CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA! BANYANA MAKES HISTORY TO WIN SA'S FIRST-EVER WOMEN'S AFCON

PRESIDENT WELCOMES SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA'S FUNDING INITIATIVE

President Ramaphosa has welcomed this seed funding from SII.

“I am pleased to see that Serum, as the producer of medical countermeasures, understands that it is the health workforce that delivers these lifesaving tools to the people. We welcome this contribution to kickstart the continental health workforce initiative and call on businesses, donors and other investors to follow Serum’s example”.

The AU COVID-19 Commission supports President Ramaphosa in his role as COVID-19 Champion and partners with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), SII and Seed Global Health to execute this mandate.

President Ramaphosa established the COVID-19 Commission in 2021 to strengthen the continental institutions established as part of the AU’s continental response to COVID-19.

This includes the Africa Joint Continental Strategy on Africa’s COVID-19 Response, the African Medical Supplies Platform, the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team and others established during South Africa’s tenure as AU Chair in 2020.

“President Ramaphosa seeks to align political, health and economic leaders with a long-term transformational plan to train and retain a complete health workforce in Africa through a compact among member states. He has secured a mandate to prioritise the health workforce agenda and maintain political attention on the issue.”

The AU-HWTT initiative aims to develop a comprehensive framework to build a full African healthcare workforce – in pursuit of economic recovery and global health security.

“Health workforce development is a critical pillar of the AU’s New Public Health Order towards universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness and health security.”

Data has shown the social and financial returns on investment for every dollar spent on training.

“For countries or continents where the youth population makes up over 50%, the health workforce represents a pathway for job creation, economic recovery and social inclusion.”

The AU COVID-19 Commission will oversee Africa CDC’s implementation of the initiative in partnership with Seed Global Health.

“It is anticipated that SII’s initial donation will act as a catalyst and ‘global rallying cry’ for other investors, charities and governments to step forward and help build the systems needed to recover from COVID-19.”

SII CEO Adar Poonawalla, said: “We have a long history of providing healthcare support in Africa, including billions of affordable routine vaccines against diseases such as measles and polio, and the development of new vaccines to protect against meningitis and malaria”.

“But the pandemic has taught us the need not only for life-saving medicines but for the life-saving health workers to administer them.”

He believes that the AU-HWTT will mark the first step in the building of the African healthcare workforce of the future.

Poonawalla has called on governments, charities and companies alike to contribute and empower the experts at the AU and Seed Global Health to make this lasting systemic change.

“This will not only help to ensure more people in Africa get vaccinated to finally end the acute phase of COVID-19 and prepare the continent for the health threats of tomorrow.”

President Ramaphosa also announced the introduction to Africa of the oral therapeutic Paxlovid that can now be purchased by the AU member states at cost price.

Paxlovid is cheaper than other oral therapeutics, reduces death and hospitalisation by 89%, is easy to administer, has few side effects and works against the Omicron variant.

This, coupled with increased vaccination, will significantly reduce the burden on Africa’s health systems that are being rebuilt to recover routine services and for future pandemic preparedness.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA, CÔTE D’IVOIRE STRENGTHEN BILATERAL RELATIONS

Addressing the media following official talks at the Union Buildings, the President said the two countries had reviewed the implementation of existing agreements and identified areas for further cooperation.

President Ramaphosa hosted his Côte d’Ivoire counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara, on an official State Visit to South Africa on Friday, 22 July 2022.

The two statesmen held bilateral discussions and reviewed progress on the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding they signed in December.

They also considered new agreements to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and reviewed the implementation of economic projects.

President Ramaphosa said it was a matter of great significance that President Ouattara had undertaken this visit to South Africa so soon after his State Visit to Côte d’Ivoire in December last year.

“It is an indication of our shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. During my visit to Abidjan in December, we signed nine agreements and memoranda of understanding.

“Today, we have witnessed the signing of an additional six agreements,” he said.

