PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA OFFICIATES AT WOMEN'S DAY 2022 NATIONAL EVENT

In the democratic era, Women’s Day focusses the nation’s attention on the country’s progress towards gender equity and celebrates the diverse contributions of women to the development of our society and economy.

However, Women’s Day and Women’s Month also serve as a period during which the country reflects on the challenges that face women, and during which all sectors of society can discuss these challenges and develop or highlight programmes aimed at empowering and affirming women.

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS HER ZIMBABWEAN COUNTERPART

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN

She admitted that the country continued to deal with the triple challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment linked to apartheid.

“These are challenges we must address to avoid social strife,” she said.

She described South Africa's relations with the USA as broad and deep and aligned to the country’s national priorities.

Dr Pandor acknowledged the US’ significant contribution to addressing many of the socio-economic hurdles faced by the majority by providing access to equal and quality education, decent housing and essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable in society. 

She also acknowledged the backing the country continued to receive from the USA to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister reminded delegates that South Africa was Africa's largest US trade partner.

“The significant presence of US companies operating within our borders, including historic investors such as General Electric and Ford, to name but two, in helping to upskill our youth, creating jobs and incomes, has made the US private sector a key partner in supporting South Africa’s socio-economic growth.”

She also took the time to thank the support shown by American companies for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment drive.

“It has demonstrated the belief that the USA still has in the future of our country and the value proposition that we offer as a key investment destination and trade partner, despite the setback of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Trade

Dr Pandor welcomed the growth in two-way trade in goods from US$13.9 billion in 2010 to US$21 billion in 2021.

In 2021, the USA ranked as the second-largest destination for South Africa’s exports globally, while South African firms have also emerged as significant foreign investors.

Investments from South Africa into the USA are on the rise, accounting for 17.4% of total South African outward foreign direct investment to the world.

“There is, however, much more we can – and should do.”

However, she said both parties needed to solve the longstanding unresolved trade issues around market access, including removing Section 232 tariffs on South African steel and aluminium imports into the USA.

“The President and his economic team, as we will hear later during our deliberations, have been hard at work making it easier for foreign investors to invest in our country and to advance our trade and investment relations for mutual benefit.”

Food security

Dr Pandor said many countries had to contend with high costs for fuel, food and transport.

According to the Minister, these challenges, including climate change, have a huge implication for food security and agricultural systems, especially in Africa.

“The present moment, which has given rise to widespread uncertainty and fear, requires us as leaders to come together and chart a way forward that will give hope and inspiration to our respective peoples.”

She has called on the undertakings made at the United Nations, the G7 and G20 to address food insecurity, global health, peace and security, sustainable and just energy transition, as well as human security to be addressed meaningfully.

“We must continuously reinforce our common commitment to multilateralism, democracy and human rights – and use the proven tools of diplomacy, peace-building, dialogue and mediation to resolve conflict and end the intolerable and unnecessary human suffering as a result of wars and other forms of conflict.”

Secretary of State Blinken acknowledged the important role that South Africa played in the G7 and G20 and on global health, climate change and food and security.

“What South Africa says, what South Africa does, has powerful global implications.”

In addition, he said the USA would continue to work with local government during the pandemic and beyond.

He also thanked South African scientists for discovering the Omicron variant and said that President Joe Biden was looking forward to hosting President Ramaphosa next month.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR SPEAKS AT SOUTH AFRICA-BOTSWANA HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION

The event formed part of the events to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Botswana. 

Minister Pandor’s participation was at the invitation of her counterpart, the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape.

The South Africa-Botswana Heritage Day Celebration event was organised to honour Botswana’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle. It also highlighted bilateral ties and the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries, hinged on shared communities, history and culture.

SOUTH AFRICA CONDEMNS ISRAELI ATTACKS ON GAZA

“It is of particular grave concern that Israeli military statements indicate that the operation would ‘take a long time’ and that the ongoing attacks continue to place innocent civilians at severe risk.

“Attacks that kill innocent civilians have no justification, and they are more abhorrent as they are committed by an occupying power, which has besieged the Gaza Strip for over a decade in contravention of international law. As an occupying power, Israel has specific obligations in terms of international human rights and humanitarian law, which it continues to breach without being held accountable.

“The international community has an obligation to ensure that international law is not violated indiscriminately and to urgently stop the Israeli occupation forces' repeated attacks against civilians, especially women and children as well as the illegal blockade in Gaza.

