PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PARTICIPATES IN SADC SUMMIT

The SADC Summit is taking place on 17 and 18 August at Palais du Peuple (Parliament Building).

The President was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele; and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla.

Regional leaders are deliberating on the region’s development under the theme: “Promoting Industrialisation through Agro-processing, Mineral Beneficiation and Regional Value Chains for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Growth”.

The theme underscores efforts to strengthen implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020 – 2030.

“SADC member states will receive an update on progress made in the implementation of strategic policies and previous Summit decisions, since the last meeting in August 2021, held in Lilongwe, Malawi,” The Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency said that South Africa leveraged SADC as its primary foreign policy vehicle for achieving regional development and integration within southern Africa.

At the same time, SADC is guided by the SADC Vision 2050 and the RISDP (2020 – 2030), the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, and the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan.

“Given the frequency of natural disasters in the region, the summit is expected to adopt a Memorandum of Agreement on the establishment and operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) to be hosted in Mozambique.

“In recognising the role played by non-state actors in this sector, the Summit will consider a proposed SADC Mechanism for Engagement with Non-State Actors,” The Presidency said.

This year’s summit also considered the status of ratification, accession and implementation of SADC agreements and protocols by member states.

The summit also deliberated on a proposed amendment to a protocol on the development of tourism in the region, as well as an amendment to the Treaty of the SADC that entails recognition of the SADC Parliament as a SADC institution.

President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the outgoing Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and Facilitator of the Lesotho Peace Process, will led discussions of the SADC Organ Troika Summit, which is responsible for promoting peace and security in the region.

Meetings of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the Finance Committee, the Council of Ministers, as well as a SADC Public Lecture and Organ Troika Summit preceded the summit.

During the summit, President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the DRC will take over the Chairship of SADC from President Lazarus Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi.

Malawi assumed the Chair on 17 August 2021 during the 41st SADC Summit held, in Lilongwe, Malawi.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT WELCOMES 14 NEW AMBASSADORS TO SOUTH AFRICA

The President welcomed 14 Heads of Mission-Designate.

The Heads of Mission-Designate presented their Letters of Credence to the President during a Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane on Thursday, 11 August 2022.

The Heads of Mission-Designate who will serve at missions in South Africa with the aim of advancing diplomatic relations, are from the following countries: Kingdom of Thailand, Kingdom of Spain, Republic of Paraguay, Slovak Republic, State of Libya, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Chile, Republic of Mali, Republic of Sudan, Republic of Uganda, European Union, United States of America and Turkmenistan.

“Since 2020, South Africa has been implementing an Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to lift our economy out of a prolonged period of slow growth, to create jobs and to undertake far-reaching economic reform,” the President said.

At the same time, the President said government was implementing programmes to alleviate poverty and inequality, advance gender equality and contribute its fair share towards addressing climate change and its impact.

“From this pandemic, we have learned a number of lessons on how we engage with each other as countries and on the importance of mutual respect,” he said.

Since achieving democracy in 1994, South Africa has built strong and meaningful relationships with nations across the world.

“Many of these relationships have their roots in the bonds of solidarity and friendship that were forged during the struggle against apartheid.

“We remain grateful to all those countries, many of which are represented here today, that gave our leaders and fighters refuge, that provided material and moral support, and that mobilised for the isolation of the apartheid regime,” the President said.

He said that the country was greatly encouraged by the value the respective governments placed in maintaining and deepening relations with South Africa.

He was also pleased that all the continents of the world were represented since South Africa has always endeavoured to maintain friendly relations with all countries regardless of location, size or alignment.

“We share a belief in the indivisible unity of humankind and in the centrality of international diplomacy as an instrument of progress, world peace and mutual prosperity.”

President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa sought to work with its partners across the world to build a more democratic, just and equitable world order, one which prioritises the needs and interests of the poor and vulnerable.

“As the peoples of the world, we have a shared interest in ending poverty and in ending disparities of wealth, skills, resources and access to education, health and social support. South Africa stands ready to work with all governments and peoples towards achieving these objectives,” he said.

The presence of the Heads of Mission in the country will further aid efforts to build a better world that is more egalitarian, that is free of war and conflict, where the rights of women and girls are respected, and where we all play our part to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“We look forward to working with you to strengthen relations between our respective countries and to advance a global economic recovery that leaves no-one behind,” the President said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER MODISE ATTENDS THE 10TH MOSCOW CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL SECURITY IN RUSSIA

South Africa stands ready to work with all peace-loving nations of the world, through relevant multilateral bodies, to contribute meaningfully towards lasting peace in the world.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY COMMEMORATION EVENT IN BLOEMFONTEIN

The objective of this year’s International Youth Day theme is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.

Representatives from the National Youth Development Agency, South African Institute of International Affairs, UN Population Fund and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities also participated in the event.

CAPE TOWN VOTED 11TH-BEST CITY IN THE WORLD (AND SECOND-BEST IN AFRICA)

“As ever, we’ve crunched all that data and used it to come up with our annual ranking of the world’s greatest cities. For the past two years, the list has focussed on how cities pulled together through the pandemic and made life (just about) tolerable during lockdowns. But now, after two years of travel curbs, the world is opening up again, and we – like you – are itching to get back out there.

“So, while things like community spirit and resilience were two of the most important factors last year, in 2022, we’ve added extra weight to the things that make cities great places to visit as well as to live in. Our top cities this year are the ones with a thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art, culture and museums galore. We’ve highlighted places that aren’t boring or overly expensive, or overrated, and we’ve ensured that our top picks also score well for practical stuff like walkability, good public transport and safety, as well as sustainability.”