Together, the President said, these agreements signalled the broad scope of the two countries’ cooperation, covering political, economic, cultural, social and military areas.

“These agreements cover areas of common interest, such as women’s empowerment and gender equality, youth development, employment, sport, social development and social inclusion,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the agreements would improve cooperation in economic sectors that have been prioritised as part of the Ivorian National Development Plan 2021-2025 and that are important for South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The economic sectors include mining, oil and gas, agriculture, communications and information technology, defence, transport and forestry.

“As part of our shared interest in building a capable, developmental state, our respective schools of government have entered into a cooperation agreement,” the President said.

Trade between Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa

President Ramaphosa said trade between the two countries was steadily improving.

He highlighted that South African exports to Côte d'Ivoire had recovered after a decline in 2019, and the value of imports from Côte d'Ivoire had doubled over the last five years.

There are currently several South Africa companies operating in Côte d'Ivoire in industries such as telecommunications, broadcasting, banking and insurance.

“There are significant opportunities for investment in several other industries, which we will further explore through the bilateral agreements we have signed.

“We will also be exploring these opportunities through engagements such as the South Africa-Côte d'Ivoire Business Forum this afternoon,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said they expected trade, investment and tourism between the two countries to be further enhanced by the commencement of flights by Air Côte d’Ivoire between Johannesburg and Abidjan.

“It is likely to contribute to increased traffic not only between the two countries, but also between South and the West Africa region.

“We expect the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area to provide a further boost to our trade relations,” he said.

Peace and Security

The two heads of state further discussed issues of security and stability in their respective regions and across the continent.

“We welcomed the important role played by Côte d’Ivoire in contributing to peace and stability in West Africa and pledged our support within the framework of the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in December 2021,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said they noted the importance of multilateralism within the global system of governance.

“We agreed to continue to defend and promote the primacy of the United Nations in resolving the challenges facing the international community.

“We are united in our determination to work together to build a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law,” he said.

Order of South Africa bestowed on President Ouattara

In appreciation of the contribution that President Ouattara has made to the furtherance of the friendship between the two countries, President Ramaphosa earlier bestowed on him the Order of South Africa.

The Order of South Africa (Gold) is awarded to heads of state and government who have distinguished themselves to the President of the Republic of South Africa.

“Your Excellency, it has been a great honour to welcome you to our country. I look forward to deepening our cooperation in the interest of our peoples and in the interest of our continent, Africa,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa and President Ouattara on Friday afternoon addressed a South Africa-Côte d’Ivoire Business Forum held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR CALLS ON GLOBAL POLITICAL LEADERS TO SUPPORT PALESTINE

“South Africa calls upon the international community to work tirelessly for the attainment of peace and to provide strong humanitarian, economic and political support. Advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people must be accompanied by material and practical support,” she said.

In addition, she said South Africa would continue to put pressure on Israel, as the occupying power.

The Minister was speaking during the Palestinian African Heads of Mission Conference and was invited by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Riad Malki.

She also raised concerns about the continued human rights violations in the occupied territories and that such violations only contribute to the fostering of hatred.

“Israel’s security and that of its future generations do not lie in the annexation of all Palestinian territories, the imprisonment of Palestinians, the erecting of high concrete walls and checkpoints, or the continued blockade of Gaza,” she said.

“Rather, it lies in a peaceful and stable neighbour, a sovereign and independent Palestinian state, whose children, like Israeli children, can go to school, play, attend places of worship and compete in sporting activities in peace and security.”

The clash over the holy land, including disputes over borders, Jerusalem, security and Palestinian refugees has been at the heart of a decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

However, the Minister believes that the Israel-Palestine conflict resolution could be attained through sustained dialogue, negotiations, mediation, compromise and understanding from both parties. 

Meanwhile, she said recent developments in Ukraine and the response of the most powerful should now make it plausible for the West to support the legitimate struggle of Palestinians.

Israel Observer Status

Minister Pandor again lambasted the African Union Commission’s (AUC) unilateral decision to grant Israel observer status last year.

