SADC ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP AT 42ND ORDINARY SUMMIT

The summit also elected Dr Hage G Geingob, President of the Republic Namibia, as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, as the incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

President Geingob succeeds President Cyril Ramaphosa as the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The 42nd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC was held on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.

“The summit extended its appreciation to the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo for a successful 42nd SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

“The Chairperson of SADC, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressed gratitude to all the Heads of State and Government for attending the 42nd Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government,” SADC said in a statement.

The summit also approved the appointment of Angele Makombo N’Tumba, from the DRC, as the new SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.

The summit applauded the successful general elections in the Republic of Zambia in August 2021, and the peaceful transition of power.

“The summit noted the readiness of the Republic of Angola and the Kingdom of Lesotho to hold their general and national assembly elections on 24th August 2022 and 7th October 2022, respectively, and wished the two member states peaceful elections,” SADC said.

The summit received a report of the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Ramaphosa.

He was commended for his outstanding leadership and continued efforts to address peace and security threats during the year, notwithstanding the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The summit also received a progress report from the SADC Facilitator to the Kingdom of Lesotho, President Ramaphosa, on the implementation of SADC decisions in Lesotho.

“While noting the progress made, it urged the Government to expedite completion of the ongoing reforms, and to continue with peace, transitional justice and reconciliation process to engender national unity, and bring about national healing and cohesion,” SADC said.

The summit commended the SADC Facilitator and the Facilitation Team for the excellent leadership and role in supporting the Government and people of Lesotho in the process of the multi-stakeholder national dialogue and the adoption of the comprehensive reforms proposals.

“The summit approved the establishment of an oversight committee made up of the SADC Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group to ensure continuity and oversight on the implementation of reforms in the Kingdom of Lesotho,” SADC said.

Regional peace

The summit also received updates on the security situation in the Cabo Delgado province in the northern part of the Republic of Mozambique.

The summit approved the extension of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and its related processes.

“The summit commended SAMIM Personnel Contributing Countries for their solidarity and sacrifice in supporting the mission and expressed condolences to the governments and families of the nine deceased SAMIM personnel, who died in the theatre of operations,” SADC said.

The summit expressed concern and solidarity on the latest security developments in eastern DRC.

“The summit mandated the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, supported by the Organ Troika Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries, to engage the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2022, to explore all avenues to support efforts towards improving the security situation,” SADC said.

The summit welcomed a brief report presented by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini regarding the security situation in that country.

While condemning the violence, the summit mandated the Chairperson of the Organ to convene an Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika plus Eswatini, at a date to be determined, aimed at finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the security challenges facing the country.

The summit further expressed concern on the continued maritime security threats affecting the region’s development aspirations, in particular those emerging in the western part of the Indian Ocean.

“In this regard, the summit urged member states to expedite the implementation of the SADC Maritime Integrated Strategy and its Action Plan,” SADC said.

The summit also welcomed the establishment of the SADC Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre in the United Republic of Tanzania, as an institution that coordinates counter-terrorism activities in the region.

Member states were urged to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing on terrorism, radicalism and violent extremism.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RITA ALICE NDZANGA

“As a young woman who witnessed the birth of apartheid and its ravages over time, Rita Ndzanga took a stand that endangered her own freedom and security so that all of us could be free and secure today.

“The death in detention of her husband, Lawrence, was among the many profound sacrifices forced on Mama Rita during her life of struggle in which she put the interests and comfort of others first.

“Her service to workers on the factory floor and her contribution as a Member of Parliament are part of a legacy we can and should respect while this stalwart rests in peace.”

MINISTER PANDOR INTERACTS WITH KHAYA MNANDI COMMUNITY ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)

The event formed part of the Women’s Month activities organised by the Constituency Office of Minister Pandor, which is based in Kaya Mnandi Township.

The Embassy of the State of Qatar, led by His Excellency Ambassador Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, made donations to the community at the event.

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI EMBARKS ON A WORKING VISIT TO THE LEVANT REGION

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, is on a Working Visit to the Levant region from 21 to 26 August 2022. The Deputy Minister will visit Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

The Working Visit is intended to enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and the Levant countries. This will include the formation of a Strategic Dialogue between Palestine and South Africa aimed at advancing the Palestinians’ desire to establish an independent, sovereign state.