“The killing of children by the Israeli Government must urgently be addressed. The United Nations Secretary-General’s report on Children in Armed Conflict states that there has been an alarming increase in grave violations against children, particularly the significant rise in the killing and maiming of children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by Israeli forces during hostilities, air strikes on densely populated areas and the use of live ammunition during law-enforcement operations. It is disheartening to note in the report the verification of 2 934 grave violations against 1 208 Palestinian children and nine Israeli children. Accountability for these violations must be upheld to ensure that these violations do not continue. In this regard, South Africa concurs with the Secretary-General’s proposal that action must be taken to include Israel and other groups as listed parties, should they not put in place measures to prevent violations and improve the protection of children.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, recently stated: “South Africa is concerned at the continued human rights violations in the occupied territories and again reiterates 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. 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. This can be achieved through sustained dialogue, negotiations and mediation, by both sides respecting one another and through compromise and understanding.”

TRANSNET AND BOTSWANA JOIN FORCES TO BOOST RAIL

"This will be funded jointly by the two governments, with TFR and BR given the responsibility to implement the initiative. The objective is to have the project running in the next 24 months," Transnet said.

The two entities will also build a connecting line from Mamabula in Botswana to Lephalale in Limpopo, which currently runs export coal to Richards Bay.

"TFR and BR will further collaborate on security interventions to curb the scourge of cable theft and infrastructure vandalism, a rising problem in Botswana and rampant in South Africa, which impacts the efficient running of trains," Transnet said.

– Source: www.news24.com

IDC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO STIMULATE TOURISM

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in partnership with South African Tourism and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, have brought together selected establishments, airlines and tour operators to launch the domestic tourism campaign.

The campaign comes on the back of COVID-19, whose impact is estimated to have cost the sector R54.2 billion in income between mid-March 2020 and the end of May 2021.

For the year 2020, the sector faced a 75% revenue reduction, impacting more than 438 000 jobs.

Prior to the global pandemic, inbound tourism generated approximately R82.5 billion in direct foreign spend (R126.7 billion total), contributing an equivalent of 9.2% of gross domestic product (GDP). This positioned tourism as the second-most important export sector in the economy in 2018. Domestic tourist activity contributed a further R9.49 billion in direct expenditure.

“We recognise the importance of this sector to the country’s economic recovery and job creation prospects. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers confirm the importance of the sector in relation to GDP contribution. The subsequent economic lockdowns significantly disrupted the growth momentum in the sector,” said IDC CEO, Tshokolo Nchocho.

He added that the IDC’s travel campaign was primarily intended to encourage South Africans to explore their own “backyard” and help stimulate activity and revival of the tourism sector.

As part of the campaign, travellers have an opportunity to secure holiday and leisure travel at a significantly discounted rate of up 35% to selected destinations spread across the country.

“We are delighted to present South Africans with an opportunity to explore the many tourism products that our country has to offer, and this is more important, especially as we emerge from economic lockdowns and travel bans imposed at the height of the pandemic from May 2020 up to August last year.

“We are hopeful that this campaign will also help the sector recover some of the jobs lost during lockdowns,” Nchocho said.

Nchocho reiterated the IDC’s commitment to the sector, saying that the corporation would continue with its initiatives to support the domestic tourism industry through various but structured interventions.

Soon after COVID-19 hit South African shores, the IDC unveiled a funding package through which it ring-fenced R250 million from the COVID-19 Relief Fund in support of IDC investee companies in the sector.

“As the economy opens up, we anticipate an increase in local travel across South Africa. Our investment in this initiative demonstrates our confidence in the tourism sector as a key contributor to South Africa’s economy,” he added.

To register for this offer, go to www.saishome.co.za.  

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS AWARDED TRAVELLERS CHOICE “BEST OF THE BEST”

“Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best is our highest honour. The award takes into account the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings, and ranks the very best accommodations, destinations, beaches, attractions, restaurants, airlines, and experiences in specific categories and geographic areas, as rated and reviewed by travelers. Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor.” – Tripadvisor

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens was founded in 1913 after it was selected by Harold Pearson as the site for a botanical garden. He was an avid botanist and lecturer in Botony. His grave can still be found in the gardens today.

“The beautiful garden we have today is due largely to the foresight of its founders, the commitment and dedication of the staff during the early years, and the substantial support of the Botanical Society and its members over the years.” – SANBI

Whenever someone searches Tripadvisor for details related to the gardens, they will get to see the little tag on all images showing it is listed as one of “the best of the best” things to do.

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SANPARKS OPENS BOOKINGS OFFICE ON FAMOUS VILIKAZI STREET

Tapping into this market gives SANParks an opportunity to reach more South Africans and grow its visitor base. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello, said the location of the office was also important because Vilikazi Street was the home of Nobel Peace Prize winners, the late first President of democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“SANParks hopes to position itself as the primary holiday destination amongst the domestic market and specifically the youth, raise awareness of SANParks brand as well, as increase the number of black visitors to the national parks and there is certainly no better way to launch such an initiative than during Youth Month and in the sprawling metropolis of Soweto” – Hapiloe Sello

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

NEW DINOSAUR CENTRE IN THE FREE STATE, WORTH R83.5 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED SOON

Matthew Simmonds, contracts director of GVK-Siya Zama, said the architectural design, with brickwork that resembles dinosaur scales, presented a unique challenge for the construction team.