“The decision is even more shocking in a year in which the oppressed people of Palestine were subjected to bombardments and continued illegal settlements on their land. The AU strenuously objected to the deaths of Palestinians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The decision by the AUC in this context is inexplicable.”

She said the “unjust” actions committed by Israel offended the spirit of the AU Charter, which embodies the aspirations of all Africans, especially on issues relating to self-determination and decolonisation.

She reminded the group of ambassadors that Israel continued to illegally occupy Palestine, in defiance of its international obligations and relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions.

“It is therefore incomprehensible that the AUC chooses to reward Israel at a time when its oppression of Palestinians has been demonstrably more brutal.”

She said the South African Government would continue to support all efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side-by-side in peace with Israel within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all relevant UN resolutions, and international law.

“South Africa affirms that the only way to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East is through reaching a lasting peace between Palestine and Israel, and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the two-state solution and the relevant UN resolutions.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR CONGRATULATES PROFESSOR TSHILIDZI MARWALA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE RECTOR OF THE UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY

From 2003 to 2008, he progressively held the positions of Associate Professor, Full Professor, the Carl and Emily Fuchs Chair of Systems and Control Engineering, as well as the South African Research Chair Initiative of Systems Engineering at the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. From 2001 to 2003, he was Executive Assistant to the Technical Director at South African Breweries. From 2000 to 2001, he was a post-doctoral research associate at Imperial College (then University of London).

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University (USA) in 1995, a Master's of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pretoria in 1997 and a PhD specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2000. Prof. Marwala completed the Advanced Management Programme at Columbia University Businesses School in 2017 and completed a Programme for Leadership Development (PLD) at Harvard Business School in 2007.

Professor Marwala is a registered professional engineer, a Fellow of TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences), the Academy of Science of South Africa, the African Academy of Sciences and the South African Academy of Engineering. He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a distinguished member of the Association for Computing Machinery.

His research interests are multidisciplinary and include the theory and application of Artificial Intelligence to engineering, computer science, finance, social science and medicine. He has an extensive track record in human capacity development and is committed to leveraging technology and global connectedness towards the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Minister wishes Professor Marwala well in his new position and has no doubt that he will do South Africa and the African continent proud by leading the UN University to greater heights. “I wish Professor Marwala well as the incoming Rector of the United Nations University and have utmost confidence that through his leadership, the university will further contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare, that are the concern of the United Nations, its peoples and member states,” Minister Pandor said.

DIRCO AND THE EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF QATAR VISIT LIMPOPO AS PART OF MANDELA MONTH ACTIVITIES

Mandela’s birth month of July presents an opportunity for all around the world to raise awareness and expand the reach of Madiba’s values – fighting injustice, practising reconciliation and helping people in need. Accordingly, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini and Ambassador Al-Ansari donated a number of items to the old-age home.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES CONCLUDES WORKING VISIT TO CUBA

During the fraternal and friendly meeting, the South African side reiterated the support of its country to the Cuban resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba that is submitted every year at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. South Africa reaffirmed its rejection of this policy that is contrary to the UN Charter and International Law, and which causes huge economic and material losses to the people of Cuba.

The two countries acknowledged the need to expand their mutually beneficial economic and commercial relations to match the level of the existing political and diplomatic relations. In this regard, the contribution of economic and cooperation agreements and joint mechanisms were highlighted. Both countries also agreed to exchange information on trade and investment opportunities within their respective jurisdictions. South Africa and Cuba also agreed to exchange business delegations and facilitate the participation of the delegations in major trade fairs and exhibitions being held in both countries.

The deputy ministers noted with satisfaction the progress made since the 15th Meeting of the JCM, held in September 2019 in Pretoria on issues related to the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements in the fields of health, human settlements, infrastructure, water management, sanitation and basic education. They also agreed to promote collaboration through new agreements in the fields of agriculture, sports, culture, higher education, information and communications technologies and transport.

