CONDOLENCES FOR MIKHAIL GORBACHEV

His political career is crowned by the glasnost and perestroika reforms he initiated in the late 1980s, to transform the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and to end the Cold War, which marked geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States.

President Ramaphosa said Mr Gorbachev was a statesman who was able to balance his love for his country and the advancement of its interests with the vision of a world in which conflict was reduced and humanity was able to live in conditions of peace and tolerance.

“In support of our own liberation, Mr Mikhail Gorbachev sustained the Soviet Union’s support for our struggle in the critical period that led to the unbanning of the liberation movement and our transition to democracy.

“We are humbled by the regard he expressed for Nelson Mandela as an inspiration to him and as a model of leadership to the world.

“We will remember Mr Mikhail Gorbachev with appreciation for his role in making our country a better place within a better world,” the President said.

The President joined the international community in offering his condolences to Mr Gorbachev’s family and associates, including the esteemed circle of Nobel Laureates, among whom President Mandela was numbered.

As the first President of a democratic South Africa, President Mandela visited the Russian Federation in 1999 to express his appreciation for this solidarity.

In November 1986, Mr Gorbachev, as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee, hosted African National Congress President Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki, for deliberations in Moscow on the anti-apartheid struggle and international questions.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

GOVERNMENT IS DEALING WITH ILLEGAL MIGRATION

He said that the first cohort of the Border Management Agency border guards had been deployed in areas where illegal entry into the country had been reported.

“If migration is managed properly and occurs within the legal framework, foreign nationals can contribute positively to our society, bringing skills and resources to our economy and creating jobs for South Africans.

“We have recently undertaken a comprehensive review of the policy framework for work visas to ensure that migration is managed in a way that benefits our country and supports our national interests,” the President said.

The President called on everyone to work together to ensure that all laws are enforced firmly and consistently by the relevant authorities.

“We are not a xenophobic nation. There are global challenges of migration and our people respond to the challenges they face on a daily basis. We all have to ensure that whatever we do is within the confines of the law.

“As we integrate our continent in terms of trade, we recognise that there will be movement of people, and this must be done within a legal framework. Our [Department of] Home Affairs is addressing challenges brought on by migration to ensure that we adhere to the rule of law,” he said.

South Africa engaging with other leaders on illegal migration

President Ramaphosa said that migration was an important developmental issue within the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and across the world. 

As a consequence, it features in bilateral engagements between South Africa and other African countries.

In view of the growing challenge of illegal migration, Member of Parliament, MS Chabane, asked the President to provide details of his engagements with other leaders on the continent, especially in the SADC region.

In dealing with the issue, the President said that South Africa interacted on a regular basis with other countries.

He said that Kenya and South Africa signed a migration agreement that includes the return of third-country immigrants who passed illegally through one of the two countries en-route to the other country.

The agreement was signed during the State Visit of Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Among the agreements reached is to have a Consular Migration Forum between Nigeria and South Africa, where senior officials meet twice a year to look at visa issues, illegal migration and other issues concerning either country’s nationals.

“Similarly, an immigration cooperation agreement formed part of my discussions with President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo of Ghana in December 2021,” the President said.

The President highlighted that there had been bi-national commissions at head of state level with Mozambique in March 2022 and Botswana in April 2022.

In both cases, cooperation on deportations and agreements on migration cooperation more broadly were concluded.

In the last few months, there have also been engagements at Ministerial and officials’ level with counterparts from Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe on migration issues.

During his Chairship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security over the past year, the President said they had prioritised the Draft Regional Migration Policy Framework and Action Plan 2022 – 2030.

The draft plan proposes principles and strategies on matters such as border governance, irregular migration, labour migration and others.

“Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to implement policies and measures that guarantee the integrity of our borders, protect the rights of South Africans and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here,” he said.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES ANGOLA PRESIDENT JOÃO LOURENÇO ON HIS ELECTION

“I am looking forward to working with President João Lourenço to strengthen the strong and cordial bilateral relations between our two countries, as well as in matters of mutual interest on the African continent and in our region, the Southern African Development Community,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said it further gave him great pleasure that the elections were conducted in a calm environment, wherein the people of Angola exercised their democratic right of electing a government of their own choosing.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ATTENDS STATE FUNERAL SERVICE OF FORMER ANGOLAN PRESIDENT DOS SANTOS

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

MINISTER PANDOR LEADS SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE EIGHTH TICAD SUMMIT IN TUNIS

The summit was organised by the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the African Union Commission.

The Eighth TICAD Summit highlighted the close connection between Japan and Africa, as well as set out a pathway for African development, looking ahead to the post-pandemic era.

It comprised the plenary sessions and the Japan-Africa Business Forum. The plenary sessions focussed on the following topics: Economy; Society; and Peace and Stability.

It was attended by African heads of state, the Japanese Government as well as representatives of the private sector such as the Japan Business Federation; Japan Association of Corporate Executives, and others.

Also forming part of the programme was the presentation of the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize.

The main purpose of the prize is to honour individuals and organisations with outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services to combat infectious and other diseases in Africa, thus contributing to the health and welfare of the African people and of all humankind.

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST REGION

Formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Jordan were established in September 1993. The two delegations reaffirmed the warm and cordial relations that exist between South Africa and Jordan bilaterally and multilaterally.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini and Ambassador Al Khatib also exchanged views and insights on political developments within the African continent and the Middle East.

During her visit to Beirut, Lebanon, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Speaker of Parliament, HE Nabih Berri. South Africa and Lebanon enjoy cordial bilateral relations. Formal diplomatic ties were established in June 1994.

During their deliberations, the South African and Lebanese delegations agreed on the urgent need to seek further opportunities for cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, among other areas.

In Damascus, Syria, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini paid a courtesy call on President Bashar Al-Assad. South Africa and Syria enjoy cordial bilateral relations. Formal diplomatic ties were established in June 1994. Both countries hold common positions on issues affecting the Middle East region.

During her visit to Syria, the Deputy Minister also held meetings with various ‘non-governmental organisations and multilateral organisations.

TRANSPORT MINISTER FIKILE MBALULA AND DIRCO LEAD SUPPORT DRIVE FOR SA RE-ELECTION TO ICAO COUNCIL

The drive was undertaken to solicit support for South Africa’s re-election under Part II at the ICAO Council elections to be held during the 41st Session of its Assembly to take place later this year.

Members of the ICAO Council are elected by the Assembly for a three-year term and consist of 36 member states categorised into three parts, namely:

• Part I (states of chief importance in air transport (11 seats)
• Part II (states which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation (12 seats), which include South Africa
• Part III (states ensuring geographic representation (13 seats).

It is South Africa’s intention to stand for re-election under Part II during the ICAO Council elections. To this end, to intensify the support drive, the transport and international relations and cooperation ministries engaged with the ministers of transport of other ICAO member states requesting their support for South Africa's bid for re-election to Part II of the ICAO Council.

During the breakfast session with ambassadors and high commissioners, Minister Mbalula gave a keynote address on the achievements of South Africa’s aviation activities as well as indicated the Republic’s intentions to stand for re-election to the ICAO Council.

SOUTH AFRICA SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE AND SOLIDARITY TO PAKISTAN FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING FLOODS EXPERIENCED DURING THE CURRENT MONSOON SEASON

The South African Government and its people extend sincere condolences to the Government and people of Pakistan amid the unfolding climate catastrophe, stands in solidarity with those affected and salute the emergency personnel working tirelessly to assist those in need.

The thoughts of the South African people are with the people of Pakistan and others affected by this catastrophe in the rest of South Asia.

MINISTER MCHUNU LEADS WATER SECTOR DELEGATION AT STOCKHOLM WORLD WATER WEEK

Stockholm World Water Week is a global conference, themed: “Seeing the Unseen: The Value of Water”, which is centred around global water issues and aims to explore new ways of managing water while tackling the impact of water shortage on food security, health and agriculture, among others.

