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BOTSWANA AND SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATE 28 YEARS OF BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 4 August 2022, embarked on a Working Visit to the Republic of Botswana to lead talks at the High-Level South Africa-Botswana Business Roundtable. |
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The President is travelling to Gaborone at the invitation of the His Excellency Dr Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana.
The High-Level South Africa-Botswana Business Roundtable happens at the backdrop of the fifth session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), which took place on 22 April 2022 in Tshwane.
The two neighbouring countries are this year marking 28 years of diplomatic and bilateral cooperation, which span across trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, youth and sport, infrastructure development, culture, mining, defence and security, immigration, environmental conservation and management, transport as well as information and communications technologies.
Preceded by the South Africa-Botswana Business Forum on 3 August 2022, which draws government and business leaders from both countries, the business forum, among others, identified a package of concrete actions to create a conducive environment to strengthen business-to-business linkages and support the implementation of Southern African Customs Union regional value chains and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Over the two-day South Africa-Botswana Business Forum, 22 South African businesses from a wide range of sectors will form part of the trade expo of the businesses operating in both countries at the Gaborone International Convention Centre. South Africa is Botswana’s number one source of imports, while Botswana ranks as South Africa’s seven-largest export market. South Africa’s exports to Botswana were R64.4 billion in 2021, and exports to Botswana grew by 2.53% or R13.4 billion over the last five years.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel. |
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DIRCO HOSTS SYMPOSIUM ON SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL INTEREST FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT AND ITS ADVANCEMENT IN A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT |
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| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), led by its Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosted a symposium on South Africa’s National Interest Framework Document and its Advancement in a Global Environment on Monday, 1 August 2022, in Pretoria. |
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It was the first time that the Framework Document on South Africa’s National Interest was made public.
Its objectives are to:
- propose a definition of South Africa’s National Interest and its elements
- propose the means for the pursuit of South Africa’s National Interest
- propose guidelines for the practical application of South Africa’s National Interest in an international environment
- reflect on the current and potential future global environment
- provide predictability in South Africa’s international relations.
Minister Pandor delivered the keynote address. She said: “In crisp terms, we define our National Interest as encompassing national sovereignty and constitutional order, safety of our citizens, well-being of our citizens, economic prosperity and a better Africa and world. The document presents our fuller description of these in some detail.
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“Our framework identifies the foundations of our National Interest as closely associated with our history of anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggle. We are part of a nation that has waged a mighty battle for freedom under the throes of oppression and our experience has resulted in strong bonds being established with all who strive for freedom. Our ideals of Pan-Africanism, progressive international solidarity and Ubuntu underpin our National Interest.
“The nature and forms of that struggle have also contributed to shaping our National Interest. The document asserts a solid commitment to solidarity with those who are still striving for freedom. The important contribution of a well-coordinated international anti-apartheid movement has influenced the inclusion of global links of progressive solidarity as a strong element of our goal of building a better world that advances full enjoyment of human dignity, justice and freedom for all.”
The discussants were Dr Simthembile Mbethe from the University of Pretoria, Prof. Siphamandla Zondi and Prof. Mcebisi Ndletyana from the University of Johannesburg and Mr Priyal Singh from the Institute for Security Studies.
Deputy Minister Alvin Botes provided the closing remarks. |
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ESKOM, NETHERLANDS SIGN AGREEMENT |
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| Eskom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have signed a letter of intent, which will pave the way forward for a pre-feasibility study for what it calls a “climate-smart, labour-intensive agriculture/horticulture development” at the site of the Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga. |
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According to Eskom, the development study will explore an integrated and sustainable approach for the repurposing of the coal-fired power station in accordance with the power producer’s commitments towards greener energy production and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET).
“We are keen to assess all options for repurposing our sites that will ensure greater community involvement, innovative revenue creation and upliftment of the socio-economic standing of these areas.