The achievements of the South Africa-Cuba Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Public Health and Medical Sciences were highlighted, including the graduation of hundreds of South African students as medical doctors in Cuba since the inception of the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro training programme in 1997. The deputy ministers welcomed the ongoing medical training of many other South African students in Cuba and the programme for the deployment of Cuban health collaborators in South Africa.

The two delegations exchanged views on major developments in their respective regions and discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest. They agreed on the importance of deepening cooperation on regional and multilateral issues through South-South partnerships such as the UN system, NAM and G77 + China in order to promote international peace and security, sustainable development priorities and move towards a peaceful, just and equitable global governance system.

The delegations agreed to continue working to promote, preserve and strengthen multilateralism by adhering to the Charter of the UN and International Law. They had previously deliberated on the great challenges in the global scenario because of a growing resort to unilateral coercive measures that undermine the UN Charter and International Law.

The 16th Meeting of the JCM contributed to further strengthening the historical ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Cuba and South Africa.

It was agreed that the 17th Meeting of the JCM will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2023.

MISS SUPRANATIONAL LALELA MSWANE CONGRATULATED BY SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADOR TO POLAND

Sharing a special message to congratulate Mswane on behalf of South Africa officially, Ambassador Mngomezulu said, "From the moment I saw you, I had a feeling this was your destiny. I am so proud of you, and you have my full support. You have so much potential, and I am excited to see the impact you will make during your year of service."

Alongside a video of their meeting set to Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This, Mswane wrote: "Thanks again to the Ambassador of South Africa in Poland, Her Excellency Ms Nomvula Mngomezulu, for your love and support."

Her Excellency also extended an invitation to Mswane to attend the South African National Day celebration, which was held on Thursday in Warsaw.

– Source: www.news24.com

NEW US AMBASSADOR TO SA PLEDGES TO PROMOTE “UBUNTU DIPLOMACY”

In May, Brigety appeared before the subcommittee to present his credentials.

He said his role in South Africa would be to promote "Ubuntu diplomacy", a phenomenon academics refer to as an African philosophical worldview that has increasingly gained prominence in South Africa since 1994.

He said: “In practising Ubuntu diplomacy, I will ensure that official US engagement with the Government and people of South Africa is firmly rooted in the principles of common cause and mutual recognition.”

Since his nomination, he said he had been familiarising himself with South African history and literature.

What had stood out was his reading of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu's memoirs, No Future Without Forgiveness, a book where Tutu narrates his childhood and coming of age during the apartheid era.

Brigety said it was an extraordinary work, produced by an extraordinary man.

– Source: www.news24.com

SA'S LARGEST RENEWABLES PROJECT REACHES FINANCIAL CLOSE

The three Scatec projects, Kenhardt (1 – 3), with a total capacity of 150MW, signed all project agreements on 2 June 2022 and had 60 days within which to conclude financial close.

According to the statement released on Wednesday, 20 July 2022, the first three projects under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme reached financial close on 19 July 2022.

“Following the fulfilment of all conditions precedent, Scatec has reached financial close on just over R16 billion financing required for the construction and development of the three combined solar and battery storage projects in the Northern Cape,” the statement read.

“Once completed, the three power stations will be the first dispatchable renewable energy projects in South Africa.”

Meanwhile, the department said Eskom was the designated buyer for the capacity, energy and ancillary to be created by these projects, which will be available for dispatch by the system operator between 5:00 and 21:30.

The department said the construction was expected to take no more than 18 months to reach commercial operation.

“In support of the current economic challenges that South Africa is facing, the three projects, which are 49% South African-owned, have committed to 40% local content during construction and operation phases.”

In addition, the department said the venture would boost job creation and is expected to produce 4 970 employment opportunities for South African citizens during the construction and operation phases.

Meanwhile, local communities and enterprises in and around Kenhardt will also benefit through the R444 million committed by the projects towards the supplier, enterprise and socio-economic development initiatives.

