PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES PRIME MINISTER LIZ TRUSS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

South Africa and the UK collaborate within the multilateral context to address global challenges such as peace and security, underdevelopment, poverty, economic growth, climate change and prevent future pandemics.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to working with Prime Minister Truss to further strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

CABINET LEKGOTLA ASSESSES PROGRESS ON GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES

Addressing members of the media on Monday, 5 September 2022, the Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said government would discuss progress on the implementation of infrastructure projects, as it was central to the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The plan aims to build a new economy and unleash South Africa’s true potential. The overarching goal of the plan is to create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive economy.

It will focus on energy security; an industrial base to create jobs; a mass public employment programme; infrastructure development; macro-economic interventions; the green economy; food security; and reviving the tourism sector.

During this year’s State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced R21 billion in infrastructure projects to support economic growth and better livelihoods, especially in energy, roads and water management.

Several catalytic projects are expected to start construction this year.

Minister Gungubele said the meeting would discuss economic interventions that had been implemented by top economies and how this affected the country’s fiscal framework.

“… This is key in terms of ensuring that we stay afloat, we are able pay our debt and at the same time, make sure we are able to close the deficit. We will discuss budget pressures and expenditure pressures against the background of the country’s economy,” he said.

Issues of safety and security measures were also on the table, with a focus on infrastructure theft and vandalism, which takes a toll on the economy.

The outcomes of a survey on government’s public perception survey was also unpacked.

The Cabinet Lekgotla was an opportunity for the President, Deputy President David Mabuza and ministers, deputy ministers and directors-general from government departments to meet and strategise on government’s priorities.

The meeting assessed the current administration and the progress made to date in bettering the lives of South Africans.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS 48TH EDITION OF THE INTELLIGENCE ON THE WORLD, EUROPE AND ITALY FORUM IN ITALY

Minister Pandor’s speech focussed on South Africa’s role in the current geopolitical turmoil.

Other speakers included Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan; Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission; Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies of Singapore; Subramanyam Jiashankaet, Minister of External Affairs of India; and Fu Ying, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.

Luigi Di Maio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, closed the session.

On 1 September 2022, Minister Pandor delivered a keynote address at the Business Roundtable event, under the theme, “South Africa and Italy: Cooperation towards Sustainability Transitions”.

The Business Roundtable, an initiative of South Africa’s Mission in Rome, was attended by the captains of various big businesses from the Lombadia region, where the city of Milan is based.

Minister Pandor also use the opportunity of her visit to Italy to hold bilateral discussions with some of her counterparts, including Minister Di Maio.

MINISTER SISULU LAUNCHES TOURISM MONTH

In the first half of the year, 15.2 million domestic trips were taken, marking a 114% increase when compared to the same period in 2021. This is way above the same period in 2019, which saw 8.6 million domestic trips taken. 

“This year’s Tourism Month celebrations are incredibly special because we are recognising how far we have come as a sector, in spite of everything we have been through in the last few years,” said Minister Sisulu.

Minister Sisulu said the sector was also seeing a steady rebound of business events, with South African Tourism having successfully hosted their flagship shows; Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba in person this year.

Tourism Month is in line with South Africa’s vision to ignite inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation and transformation, which are all critical for the industry. Tourism Month is a time when the tourism industry places a focussed approach on domestic tourism, engaging and collaborating as the greater tourism sector to grow domestic tourism.

Tourism Month is celebrated in the same month that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation celebrates World Tourism Day, which falls on 27 September each year. The theme for this year is “Rethinking Tourism”, compelling the sector to reimagine itself, following the pandemic.

“This theme is fitting, as the world over, the tourism sector is being reimagined, following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This theme is also symbolic because as a sector, the pandemic required us to step back, relook the industry as we know it, and ultimately, see how we rebuild it,” Minister Sisulu continued.

Annually, Tourism Month celebrations are held in a different province, to make a contribution to the local economy of the host province.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said he was honoured that the Western Cape had been chosen as the host province for this year’s Tourism Month celebrations.

“Tourism is a major economic driver in the Western Cape, which we have optimally harnessed to continue fuelling economic growth and job creation and the sustained recovery in this sector since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has shown just how important tourism is to the Western Cape, and the rest of the country,” said Premier Winde.