“The aim of the study is to determine the most applicable, climate-smart, labour-intensive farming and agricultural-related repurposing opportunities for the Grootvlei Power Station site to create positive social, economic and environmental impact on the surrounding area while ensuring local community involvement and empowerment,” Eskom said.
These repurposing opportunities will be employed in addition to the renewable energy repowering options that are currently being assessed for the site.
“These activities are complimentary and fulfil the aim of Eskom’s JET strategy to meet both decarbonisation and socio-economic goals,” the power utility said.
According to Eskom, the collaboration between it and the Netherlands is already beginning to bear fruit.
“The collaboration thus far has resulted in a Geographical Information Systems study of the Grootvlei area, a repurposing options assessment, a preliminary situational analysis of the property by horticulture experts and soil and water quality analyses by specialists,” Eskom said.
It is envisioned that employees at power stations and surrounding local communities will be socially and economically impacted as coal fired power stations wind down operations in favour of green energy and Eskom said it is committed to making sure that they are not left behind but are empowered in different ways.
“Eskom's JET Office places equal importance on the transition to low-carbon technologies and the ability to do so in a manner that is just.
“Eskom is therefore committed to ensuring that socio-economic and environmental benefits of transitioning are realised, that employees and communities are involved in finding the solutions and that the transition does not exacerbate the already high unemployment rate in our country but results in a net increase in sustainable jobs,” the power supplier said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES WOMEN’S MONTH 2022 IN KWAZULU-NATAL |
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| The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and various government entities launched Women’s Month 2022 on Monday, 1 August 2022, in Durban. |
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Hosted under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Resilience!”, this year’s Women’s Month is a call to action to all of society, government and partners to take tangible steps forward in responding to the most persistent challenges affecting the lives of women and girls.
The year 2022 marks the 66th anniversary since the march of approximately 20 000 women to the Union Buildings to petition against the pass laws of the country at the time.
The National Women’s Month programme is based on the ongoing interventions across the work of government, civil society and the private sector within the context of the national priorities outlined by government.
The launch of Women’s Month took the form of a full-day workshop on waste management: identifying economic opportunities in the waste sector value chains for women, youth and persons with disabilities. The workshop espoused the theme for the month, which looks at breaking barriers to accesses in industries dominated by men.
During this workshop, the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, delivered the keynote address to media and the public, signalling the launch of Women’s Month 2022. |
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SA'S POPULATION NOW ESTIMATED AT 60.6 MILLION |
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Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) says the country’s population was estimated at 60.6 million by the end of June 2022. |
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Between 2002 and 2022, Stats SA said South Africa experienced a positive population growth year-on-year.
“A positive growth rate indicates that the population is increasing, despite the devastating impact of COVID-19 globally and within South Africa’s borders.”
In addition, by 2022, the national statistical service measures of mortality indicate an improvement in life expectancy at birth moving from 61.7 years in 2021 to 62.8 years in 2022.
“As the nation grappled with the pandemic, it brought attention not only to the importance of healthcare and other social services required by people but also to the age profile of the population and the vulnerability of key populations in the country.”
COVID-19
According to the report issued on Wednesday, 27 July 2022, the elderly population, who are more vulnerable to having comorbidities, are more likely to experience the devastating effects of COVID-19.
Data shows that the majority of deaths within this age group during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a drastic decline in the growth rate (1.47%) of the elderly population.
However, Stats SA said fast-tracking the COVID-19 vaccination programme to ensure healthcare workers and people aged 60 years and above were jabbed saved senior citizens, resulting in an increased rate of growth among the elderly population (2.11%) by 2022.
Like COVID-19, Stats SA said, South Africa also paid a heavy price demographically due to the AIDS pandemic.
“In conjunction with losing economically active adults due to HIV/AIDS deaths, which impacted negatively on the demographic dividend, infant and child mortality reduced overall life expectancy in the country for some years. While the age profile of the COVID-19 pandemic was vastly different, South Africa is yet to unpack the impact of the increased morbidity, mortality and change in migratory patterns over the last two years.”
