said.

The President has also welcomed the reflection on strengthening and growing existing bilateral trade ties and the commitment to resolve current and urgent trade matters, particularly on the export of citrus products from South Africa to the EU.

“President Ramaphosa supported the process of further discussions to be held at Ministerial level to work out a solution that will allow for sustained trade in the citrus sub-sector,” The Presidency said.

Peace and security

On peace and security, the Presidency said President Ramaphosa was encouraged by the expression of EU support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts in stabilising the security situation in Mozambique.

“South Africa, the EU and the SADC share a common obligation in ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region and the rest of Africa.”

The President further applauded the positive development of the EU-Africa partnership, which continues to flourish following the AU-EU Summit, held in February 2022 in Brussels.

“The close ties have facilitated more open and practical engagements on various trade, political and peace and security matters,” The Presidency said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

JESSIE DUARTE: A REVOLUTIONARY DYNAMITE

At the time of her untimely passing, Duarte served as the Deputy Secretary General and Acting Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC).

“For close on 10 years, she served as ANC Deputy Secretary General. For 25 years, she served on its National Executive Committee. Moreover, from the years of her youth to her final days, she served the people of South Africa with dedication, with humility and with a passion that is all too rare. She worked alongside great leaders of our struggle,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that throughout her life, Duarte was an organiser who mobilised women across the country to resist the restrictions imposed upon them by a racist and sexist political system and a patriarchal society.

“We remember the courage with which she spoke against the abuse of women not just by the apartheid security forces, but within the ranks of the liberation movement itself.

“Even in the democratic era, Jessie was relentless in advancing the position of women in all areas of public and private life,” he said.

The President said that she confronted the patriarchal attitudes and practices that sought to diminish the role and contribution of women in Parliament, in government and across society.

The President said that Duarte worked alongside great leaders of our struggle and learned the politics of liberation from leaders like Mama Albertina Sisulu, Oom Beyers Naudé and Madiba.

From them, he said, she imbibed the qualities of revolutionary leadership; qualities that she was able to demonstrate in every position she occupied.

Despite the great qualities she learnt, the President said she always found a way to mix the qualities with her own dynamism.

“As we worked with her, we have gotten to realise the truism in the saying ‘dynamites come in small packages’.

“Jessie was a typical and quintessential dynamite; she was small, short and well packaged as a revolutionary dynamite,” he said.

Speaking about the attributes she possessed, the President said that Duarte was a unifier who was always teaching, organising, mobilising.

“She embodied a politics that was neither divisive, mean, nor small. Her politics were empowering and unifying. She understood the immense power of a united people and a united movement,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa reflected that Duarte fought strongly against factionalism and disunity.

“She stood firm against those who would sow division, who were interested only in personal advancement, and who pursued narrow interests to the neglect of the needs of the people,” he said.

The President called on everyone in Duarte’s memory to follow her example and strive towards unity and common purpose.

“Let us build a united nation and a united movement founded on the principles of our democratic Constitution.

“May we all strive to honour her life by doing everything within our means, sparing neither strength nor courage, to achieve the free, united and equal society for which she so gallantly fought,” the President said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PAYS TRIBUTE TO DON MATTERA

“May his soul rest in peace as, in his own prose, he sleeps the sleep of freedom,” the President said on Monday.

Mattera was a widely acclaimed and respected political and cultural activist and journalist, who received numerous acknowledgements nationally, continentally and internationally.

He was an Esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab (in Gold), which he was awarded in 2006 for his “excellent contribution to literature, achievement in the field of journalism and striving for democracy and justice in South Africa”.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MANDELA DAY A REMINDER OF SA’S RESILIENCE

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.

President Ramaphosa said that the commemoration of former President Mandela’s birthday, which takes the form of dedicating at least 67 minutes in service of the less fortunate, was a reminder that like the former statesman, South Africa and its people were resilient.

“We are in the midst of an energy crisis that is causing great hardship. A spate of violent crimes is heightening fear and insecurity in communities. Even as our economy is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and unemployment are taking a heavy toll on millions who are struggling to make ends meet. Corruption has eaten away at our nation’s soul and has severely eroded the social compact between the State and citizens.