“Some of the discussions Minister Mchunu will participate in will focus on the role of private-sector finance on wastewater treatment in Africa, water investment in Africa as well as the value of water cooperation,” said Ministry Spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi.

Minister Mchunu is joined by the Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, and several other senior officials from the department and entities.

“On Sunday, 28 August, Minister Mchunu met with Ambassador Brigitte Mabandla, the South African Ambassador to Sweden where the South African delegation was introduced and given a platform to detail their role at the conference,” said Mogotsi.

Ambassador Mabandla implored the delegation to become torch bearers for water security and represent the country well.

“It really feels good to meet with people from back home and I am pleased that we have prepared thoroughly to participate in discussions with your expertise. As you all know, nothing exists without water. Therefore, let us ensure that when we leave here, we go back home with enhanced knowledge on how we can ensure water security for all,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister Mchunu expressed his confidence in 16-year-old Unam Halam, who presented the Drop Saver invention, which is aimed at curbing water leaks as part of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competitions. Minister Mchunu and Dr Phillips will attend the junior competitions in support of Halam who will be competing with her counterparts from 36 other countries.

“I am meeting Unam officially tomorrow and I cannot wait to see the dynamite that everyone keeps telling me about. Her invention is much needed, especially with South Africa being a water-scarce country. I am looking forward to meeting her and spending some time with her,” he said.

Minister Mchunu has further committed to ensure that the discussions during the conference will bear fruit as they will be solution-driven and aim to address the severe water challenges experienced in some parts of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces

SA, LESOTHO COOPERATE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The MoU will expand cooperation in the areas of:

• fiscal decentralisation
• integrated development planning
• development of local government and governance institutions and structures
• human resource development
• exchange programmes by councils/municipalities.

Addressing the event, Minister Dlamini Zuma said the two nations were entering into the agreement in the hope that they would consolidate actions to build non-sexist and inclusive societies.

“Building such societies in our nations will go a long way in realising the objectives we set for ourselves in Agenda 2063 for the Africa we want.”

She said: “The decentralisation agreement will also contribute to ensuring an integrated prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens. The decentralisation agreement will also add a fresh impetus to the other areas of cooperation our governments have entered into.”

These, she said, spanned a wide range of areas, from trade and investment, security and energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, water as well as the environment.

"The signing of the MOU is welcome, particularly as we last year ratified the African Charter on the values and principles of decentralisation of local governments and local development. The charter will also be able to contribute to the gearing of all spheres of government and society towards decentralisation, localised financing and spatial referencing," she said.

For its part, the Minister said the South African Government was implementing the District Development Model, which seeks to integrate programmes and budgets of all spheres of government.

This will ultimately ensure that citizens experience development where they live. "Thus, this will ensure that outward migration is a result of choice and not as a result of desperation.”

To achieve this, she said the two governments should do all in their power to address the challenges faced by the local sphere of governance, of which the institutions of traditional leadership are an important part.

"Our cooperation will enhance these institutions while we are facilitating a more inclusive, accountable and transparent form of governance. These key agreements will also assist in addressing key challenges faced by our municipalities. These include the lack of technical skills such as those directed at planning and financing," she said.

The two ministers also oversaw the signing of a technical MoU on disaster management. This MoU sets out a framework for a collaborative arrangement, which includes joint actions towards preventing and mitigating risks related to disasters. It was signed by the Acting Head of the National Disaster Management Centre in South Africa and the Head of the Disaster Management Authority of Lesotho.

The MoU has a special framework for collaborative arrangements between the two entities. These include joint actions towards preventing and mitigating risks related to disasters.

"This agreement could not have come at a better time since we've had to endure disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts and floods, which have negatively impacted on both nations. This agreement will therefore contribute to the construction of our economies while we are trying to build back better.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA PARTICIPATES IN G20 EDUCATION MINISTERS’ MEETING

In addition, the Sherpa meetings (in charge of carrying out negotiations and building consensus among leaders), working groups and special events are also organised throughout the year.

On 31 August, the high officials representing various countries will have the chance to meet in the Fourth G20 EdWG Meeting to finalise the Education Ministers’ Declaration and the G20 Education Report 2022.