The latest statistic is based on the mid-year population estimates (MPYE), which offer key indices and estimates regarding births, deaths and migratory movements in the country. It also looks into key estimates by age, sex and geographical data that assist in planning for the needs of the population.
In addition, Stats SA said the upcoming Census 2022 results would be a key source of data to update those estimates and indices.
In 2022, the MYPE indicates that about 28.07% of the population is aged younger than 15 years (17.01 million) and about 9.2% (5.59 million) is 60 years or older.
Provinces
The provinces reflecting the highest percentage of children younger than 15 within its structure are Limpopo (33.6%) and Eastern Cape (32.7%). Meanwhile, Gauteng still comprises the largest share of the South African population, with approximately 16.10 million people (26.6%) living in this province.
KwaZulu-Natal is the province with the second-largest population, with an estimated 11.54 million people (19%) living there.
With a population of approximately 1.31 million people (2.2%), Northern Cape remains the province with the smallest share of the South African population.
The MYPE does not include inputs from the census conducted in 2022.
Stats SA said the census data would be released in 2023.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA’S R365-MILLION PARTS CENTRE – THE LARGEST IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE |
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| Toyota has reopened its Africa Parts Centre (TAPC) in Boksburg, Gauteng, which the company said is now the largest one of its kind in the entire Southern Hemisphere. |
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The upgraded facility covers a total surface area of 80 000m² and stores over 2.7 million automotive components, which are shipped from here to no fewer than 42 countries.
Toyota South Africa first established this particular parts centre in 2012 on a 40 000m² plot, becoming the third storage facility in the country for the automaker.
The company has enjoyed considerable growth since then and quickly realised the need to consolidate the three plants into one, which would not only streamline its local operations but also complete another step in Toyota’s global plan.
With the finalisation of TAPC, the South African facility now forms part of the company’s worldwide “hub and spoke” distribution layout, which sees five major parts hubs covering five major intercontinental regions in the most efficient manner possible. |
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Planning for the TAPC started in 2019 and ground broke on the new construction in January 2020, but was shortly thereafter interrupted by COVID-19 and the ensuing global shutdowns.
Through clever planning, however, Toyota managed to cut pandemic-related downtime to a total of nine weeks throughout the entire 27-month project.
The lengthy process was needed as the planning involved doubling the original floor space and redesigning the entire layout so that operations can run even smoother than before.
In length, the building is now just shy of half a kilometre at 485 metres, and in width it’s 190 metres – roughly the size of 11 soccer fields, said the company.
Inside, it houses 33 000m² of steel racking weighing in at a total of 1 980 tonnes, on which 2.7 million parts for Toyota, Lexus and Hino vehicles are stored.
The value of all these components, said Toyota, totalled a staggering R900 million.
The TAPC currently exports a monumental number of parts to six intercontinental destinations, 36 Sub-Saharan African countries and 277 dealerships within South Africa and its neighbours – Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.
– Source: https://topauto.co.za |
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PARKS WEEK IS HAPPENING THIS SEPTEMBER, GIVING FREE ENTRY INTO NATIONAL PARKS |
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| Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week, under the theme “Know Your National Parks”, has seen an influx of over 619 252 day visitors in all participating parks. SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello, says that the idea of a national parks focus week is a worldwide campaign. |
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“The week was established in a bid to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system.”
The week grants free access to most of the 22 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. Some of the parks will be extending the week to include the weekend.
SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign in terms of education and awareness of conservation issues.
“The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa. Environmental education and protection are the responsibility of everyone, not just a privileged few,” said Sello.