The visit will further provide the Deputy Minister an opportunity to exchange views on the most recent developments in South Africa, the Southern African Development Community region and the African continent.

While in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, the Deputy Minister will hold meetings with her counterparts. The meetings will be aimed at deepening relations between South Africa and these countries.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini is accompanied by the Director-General of the department, Mr Zane Dangor, and other officials.
Director-General Dangor co-chaired the second round of the South Africa-Palestine Political Consultations, which were held in Ramallah on 21 August 2022.

AFRICA NEEDS TO LEARN FROM COVID-19 TO PREPARE FOR FUTURE PANDEMICS – MINISTER PHAAHLA

Africa continuously needs to reassess its public health approach and use lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for future resurgences.

This is according to Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, who believes that the approach will also help improve the resilience of the continent’s health system.

The Minister was speaking on Monday, 22 August 2022, during the 72nd Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Togo.

“It is our view that the health system needs to be properly reset so that it can properly recover from the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, a holistic approach to resetting health systems is more likely to yield desired results not only for the recovery but also for building back better,” he told delegates.

According to Minister Phaahla, one of the biggest lessons from the pandemic is the power of committed leadership and partnerships.

These also include the importance of technology and analytics, and empowering communities to play a central role in disease control and health emergencies.

“We cannot afford to regress on these. The continued work on reforming the Secretariat to better respond to the needs of member states remains important,” he stressed.

The week-long talks bring together health ministers and representatives from 47 African countries, experts and other stakeholders in the region and across the globe.

The engagement will define the continent’s health policy and take stock of the specific needs of the region.

The Head of State of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, the Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and the WHO Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, officially launched the meeting.

The delegates will focus on several issues, which include Universal Health Coverage, vaccination, the fight against epidemics, medical equipment, the quality of care, the management of health emergencies and financing for the health sector.

Minister Phaahla commended the WHO’s Regional Director and the Secretariat for the achievements during the COVID-19 outbreak in Africa.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic moves into the endemic phase, it is most timely and prudent to integrate the preparedness and response functions into the routine health systems and services.”

While the integration of “COVID-19 services” is essential, Minister Phaahla said it could only be effective and sustainable, when the broader policy actions towards addressing more “fundamental systemic issues” is also in place.

“We therefore note with interest, progress reported in the areas around the work on emergencies, covering the response to acute and protracted emergencies and the support provided to the member states to build their capacities for preparedness and response to future emergencies.”

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

MASONDO LEADS SA DELEGATION TO COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, is leading a high-level delegation of Members of Parliament to the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) taking place in Halifax, Canada, from 22 to 26 August 2022.

The CPC is an annual forum on global political issues and developments in the parliamentary system for representatives of Commonwealth parliaments and legislatures.

The Canada Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is hosting the conference, which brings together close to 500 Commonwealth parliamentarians, with delegations from 126 national and sub-national legislatures, representing 42 Commonwealth countries.

The 65th CPC is held under the theme: “Inclusive, Accessible, Accountable and Strong Parliaments: The Cornerstone of Democracy and Essential for Development”.

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said the delegation would participate in a number of conferences and meetings, including CPC workshops, the 38th CPA Small Branches Conference, the Seventh Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference, the 65th CPA General Assembly and meetings of the CPA Executive Committee Society of Clerks-at-the-Table.

“The delegation will also participate in the elections for the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee; the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians; the Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches, and the CPA Treasurer for new terms of office, which will take place at this conference,” Mothapo said.

The high-level delegation includes Commonwealth Women’s Parliament representative, Winnie Ngwenya; two members from the African National Congress, Phoebe Noxolo Abraham and Dikeledi Gladys Mahlangu; and one member from the Democratic Alliance, Siviwe Gwarube.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

TOURIST GUIDES GRADUATE FROM FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING PROGRAMME IN MANDARIN

The Foreign Language Training Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to enable tourist guides to develop competencies in Mandarin, with the view of improving service levels and visitor experience. The training programme focussed on language tutoring, reading and writing skills, and a course on Chinese culture.

China was among the top international tourist markets for South Africa prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the global tourism economy opens up, it is envisioned that South Africa will once again enjoy increased tourist arrivals from China.