“The centre is situated at the bottom of a massive sandstone rock outcrop and the face brick used for construction had to be strategically selected to match the colour of the sandstone, with a view to matching and enhancing the beauty and aesthetics of the landscape.

“The building also has rooftop vegetation to further ensure it merges with the surrounding landscape.”

Construction started in 2019 and the company managed to reach its practical completion in March this year. Although the pandemic presented delays and challenges of its own, GVK-Siya Zama handed over the building in March and has since been conducting additional work on the interior of the building.

Inside the centre, visitors can expect to see an exhibition floor and state-of-the-art laboratories, which make up about 2,500m² of floor space.

– Source: www.businessinsider.co.za

MAPS MAPONYANE TRAVELS 16 000KM TO FIND “WATER UNTOUCHED BY MAN”

In partnership with the Glenfiddich Challengers Club, the South African media personality travelled 16 000km to find "water untouched by man", and he did it!

According to multiple posts on Instagram, Maps travelled to Iceland to retrieve a sample of "the cleanest water on the planet," but it wasn't easy.

1 4x4 super jeep from road to snow; 1 snow sled and 6 huskies; hike hours through 15m deep snow; a whole lot of extra weight on my back… including 'accommodation' (tent) …to get to 1 glacial ice cave in Iceland. -- Maps Maponyane shares what it took for him to find the cleanest water on the planet.

In a video of his journey, Maps shares the reason he went in search of an everyday necessity that no man had ever touched.

Maps is one of two “mavericks” part of this year's challengers club. Joining him is Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa's first black female freediving instructor.

"With a shared goal to help conserve South Africa's water resources," Maps and Zandile each embarked on "the challenge of a lifetime" that they hope will "spread the word and raise funds".

Zandile's challenge was to complete 200 free dives to the ocean floor in 24 hours – a task achieved by “The Black Mermaid" as she is affectionately known.

– Source: www.news24.com

SOUTH AFRICANS ARE STEALING THE SHOW ON THE USA “LION KING” TOUR!

The San Francisco Chronicle published an article recently stating that the South African cast members “bring authenticity to the stage in The Lion King.”

“The Lion King is filled with South African influences, and Disney has routinely hosted auditions in major cities across South Africa when assembling the cast for each new run. South African landscapes inspire the set design, composer Lebo M has added elements of South African music to the soundtrack, and the story pulls directly from figures of South African folklore.”

The Chronicle says that the “South African roots are particularly noticeable in the musical numbers, where their sound is distinctive.” What an incredible accolade to the talented South African cast members flying our flag so high!

The North American tour of the historical show is almost a carbon copy of the Broadway show and both feature incredible South African cast members.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

ALL BLACKS VISIT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AHEAD OF NELSPRUIT GAME

The All Blacks are in South Africa on tour and the first match kicked off in Mbombela, formally known as Nelspruit, at the Mbombela Stadium on 6 August 2022.

This match placed the team in the perfect location to get some downtime in the bush. On their exciting day out, the team got to catch a glimpse of impala, giraffe, elephant and zebra.

The team called it a “special experience”. While South Africa is most famous for the award-winning beaches of Cape Town and the stunning skyline, the bush is equally as beautiful. Kruger National Park is the largest park in South Africa, spanning thousands of kilometres and situated in both Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SPRINGBOKS GRIND OUT EPIC WIN IN MBOMBELA

Scorers:

Springboks 26 (10) – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goals: Pollard (3). Drop goal: Pollard.

New Zealand 10 (3) – Try: Shannon Frizell. Conversion: Richie Mo’unga. Penalty goal: Jordie Barrett.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

ASHLEIGH BUHAI MAKES HISTORY AT MUIRFIELD, BECOMES FIRST SA WOMAN SINCE SALLY LITTLE TO WIN A MAJOR

"It's been a lot of hard work over many years," said the 33-year-old, who won the first of three South African Amateur titles when she was just 14.

Her professional career has never quite hit the same heights with three wins in Europe and two South African opens. But she had never won an LPGA title until now, and a major at that to make it even more special.

Five ahead overnight, she had to survive a triple-bogey seven at the 15th – that dragged her back into a tie with Chun – before snatching the dramatic playoff win.