“This initiative aims to give the public an understanding of the role that SANParks plays as custodian of the country’s natural heritage. If we are to create a sense of ownership of the natural heritage of South Africa in all South Africans, then all South Africans must be able to have access to such. We especially want our young people to take advantage of this opportunity because this heritage will be under their protection in the near future,” concluded Sello.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS ON A STEADY INCREASE |
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| Data released by Statistics South Africa's (Stats SA) has shown a 122% year-on-year increase in international travel, when compared with April 2021. |
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During the month of May, South Africa received 407 262 international visitors, which brings the year-to-date arrivals to 1.9 million. This was followed by Europe, collectively accounting for 319 045 arrivals; a 608.5% increase from the same period, in 2021 when many countries in Europe still had travel restrictions and others had placed South Africa on red lists.
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Africa land markets have also been a driver of arrivals into South Africa for the period January-May 2022, contributing 1 336 478 arrivals. Over 96 533 travellers arrived from the Americas, with 66 992 arrivals coming from African air markets. Asia, Australasia and the Middle East contributed to 63 895 of arrivals during this period.
South African Tourism acting CEO, Themba Khumalo says that although May arrivals dipped slightly from April, South Africa continues to show a steady recovery. "In the latter part of 2021, the world started to open a little more and we started to see an increase in arrivals. As things stand, arrivals in 2022 have more than doubled from the same period in 2021 and the outlook is positive for the rest of the year," says Khumalo.
According to Forward Keys, global arrivals in 2022, based on the forward bookings, are expected to grow 87% from 2021.
The increase in numbers can be attributed to the following:
- pent up demand due to travel restrictions during the pandemic
- tourists are looking for value for money and thanks to the exchange rate, South Africa is seen as value for money by some markets
- South Africa’s commendable management of the pandemic illustrates the country’s ability to take care of our citizens, visitors and tourists alike
- on 30 March 2022, the country scrapped PCR testing as a requirement for vaccinated travellers arriving in South Africa
- South Africa was finally taken off various countries’ red lists and many travel restrictions relaxed.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe was South Africa’s largest arrivals market followed by Mozambique and Lesotho. However, in 2021, Mozambique overtook Zimbabwe to become the largest arrivals market. During this period, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States of America have remained the top three overseas markets and the only non-African markets in the top 10 arrivals markets.
– Source: www.bizcommuniuty.com |
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SA SHINES AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OF PERFORMING ARTS |
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The annual World Championships of Performing Arts was held from 22 July to 20 July 2022 at Disneyland. |
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This international meet is often cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers, and the only event of its kind held annually in the “Hollywood area” entertainment capital of the world.
Selections for official contestants were held in the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa. “Contestants from over 70 countries are expected to participate,” says Griff O’Neil, competition CEO and a former executive of the Miss Universe Pageant, “vying for ‘the gold’ PLUS prizes, cash and a total of half a million dollars in scholarships. Thousands of people around the world will apply to participate.”
A popular highlight of the festivities is the spectacular Opening Ceremony featuring a colourful Parade of Nations at Disneyland.
Team South Africa 2022 received the following medals, showcase medals, overall trophies, Grand Champion awards and Grand Champion Performer of the World awards:
- gold: 81
- silver: 88
- bronze: 40
- showcase medals: 12
- overall trophies: 50
- three Grand Champion Awards
- one Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World.
Caleb Bediako was announced as the Senior Instrumental Grand Champion of the World and overall Senior Grand Champion of the World at the 2022 World Championships of Performing Arts.
Caleb is a student at St Alban’s College in Pretoria, Gauteng. He is a talented musician with the ability to play multiple instruments. It is these varied skills that have earned him the championship title in the performing arts.
He set off for Los Angeles in the hopes of making his dream come true, and he did it!
– Sources: https://sacopa.co.za/ and www.goodthingsguy.com |
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MISS SUPRANATIONAL LALELA MSWANE RECEIVES WARM WELCOME HOME |
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| Newly-crowned Miss Supranational 2022, Lalela Mswane, is "very excited" to be back in South Africa. |
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Mswane arrived in the country on Friday, 29 July 2022, and received a warm welcome from family, friends and fans at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. She left South Africa in June to prepare for and participate in the Miss Supranational pageant.