SOUTH AFRICANS EXCEL AT NEW YORK TALENT CONVENTION

Every year, the driven and faith-filled Elsubie Verlinden, Chairperson and CEO of 33 and Me Talent Agency, takes a handful of African talent to New York City to participate in the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) – the largest talent convention in the world.

IMTA is where talent agents, managers and casting directors come to find new faces in the industry. The convention has launched the careers of industry professionals such as Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood, Eva Longoria, Jessica Biel, Katie Holmes and more. As the premiere agent for IMTA in South Africa, Elsubie’s aim is not only to get youngsters to New York to audition in front of talent agents but to seek out international education opportunities and career prospects.

This year, Elsubie took 55 contestants from South Africa, Swaziland, Liberia and Botswana to IMTA.

These contestants were selected throughout countrywide auditions, hosted by the 33 and Me Talent Agency team, and culminated in an extravagant showcase – the International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS), held annually at Silverstar Casino. The showcase plays host to local and international leading industry professionals, who spectate, adjudicate and evaluate the talent across four faculties: acting, singing, dancing and modelling. Regulars include Nate Butler, Blaze Johnson and Rhavynn Drummer. It is here that promising artists are invited to IMTA.

Every single one of the contestants who attended IMTA this July secured call-backs from agents present at the convention. That means a 100% call-back rate from leading agencies such as Watersound Entertainment, Ford Models, Step Forward Entertainment and Mavrick Agency, to name a few. Local contestants also received numerous awards and honourable mentions from the association itself, which proves that Africa has what it takes to penetrate the international market.

Two remarkable opportunities presented to two of our local talents are most worthy of mention. Cape Town-based performer Jason Jeffrey (24) and Johannesburg’s Lutendo Tshikwatamba (18) were presented with the opportunity to submit casting tapes to the Neil Diamond Broadway show and Michael Jackson Broadway show respectively.

An excited Lutendo eagerly states, “New York, the city that never sleeps! To be in such an atmosphere was the opportunity of a lifetime. Let me tell you; you will not regret a single second when you stand in the streetlights of New York. I auditioned for the IATS showcase in 2018 and qualified to go to New York, but the trip was delayed due to COVID. Finally, 2022 came knocking on my door. I did singing, modelling, acting and dancing. I woke up tired every morning, but I was ready to do my ultimate best in everything. After my performance at the awards ceremony, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to audition for Broadway. I thought I was living in a dream, but in that moment, I just thanked God for the favour he has bestowed upon me.”

Jason adds: “Being in New York among so much talent really brings out the best in you. IMTA is a very powerful platform for us artists. It helped me make some influential connections.”

Another achievement goes to Gizelle, aka Miss G, who was scouted by a renowned designer, Amelia Tuu, and will be returning to the States next month to model at the New York Fashion Week.

This year’s IATS is set to take place on 29 and 30 September and 1 October, where a new bevy of talent will be given the opportunity to audition for the next IMTA trip in 2023.

With Elsubie continually seeking opportunities for our local talent, this year, she secured Paulo Santos from Ford Models, who will visit South Africa and form part of the panel of adjudicators.

“This opens up global fashion modelling opportunities for all our contestants at the showcase,” Elsubie explains.

Ford Models is looking for male and female fashion models. This includes plus-size models, which is a major industry in America.
“This is a major untapped market in South Africa,” Elsubie says.

Paulo Santos, who echoes this sentiment, adds, “I am looking for beautiful and interesting models with great personalities. My hope is to find beautiful models to be represented by Ford NY, who will work in the US market. My eyes are always peeled, looking for the next top model.”

Ford Models is just one of the 10 American agents that will sit on the panel at this year’s IATS.

International workshops by the elite panel at IATS will be provided to all local talent attending the showcase, not only allowing them to get first-world skills and expertise but to meet and network in person with some of the largest names in the industry.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN SUPERSTAR CHEF TO HEAD UP AWARD-WINNING KUDU RESTAURANT IN LONDON

“I cut my teeth under the leadership of some of the country’s most talented and celebrated chefs, including Luke Dale Roberts of The Test Kitchen and John Shuttleworth of Rust en Vrede,” he explains to wine.co.za.