“Nelson Mandela Day is an opportunity to remember that these problems, like so many we have faced before, are not insurmountable. They can be overcome. Time and again, we have been pulled back from the brink by the activism and resilience of our people. Community, faith-based and grassroots organisations have acted in defence of human rights, our Constitution and the interests of our citizens,” he said on Monday, 18 July 2022.

Every year on 18 July, South Africans and the global community honour South Africa’s late former President and international icon, Nelson Mandela.

The President highlighted the important role that civil society has to play in taking South Africa forward and its role in reminding government “of our obligation to advance the ideals for which Madiba and generations of freedom fighters made such sacrifices”.

The President added that overcoming the country’s challenges will require that government, communities and civil society pull in the same direction.

“Building a better South Africa requires each and every one of us to make a contribution in whatever way we can. Defending our democracy begins with individual acts, like joining a community policing forum, volunteering at a charity or a shelter, reporting crime or refusing to pay a bribe.

“Let us evoke Madiba’s ‘new patriotism’, where South Africans are determined to work together and make our country a winning nation. We cannot leave it to others to realise the South Africa of our dreams. The future of our country is indeed in our hands,” he said.

President Ramaphosa led the International Nelson Mandela Day 2022 commemoration at Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape where he embarked on the Clear Rivers Campaign in the area.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS 24TH MEETING OF THE MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE OF THE ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION

In her opening remarks, Minister Pandor said the meeting provided an opportunity to collectively and objectively assess the status of implementation of our decisions, as well as map a way forward in our concerted efforts to bolster peace, security, stability, integration and development in the SADC region.

“As we reflect on the progress of the implementation of decisions of the 23rd Ministerial Council, it is pleasing to note that 81% of the MCO decisions were implemented by the Secretariat and member states. This, without doubt, contributes to strengthening the overall efforts in consolidating our goal to achieve peace and stability in the region.

“In the quest for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, SADC is mindful of the need to continuously extend the frontiers of democratic principles in the region for the betterment of the citizenry and prevention of conflicts. The liberation struggle was waged in the SADC region and across Africa with the overarching agenda of gaining independence from the colonial masters as well as entrenching and sustaining democracy in our societies.

“It is therefore gratifying to note that SADC as a region continues to conduct democratic, transparent, fair, peaceful and credible elections within the dictates of member states’ legislation and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

“The Republic of Angola and the Kingdom of Lesotho will hold national elections in August 2022 and October 2022, respectively. We wish our fellow members peaceful elections in this regard. The SADC electoral observer missions, as is practice, will be deployed in conformity with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

“As we consolidate our work in line with VISION 2050 of SADC, we recognise the importance of dialogue and mediation in conflict resolution. Our Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group play a key role in this regard. We are therefore pleased with the stature of the Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group that are supporting the region. This meeting will consider nominations to complete the configuration of both categories.

“The SADC region also attaches great importance to the role of women in peace and security. Our sister country, Namibia, spearheaded the landmark United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women on 31 October 2000. The SADC also took it upon itself to track the implementation of this resolution in the region and notes the progress in the development of national action plans by the SADC member states. We also welcome the launch of the Women, Peace and Security International Centre by the Republic of Namibia, and the generous invitation to SADC members to make use of the centre.

“As we reflect on the SADC’s defence and security agenda, we recognise the importance of ensuring security in the land, air and maritime domains. We will therefore discuss the SADC Integrated Maritime Security Strategy Action Plan, noting the importance of maritime trade in the region.

“The region has continued the fight against the political and security threats as well as social and economic threats faced by member states. To mitigate these threats, SADC has put in place measures, including the development and revision of national counter-terrorism strategies and plans of action; constitutional reforms; crafting and implementation of socio-economic transformation policies; strengthening of legislation and national strategies dealing with transnational organised crime, among others.

“In the same vein, I am pleased to highlight that regional engagement and mediation efforts in the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini are progressive and constructive. It is heartening to note that the political and security situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho is generally calm and stable. Similarly, SADC is seized with finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing the Kingdom of Eswatini.