"I have never been happier to see taxis. I’m excited to be a part of the chaos again in traffic," she said during a press conference. "I’m just happy; I’m very excited to be back."
The outgoing Miss South Africa added that while she was sporting the heaviest crown she had ever worn, her last two weeks in Poland allowed her to let everything "sink in".
"I’m very grateful – Like I said on the evening I was crowned, I don’t think this is my crown alone; it’s South Africa’s," she said. "To be the first black woman to be crowned Miss Supra, oh my goodness, what a time to be alive."
Mswane’s plans for her reign, she said, were to be an "inspirational and aspirational woman".
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"My goal, my duty primarily is to be that," she said. "What’s so nice is that I get to be based at home, but I get to travel the world a whole lot, so I’m very excited to do that, and where there’s a need, I shall be there."
Speaking about her reign as Miss South Africa, she said it was a "character-development exercise".
"I’ve enjoyed the stretching, the growing, the hard times, and the trauma of it all, even though it sounds weird. I had to endure so much to get to where I am, but I wouldn’t change anything about it."
"Resting" has been the highlight of her reign as Miss Supranational. "I’ve gotten time to just recharge, explore Poland and shop".
Offering pearls of wisdom to the top 10 finalists in the Miss South Africa 2022 pageant, Mswane said they should know the crown does not make them.
"You make you; with or without it, you’re fine. It doesn’t define you."
– Source: www.news24.com |
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SIPHE NOVEMBER RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA TO PERFORM WITH CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY |
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| Western Cape-born Siphe November, South African ballet dancer, who at 23 already has a soaring international career, returns to South Africa to perform in Cape Town City Ballet’s (CTB) “Romeo and Juliet” for one performance only. |
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This will be the first time that November, Principal Artist of the National Ballet of Canada, has performed on a South African stage since he left South Africa aged 11.
South African audiences will have the rare opportunity to witness the breath-taking and enigmatic skill of this unique dancer, when he joins CTB on stage at Artscape Opera House for the performance on Thursday, 25 August, at 19:30, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Brandon Phillips
November returns to play the role of Romeo in CTB’s production of Veronica Paeper’s Romeo and Juliet with Cape Town City Ballet’s Chanté Daniels as his Juliet. |
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The performance by Siphesihle November has been made possible thanks to the generous investment of The Christian Ludolph Marais Trust.
“This is a milestone and pivotal moment in the landscape of South African ballet,” says Debbie Turner, CEO of CTB.
“We are honoured to welcome Siphe home to make his debut as Romeo, and partnering Cape Town City Ballet’s very own Chanté Daniels in her debut as Juliet in Veronica Paeper’s enchanting choreography. With our wonderful Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the performance under the baton of conductor Brandon Phillips, this will be a unique and memorable evening celebrating outstanding South African artists.
“Siphe’s rare talent, combined with his unwavering dedication to pursuing excellence in his art-form, has seen the meteoric rise of his thus far, illustrious career. He is, quintessentially, a role model for young aspiring South African artists studying dance and classical ballet. We are delighted he is coming home to South Africa to share his gift with us, performing for the very first time ever on a South African stage, for one performance only.” says Turner.
November was born in rural Zolani in the Western Cape, and was accepted into Canada’s National Ballet School aged 11. He joined The National Ballet of Canada as a member of the Corps de Ballet in 2017 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2021.
The young dancer was featured in a documentary, Beyond Moving, which follows his journey from Zolani, South Africa, to Canada’s National Ballet School and The National Ballet of Canada.
