PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY

"Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world", said President Ramaphosa.

The President met Her Majesty at the last Commonwealth meeting, which was held in London in 2018, where they spent some time looking  at letters that former President Nelson Mandela sent to the Queen, reminiscing about the great stateman that Her Majesty respected enormously.

President Ramaphosa says that South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, the Government and people of the UK as they mourn their immense loss.

NEW AUTOMOTIVE PLANT AN ECONOMIC BOOST FOR KZN

On Tuesday, 13 September 2022, President Ramaphosa officiated the launch of the Metair Investments subsidiary Hesto Harnesses, where a new 35 000-m² state-of-the-art manufacturing plant was unveiled in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.

In partnership with Yazaki Corporation, Hesto Harnesses manufactures wiring harnesses and instrument clusters for supply to South African-based automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Toyota, Isuzu, Nissan and Ford.

The President was very impressed at the grand opening of Metair’s R500-million manufacturing facility for automotive sector parts.

“I’ve never been as impressed as I am this morning by just walking on the floor of this factory and seeing the great enthusiasm on the faces of the workers. I saw not only enthusiastic faces and people, 70% of them women, all of them so beautiful.

“The youthfulness of the people who work here and the cohesion. Just meeting the people here made my day. This has been a great exposure of what Hesto does and an exhibition of what we have achieved here,” the President said.

The President said that the reindustrialisation of South Africa’s economy was a key pillar of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Programme.

He said that government had developed several industrial policy measures and was implementing far-reaching reforms to unlock growth opportunities in priority industries.

These include the automotive industry and extend to areas such as clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, steel and metals fabrication, green industries, the digital economy and network industries like energy and transport.

Localisation

Speaking on the concept of localisation, President Ramaphosa said that government would continue to drive increased localisation as the domestic sector moves into electric and other new energy vehicle assembly platforms.

“Wherever we go as we push forward with the concept of localisation, we are finding that industry players are responding quite positively to it and I would like to thank you for having responded positively to localisation; I have seen the localisation effort at play here.

“I was also impressed to hear how much localisation you have paid attention to, by getting certain percentage of workers from around the factory, which makes various communities to feel as one with the companies. As we move forward with our localisation efforts into various other platforms, we are moving forward with the objective that we have set ourselves,” the President said.

He added that he understood that Metair was both a supplier and a business partner to the vehicle assemblers, and that the company had been a driving force in achieving localisation targets.

Through these efforts, he said the company had secured multiple contracts from Ford South Africa to support their production expansion strategy in South Africa.

The President emphasised that the automotive sector in South Africa was one of the biggest beneficiaries of foreign direct investment in the country.

Despite all the challenges, 2021 was a significant year for automotive investments.

“We need to work together to unlock new business opportunities, transformation and employment creation in South Africa’s component manufacturing landscape, just as we need to promote new investments in technology and skills. That is why the localisation rate in the Automotive Production Development Plan is targeted at 60% by 2035,” he said.

The President reiterated that South Africa remained one of the preferred investment destinations in Africa and was an important gateway for markets and other business opportunities throughout the continent.

He said that the African Continental Free Trade Area would further open opportunities for the development of export markets, the growth of industrial bases and the expansion of regional value chains.

“The South African economy has the potential to achieve a higher growth trajectory through unlocking competitive advantages in key sectors of the economy. As government, our role is to create an enabling environment for businesses such as this one to flourish. We are hard at work to implement institutional and governance reforms to support a sustained recovery in business and investor confidence,” he said.

–  Source: SAnews.gov.za

R7.7-BILLION SAPPI SAICCOR UPGRADE PROJECT A BOOST FOR KZN

On Tuesday, 13 September 2022, President Ramaphosa said the opening of this project demonstrated just what the commitments made at the Investment Conference meant in reality.

“Today, we are witnessing far more than a financial investment. We are witnessing an investment in infrastructure, people, innovation, technology and sustainability. It is an investment in community development, in the local economy, in our export capacity and in the industrialisation of our economy,” the President said.

The Sappi Saiccor Mill is a major role player in KwaZulu-Natal, contributing over R6.7 billion annually to the local economy. The mill employs more than 1 200 staff and 700 contractors.