“Regarding the security situation in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique, I am pleased to highlight that the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) has made great strides in restoring peace and security in Gabo Delgado. In this respect, may I urge member states to continue supporting our concerted efforts to fight terrorism not only in Mozambique but the region as a whole. Let me also commend member states for their continual and unconditional support of regional efforts to fight acts of terrorism in Mozambique.

“In addition to the deployment of SAMIM, SADC is currently undertaking capacity-building programmes for the police, correctional services, women and youth as well as dialogue programmes for civic leaders under the banner of SAMIM and through the African Union (AU) Early Response Mechanism. These are efforts aimed at contributing to the reconstructing efforts underway in Cabo Delgado within the framework of the Cabo Delgado Construction Plan.

“To sustain our capacity to address conflict, we need highly skilled personnel in a few inter-related disciplines. The SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre has therefore a critical mandate to build the capacity of the region in preparation for deployment to peacekeeping missions in line with SADC, AU and UN standards.

“It is also pleasing to note that the region is making concerted efforts to prevent and combat terrorism as evidenced by the official launch of the SADC Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre on 28 February 2021, in the United Republic of Tanzania.

“In addition, regional efforts to prevent and combat the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons need to be heightened and emboldened. In this regard, member states should strengthen and prioritise the implementation of the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.

“In the same breath, the implementation of the AU Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2021-2030), as well as observation of the Africa Amnesty Month, in September each year, need to be intensified to enable surrender and collection of illegally acquired weapons and arms.

“May I also take this opportunity to urge member states to expeditiously sign the Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials. Since its adoption by the summit in August 2020, only four member states have signed the agreement; it needs seven more member states to sign for it to come into force.”

PRAISE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ON MANDELA DAY

Numerous donations, including blankets, portable radios, food items, clothes, gas stoves and R500 000 cash from the United Arab Emirates, were made to the hospice.

“I wish to thank you for your contribution and support. I am extremely grateful and know that the community is thrilled to see this example of international cooperation and collaboration between South Africa and representation from many countries who work here in our country and hold Nelson Mandela, his work and memory very close to their hearts.”

Leratong Hospice is an in-patient facility offering holistic comprehensive care and support-palliative care to all its patients and support to their families. It services Atteridgeville, Saulsville, the surrounding informal settlements, Lotus Gardens, Pretoria West, Laudium, Brits, Hartbeespoort and neighbouring communities.

Minister Pandor reminded the community that they did not need money to make a difference in other people’s lives.

“Nelson Mandela was speaking to each of us, whether you’re rich or poor. He was saying to us that to help others doesn’t need great wealth. He was teaching us that every one of us can make a difference – a kind word to children or helping an elderly person just for one hour and seven minutes.”

She also shut down the notion that generosity and kindness were difficult and urged citizens to help each other for the betterment of their community.

“Mandela believed that every one of us can give. Therefore, whoever you are, he did not say on this day, members of Parliament should do something,” she stressed.

“Today, we are all equals. I’m going to be peeling potatoes; others will give children books and while some will make sure the windows are clean.”

She also encouraged the hospice workers to continue the challenging work and called on the citizens to assist and protect the workers.

“Mandela believed that if you do that every July 18, eventually you’ll do it every day.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES UNDERTAKES WORKING VISIT TO CUBA

The 16th JCM takes place against the backdrop of the excellent bilateral and fraternal ties between the two countries that go beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.

Bilateral cooperation continues in several areas such as health, arts and culture, basic and higher education, defence, human settlements, public works, science and technology, sport, trade and economic cooperation as well as water and sanitation.

The annual JCM presents South Africa and Cuba with an opportunity to reaffirm their historical relations and solidarity, comprehensively review relations and take stock of progress made since the last JCM. Furthermore, the JCM will develop a roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation in mutually agreed priority areas and strengthen cooperation in regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Deputy Minister Botes will also hold meetings with several Cuban ministries and institutions, notably in the areas of agriculture, education, foreign trade, science and technology, sports, arts and culture.