Premier Winde added that tourist arrivals into Cape Town continued to show impressive recovery. “July 2022’s performance showed that passengers arriving through the CTIA’s international terminal reached a recovery rate of 87% when compared to the same period in 2019. This is the highest recovery rate over the last five months. This is very promising and bodes well for peak tourist periods such as the festive season,” he added.

September is also the month when South African Tourism’s Sho’t Left Travel Week takes place, from 5-11 September 2022. During this week, participating tourism businesses offer travellers up to 50% off tour packages and tourism-related products and services. These deals must be bought during this week but can be redeemed at any other time depending on the partner’s terms and conditions.

BRICS URGED TO WORK COLLECTIVELY IN GLOBAL FOOD, FUEL CRISIS

Mapisa-Nqakula was speaking at the Eighth BRICS Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF), virtual meeting held on Tuesday, 8 September 2022.

Mapisa-Nqakula led a multi-party Parliamentary delegation to the meeting hosted by the National People’s Congress of China, under the theme, “Leveraging the Role of the Legislature to Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership”.

The Speaker commended the 14th BRICS Summit Strategy on Food and Security Cooperation, which is aimed at stabilising global food production and contributing positively to global food security infrastructure.

Mapisa-Nqakula also applauded the establishment of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre, saying that it was an important BRICS milestone, which would further enhance BRICS countries’ capabilities to respond to future health emergencies.

“Through our oversight function as parliaments, we have to ensure that the BRICS Vaccine Centre has the resources and the capacity to build a much-needed line of defence against infectious diseases,” the Speaker said.

She said the BRICS PF had a key role to play in strengthening the broader BRICS partnership, and BRICS countries must reconnect with their objective of strengthening cooperation.

She said through sustained parliamentary cooperation, BRICS could create responsive governments to address the current crises.

The BRICS PF is constituted by the National Congress of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Parliament of the Republic of India, the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.

The forum was founded to strengthen and promote contacts at the leadership level of chambers, committees and groups of parliamentarians; perform inter-parliamentary exchanges and hold regular expert consultations; and create and develop new inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms.

China is currently chairing the forum and South Africa is next in line to chair and host the Ninth BRICS PF in 2023.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za 

CABINET APPROVES JUST TRANSITION FRAMEWORK FOR SA

The Presidential Climate Commission conducted an extensive consultation process with social partners and received broad support for the framework.

“Cabinet affirmed that the shift to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 must support national development aspirations, including decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty,” the statement read.

Cabinet has further called on all social partners to rally behind and embrace this framework.

A detailed implementation plan for the framework is set to be developed and it will be integrated into the government's planning and budgeting system.

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Cabinet has also approved the submission of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to Parliament for accession.

“This will enable South Africa to form part of the parties to this treaty, which guides the member countries in conserving and ensuring the sustainable usage of the plant genetic resources for food and agriculture,” Cabinet said.

Cabinet emphasised that acceding to this treaty “will also strengthen the country’s commitment towards conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, and provide support to rural communities”.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

CABINET APPROVES SOUTH AFRICA’S CANDIDATURE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU) COUNCIL AND RADIO REGULATIONS BOARD

SA TO ESTABLISH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INSTITUTE

“It is essential that we invest significantly to provide our youth with access to modern training, skill sets and formal education. To achieve this, our Department of Basic Education has introduced Robotics and Coding as school subjects in primary and high schools.

“At present, learners in over a 1 000 schools are designing and producing robots both for gaming and to complete tasks the learners find tedious for human completion.

“Next year, learners in these and additional schools that will join this category will compete in a National Robotics Development Challenge,” the Minister said on Thursday, 1 September 2022, during the G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Government’s focus on digital skills includes creating platforms to support and promote the ability of the youth, and small and medium enterprises, in particular start-ups, to develop digital content.

“In this regard, South Africa will launch an App Store to be known as DigiTech on 13 September 2022. We have undertaken to our sister countries within Africa to ensure that content producers from the rest of the Africa can have their Apps enrolled on the DigiTech App Store,” the Minister said.

Bridging the digital divide

With technology changing how people work and live, Minister Ntshavheni said governments had the responsibility to continue to use technology as a primary catalyst for change in the world that should advance accessible public services, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the negative impact of the digital divide in human development, in particular the poor.

“In South Africa and the majority of the developing world, in particular in Africa, where the poor remained unconnected, the poor were severely marginalised during the COVID-19 pandemic because they were excluded from accessing basic services such as education, health and the ability to work.