And now, the talented chef is ready to share his skills with the world! According to Restaurant Recs, Katlego is ready for this next adventure … and London is calling.

“I am heading to London, and the reason for that is basically growth. I have worked with wonderful cooks, and one of my mates, Patrick Williams, is generating some amazingly delicious foodstuff in London. I like South Africa, but I feel that to be the chef I want to be, I must have practical experience abroad.”

Run by a young husband and wife team who have attracted a fun and young local clientele, Kudu is making waves in London.

"Kudu Collective" is a family-run group of restaurants, cocktail and wine bar, gallery and private dining room in Peckham. Their menus are shaped by the seasons; creative plates that combine great produce with a splash of imagination.

“Our South African roots inspire our food and drinks – whether that’s slow cooking in a potjie pot over hot coals, baking our delicious Kudu bread or stirring our braai negroni.”

Patrick and Amy say they were brought together by their love of good food and a closely held dream to create special places where they can share our favourite dishes with friends and neighbours.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN ACTOR NOMINATED FOR ROLE IN “GOOD LIFE"

At just 11 years old, Caleb has already had an exciting career with appearances in The Kissing Booth 3 (Netflix 2021), Resident Evil (Netflix 2022), Warrior S1&2 (HBO 2018 – ) and Lincoln (History 2021). On stage, he played the role of Eric in GWB Entertainment’s touring production of Matilda. He has been in local productions such as M-Net’s successful series, Lioness, where he rubbed shoulders with South African acting elite such as Frank Rautenbach, Natasha Sutherland and Fiona Ramsay.

If you have not seen this proudly South African goodie yet, it’s available on Netflix.

LOCAL CHILD PORTRAYS SIYA KOLISI IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL

The film aired on YouTube in English and German recently and depicts the story of the Springbok rugby captain; how he grew up with nothing and had a brick he used as a toy car but never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

Eyam, who is a pupil at Ukhanyo Primary and a keen participant in the MasiSports programme, says he was chosen for the role because, “I look a bit like Siya, and Siya has a scar above his eyebrow just like mine. I got this scar when I was riding in a trolley and someone bashed into me”.

The young rugby fan says meeting Siya was a dream come true. He spent a day filming with the Bok captain at Hamilton’s rugby club and then another day filming on the streets of Langa. Eyam, who has no contact with his parents and is being raised by his aunt in Masiphumelele, used the money he got paid to buy a pair of new school shoes and fix his cell phone.

Asked what he would like more than anything if he could have one thing in the world, he smiles shyly and says, “a pair of rugby boots”.

GOVERNMENT INCREASES BANYANA BANYANA PLEDGE TO R15 MILLION

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has announced that Banyana Banyana’s pledge of R5.8 million following the team’s recent 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory had been increased to R15 million.

“I am pleased to announce that the National Government’s contribution to the team [has been increased] to R15 million. This means that R9.2 million was added,” the Minister said.

Last month, the team triumphed 2-1 over the hosts Morocco in an intense final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Briefing the media on the incentives for Banyana Banyana for their excellent WAFCON performance, the Minister said the significance of the team’s WAFCON win meant that they would be representing not only this country but also the continent in next year’s Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup.

“Banyana Banyana had been denied in five previous WAFCON finals – 1995, 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018 – and at the 2022 edition, they tasted glory for the first time in the history of the national senior women's team.

“National coach, Desiree Ellis, and her team achieved what seemed like an impossible feat when they maintained a clean sheet in reaching the WAFCON finals in Morocco. She too, gave us much to cheer about when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognised her for the third year running, with the 2022 WAFCON Coach of the Year,” Minister Mthethwa said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recognised Banyana Banyana’s victory during a ceremony at the Union Buildings shortly after their arrival from Morocco.

“At the celebration hosted by the President, he noted the contribution of R5.8 that was committed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. He decided to instruct the whole of government, particularly National Treasury, to pay more to Banyana Banyana than what the department had pledged,” the Minister said.

“I salute Banyana Banyana for the positive role played by women in society and sports; in this particular instance, football. Banyana Banyana has shown us that it is possible. All we need to do, is give them love. I am calling on all South Africans to go watch them and support them," the Minister said.