– Source: www.newslink.co.za |
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VAN NIEKERK, COETZE CLAIM SA'S FIRST GOLD MEDALS OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
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Lara van Niekerk claimed South Africa's first gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games on Saturday, 30 July 2022, as she won the 50-m breaststroke final. |
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Swimming in lane 1, Van Niekerk didn't have the best of starts, but a superb finish saw her touch the wall in 29.73, a new Games record. She finished ahead of Imogen Clark (England) in 30.02 and Chelsea Hodges (Australia) in 30.05. Two other South Africans, Tatjana Schoenmaker, finished fourth with Kaylene Corbett in sixth.
In the men's 100-m backstroke final, Pieter Coetze produced a stunning swim to come home first. Swimming in lane 4, Coetze powered into the lead and kept his consistency despite a charge by several other competitors. However, the 18-year-old held on to touch the wall in 53.78 to seal gold for South Africa. England's Brodie Williams came second in 53.91, while Australian Bradley Woodward took the bronze medal (54.06).
The 200-m women’s was dominated by South Africa as Tatjana Schoenmaker and Kaylene Corbett took two top spots in the final! The Olympic champion took first place, swimming just 1.20 seconds slower than the Games record of 2:20.72 set by Leisel Jones of Australia in 2006 with her time of 2:21.92. Meanwhile, Corbett bagged the bronze with a time of 2:23.67.
The Blitzboks won the gold medal at the Rugby Sevens event when they produced a brilliant performance to defeat Fiji 31-7 in a pulsating final on Sunday evening, 31 July 2022. The Blitzboks were without the dynamic playmaker Ronald Brown, who was injured in the semi-final win over Australia earlier in the day, while regular skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi was also out injured and didn’t play at all on Sunday. Zain Davids, who took over the captaincy, said: “I have a little bit of mixed emotions at the moment, but mostly I’m happy as we came out here and gave our all, and I think we can be very happy with our performance against a great team like Fiji. When ‘Shakes’ got injured, I had to take over the captaincy and I was happy to do that, because I know the guys supported me, but I also knew that in this team you don’t really have to be a captain as you have a bunch of guys behind you that’s helping and supporting you.”
South Africa also won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games staged in Glasgow.
Scorers:
South Africa 31 (17) – Tries: Muller du Plessis (2), JC Pretorius, Shaun Williams, Mfundo Ndhlovu. Conversions: Shaun Williams (2), Dewald Human.
Fiji 7 (0) – Try: Waisea Nacuqu. Conversion: Nacuqu.
Caitlin Rooskrantz made history as she claimed bronze in the women's gymnastics uneven bar final on Monday, 1 August 2022. Rooskrantz started off strong as she scored 13.433 and sealed South Africa's first bronze in uneven bars in Commonwealth Games history. Making her Commonwealth Games debut, Rooskrantz became only the second female South African gymnast since Jennifer Khwela to medal after her silver medal at the 2010 Delhi Games.
Geronay Michaela Whitebooi became South Africa's first female judoka to win a Commonwealth Games medal since readmission: and its gold. Whitebooi defeated Shushila Likmabam of India in the women's 48kg final. The match lasted four minutes and 25 seconds as Whitebooi won in the golden score round with a waza-ari (awarded after an action in which the opponent is thrown with control and accuracy or held on the back for between 15 and 20 seconds). It's South Africa's first medal in judo since the 2014 Glasgow Games, where the country won three medals in the men's events.
South African judoka Charne Griesel won bronze in the women's 52kg event on Monday. The match lasted two minutes and 25 seconds as Grisel beat Cameroon's Marie Celine Baba Matia by Ippon.
Christian Sadie finished third in the men's 50-m freestyle S7 final. Sadie, who was the country's flag bearer at the opening ceremony, dominated the first 25m, faded towards the end, but pushed through to seal bronze for South Africa in 29.78.
Coetze claimed his second Commonwealth Games medal as he took silver in the men's 50-m backstroke final on Monday. Swimming in lane 4, Coetze touched the wall in 24.77 – 0.22 seconds behind Australia's Andrew Jeffcoat, who won gold in 24.55.