“It is for this reason that we prioritised and concluded the licensing of the high demand spectrum and also secured the commitment of our telecommunications regulator to ensure that the Frequency Spectrum licence holders contribute towards the national broadband penetration objectives by connecting key public institutions such as schools, health facilities and traditional authorities.

“In addition, this year, we will finalise the roadmap towards the deployment of 4G and 5G networks, including to rural towns. We continue to work to attain the objectives of our South Africa Connect programme to ensure that we attain universal access to the Internet by 2024,” the Minister said.

Government is also extending email addresses to all learners/students in public schools and their parents as part of requirements of basic e-learning.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

KZN, US STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

“Indeed, you will be aware that our province has undergone some of the most devastating challenges recently. Apart from the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to deal with the July civil unrest, which affected KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,” Premier Dube-Ncube said.

She reiterated that the provincial government was on course with the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which will ensure that “we retain and attract new investment opportunities”.

The Premier also reassured Ambassador Brigety that the Government of KwaZulu-Natal was focussing on measures to address issues related to climate change, and emphasised that the Provincial Climate Change Council, led by the Office of the Premier, had been put in place, with all sectors of society participating.

“During our hour of need as a country during the floods in April and May, we are pleased with the overwhelming support we received from the diplomatic community, including the United States of America, and wish to further enhance our people-to-people relations between our countries.

“Our top priority is the rehousing of the displaced flood victims who have to be moved from mass care shelters and accommodated in dignified human settlements,” the Premier said.

She also noted that there was unlimited potential for collaboration between the two countries, including ongoing collaboration in the war against the HIV and AIDS pandemic, sponsorship-related interventions to support local athletes, as well as broader developmental matters, which will drive socio-economic development and create jobs

Promoting Ubuntu diplomacy

Ambassador Brigety expressed commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations between South Africa and the USA.

He said it was a pleasure to meet Premier Dube-Ncube and recognised her election as the first female Premier of the province.

The Ambassador said they emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations and deepening the South Africa-USA relationship, in keeping with “my focus on promoting Ubuntu diplomacy”.

“We explored areas of further collaboration, including economic opportunities where we could share US expertise and innovation in job creation, housing, education, addressing climate change and strengthening our sister-state partnerships. I look forward to future engagements with her and the province,” said the Ambassador.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA TO SUBMIT TENTATIVE LIST TO UNESCO FOR CONSIDERATION

The second revision of sites on the Tentative List was undertaken in the 2021/22 financial year with the assistance of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), the department said on Wednesday, 31 August 2022.

During the consultations that included the South African World Heritage Convention Committee, the departments of sport, arts and culture, and international relations and cooperation, the South African Heritage Resources Agency, African heritage experts from Zambia and Botswana and UNESCO advisory bodies, three new proposals and five existing sites were considered.

The three new proposals received include the Bushman’s Kloof Rock Painting Landscape in the Western Cape (Cultural Site), Phoenix Settlement in KwaZulu-Natal (Cultural Site) and Rhodes Building in the Eastern Cape (Cultural Site).

Other proposals received were for the sites that are already on the Tentative List.

“Following consideration of all supporting information on the potential of these sites to be considered of outstanding universal value, only two of the seven were accepted for inclusion on the tentative list.

"The Human Rights Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites and The Emergence of Modern Humans: The Pleistocene occupation sites of South Africa have been retained on the South African Tentative list and submitted to UNESCO for consideration," the department said.

“The submission of the Tentative List to UNESCO is the start of the process that will result in a final decision by the World Heritage Committee at its next meetings,” the department said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

NEW R500-MILLION SHOPPING MALL TO OPEN THIS MONTH

The mall features 92 stores, 30 of which opened in the first phase in March 2022. The mall is anchored by the first Checkers, Woolworths Food and Dis-Chem stores in its area. The offering is complemented by a Pick n Pay and Clicks, and the latest VIP cinema upgrade from NuMetro.

It also includes a 2 500m² open arena, the multi-functional Sunpark events arena, with a big screen, fountain, restaurants spilling out onto the square, a variety of coffee shops and casual dining experiences, and a landscaped children’s play area.

The vision for Boardwalk Mall is built on offering world-class convenience and entertainment to the Summerstrand region, said Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard.