Minister Mthethwa said as big supporters of women sport, his department was proud of its support not only to Banyana Banyana and the Proteas Netball team.

“In fact, the department’s contribution to big sports like cricket and rugby, is specifically ring-fenced for women. As Africa’s first hosts of the 2023 Netball World Cup, we look forward to another big year at the world’s stage by our country’s women in sport.

“Added to this, South Africa will also stage the Under-19 Girls Cricket World Cup and the T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup in early 2023,” the Minister said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

BRAD BINDER DOES IT! BECOMES FIRST RIDER TO SET RECORD SUPERLAP SINCE ’92

Over the past decade, Binder has been rising through the world motorcycle grand Prix racing ranks, winning the 2016 Moto3 World Championship and finishing runner-up in the 2019 Moto2 world title race. Since 2020, he has been a spearhead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in MotoGP, taking a maiden win at the 2020 Czech Grand Prix and a second victory in trying conditions at the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix.

In the lead-up to this year’s edition of the Austrian event, Binder had the chance to return to South Africa to set a Superlap on the current 4.529-km layout of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Using a 2019 KTM RC16, the 27-year-old had the chance to lap his home circuit at speed, an experience he described as “incredible”.

“Today, was incredible, it was so much fun to go out and get the chance to ride the MotoGP bike around such an amazing track. A track that I grew up riding on,” Binder said.

“Just to go through Turn 1 at this track is quite special because it’s quite unique, there’s nothing else like it out there and it feels cool to be sixth gear flat out and lean over on a MotoGP bike. It’s special to know that we will hold the record for a while I would imagine.”

In addition to lapping Kyalami in a new fastest time, Binder was afforded the opportunity to ride the race-spec bike on South African roads as part of a light-hearted action edit that followed his preparation for the lap.

“It’s been super fun, it’s something I never thought I would do in my life, riding a MotoGP bike around in some iconic spots all over Johannesburg,” Binder added.

The last rider to set a record lap around Kyalami on a premier class bike was Australia’s Wayne Gardner at the 1992 South African Motorcycle Grand Prix. On a different track layout to that raced by Gardner, Binder set the standard for a modern-era MotoGP bike at 1m 42.260s.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

PROTEAS STEAMROLL ENGLAND BY AN INNINGS AND 12 RUNS IN FIRST TEST AT LORD’S

South Africa’s seam attack ripped into England’s middle and lower order on Friday, 19 August 2022, to secure a massive innings and 12 run win in the first Test at Lord’s.

Dean Elgar’s team recorded a famous victory, by an innings and 12 runs, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England resumed on 38/2, still trailing by 123 runs, before capitulating in the afternoon London sun. The Proteas required just 37.2 overs to steamroll the hosts for a paltry 149.

Joe Root often holds England’s batting unit together and is central to his team’s overall philosophy as it allows the more attacking batters to go out and play their way.

But this Proteas attack is relentless in sticking to their disciplines and none more so is Lungi Ngidi. Often the unsung hero among the “Awesome Foursome”, Ngidi finally gained reward for his consistency when he found Root’s outside edge, which Aiden Markram took comfortably at second slip.

This opened the door for Anrich Nortje to steam in. The Uitenhage Express was like a wrecking ball, scathing through the England middle-order.

Nortje drew first blood when Jonny Bairstow (18) edged behind to Kyle Verreynne and then removed opener Alex Lees, who had lived a charmed life until then.

Lees (35) fell in a similar manner to Bairstow and England was in trouble at 86/5.

This quickly became 86/6 when Nortje picked up his third after Ben Foakes was also caught behind by Verryenne.

Stuart Broad (35) and captain Ben Stoakes (20) entertained the Lord’s crowd for a brief period, but it was only a prelude to the final act from the Proteas, with Kagiso Rabada (2/27) and Marco Jansen (2/13) finishing off the Test in style.

Scorecard

England: 161 and 149 (Nortje 3/47, Rabada 2/27, Jansen 2/13, Maharaj 2/35)

South Africa: 326

South Africa won by an innings and 12 runs.

– Source: IOL Sport

OVER 35’S MEN’S HOCKEY SOUTH AFRICA WIN SILVER AT MASTERS WORLD CUP

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com