Cape Town has made the Top 20, beating cities like New York, Melbourne and London! But what makes Cape Town so great?

According to Time Out, good food, culture, mountains, beaches, nightlife – you can do it all in Cape Town. Few cities are better for outdoorsy types, with all the excellent swimming spots, from Clifton and Camps Bay on the Atlantic side to Muizenberg and Simon’s Town on the Indian. Not to mention all the hiking opportunities offered up by the likes of Newlands Forest, Cecilia Forest and Kirstenbosch Garden (93% of locals described their city as beautiful, the second-highest in the world, and for good reason). Head back into town, order a boerewors (hot dog) roll, and you’ll basically be in heaven.

“Cape Town nurtures theatre-making, and it shows. The city is known for its dance and experimental works – hit up the Baxter Theatre or Artscape.”

“The big numbers: Eighty-seven per cent of those polled in Cape Town said it was easy to relax – more than anywhere else in the world. Meanwhile, 93% said they rated the city highly for the variety of things to do.” —Yazeed Kamaldien

Here is the Top 20 list for this year’s Time Out Index:

20. New York – United States of America (USA)
19. Lyon – France
18. Porto – Portugal
17. London –United Kingdom (UK)
16. Taipei – Taiwan
15. Melbourne – Australia
14. Mumbai – India
13. Manchester –United Kingdom (UK)
12. Madrid – Spain
11. Cape Town – South Africa
10. Copenhagen – Denmark
9. Montreal – Canada
8. Berlin – Germany
7. Marrakech – Morocco
6. Prague – the Czech Republic
5. Amsterdam – Netherlands
4. Glasgow – Scotland
3. Medellín – Columbia
2. Chicago – USA
1. Edinburgh – Scotland.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FIFTH ON “BEST OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD” LIST

Kruger National Park lands at fifth place on the list among national parks from India, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Kenya and more.

“This year, travellers flocked to national parks for new adventures and good-natured fun. These are the parks that delivered on both – and then some.” – Tripadvisor

The park is home to the iconic Big 5, every kind of bird, buck and bug, plus cheetah and wild dogs too! The reason it proves to be so popular with both local and international travellers, is that it offers an affordable alternative to premium game drives.

One can self-drive and self-cater a trip within the park while getting premium viewing opportunities in the comfort of their own vehicle.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA GOLDEN TEEN LARA VAN NIEKERK SMASHES AFRICAN RECORD IN PIETERMARITZBURG

She may have gone faster than ever before, but Van Niekerk reckoned afterwards, it could have been even quicker.

"I definitely think I can go faster – especially coming back from such a big competition [like the Commonwealth Games], you are very tired," she said after the race.

"When I go back from the heats sessions, I literally just go and sleep ... I'm dead because such a big competition takes so much out of you.

"I think my results could have been slightly better – if I had all that energy I had at Commonwealths so I think the future will have better times," she added.

Also once again showing his class was 18-year-old Pieter Coetzé, who dipped below the A qualifying mark on his way to victory in the 100m backstroke in 51.08. He also claimed the 50m freestyle title in 22.28, after edging ahead of Commonwealth Games teammate Clayton Jimmie (second in 22.32).

"I just wanted to get at least one qualifying time here, so I was very happy to get that done and I'm excited to rest a little bit now ahead of the World Junior Championships," said Coetzé, referring to his next major competition, which will take place in Lima, Peru, from 30 August to 4 September.

"It will be nice to get back to basics, train a little bit and get some schoolwork done – and then I'm excited for Peru. It will be a long flight and everything, but I'm excited to see what I can do there," he added.

Meanwhile, several other swimmers in Pietermaritzburg achieved B qualifying times, which will still put them in contention for selection for the World Short Course Championships later in the year.

– Source: www.news24.com

RECORD WIN HIGHLIGHTS SPRINGBOK WOMEN’S PROGRESS!

The 44-5 win over Spain in their first of two Women’s Winter Series Test matches at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg left Springbok Women head coach, Stanley Raubenheimer, a very pleased and content man on Saturday.

The Springbok Women held a 20-0 lead at the break and then scored 24 more points before conceding a try on the final buzzer for the scintillating win, and for Raubenheimer, it is a sign that their hard work is starting to bear fruit.

“This was a very good performance by the squad today, and I want to congratulate the players with their effort,” said Raubenheimer.

“We have lost to Spain twice since I took over the coaching of the squad, and this was a very sweet victory. We did play well in most phases of the game today and although we conceded a late try, really dominated the game.”

Raubenheimer said their victory against Japan two weeks ago and this win over Spain, which would see their world ranking improve to 12th place, proved that the hard work of the last four months is bringing a change.

“It has to do with the confidence of winning as well – we have now beaten Japan for the first time and Spain for the first time, and that builds belief in what we want to achieve,” he said.

For team captain Nolusindiso Booi, the win was an important one: “We had our very first sponsor announced earlier in the week with FNB coming on board as our partner, and we played with their logo on our chest for the first time.

“That show of faith in us as a team from them did give us a tremendous boost, and it made us aware that more and more people are starting to believe in us and our capabilities. It was just a wonderful experience to be playing here at this amazing stadium, and the team responded to the big occasion. I am a very happy captain.”

Scorers:

Springbok Women 44 (20) – Tries: Ayanda Malinga (2), Simamkele Namba, Nadine Roos, Roseline Botes. Conversions: Libbie Janse van Rensburg (5). Penalty goals: Janse van Rensburg (3).

Spain 5 (0) – Try: Marta Carmona.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com