Shortly afterwards, South Africa's Erin Gallagher captured silver in the women's 50-m butterfly final. Gallagher swam a personal best as she touched the wall in 26.05 along with Australia's Holly Barratt, with Australia's Emma McKeon taking gold in 25.90.
On 2 August, South Africa won silver in the women's lawn bowls fours after losing to India in the gold medal final. The South African team consisting of Johanna Snyman, Esme Kruger, Bridgit Calitz and Thabelo Muvhango went down 17-10. This was South Africa's first Commonwealth Games medal in lawn bowls that far.
Coetze clawed his way back and surged to snatch bronze in the men's 200m backstroke final. He was sixth in the last 50m turn and swam the fastest lap as he claimed third in 1:56.77.
Teen sensation Lara van Niekerk claimed her second Commonwealth Games gold for South Africa as she produced a stunning and powering win in the women's 100m breaststroke final. Swimming in lane 4, Van Niekerk powered to the lead and kept her consistency despite a slight charge by fellow South African and 200m gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker. However, the 19-year-old stopped the clock in 1:05.47 to comfortably seal South Africa's sixth gold in the Commonwealth Games.
On 3 August, Para-athlete Charl du Toit captured silver for Team SA in the men's T37/38 100-m final. Du Toit, running in lane 7, ran a season-best and Games record in T37 to cross the finish line second in 11.54. Evan O'Hanlon took gold in a T38 Games record time of 11.23. Du Toit's silver was the first medal of Team SA in track and field at the Commonwealth Games.
Candice Lill completed a gruelling course to clinch bronze for South Africa in the women's cross-country cycling race. Lill was in a see-saw battle for second, third and fourth but continued to grind in the seven-lap race for third place with a time of 1:36:12. Evie Richards of England dominated from the start as she took gold in front of the home crowd in 1:34:59 as Australia's Zoe Cuthbert claimed silver (1:35:46).
South African sprinter Akani Simbine had to settle for silver after not being able to defend his Commonwealth Games title on Wednesday evening as he dipped second in the men's 100-m in Birmingham. Running in lane 4, Simbine struggled off the starting blocks and at the 50m, couldn't catch up with Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala, who took gold in 10.02. Simbine powered through in the last few metres to dip his head over the finish line and take silver in 10.13. A split second behind Simbine was Sri Lanka's Yupun Abeykoon, who took bronze in 10.14.
It was a dominant display from South Africa's Victoria van der Merwe and Desiree Levin, who clinched bronze against England in the women's para-lawn bowls pairs B6-B8. The South Africans dominated from the first to 14th end over the home favourites to win 16-7 in the bronze medal match.
By the end of the day, South Africa was in fifth place with six gold medals, five silver medals and seven bronze medals.
– Sources: www.goodthingsguy.com and www.news24.com |
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SOUTH AFRICAN ROWING DUO SET NEW WORLD RECORD |
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| South African rowers Damien Bonhage-Koen and Christopher Baxter have set a new world record in the U23 men’s heavyweight pair event at the U19 and U23 World Rowing Championships, in Varese, Italy. |
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| The pair took gold in 6:19,99, beating the previous world record by 0,07 seconds. |
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“We are delighted to see the current team of managers and coaches building the next generation of Olympic hopefuls,” says team manager Darryn Roff. “We are tremendously proud of Damien and Christopher and look forward to more great rowing over the next two days.”
South Africa fielded a team of 18 athletes at the championships, who qualified for participation in May.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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PROTEAS WIN SERIES AGAINST ENGLAND, DAVID MILLER CELEBRATES 100 T20IS |
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| On 31 July 2022, South Africa’s Proteas cricket team secured the series against England 2-1, with a brilliant day in the field at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England. |
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With South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi grabbing a maiden Twenty20 International five-wicket haul, it helped ensure England was dismissed for 101.
Along with Reeza Hendricks’ 70 and Aiden Markram’s 51, the South Africans won the T20 International decisively by 90 runs!