Construction of the 24 000m² single-level Boardwalk Mall was ready to commence in February 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic lockdown. Demolition and bulk earthworks were finally able to get underway from February to April 2021, and construction began in May 2021.

The first phase of Boardwalk Mall opened on 24 March 2022, and the grand opening of this retail, lifestyle and entertainment powerhouse is on Thursday, 22 September.

The mall has created more than 1 300 jobs during its construction phase. In addition, some 80% of work on site was completed by local subcontractors using local labour, its owners said.

– Source: businesstech.co.za

SA TO GET NEW COINS IN 2023

The new coins will see the words "South Africa" imprinted on one side, in all the official languages.

"Three languages will be used in the R5 coin; two languages on the R2, 50c, 20c and 10 coins, and the R1 will be in one language," the statement said.

The last most significant change occurred in 1989 and included the removal of Jan van Riebeek, a Dutch colonial administrator, from one side of the ½c, 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and R1 coins. His image was replaced with South Africa's Coat of Arms.

Since then, the ½c, 1c, 2c and 5c have been removed from circulation and the R2 and R5 coins were added.

– Source: www.businessinsider.co.za

SA LAUNCHES BILINGUAL DICTIONARY FOR THE DEAF COMMUNITY

The NID is a registered non-profit organisation that has conducted extensive research in SASL and develops content targeted at not only the deaf community, but also the hearing as well to bridge the communication gap that currently exists between the two.

The bilingual SASL Dictionary that has been developed by the NID has over 3 000 signs and 2 500 English words, which will facilitate teaching and learning between the two languages.

“This launch of the first edition dictionary will discourage disjointed language, where each fragment had its own accents in the gestures signed which affect the language. This dictionary will further unify the deaf community as a fundamental tool for language learning, allowing the learner to look up unfamiliar words,” the Minister said.

He said sign language dictionaries had been motivated by the dual needs for language documentation and encouraging standardised learning resources, and both purposes had contributed to valorising sign languages.

The launch will play a significant role in both the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in particular the National Language Service, as well as PanSALB, in their quest to promote multilingualism and developing languages of South Africa.

“Acting as champions of the project to develop languages, these structures galvanise multilateral energies to forge the partnership arrangements critical for the promotion and development [of] multilingualism in our country,” Minister Mthethwa said.

He said his department was busy developing and promoting SASL through digital and intelligent systems to facilitate communication between hearing and non-hearing persons.

This launch came at a time when the country is working towards the officialisation of the SASL as the 12th official language to ensure that deaf communities use their language freely like any South African.

“It will also enable broader South African society to learn and appreciate the language. At present, it is not yet an official language of South Africa, but it is recognised and protected in various legislative and governmental policies and is even acknowledged as a language equal in status to the 11 official languages in the country,” the Minister said.

For more information on the dictionary, visit: https://www.learnsasl.com/#/ .

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

TWO KNYSNA PUPILS TO SET-OFF TO DUBAI FOR INTERNATIONAL SPELLING BEE

KILT was established in 2016 to help build an empowered community through education. It was started by Gill Marcus after she retired. Knysna-based school principals approached her and asked for help with problems they faced in their schools. Together, they were able to address many of the problems these schools faced. Today, KILT runs 18 projects in 17 public schools in the Knysna District.

“Alizwa and Seth have both been committed members of KILT’s Afterschool Study Club Programme, which has helped them to further their personal and academic development and supported them to become top achievers. Their outstanding academic record bears testimony to the immense benefit of this programme.

“Let’s wish Alizwa and Seth a successful flight towards the destination of their dreams!”

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

AFRICAN LUXURY – SA DESIGNERS MAKE STUNNING JEWELLERY AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET LOVES IT

GIDZ is facilitating global growth opportunities for these local designers and small businesses. In the heart of one of South Africa’s export hubs, the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being developed into a world-class area for manufacturers. GIDZ is spearheading the development of a jewellery manufacturing hub that will focus on creating these opportunities with tax incentives and ease of access for international exports and investments.

Several hopeful jewellery designers were taken in and taught how to create commercial-style jewellery with the sole purpose of exporting to an international market. Designers like Nonthando Molefe and Kealeboga Pule have loved the opportunities afforded to them to further the growth of their businesses and skills.