"I'm very proud of myself," she continued. "I had to dig deep. But I was surprisingly calm in the playoff. Just tried to stay in the moment.

"Before I hit the bunker shot in the playoff, my caddie (Tanya Paterson) said 'show them why you are ranked No 1 in bunkers this year'. It was great to do it."

Gary Player (1959) and Ernie Els (2002), Buhai's hero growing up, are South African winners of the Open Championship at Muirfield.

"I am so proud to join them as major winners at Muirfield," Buhai continued.

"It really is going to be life-changing."

– Source: www.news24.com

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: TEAM SA DOES THE COUNTRY PROUD

South Africa is world-famous for sports accomplishments, so we are not surprised by the efforts put forward by Team South Africa during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

In total, South Africa earned seven gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals. This put us ninth on the overall medal tally with 27 medals earned for South Africa.

Gold

• Blitzbokke (Ronald Brown, Angelo Davids, Selvyn Davids, Zain Davids, Muller du Plessis, Christie Grobbelaar, Dewald Human, Sakoyisa Makata, James Murphy, Mfundo Ndhlovu, JC Pretorius, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shaun Williams.) – Rugby Sevens
• Lara van Niekerk – Women’s 50m Breaststroke
• Lara van Niekerk – Women’s 100m Breaststroke
• Pieter Coetze – Men’s 100m Backstroke
• Tatjana Schoenmaker – Women’s 200m Breaststroke.
• Michaela Whitebooi – Judo, Women’s 48 kg
• Nododomzi Ntutu – Men’s T11/12 100m.

Silver

• Chad le Clos – Men’s 200m Butterfly
• Pieter Coetze – Men’s 50m Backstroke
• Erin Gallagher – Women’s 50m Butterfly
• •Tatjana Schoenmaker – Women’s 100m Breaststroke
• Bridget Calitz, Esme Kruger, Thabelo Muvhango, Johanna Snyman (Lawn Bowls) – Women’s Fours
• Charl du Toit – Men’s T37/38 100m
• Akani Simbine – Men’s 100m
• Nicolaas de Lange – Men’s Freestyle 97 kg
• Daryl Impey – Men’s Road Race.

Bronze

• Kaylene Corbett – Women’s 200m Breaststroke
• Pieter Coetze – Men’s 200m Backstroke
• Christian Sadie – Men’s 50m Freestyle S7
• Caitlin Rooskrantz – Women’s Uneven Bars
• Charne Griesel – Judo, Women’s 52 kg
• Candice Lill – Mountain Bike, Women’s Cross-country
• Desiree Levin and Victoria van der Merwe – Para Women’s Pairs B6-B8
• Jovan van Vuuren – Men’s Long Jump
• Zeney van der Walt – Women’s 400m Hurdles
• Simnikiwe Bongco – Men’s Over 71kg-75kg (Middleweight)
• Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe Mnguni – Women’s Over 54kg-57kg (Featherweight).

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

PARNELL GRABS FIVE AS NEAR-PERFECT PROTEAS PUT IRELAND TO THE SWORD AND SEAL T20 SERIES

Parnell’s 5/30 from his four overs ensured that the Proteas suffered no embarrassment in Ireland and continued their hot streak since arriving in the United Kingdom.

The South Africans sealed a 2-0 T20 series over Ireland on the back of a 2-1 series victory over England the previous week.

The Proteas were originally sent into the bat by Ireland and made the most of their time, with Reeza Hendricks picking up from where he left off in the first T20.

His opening partner, Quinton de Kock (seven from 10 balls), however, struggled somewhat and departed early but Hendricks soldiered on, putting in some luscious strokes for his 42 (40).

After Rassie van der Dussen also went cheaply, Aiden Markram joined Hendricks and put a brilliant partnership together.

But it was David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen who effectively took the target out of Ireland grasp with their 32 not-out and 39, respectively, to take South Africa towards 182/6.

When the bowlers came on, South Africa bowled with confidence and always held the upper hand thanks to Parnell’s consistent strikes, which broke whatever momentum Ireland had.

While Paul Stirling (28) and Barry McCarthy had flurries, they weren’t enough to derail the visitors from their mission. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 138 with eight balls

Scores in brief

South Africa: 182/6 (Hendricks 42, Klaasen 39, Delany 2/24)

Ireland:  138 all out (Stirling 28, McCarthy 32, Parnell 5/30

– Source: www.news24.com

SOUTH AFRICAN GLIDING TEAM RANKED SECOND-BEST IN THE WORLD

International championships are run all over the world – the World Gliding Championships are held every two years by the FAI Gliding Commission. This year the competition was held in Hungary.

Official results below:

• France
• South Africa
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Belgium
• United Kingdom.

The next Championship will take place in August 2024 in Texas.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com