“This is truly a great milestone for Scatec and renewable energy. We are demonstrating that cost-competitive dispatchable solar power can be delivered at a large scale with a short implementation time. This confirms that renewable energy is an ideal choice for driving electricity generation growth in Africa and other developing countries,” Scatec CEO, Raymond Carlsen, said.

According to Scatec, this move will deliver much-needed power to the South African economy.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

CAPE TOWN SCORES “AFRICA’S SECOND-BEST CITY” AND 11TH-GREATEST IN THE WORLD

For the Time Out Index 2022, more than 2 000 city dwellers around the world were asked to weigh in on their city’s restaurants, bars, galleries, theatres, nightlife and coolest neighbourhoods. 

The goal, the magazine says, is to “create a global snapshot of city living, and point people in the direction of the places locals are really raving about”.

The results are used to create a ranking of the year’s greatest cities, a list which this year numbers 53.

For the past two years, in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, the index focussed primarily on which cities were making life most liveable for residents in the face of lockdowns and travel restrictions. This year, as travel opens up again, extra weight was given to elements that make cities appealing not only to locals, but to visitors too.

The top cities for 2022 are the ones “with thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art, culture and museums galore”. The top picks also score highly on practical aspects, including walkability, public transport and safety. Sustainability credentials were also taken into consideration.

Just losing out on the top 10, Cape Town is praised as a city with good food, culture, mountains and nightlife where you “can do it all”. It is hailed as especially perfect for outdoorsy types, thanks to its wealth of beaches and hiking trails. With 93% of locals describing the city as beautiful, it also ranks as the second-highest scoring for beauty in the world (number one overall, Edinburgh, also scored the highest for beauty with 95%).

Cape Town also got the most votes for being an easy place in which to relax (87%), and 93% of locals rated the city for its variety of things to do.

– Source: www.timeslive.co.za

THREE SOUTH AFRICAN RESTAURANTS VOTED ON WORLD’S BEST 100

Number 56 – La Colombe

La Colombe is one of South Africa’s most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. Originally founded on the historic Constantia Uitsig wine estate, it relocated under new ownership to the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with breathtaking views overlooking the Constantia wine valley, False Bay and Hout Bay.

Chef Proprietor Scot Kirton’s philosophy and approach lie in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards.

The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated, clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Scot’s delivery of classic signature dishes and his endless array of sublime new inspirations form the mainstay of La Colombe’s tasting menu. With impeccable service and an award-winning wine list, La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience.

Number 37 – Fyn

New to the party: Fyn – pronounced “fine” – opened in 2018 on the fifth floor of a 19th-century silk factory and has been gradually growing prominence on the global gastronomic scene. In 2022, it breaks into The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time, picking up The Best Restaurant in Africa Award in the process.

The menu is Japanese at its core, using fish, poultry and meat from the best Cape Town farms and fisheries. Dishes frequently change: for a taste of what to expect, diners are generally greeted with guineafowl tsukune; tare tonkatsu; Iberico pork with okonomiyaki sauce; and cabbage and daikon maki with ponzu gel. This is always followed by a selection of outstanding sashimi, while the signature Outeniqua springbok, kabocha squash, Hokkaido pumpkin, shiitake and caramelised onion jus are the real show-stopper that exemplifies the Southern Hemisphere-meets-Japanese style.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

KINGSLEY HOLGATE EXPEDITION TEAM REACHES TOP OF THE WORLD

Speaking from Nordkapp, a jubilant Kingsley said, “At the latitude of 71 degrees north, this is the most northern extremity of Europe you can drive to. Here, 300-metre-high sheer cliffs plunge down into the Arctic Ocean, which stretches to the North Pole.

“We arrived in the midst of an unseasonal Arctic storm with howling winds, thick mist, freezing rain and near-zero temperatures. But despite the severe conditions and over 270 days of hard travel since leaving Cape Agulhas, it was a momentous moment for the entire team as we proudly flew the South African flag at Nordkapp’s famous Globe monument, which marks the ‘top’ of the world.”