Nonthando Molefe from Phatsima Jewellers graduated from the SEZ Design @50 Skills Studio, where she learnt about international commercial jewellery and has been able to grow her business to take full advantage of the world’s interest in African luxury. Her pieces embody the spirit of South Africa and make for a treasured gift to any local or tourist looking to invest in her designs.

Kealeboga Pule from Nungu Diamonds has a love of working with locally sourced diamonds, and the expansion of his business through the SEZ has meant so much to him and his wife. The business was inspired by the porcupine; Nungu in Swahili means porcupine. Just like a porcupine, the business may be small, but it is resilient.

Both Nonthando and Kealeboga have big dreams for their futures, and with the investment being made into the SEZ at OR Tambo, their dreams are on the fast track to becoming a reality!

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN WINS WILDLIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022

In the words of David Shepherd himself, “I set up my foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade, it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.”

What particularly inspired Doran this year was the tireless work of a small group of individuals who have been quietly working to raise awareness of one of the most underrated threats to one of the most widely publicised species – trophy hunting and the highly active, secretive trade in polar bear body parts.

“Climate change is not the only threat to polar bears. Despite campaigns to get the Norwegian Government to sign on to support an international ban on the commercial trade of polar bears, as well as attempts to get the WWF to end their support of the trophy hunting and trade in polar bear body parts, little success has been made so far, and the world is turning a blind eye.”

This painting was sold within minutes of the award ceremony taking place, but the talented artist would still encourages anyone interested in supporting this and other endeavours to put an end to the over-exploitation of endangered wildlife to head over to https://davidshepherd.org and purchase another of the incredible shortlisted artworks or make a small donation, and to support the Ban Trophy Hunting Campaign.

“Every bit helps. Every voice matters. And standing together, we can make a difference.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TSHWANE GETS ITS OWN BEER ROUTE – WITH SIX LOCAL BREWERIES PART OF THE NEW TOUR

Closer to the city, in Silverton, is Drayman's Brewery, which has been recorded as an official South African Craft Brewery since 1997. In addition to various craft beers, Drayman's also distils its own Highveld Single Malt Whisky and Hakkiesdraad Mampoer.

Capital Craft Beer Academy in Menlo Park was also included in the launch of Tshwane's Brew Route. In addition to brewing beer, the venue also offers meals at its award-winning restaurant.

Further south, in Doornkloof, is Bernie's Brewery, which prides itself on ale made from pure mountain spring water found nearby and slow brewed with imported malts, hops and yeast.

Arlington Brewery in the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve is located 60km north of Pretoria. The brewery makes four types of beer: the Red Hartebeest Ale, the Bushveld Bliksem Lager, Boris the Buffalo Stout and Bushpig Bugger Pilsner. It also experiments with ciders, and the brewery also serves as a restaurant.

BASA's Brew Route map in Tshwane also includes Grain & Able, Friar's Habit and Bullcook as additional breweries to visit in the area.
Other tourist attractions listed as part of the Tshwane Brew Route include Freedom Park, the Union Buildings, the suburb of Hatfield, Smuts House Museum and the Tswaing Crater.

The launch of this new Brew Route comes ahead of South Africa's annual Beer Tourism Week, between 19 and 25 September, with BASA encouraging locals to visit breweries. "This will help ensure the future sustainability of the craft beer sector and the thousands of jobs that these world-class establishments support," said BASA in a statement.

– Source: www.businessInsider.co.za.

SANPARKS NATIONAL PARKS WEEK DRAWS NEAR

The free access week will run from 12 to 18 September 2022.

“SA National Parks week is aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the communities and to showcase the best of our country’s national parks. During the week, all South African citizens are allowed to enter most national parks for free for a day visit," said SANParks General Manager: Media, PR & Stakeholder Relations, Reynold Thakhuli.  

“The week, in partnership with TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa and FNB, is meant to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system, which is the basis for the established theme ‘Know Your National Parks’. It’s important for South Africans to visit and know the importance of national parks,” Thakhuli said.

This year, SANParks will open the week in Augrabies Falls National Park.

The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official Identity documents. Young persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity.

The free access to the parks will not include accommodation and commercial activities in the park such as guided safaris in vehicles or guided walks.

Kruger, Addo Elephant, Augrabies, Agulhas, Table Mountain and |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will only have free access until Friday, 16 September. Namaqua National Park and Boulders Penguin Colony and the Cableway in Table Mountain National Park are not included in the free access.