“On 1 September, the meeting will adopt these two deliverables and the ministers will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on this year’s G20 EdWG theme. Minister Nzimande will share publicly the South African perspective on the theme during the proceedings of the conference,” the department said in a statement.

Minister Nzimande is accompanied by Higher Education and Training Director-General, Nkosinathi Sishi.

The members of the G20 include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. Spain is also invited as a permanent guest.

Each year, The Presidency invites guest countries which take full part in the G20 exercise. Several international and regional organisations also participate, granting the forum an even broader representation.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

FEMALE RESEARCHERS USE SCIENCE TO CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES

She defined better nutrition as improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems and safer pregnancy and childbirth.

The researcher said it also spoke to lowering the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and longevity.

Through her work with communities and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), Dr Dlamini has already developed nutritious food products using local resources and ingredients in the form of “nutri-drink”.

According to Dr Dlamini, the product that was formulated using local and indigenous plants and contains vitamin A, iron and zinc, has already been tested on learners.

She told the media that this drink had had positive beneficial effects.

“It improved the schoolchildren’s iron deficiencies and [they] grew very well. Interestingly, they also got interested in school,” she said.

One of the products that the organisation has formulated working with an SMME that has already hit the shelves, includes Setšong Herbal Teas.

“It has been tested and validated. We know that there is no food security and nutrition if the food is not safe.”

Another one that is ready for the market is Imbali-Agri, a canned butternut business owned by a female entrepreneur. She said their aim was also to commercialise products and transfer technologies to communities, which leads to job creation. 

“We reduce hunger and improve food intake. By developing nutritious food, we’re ensuring that we’re putting foods in the market that are nutritious, safe and tested.”

Meanwhile, CSIR Research Group Leader for Biophotonics, Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, highlighted a smartphone medical diagnostic tool, which tests for COVID-19, HIV and TB at point-of-care.

“This multi-screening technology converts a smartphone into a spectrometer to detect illnesses in bodily fluid samples such as urine, saliva and blood.”

The session formed part of celebrating the role of female scientists in using research innovations to improve the lives of ordinary people during Women’s Month.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

TWO SOUTH AFRICAN LIBRARIANS AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE BY WIKIPEDIA

Among Lesele’s contributions were on former President Nelson Mandela, 1956 Women’s March leader Helen Joseph, academic pioneer and leader Charlotte Maxeke and languages. In the process, he learned so much that he encouraged Mdunge to join the campaign. The duo added over 250 entries.

Lesele was awarded a certificate of excellence for being the fifth-highest contributor to the campaign and the only South African in the top five. Mdunge was awarded a certificate of excellence for being one of the top 30 contributors.

Cllr Ronald Harris, who is a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, commended the duo on their achievements.

“This is a true example of our youth taking the lead in correcting the history of our democracy. The youth remain our future leaders, and it is upon us to support and guide them into the future. The City of Johannesburg is proud of their contributions.”

Lesele said the campaign was part of an outreach initiative by the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA), in collaboration with Wikimedia, to engage library communities to help fill key gaps in African content on Wikipedia by adding content and missing references to articles about Africa.

“They’re trying to give Africans the power to have their narrative told or to add citations. When I read their aim of giving Africans a voice and the power to write our stories, that’s what excited me.”

Lesele is not new to the AfLIA and Wikipedia campaign. In 2020, he was among the top 50 global contributors and the only one from South Africa. Originally from Acornhoek in Mpumalanga, he graduated with a degree in Information Science. He became a trainee librarian at Brixton Library in 2016. In 2017, he applied for a job as a librarian, and in 2020, he was appointed a senior librarian. Since then, he has received the Best Librarian of the Year and Best eLearning Librarian of the Year, among others. He has implemented several e-learning programmes in city libraries and is enthusiastic about all things digital. He speaks six languages.

Mdunge hails from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his degree, honours and master’s in Information Science from the University of Zululand. He briefly worked as an intern librarian in KwaZulu-Natal before joining the City of Johannesburg.