Reuters reported: “South Africa were put into bat and scored 191-5 off their 20 overs to set England an imposing target and then skittled out the home team for a one-sided victory.”
"England’s batsmen failed to show any of the power hitting they had displayed earlier in the limited overs series between the two countries, struggling to deal with South Africa’s variety of bowling options, said Reuters.
The match was a special one for David Miller, who has become the first South African men’s cricketer to play 100 T20Is.
Miller, 33, brought up the milestone during the third T20I against England, where he is currently captaining the side in place of the injured Temba Bavuma.
Since making his T20I debut in 2010, the left-hander has gone on to cement his status as an aggressive and quality stroke player in world cricket. Third on South Africa’s leading run scorer charts, Miller is closing in on 2 000 runs in the shortest format having struck one century and five half-centuries at an average of 32,43 and a strike rate in excess of 140.
His explosive prowess garnered the joint quickest T20I 100 with a 35-ball showpiece against Bangladesh at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom in 2017. His credentials also include 14 T20 World Cup appearances.
Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said:
“Since his debut in 2010, we have seen David’s stock rise in the international game and he is now one of the most respected, and at the same time feared, white-ball players in the world. Today, we celebrate with him his 100th cap and hope he will be here playing at the highest level for the Proteas for many more years, helping us to achieve great things.”
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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BAFANA LEGEND BENNI MCCARTHY JOINS MAN UNITED AS COACH |
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| Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has joined Premier League giants Manchester United as a first team coach. |
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The club confirmed the news on Twitter on Saturday evening, 30 July 2022.
McCarthy (44) is his country's all-time leading goal scorer and remains the only South African to win the Champions League during his time with FC Porto.
He also has playing experience in England where he played for both Blackburn Rovers and West Ham.
Since moving into the coaching world, he has had success locally with Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
– Source: www.news24.com
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SPRINGBOK WOMEN MAKE HISTORY IN JAPAN |
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It was a historic day at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium on Saturday, 30 July 2022, when the Springbok Women outplayed Japan 20-10 to not only win their first Test on foreign soil, but in doing so, they shared the spoils in the Japan Rugby Challenge Series. |
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The hosts won 15-6 last weekend, but this time, the South Africans had too much sting in their attack and never looked back after a 12-5 lead at the break.
Springbok Women coach Stanley Raubenheimer said afterwards the victory was special in so many ways, and he especially felt it was a testimony to the belief of the group to stick to their plans and processes.
“There are so many emotions after this win, even more so because of the team,” said Raubenheimer.
“This was a very emotional tour, a tough one and one where we had some very open and hard conversations with our players. So, I am really happy for them that they could be rewarded by winning, as it means so much to them.
“Also, for the management there is some reward in this. We have been together for a couple of years now and this very first win on the road will be savoured for a long time.
“We had chances in the past – I am thinking of Spain in 2019 and then Wales last year and even Japan last weekend – so to now finally get it over the line means a lot to us as well.”
Raubenheimer said the success of the tour could be attributed to the players’ refusal to surrender in Kumagaya: “I think our defence was outstanding today; it was one of the most rewarding defensive efforts in a long time and it probably won us the match. There were many instances where we were under severe pressure, but they chased down Japan and stopped them from scoring.
“It was also very pleasing for us to get over the line three times, especially after so many opportunities went begging last weekend. I thought the tries – especially the two scored by Ayanda Malinga – were exceptional.”
Raubenheimer said the win also confirmed that their Rugby World Cup preparations were on track.
“Look, we are way behind the top teams, and no one denies that,” he said. “We are still a work in progress when it comes to the top teams, but at least we are putting the right things in place.
“It will take time, but if I look where we were a year ago post-COVID and how we have progressed to be able to beat Japan, it is a very good feeling. The players now also have something to show for their hard work.
“We now have another big battle when we take on Spain back home, but for now, we will savour this very, very special win.”
– Source: www.rugby365.com |
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