“Every year, SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to national parks during this time. Since we started the programme in 2006, some 619 252 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks, and we want to see these numbers grow, especially after the last two years, which halted travel around the world,” Thakhuli said.

SANParks encourages all South Africans and especially the youth to diarise these dates and plan a visit to a national park nearby.

“The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa,” said Thakhuli.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

OLIVER HERMANUS' “LIVING” SCREENS AT VENICE FILM FESTIVAL: “WHAT AN AMAZING RECEPTION!”

The film opened to rave reviews at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival in January.

"A director rising into the highest ranks and an actor at the peak of his powers are the keys to this mesmerising melodrama set in London in the 1950s," Kevin Maher wrote for The Times.

Ahead of his return to the Venice Film Festival, Hermanus told News24:

“I'm so excited to return to the Venice Film Festival with my latest offering: Alberto Barbera and his team's championing of my work has been the defining time for me as a filmmaker. In 2015, Venice changed the course of my career when I was invited to premiere the first-ever South African film to compete for the Golden Lion with The Endless River. I've since returned with Moffie in the Orizzonti competition in 2019, another unforgettable moment."

Hermanus' next project, a World War I film titled The History of Sound, is also already generating buzz. The film stars Emmy-winner Josh O'Connor (known for his role as Prince Charles in The Crown) and Bafta-winner Paul Mescal (who played Connell Waldren in the hit series Normal People).

– Source: www.news24.com

JOY OF JAZZ FEST IN SA ANNOUNCES 2022 LINE-UP

Dumza Maswana, Gloria Bosman, Moreira Chonguica and Hope Masike are some of the artists who will perform at Joy of Jazz 2022.

The 23rd edition of the festival, which is traditionally held in September, will make its return after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be held under the theme, Ultimate African Jazz Experience, with no artists outside the African continent featured this year.

“We see this as the year of recovery for us as a festival, but also for the whole local music ecosystem,” JOJ festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya said. “The industry has been under severe strain for the past two years. We’ve chosen to use this year’s festival as a catalytic investment in the recovery for local talent. Joy of Jazz has also been a central platform for the development of jazz talent over the past 23 years. As we rebuild from the hiatus of the pandemic, we thought it prudent to prioritise local music and talent.”

The African experience

Confirmed acts include local baritone Dumza Maswana, who will kick off proceedings on the Conga Stage with a set, titled: Celebrating African Song. He will perform with an all-star band comprising pianist Andile Yenana, bassist Shane Cooper, drummer Sakhi Nompozolo, reedman Sisonke Xonti, trumpeter Sakhile Simani and uhadi player Thandeka Mfinyongo. Singer and songwriter Mandisi Dyantyis will also lift up audiences with his infectious hymns. The band Mahube will entertain jazz lovers with a fusion of talent comprising vocalists Muneyi and Siya Makuzeni (South Africa), singer Xixel Langa (Mozambique) and mbira maestro Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).

Not to be outdone, pianist and composer Bokani Dyer will showcase his Radio Sechaba project. His set on the Dinaledi Stage will feature saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, pianist Afrika Mkhize, drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko, bassist Benjamin Jephta and singer Siphamandla Dlamini.

The musical magic of the people of Mozambique will be given fine expression by Maputo’s own Moreira Chonguica with Irmandade (Brotherhood) featuring Jaco Maria. Guitar wizard Jimmy Dludlu will also ascend to the Conga Stage to wow jazz fans with his singular sound. Msaki and the Golden Circle are also set to give an unmissable performance for the ages. Charl du Plessis, on the other hand, will feature the masterful Ziza Muftic and Thandi Ntuli in a thrilling collaborative experience.

Powered by the South African Music Performance Rights Association, the Mbira Stage will showcase musical mavericks defining South Africa’s soundscape, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda Mtambo, Press and The Gathering With Ntsika.

Tribute concert

The festival will celebrate key jazz figures who passed away in the last two years. Saxophonist and composer Bhudaza Mapefane, alongside Maleh, Leomile and Lioness, will pay a fitting tribute to the village pope, Tsepo Tshola. In another notable salutation, Gloria Bosman will lead a celebration of the music and legacy of the late grand matriarch of song, Sibongile Khumalo.