SA PARTICIPATES IN UNITED NATIONS HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM

“South Africa’s participation in the event is to advance where we are in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to learn from other developing countries that will be presenting their Voluntary National Reviews in dealing with the developmental agenda,” The Presidency said on Friday, 15 July 2022.

The SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

The Minister has participated in various ministerial bilaterals to discuss strategic issues such as energy, biodiversity, food and water security and climate change.

Furthermore, Minister Gungubele delivered remarks at a Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Achievement of SDGs by 2030: Addressing On-going Crises and Overcoming Challenges.”

The HLPF, which started on Wednesday, 13 July, concluded on Monday, 18 July, and took place under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

It was held under the theme “Building Back Better from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) while Advancing the Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

The overall objective of this high-level forum was to provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

As the Minister’s visit coincided with Mandela Month, he delivered the official address during the UN International Nelson Mandela Day Commemoration event on 18 July.

Minister Gungubele addressed other events on International Mandela Day, including the ECOSOC High-Level Segment discussion on "Future-proofing Multilateralism for a Resilient and Inclusive Recovery", the UN Mandela Day 67 Minutes outreach event at Thomas Jefferson Park in Harlem and concluded the visit with a Brand South Africa Mandela Day Event at Times Square.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA SECOND FOR TRANSPARENCY IN 2021 OPEN BUDGET INDEX

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA-UK MISSION FACILITATES SA’S MOVE TOWARDS HYDROGEN ECONOMY

The delegation included the DSI, which developed the Hydrogen Society Roadmap recently launched by the Minister.

Other members represented Airports Company South Africa, the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and academia.

The delegation went to Teesside, which is at the forefront of the UK's transition to a green economy and is an international gateway to the UK.

“The city has vital assets and capabilities that have both national importance and global reach in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, energy, digital and health innovation, which are at the core of the city's economy.”

"The mission was aimed at establishing strategic partnerships that will promote the manufacturing of locally developed intellectually property across South Africa's hydrogen corridor, and the export of green hydrogen and green ammonia to the UK market," said Minister Nzimande.

South Africa's Hydrogen Society Roadmap, launched earlier this year, aims to contribute to an inclusive, sustainable and competitive hydrogen economy by 2050, as part of a just transition to a net zero economy.

"One of the key outcomes of the roadmap will be the creation of an export market for green hydrogen and green ammonia, and the creation of a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components," said the Minister.

The DSI Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, made a presentation to UK stakeholders, detailing South Africa's hydrogen journey, which started in 2007 with Cabinet's approval of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development and Innovation Strategy.

This led to the Hydrogen South Africa initiative, through which the DSI is promoting the use of local platinum-group metal resources to create knowledge and skills and enable the development of high-value commercial activities in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

South Africa signed a bilateral agreement with the UK on cooperation in science and technology in 1995, with climate change, biotechnology, astronomy and global change identified as areas for collaboration.

One of the key outcomes of the mission to Teesside was to expand the existing agreement through a memorandum of understanding setting out identified potential collaboration opportunities on the hydrogen economy.

The DSI is interested in collaborating with the UK2070 Commission to share ideas on how to use hydrogen economy opportunities to deal with poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The UK2070 Commission is an independent inquiry into the city and regional inequalities in the UK, which will include a review of the policy and spatial issues related to the UK's long-term city and regional development.

The delegation, which returned on Thursday, 14 July 2022, agreed to collaborate in numerous areas, deepen existing collaboration instruments such as the Newton Fund, finalise agreements, establish working groups and collectively sign the memorandum of understanding.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA, DENMARK SHARE BEST PRACTICES FOR WATER MANAGEMENT

During the two-day engagement, high-end industries presented their water-use sustainability initiatives, including those that reduced water demand.

In addition, the Danish delegation also visited Spier Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In 2015, South Africa, through former Water and Sanitation Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Water, resulting in a Strategic Water Sector Cooperation Programme (SCP) with the Kingdom of Denmark.

The SCP aims to support South African government agencies and other relevant stakeholders in developing and implementing strategy, management and regulatory frameworks to contribute to the political visions and selected goals of South Africa’s National Water Resource Strategy (2013).

The strategy includes that “water is efficiently and effectively managed for equitable and sustainable growth and development”.