To give the occasion some African flair, the team built an isivivane (stone cairn) on the Nordkapp cliffs topped with pebbles from Cape Agulhas, and symbolically emptied seawater collected from Africa’s southern tip where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, which has been carried in the well-travelled Zulu calabash.

The crossing of Africa was not without challenges. “When we started from Cape Agulhas, cross-border travel was extremely difficult because of COVID-19 restrictions,” explained expedition leader and logistics expert Ross Holgate, Kingsley’s son. “Add to that, wars and uprisings across the breadth of North Africa meant that for the first time in decades, Africa was pretty much off-limits to overland travellers.

“We had to re-route to avoid the civil war in Ethiopia and travel through disputed territories between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. In doing so, we inadvertently became the first expedition in 30 years to cross Africa from south to north through the two Sudans.”

Reaching Europe, the expedition traversed Greece, North Macedonia and the Western Balkan countries of Kosovo and Serbia, including a re-route through Montenegro, to reach Hungary and Slovakia. Avoiding the war in Ukraine, the team took roads less travelled through eastern Poland close to the border with Belarus and into the Balkan states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. They then crossed the Baltic Sea and traversed the length of Finland, before crossing into Norway at the most northern border point in Europe.

“We’re a team who delight in achieving geographic goals,” continued Ross Holgate. “The challenges of these past nine months were all the more worthwhile when the three battle-hardened Defenders finally reached the cliffs of Nordkapp and ‘Shova Mike’ Nixon, who cycled much of the route from Cape Agulhas, arrived on his gravel bike in the freezing Arctic mist and rain.

“What has been an overwhelming experience of this journey is how ordinary people in every country we’ve journeyed through, no matter their age, nationality, culture, race or religion, just want to live in peace,” concluded Kingsley. “The expedition’s Scroll of Peace and Goodwill is full of hundreds of heartwarming messages.

“That’s one of the best things about expanding your horizons through travel and adventure; it gives one hope for the future.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN RETURNS FROM RUSSIA

Mum-z returned to South Africa earlier this year after being stuck in Russia for two years because of COVID and has first-hand experience of Russian culture, the people and lifestyle. He will be sharing his experience through hilarious jokes and anecdotes.

Mum-z was born in Johannesburg but was living in Cape Town when he came to Moscow for a three-month vacation in February 2020. Upon arriving in Moscow in February, the COVID pandemic was becoming more prevalent, and because of lockdown restrictions, he was stuck in Russia after the borders were closed.

He travelled Russian cities like Kislovodsk, Gelendzhik, St Petersburg, Sochi, Anapa, and Nalchik and has performed English stand-up comedy in Voronezh, Ryazan, Yaroslavl, Vologda, Innopolis (Kazan), St Petersburg, Orenburg and Moscow. His debut one-hour one-man show in Moscow on 20 February 2021 was sold out and even got media coverage from The Moscow Times, and on Sunday, 21 March 2021, Mum-z performed his debut stand-up comedy performance in St Petersburg.

In his 13-year stand-up comedy career, Mum-z was the first comedian in South Africa to make the semi-finals of SA’s Got Talent. His involvement with two-time International Emmy nominated multi-award-winning TV  comedy series, ZA News, earned him four South African Film and Television Awards; he hosted comedy events for 10 years in South Africa, creating brands like Cape Town Comedy Strip, Comedy On Long, Sandton Comedy Club, Bay harbour Comedy Nights, The Tulbagh Comedy Festival, M&A Comedy Nights, Funny Bones Comedy Nights and much more.

Having performed in line-ups with comedians like Trevor Noah, Loyiso Gola, John Vlismas and more, he has the experience and confidence on stage to deliver a world-class performance. He has performed for audiences ranging from 50 to 100 (comedy clubs) to 5 000 (festivals), and the biggest crowd he has performed for was 20 000 people at Rocking The Daisies music festival.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

JUSTIN BIEBER TO RESUME WORLD TOUR IN TIME FOR SA SHOWS

A rep for the Peaches singer confirmed the news to Variety in a statement that Bieber's massive world tour, which has 75 scheduled dates, will resume with a performance at the Lucca Summer Festival in Italy and follow with five dates in Europe into August before heading to South America in September.