The Horn Summit: A Tribute to Bra Johnny Mekoa will honour the great trumpet maestro and founder of the Music Academy of Gauteng. The tribute performance will feature Mekoa’s former colleagues and some of the great alumni of his music school, including saxophonists Khaya Mahlangu and Mthunzi Mvubu, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla and Prince Lengoasa, trombonist Malcom Jiyane, pianist Mongezi Conjwa and bassist Steven Mabona, as well as Hendrick Monyeki on vocals.

 – Source:  www.musicinafrica.net

SPRINGBOKS BOUNCE BACK IN STYLE WITH BONUS POINT WIN AGAINST AUSTRALIA’S WALLABIES

Damian de Allende got the first try after a good opening 10 minutes by the Boks, with Damian Willemse adding the extras.

The scorers were then not troubled for the next 20 minutes before the Wallabies got on the board with a Noah Lolesio penalty goal, but with the final move of the first half, Canan Moodie flew high to pluck the ball out of the air from a great kick by Jaden Hendrikse to score a superb try, which stretched the Boks’ lead to nine points. An amazing achievement for Moodie in his debut for the Springboks at 19-years-old, the second-youngest player to play for the country.

The Boks started the second half on a superb note when Franco Mostert went over for their third try after a period of great attacking play and quick hands by the visitors.

Late in the match, Makazole Mapimpi got a fourth try, although Pete Samu got one back before the end, it was too little too late for the hosts.

Scorers:

Springboks 24 (12) – Tries: Damian De Allende, Canan Moodie, Franco Mostert, Makazole Mapimpi. Conversions: Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn.
Australia 8 (3) – Try: Pete Samu. Penalty goal: Noah Lolesio.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

IT’S WORLD JUNIORS GOLD IN RECORD TIME FOR COETZE

Coetze won the event by more than two seconds and was followed by Japan’s Hideki Takarafa and Poland’s Ksawery Masiuk.

In addition to being a new meet record in this event, Coetze’s 1:56.05 is a new personal best and improves upon the 1:56.77 he swam at the Commonwealth Games in August 2022. This swim also gets Coetze even closer to the South African national record in this event of 1:55.75 that George Du Rand holds from the 2009 World Championships. Coetze didn’t race this event at the 2022 World Championships, but his time here would have been good enough for fourth overall in the final.

This isn’t the first meet record that Coetze has timed at 2022 World Juniors and the 200m makes it a trifecta. During the semi-finals of both the 50m and 100m backstroke, Coetze lowered the CR to a 24.58 and a 52.95.

 – Source: www.teamsa.co.za

LOVEMORE CONTINUES RISE WITH WORLD UNDER-23 BRONZE

“I was a bit disappointed, but I had to make a race of it,” Lovemore said.

“I missed the buoy on the third lap and I had to burn all my energy to catch back up but that’s how it goes.

“It’s not the end of the season yet for me. I’ve got two more big races and go and do what I love and race some marathons in Portugal.”

It was a strong week of racing for Lovemore who also made the A Final for the 1000m in the Under 23 age category and finished eighth.

The week’s racing was an important learning curve for the next generation of South African sprinters.

President of Canoeing South Africa, Kim Pople, was encouraged by the team’s performances throughout the week’s action.

“I think the best thing from the team was the personal best results,” Pople said. “We might not have got out of the heats but for the paddlers to achieve personal bests that’s all we can ask for.

“Hamish made the 1000m A final, which is an Olympic discipline and then finished off with a bronze, which was a great way for the team to finish.

“We cannot wait for next year’s World Championships and are keen to get home with some new ideas as we build to 2023.”

 – Source: www.teamsa.com

CECIL AFRIKA MAKES SURPRISE COMEBACK FOR RWC SEVENS

“I’ve been in contact with some of the players and the coaching staff. It doesn’t feel like I actually left but it’s a privilege and honour to be back.

“The guys are really proud and excited. They have a lot of energy and hopefully I can feed off that and we can go out and make each other proud,” said Afrika, who still holds the record for the most points for the Blitzboks (1 462 points).

The decision to bring Afrika back into the Sevens fold was due to the extensive injury list the Springbok Sevens team endured in the flyhalf position throughout the season.

“I had a discussion with Cecil before the Commonwealth Games already, letting him know if we pick up [more] injuries – especially in the flyhalf position –  we might pull him into the system,” head coach Neil Powell told Daily Maverick. “With Justin Geduld being out for the whole season, we only had Dewald Human and Lubabalo Dobela left in the flyhalf position.”