Bila-Mupariwa said it was a pleasure to see Denmark and South Africa's generous commitment to sharing best practices in the field of water management.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRINCE HARRY GIVES UN KEYNOTE SPEECH ON NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY

The 37-year-old Duke of Sussex was the keynote speaker at the UN event in New York.

General Assembly spokesperson, Paulina Kubiak, officially announced the programme for the day on Friday, 15 July, with participants including the Assembly President, Abdulla Shahid; the UN Deputy Secretary-General; New York’s mayor, Eric Adams; and Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Morissanda Kouaté.

The General Assembly established 18 July – Mandela’s birthday – as an international day to honour him not only by celebrating his life and contributions but by carrying out the tradition of participating in a community service activity.

Harry was accompanied at the UN by his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. A former actor, she spoke at a conference at the UN headquarters organised by UN Women on International Women’s Day in 2015, before her marriage to the prince.

Harry and Meghan visited South Africa in 2019 with their son, Archie, on their first official tour as a family before they gave up royal duties. Harry’s mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, met Mandela in March 1997, just five months before her death in a car crash in Paris.

– Source: www.theguardian.com

FRANSCHHOEK MAKES “TIME’S WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES” LIST FOR 2022

The Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said: “This is excellent news, which once again puts a Western Cape destination on the world-map, at precisely the time we are looking to boost our visitor numbers far beyond their 2019 levels.”

She continued: “Just in this past week, we have learnt how our visitor numbers from key source markets are recovering to pre-pandemic levels, and that two Western Cape restaurants are in the global top 100 list. Together, this reminds us that there is still so much on offer in our beautiful province, with its diversity of experiences being among the best in the world. I encourage South Africans, in particular, to get out and see the beauty our province has to offer.”

The Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, Gesie van Deventer, joined Minister Wenger in welcoming the announcement.

“It isn’t difficult to see where Franschhoek gets its flair – from the majestic mountains surrounding the historic village to an endless array of activities, from internationally acclaimed wine farms to a wide array of local businesses. This gem of a town has cemented itself not only as one of South Africa’s culinary capitals but also as a must-see for any local and international tourist. We are proud that Franschhoek has made this prestigious list and welcome all visitors to our valley with open arms. Their continued support sustains thousands of jobs,” said Mayor van Deventer.

CEO of Franschhoek Tourism, Ruth McCourt, added: “We are immensely proud that our valley that has been recognised (once again) as one of the 'greatest places' in the world to visit. We continue to strive for and celebrate the diversity of our unique village that attracts both local and international visitors. And indeed, puts the whole of South Africa on the world tourism stage.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TWO SOUTH AFRICAN OCEAN POOLS VOTED AS PRETTIEST IN THE WORLD

Ocean pools or ocean baths are defined as public seawater pools sited on a rocky surf coast so that waves can wash into the pool. The width, length and depth of ocean pools vary and often depend on their location on the coastline.

Here’s what the publication had to say:

Camps Bay Ocean Pool, Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

“Visitors are surprisingly spoiled for choice when it comes to seawater pools on Cape Town’s coasts. This one found along the Atlantic Seaboard is surrounded by stunning panoramic shots of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. It’s recommended to go in the late afternoon to enjoy the sun dip directly in front of the infinity edge and afterwards, book a table at one of the many restaurants a short walk away.”

Sea Point Tidal Pool, Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

“Everyone knows Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but its ocean pools are one not to overlook. One of the most celebrated in the region, this tidal pool stunningly contrasts the white sandy beach with its emerald-turquoise colours fed by the Atlantic and Indian waters. It’s a popular destination due to its ease of accessibility, and it’s great for safe swimming with the family.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

LALELA MSWANE FLIES SA'S FLAG HIGH AS SHE'S CROWNED MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2022

Kandlin was also behind Miss SA 2019 Zozibini Tunzi's national costume for the Miss Universe pageant, which she went on to win.

South Africans took to social media following her win to share their joy and pride at her victory, hailing her for bringing the crown home.