The Justice World Tour continues in South Africa on 28 September in Cape Town and 1 October in Joburg before heading to the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Bieber will return to Europe for the remainder of the tour from January through March.

– Source: www.news24.com

DAZZLING DESIREE! BANYANA BANYANA MENTOR WINS THIRD SUCCESSIVE CAF COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

She remained in the job for nearly two years before SAFA offered her the full-time job as Banyana head coach.

And with that confirmation signed and settled, Ellis further fine-tuned her charges and laid claim to what was a phenomenal 2018 for women's football in South Africa.

Ellis guided Banyana to the 2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final – losing on penalties to Nigeria – and qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in the national team's history.

In 2019, Ellis retained the Women's Coach of the Year gong (announced in January 2020) – and with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in 2020 and 2021 – Thursday's award made her feat in Morocco a third successive one.

– Source: www.news24.com

BONGI MSOMI, CHRISTIAN SADIE TO CARRY SA FLAG AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES OPENING CEREMONY

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) confirmed on Monday, 25 July 2022, that Msomi and Sadie would be Team SA's two flag bearers at Thursday's opening ceremony, which is scheduled for 21:00 SA time.

"Congratulations to Bongi and Christian on their appointment," said Lwandile Simelane, the Team SA Chef de Mission.

"Both exemplify the spirit of the Games and both are dedicated and high-achieving athletes. They competed at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast and have done themselves and their country proud on the international stage on numerous occasions over the years.

"This is a ground-breaking Games for Team SA and we are proud to be able to hand Bongi and Christian the honour of carrying the flag on such an auspicious occasion as the opening ceremony."

Msomi will lead Team SA in her third Commonwealth Games appearance as the Proteas are in Group A, where they'll face Australia, Jamaica, Scotland, Wales and Barbados. The top two countries from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

The South African netball team, ranked fifth in the world, has never reached the podium at the Commonwealth Games.

Msomi will lead a team determined to make a strong impression at these Games in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, Sadie, who recently won silver at the World Para Swimming Championships, will be striving to continue with his career progression when he takes the plunge in the pool later this week.

Sascoc added that Team SA would be represented by the "most transformed team in the country's history".

For the first time in its history, the Games will feature more medal events for women (135) than men (133).

The Commonwealth Games are the only multi-sport event that feature equal standing for sport and para-sport events, and these 2022 Games will showcase the largest para-sport programme ever.

– Source: www.news24.com

CHRIS BERTISH BREAKS RECORD FOR LONGEST DISTANCE TRAVELLED SOLO, UNSUPPORTED ON A WING-FOIL

This endeavour is the world’s first solo, wing foil, transpacific crossing and surpasses Bertish’s previous world record for the longest distance travelled on a wing-foil, solo and unsupported at 212 miles achieved in June 2021.

Transpacific Wing Project’s mission is to raise awareness of climate change and climate action while enriching minds through ocean conservation and ocean education. This project follows Bertish’s world-first 2017 solo, unsupported, transatlantic stand-up paddle crossing that garnered global attention and raised funds for various global charities.

Starting with his late May 2022 launch from Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz, California, Bertish achieved a faster time than planned, arriving in Honolulu after 48 days, 15 hours and 15 minutes at sea. This journey required Bertish to complete the equivalent of more than two full marathons per day, winging a minimum of eight to 12 hours per day, unsupported and completely unassisted. To aid in climate change efforts, Bertish’s craft, named Impifish was carbon net-zero, powered solely by wind, solar energy and hydropower.