Afrika retired from international Sevens in 2020 to play 15s rugby in the United States of America. Recently, however, the playmaker found himself playing Sevens rugby again in France.

Imbokodo ready

Springbok Women’s Sevens stalwart Mathrin Simmers will play in her third Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town next weekend while Nadine Roos, Zintle Mpupha and Eloise Webb will make their second RWC Sevens appearance when the action kicks off at Cape Town Stadium next Friday. Simmers and Sizophila Solontsi will co-captain the women’s side.

“It’s a privilege. To lead with Sizo – she has great leadership attributes – to work with her on and off the field is great. I can be the tough one while she’s the one getting the girls together and being nice,” co-captain Simmers told Daily Maverick.

“Most of the girls are coming from 15s now where they’ve recently beaten Spain and Japan, so the confidence is there [heading into the World Cup], we must just build on that,” she said. DM

The Springbok Sevens squad (with RWC & World Series stats):

Cecil Afrika – 2013 RWC; 66 World Series tournaments (1 462 points)
Ronald Brown – RWC debut; eight World Series tournaments (285 points)
Angelo Davids – RWC debut; nine World Series tournaments (160 points)
Selvyn Davids – 2018 RWC; 27 World Series tournaments (564 points)
Muller du Plessis – RWC debut; 20 World Series tournaments (315 points)
Christie Grobbelaar – RWC debut; eight World Series tournaments (70 points)
Sako Makata – RWC debut; 16 World Series tournaments (60 points)
James Murphy – RWC debut; 10 World Series tournaments (45 points)
Mfundo Ndhlovu – RWC debut; 10 World Series tournaments (60 points)
Ryan Oosthuizen – 2018 RWC; 32 World Series tournaments (160 points)
JC Pretorius – RWC debut; 20 World Series tournaments (225 points)
Siviwe Soyizwapi (captain) – 2018 RWC; 40 World Series tournaments (670 points)
Impi Visser – RWC debut; 21 World Series tournaments (115 points)
Shaun Williams – RWC debut; seven World Series tournaments (80 points).

The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad (with RWC & World Series stats):

Marlize de Bruin – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Kirsten Eastes – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Nolwazi Hlabangane – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Felicia Jacobs – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Lerato Makua – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Unathi Mali – RWC debut; two World Series tournaments
Ayanda Malinga – RWC debut, one World Series tournament (10 points)
Zintle Mpupha – 2018 RWC; six World Series tournaments (40 points
Simamkele Namba – RWC debut
Asisipho Plaatjies – RWC debut; one World Series tournament
Nadine Roos – 2018 RWC; five World Series tournaments (79 points)
Mathrin Simmers – 2013, 2018 RWC; 14 World Series tournaments (35 points)
Sizophila Solontsi – RWC debut; two World Series tournaments
Eloise Webb – 2018 RWC; five World Series tournaments (7 points).

– Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za

SA'S CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT NAMED IN FINAL SIX INTERNATIONAL TEAM PICKS FOR 2022 PRESIDENTS CUP

Five of Immelman's six picks are first-time participants, with Kim having played in the 2017 tournament.

Bezuidenhout's highlights for 2021/22 saw him qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs and advance to the BMW Championship in his first season as a PGA TOUR member, thanks to a runner-up finish at the John Deere Classic.

He finished in the top 25 in 10 of his 24 starts during the 2021/22 PGA Tour Season and only missed only four cuts.

Immelman said that Bezuidenhout was one of the best putters in world golf.

"Christiaan is a world-class player who has enjoyed a lot of success on the DP World Tour and has become more of a household name for fans in the US over the last two years," said Immelman.

"As a fellow South African, I've watched his game evolve throughout his career, and he is statistically one of the best putters in the game. I look forward to him bringing that weapon to Quail Hollow Club."

The Presidents Cup is a unique golf event in that there is no purse or prize money. Players are not paid for their participation, but each competitor allocates an equal portion of the funds generated to charities of his choice. Since the event's inception, more than US$54.4 million has been raised for charity from event proceeds, as well as contributions made on behalf of the Presidents Cup, including a charitable donation of US$5.3 million from the 2019 event alone.

– Source: www.news24.com