– Source:www.timeslive.co.za

SOUTH AFRICAN JEREMY LOOPS GETS A SPOT IN TIMES SQUARE

Heard You Got Love is the long-awaited third album from the South African singer-songwriter. It is full of head-bopping anthems perfect for sunny days ahead. The record came to life in Loops’ home studio between daily dips in the ocean and features collaborations with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and his brand new single Better Together, written with Ed Sheeran.

Having collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Simone Felice (The Lumineers), Jake Gosling (Shawn Mendes), Tobias Kuhn (Milky Chance) and Carey Willets (Dermot Kennedy), Loops brought on a fleet of high-end producers for the album, including Ed Holloway (Lewis Capaldi), Eg White (Adele) and Cam Blackwood (George Ezra).

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SPRINGBOKS BEAT WALES CONVINCINGLY IN THE THIRD TEST TO SECURE THE SERIES

The Springboks got the packed Cape Town crowd on their feet early on when speed merchant Makazole Mapimpi went over for what looked like the opening try, but upon review it was clear that his foot was in touch before he visited Wales’ in-goal.

It looked as if the Boks were well en route to a try when inside centre Damian de Allende crashed over, but the try was disallowed.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard got some points in the form of a penalty conversion, and they got the real deal when Pollard went over for the first try of the match, and he made it a full score with the extras to go 10-0 up.

Wales added their name to the scoresheet when flanker Tomas Reffell went over (10-8) with a well-worked try after combining power, a vicious fend and strong strides in the build-up to the try.

Jacques Nienaber's troops got their second when Bongi Mbonambi went over after a powerful maul, and Pollard made no mistake with the conversion to stretch their lead (17-8) with a minute to go in the first half.

Wales slotted two more penalties in the second half while the Boks scored a top try by skipper Siya Kolisi in the 53rd minute to put more daylight between the scores (24-14).

Pollard connected two more three-pointers in the final quarter to take the final score to 30-14.

Point-scorers:

South Africa 30 - Tries: Handre Pollard, Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi Conversions: Pollard (3) Penalty: Pollard (2)
Wales 14 - Tries: Tomas Reffell Penalties: Biggar (3)

– Source: https://www.iol.co.za/

WOMEN'S AFCON GOLD AND GLORY IN SIGHT FOR “ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT” BANYANA BANYANA

They did so with flying colours and earned nine points to advance to the quarter-finals.

Their first significant aim was to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and winning the quarters would guarantee their participation.

Banyana did the business, and while it was not a convincing 1-0 victory against Tunisia, it was hard-fought and emotional. Star forward Thembi Kgatlana had been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with an Achilles injury, and they also had to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak.

Monday's semi-final was their most prominent match against a team that whooped them 3-0 in February during an international friendly.

But winning the game ticked off another goal for Ellis and her Banyana ladies.

Thanks to VAR (video assistant referee), Banyana was awarded a controversial penalty after Jermaine Seoposenwe was brought down on the edge of the box.

Midfielder Linda Mothlalo netted the stoppage-time penalty against Zambia, keeping Banyana’s dream alive.

They will now have the chance at achieving their primary objective of winning the Women's Afcon.

Banyana will feature in back-to-back Women's Afcon finals (sixth final in total) following their penalty shootout defeat to Nigeria in the 2018 edition.

"In 2018, we got so close, and then there was no competition in 2020 (due to COVID-19)," Ellis said during the post-match press conference.

"Before we started our camp, we sat down as a group and said: What is our aim? What is our objective?

"The first was to qualify for the World Cup. The second was to win the final, and I think we have to give ourselves this chance after coming so close in 2018. It is not just for us. It's also for the players that were there in 2018."

Ellis continued: "This is a huge victory. We will celebrate tonight like we normally do after every victory, and then we'll work and watch the game and then prepare for the final.

"We want to give ourselves the best shot at going for the gold medal.

"Now that we got this out of the way, we will look ahead and look at the opponent, work out a strategy and then it's up to the players like they were tonight; they were absolutely magnificent."

The final will take place on Saturday, 23 July, with kick-off at 22:00 (SA time).

– Source: www.news24.com

JAN KARSTEN EARNS CHAMPION TITLE AT AFRICAN YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com