The first four weeks of his adventure included battling big waves, strong wind currents, stormy seas, thick fog, freezing cold and constant wet weather. He anticipated extreme conditions immediately leaving the California coast and employed strategies to counteract perilous conditions of fog, choppy waters, trade winds and dangerous waves. Such weather conditions abated for the latter part of his voyage as he ventured out further west into the Pacific Ocean and out of local wind anomalies.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to set a goal that appears insurmountable, do all that you can to achieve it, and reach the finish line far sooner than expected,” said Bertish. “The first part of the trip was super intense due to extreme weather and coming into the Hawaiian Island with Tropical Storm Darby on my heels, making for some of the most extreme and scary ocean conditions I have ever experienced.”

To immerse supporters in his experience, Bertish shared a tracker during his 2 550-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean, posted weekly “Captain’s Vlogs”, and shared valuable ocean temperature, and plastic and noise pollution data that he collected along the way.

Along the journey, Bertish hosted a pre-recorded “Ocean in Motion” virtual classroom to give back to education. Class episodes were released on YouTube during the expedition. Chris hosted classroom session discussions with experts across ocean health and climate change challenges, focussing on solution-driven thinking and how all humans can minimise their negative impact, take action and mitigate the effects of climate change.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

FROM JOBURG TO THE WORLD'S SECOND-HIGHEST MOUNTAIN PEAK, LOCAL CLIMBERS SUMMIT K2 IN FIRST FOR SA

Black and Eva were initially joined by fellow Johannesburgers, Allan Dickinson and Robby Kojetin. However, Kojetin turned back after experiencing altitude sickness early in the climb, and Dickinson decided to stay at base camp and offer Eva and Black support.

Speaking from South Africa, Kojetin confirmed that the team summited the peak on Friday morning, after several hours of climbing. At the time, Black and Eva were descending the peak, heading for their base camp.

Kojetin said Black sent a message with a pin to their location.

Eva had a three-minute satellite call with his partner, Jana Niemoller, about reaching the summit and shared a short message, thanking his supporters, during the call.

"Thank you to everyone for the support and encouragement. It's been a tough mountain ... The first South African summit of K2. It's done," he said.

– Source: www.news24.com

THE RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS DAY 1 MATCH SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

Cape Town will host the tournament later this year, from 9 to 11 September 2022. The DHL Stadium will be the playground for the 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams. The event sold 60 000 tickets in just one day! The stadium is also playing host to the HSBC Sevens tournament from 9 to 11 December.

The first session of the World Cup Sevens starts on the 9 September 2022 at 08:45 am. The matches are as follows:

Men’s

Ireland v Portugal – 08:45 am (M1)
Canada v Zimbabwe – 09:07 am (M2)
Samoa v Uganda – 09:29 am (M3)
Scotland v Jamaica – 09:51 am (M4)
Kenya v Tonga – 10:23 am (M5)
Wales v Korea – 10:45 am (M6)
Hong Kong v Uruguay 11: 07 am (M7)
Germany v Chile – 11:29 am (M8)
England v M1 Winner – 14:39 pm
France v M2 Winner – 15:02 pm
USA v M3 Winner – 15:39 pm
New Zealand v M4 Winner – 16:01 pm
Argentina v M5 Winner – 16:23 pm
Australia v M7 Winner – 16:45 pm
Fiji v M6 Winner – 18:05 pm
South Africa v M8 Winner – 19:03 pm

Women’s

Australia v Madagascar – 12:11 pm
USA v Poland – 12:33 pm
Canada v China – 12:55 pm
Fiji v Japan – 13:17 pm
Ireland v Brazil – 13:54 pm
England v Spain – 14:16 pm
New Zealand v Colombia – 17:37 pm
France v South Africa – 18:35 pm

Matches on days two and three will be determined by the winners and losers of day one.

Sources: www.goodthingsguy.com

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE TO RETURN TO SUN CITY FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2019

The DP World Tour event is scheduled for 10-13 November at the Gary Player Country Club.

England's Tommy Fleetwood won the event when it was last played in 2019.

– Source: www.news24.com