“What I love about being a librarian is that you get to engage with the community and help students with the correct method of academic writing or referencing. As a librarian, you should know what’s happening in the country, current affairs and where to find information when someone comes in and wants to know more,” said Mdunge.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

PORTCHIE BECOMES SA’S FIRST ARTIST TO LAUNCH AN NFT CANVAS ART COLLECTION

An NFT is a digital asset that exists completely in the digital universe – you can’t touch it, but you can own it. And with Facebook and Instagram working on enabling users to use their NFTs within their platforms, owning art in the digital world is set to become mainstream in the future.

The artist partnered with a team of creative technologists to create a system by which each NFT will be digitally created. This means each of the multiple hand-painted elements and their variations are given a chance to get randomly selected and then combined to create a unique piece of digitally created art.

Portchie’s art quickly became popular after selling out at his first big solo exhibition in 1991, and in 1995, he opened an art studio called The Red Teapot Gallery, where neighbouring art galleries in Stellenbosch started buying his art.

His artworks are a trademark of vibrant colours, distorted shapes and blue trees and can be described as a “burst of joyful colour”. Unlike limited editions or prints, this NFT collection will only consist of unique collectables, which means you will not be able to find two that are a copy of each other.

NFT art hit global mainstream news over the last year, with several high-profile sales garnering millions of dollars. For example, in 2021, Everydays: The First 5,000 Days was sold for US$69.3 million.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

COMRADES MARATHON PRODUCES TWO FIRST-TIME WINNERS

The men's down-run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban was won by Tete Dijana of the North-West in a time of 5:30:38 seconds for his maiden win.

The defending champion, Edward Mothibi, ran a time of 5:33:46, while Dan Moselakwe completed the podium in 5:36:25.

The eighth-placed Solly Manduwa of Malawi was the only non-South African top10 finisher in the men's race.

Alexandra Morozova of Russia won the women's race in 6:17:48, while Poland's Dominika Stelmach ran second in 6:25:09 and South Africa's Adele Broodryk of the North-West finished third in 6:26:35 as the first local runner.

It was an incredible day for thousands of competitors and viewers, including over 2 000 international runners who travelled to South Africa to take part in the legendary race.

Men's top 10: 1 Tete Dijana 5:30:38, 2 Edward Mothobi 5:33:46, 3 Dan Moselakwe 5:36:25, 4 Bongmusa Mthembu 5:38:07, 5 Johannes Makgetla 5:41:36, 6 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana 5:43:28, 7 Joseph Manyedi 5:44:57, 8 Solly Manduwa 5:46:10, 9 Chales Tjiane 5:47:04, 10 Lutendo Mapoto 5:47:20.

Women's top 10: 1 Alexandra Morozna 6:17:48 (Russia), 2 Dominika Stelmach 6:25:09 (Poland), 3 Adele Broodryk 6:26:35 (RSA), 4 Jenna Challenor 6:42:14 (RSA), 5 Galaletsang Mekgoe 6:42:14 (RSA), 6 Camille Herron 6:44:29 (USA), 7 Helena Joubert 6:55:36 (RSA), 8 Janie Grundling 6:59:44 (RSA), 9 Annerie Wooding 6:59:55 (RSA), 10 Yolande McClean 7:00:19 (RSA).

– Source: https://www.ofm.co.za/

SOUTH AFRICAN GOLFER PAULA RETO WINS CP WOMEN’S OPEN IN CANADA

Paula told reporters after the win: “I was trying not to watch the leaderboard. I sort of knew where the girls in my group were, so I was just trying to make sure I stayed with them or maybe one or two ahead. That was the only thing I could control. You can’t do too much.”

Playing among the world’s best golfers, Paula finished the week at 19 under par.

Golf Canada said Paula and children were the big winners on Sunday. With record attendance, over US$2.5 million was raised to support the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation and another US$510 000 for Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation.

According to Golf Canada, more than 75 000 fans attended the tournament.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

UNBEATEN SA U18S WIN NAIL-BITER AGAINST ENGLAND

In the first game of the day, played in more overcast and cool conditions, France snuck home against the SA U18 'A' team, winning their match by 20-15 as both sets of forwards tried to lay down their dominance.

With the sun gradually winning the battle with the clouds as the afternoon progressed, both teams showed their intent to throw the ball around, with England’s tactic of pushing the tempo clear as daylight from the start.

England outscored their hosts by seven tries to five (which included a penalty try), but their wayward goal-kicking and discipline were costly as the SA U18 kickers, Thurlon Williams (flyhalf) and his replacement Stehan Heymans kicked three penalty goals on a flawless day from the tee.

The visitors got an early try when Jack Bennett (No 8) went over with numbers to his left as they managed to find gaps in the South African defence. But that didn’t deter the SA U18s, and Thomas Dyer (captain and lock) scored their first try 12 minutes later after sustained pressure on attack.

Two minutes later though, England went over again, this time through Louie Trevett (prop), to restore their seven-point lead. However, it only lasted for five minutes before Ethan Bester (hooker) scored a great maul try, with flyhalf Thurlon Williams’ conversion making it 14-14.

England hit back straight away as Will Glister (wing) found space on the right side of the field to score their third try and Sean Kerr (centre) was on target with the conversion to put his side up by 21-14.

SA U18 got a penalty try after another great driving maul, which saw the teams go into the break even on points at 21-21.

The second half started at 100 km/h, with 22 points added in the first 15 minutes. Williams slotted two penalty goals and Dyer, playing a real captain’s innings, scored his second try, while Loic Keasey (replacement hooker) and Henry Pollock (flanker and captain) scored tries for the visitors, who were not scared to run from deep within their own half.

England then added two more tries, by scrumhalf Archie McParland in the 58th minute and replacement prop George Edson two minutes later, but the conversions were off target and they only led by seven points with 10 minutes to go.

The SA U18s finished strong, with a try by fullback Joel Leotlela and a sideline conversion from Heymans levelling the scores with time running out on the clock.

Heymans then landed the match-winning penalty goal with a minute left in the game and the South African supporters could smile after a see-saw 70 minutes of great rugby action in Paarl.

Scorers:

SA Under-18 44 (21) – Tries: Thomas Dyer (2), Ethan Bester, Joel Leotlela, Penalty try. Conversions: Thurlon Williams (3), Stehan Heymans. Penalty goals: Williams (2), Heymans.

England 41 (21) – Tries: Jack Bennett, Louie Trevett, Will Glister, Loic Keasey, Henry Pollock, Archie McParland, George Edson. Conversions: Sean Kerr (3).

–  Source: https://www.springboks.rugby

“ALEXFORBES ARCHANGEL” MAKES CAPE2RIO RACING HISTORY

Their yacht, the Alexforbes ArchAngel, leaves Cape Town for Rio on 2 January 2023, sailing 3 300 nautical miles across the South Atlantic Ocean, relying not only on the crew’s skills but also on the support of the nation. The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew comprises skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Thando Mntambo (23), Azile Arosi (22) and Justin Peters (21).

All have been trained by the RCYC, established in 2012 with the purpose of exposing youth from marginalised communities to the sport of sailing and developing careers in the maritime industry. The academy has touched the lives of hundreds of young people by providing technical skills as well as developing teamwork and fair play as life skills.

The 2023 running of the iconic Cape2Rio yacht race will mark the 50th anniversary of the race first won by Ocean Spirit. The yacht was co-skippered by world-renowned sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handedly non-stop around the world.

The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew seeks to emulate the pioneering spirit of the first race by being the first team from their communities to make the crossing and, in doing so, act as a symbol of hope to all others who face the challenges of inequality, poverty and marginalisation.

Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu says, “Going to Rio with the academy sailors has been my dream. I have no words to describe how I feel about participating in the race … it’s just an amazing feeling. It broke my heart that we were unable to participate in the last Cape2Rio race, as we had already promised our students. But I always hoped that one day our dream will be fulfilled … yes, there were times when I thought that this is never going to happen, but our team did not give up hope. We trained, persevered and continued preparing even though our path to Rio was not clear. I am amazed by the things that we have achieved just by being present and keeping our heads up despite the challenges faced. Together, with the generous support of Alexforbes, we are about to make history as the RCYC Sailing Academy.”

Commodore Neil Gregory of the RCYC says, “The grit and determination of the RCYC Sailing Academy crew combined with the confidence shown by Alexforbes as their sponsor is turning what is already one of the bucket-list ocean races into an experience that all of South Africa can connect with.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA’S LOUIS MEINTJES WINS STAGE NINE OF VUELTA IN SPAIN

It was Meintjes’ maiden stage win at the Vuelta as he emerged the strongest among the nine-man breakaway group, finishing more than a minute ahead of Italian duo Samuele Battistella and Edoardo Zambanini.

Victory had seemed out of reach for Meintjes when Battistella and Jimmy Janssens broke away in the final 10km but the Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert rider made a remarkable recovery to go past them with 2.5km to go and claim the biggest win of his career.

–  Source: www.sapeople.com

CRICKET SA ANNOUNCES HOST VENUES FOR WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP 2023

The cricketing events will see an influx of sporting enthusiasts visiting South Africa, which always leads to extended tourism as there is so much on offer in South Africa. From the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the white sand beaches of Cape Town, let’s not forget the bush getaways in Mpumalanga or the stunning dry karoo just on the Western Cape’s doorstep.

Cricket South Africa shared a breakdown of venues that will play host to the international sporting teams. The venues are spread across four provinces. They are as follows:

• JB Marks Oval – Potchefstroom, North West
• Willowmoore Park – Benoni, Gauteng
• Boland Park – Paarl, Western Cape
• Newlands Cricket Grounds – Newlands, Western Cape
• St Georges Park – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The city of Cape Town is becoming a premier sporting destination, having been selected for several upcoming world cup events, including the Netball World Cup and the Masters Hockey World Cup.

“Cape Town’s inclusion as a host city is a glowing endorsement and confidence in our ability to host successful major international events.

“Our officials look forward to working with Cricket South Africa and the International Cricket Council to ensure that we put together a memorable tournament for cricket lovers.” – Geordin Hill-Lewis, Cape Town Mayor.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

U16 POLOCROSSE TEAM WINS ALL THREE MATCHES AGAINST ZIMBABWE

The second major win for South Africa in the Polocrosse arena took place this past week as the team of under-16s travelled to Zimbabwe and came away the victors of all three matches played. Just a week before that, the under-14s came home with the same incredible win from Zambia.

The under-16 team played in Helensvale, Zimbabwe, at the Borrowdale Country Club and was made up of Johnathan Thornhill (m), Brad Kent (m), Lance Price Moor (m), Nic King (m), Sydney Du Toit (f), Kendra Thompson (f), Chloe Hatch (f) and Tristan Van Der Walt (f). Coach Gavin Cocker supported the team alongside team manager Melissa Price Moor.

Polocrosse is a team sport that is a combination of polo and lacrosse. Polo is a popular sport worldwide, while lacrosse is more popular in Northern America, but many countries are adopting the sport. The combined nature of both sports means a fun and active experience for riders.

The South African u16 team won all three of their tests against the Zimbabwe side over the space of three days.

Friday- Zim 15-24 SA
Saturday- Zim 16- 22 SA
Sunday- Zim 17-21 SA.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA MEN’S NETBALL SET OFF FOR MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP IN CARIBBEAN

The team is made up of the men listed below. They will be supported by head coach Jabulani Vilani, assistant coach Siphiwe Manyoni, team manager Andrew Mpipi, physio Matome Seroto and compliance officer Murvin Mabe.

• Luke Moolman
• Lutendo Maiwashe
• Eugene Sinxezi
• Nakedi Nkosi
• Kwandile Sithole
• Wille Mtshali
• Shiko Mokaila (c)
• Muzikayise Mthombeni
• Lucky Mokoena
• Sicelo Gamede
• Edward Manyathela
• Nkululeko Nkosi.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com