The President said this project and many others were an example of the impact of the investment drive. He said these projects showed that South Africa’s economy was on the road to recovery.

“These investments have been made possible, thanks to the partnership between government and business to drive growth and industrial development.

“The opening of this expansion project is the result of hard work, persistence, corporate vision and above all, it is a testament to the enduring commitment of companies like Sappi to South Africa and its people,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

LOCAL MANUFACTURING KEY COMPONENT TO GROWING ECONOMY

“This investment therefore extends beyond the financial. It is an investment in skills, technologies and capabilities. It is an investment in people and productivity. The investment by Sandvik in local manufacturing capacity is an important vote of confidence in South Africa and its mining sector.

“The expansion of local production will make our economy more inclusive and create more opportunities for new entrants into the industrial sector,” the President said.

He explained that manufacturing, particularly localised manufacturing, meant greater exports and a boost for the South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

“This [facility] supports our aim to build domestic production capacity to supply local and foreign markets, to support broader economic development and to create more jobs. A growing local capital goods manufacturing sector will have a positive impact on other sectors of the economy, like agriculture and construction, and further strengthen sectors such as banking, hospitality and tourism.

“Increasing local production will contribute significantly to the revival of South Africa’s manufacturing industry,” he said.

According to the President’s remarks, with collaborative efforts from all sectors of society, South Africa’s envisioned economy growth is possible.

“Our economy, like many across the world, is struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, through such investments, through the expansion of our productive capacity, through the implementation of far-reaching economic reforms and through our efforts to reduce the cost of business, we are laying a firm foundation for growth and employment.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

DEPUTY PRESIDENT MABUZA ATTENDS THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF KENYA

The inauguration followed the peacefully held national elections on 9 August 2022 during which Mr Ruto received the majority of votes to become the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of Kenya.

MINISTER PANDOR ADDRESSES COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, TO MEET THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE, ANTONY BLINKEN, IN WASHINGTON DC

On the afternoon of 14 September 2022, Minister Pandor addressed the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The CFR is a think-tank, non-partisan organisation, which serves government officials, business executives, journalists, educators, students, civil and religious leaders and other interested parties to better understand the world and foreign policy choices faced by the United States and other countries.

Some of the high-profile people who have recently addressed the CFR include Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi; French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian; Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; and the Foreign Minister of  Canada, Chrystia Freeland.

On Thursday, 15 September 2022, Minister Naledi Pandor will have a bilateral meeting with her United States (US) counterpart, the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

South Africa and the USA enjoy historic and cordial relations. The USS is a major export market for South Africa, a significant source of foreign direct investment, technology transfer, development assistance and tourism.

Trade and investment relations take place under the auspices of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free and quota-free access to the US market for value-added products. AGOA has created jobs in both South Africa and the US and is thus mutually beneficial.

MINISTER PANDOR BRIEFS MEDIA ON PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA’S VISIT TO THE USA

“The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) will take place at the UN headquarters in New York City from 20 to 27 September 2022 under the theme: 'A Watershed Moment: Unlocking Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges'.

“Much of the focus of the high-level and side meetings to be held at UNGA will focus on development matters, specifically health, education and the broader implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This year’s UNGA theme resonates with South Africa’s philosophy of working together as a global community to find solutions to challenges which affect us collectively. Inherent in collective solutions in the international relations context is multilateralism, which South Africa is an ardent proponent of in its foreign policy engagements.

“UNGA77 is being held at a time when the world is characterised by geopolitical tensions, concerns around the proliferation of minilateral security pacts which, in part, replicate the work that should ordinarily be undertaken by the UN Security Council. Also, the world economy is under strain, and its ramifications on food, energy and finances require a united global response.

“For the Global South, the economic and socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has been disproportionate in relation to recovery in the developed North. The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges, including fuelling root causes of conflict, such as competition for scarce resources, while in the developed world, there has been recovery, but not at the pace that was anticipated.

“Preceding the General Debate, the UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, will convene a summit on ‘Transforming Education’. On the margins of the General Debate, the Secretary-General will also host a high-level meeting focussing on the SDGs. It is expected that this SDGs meeting will explore ways in which to regain momentum and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

“Additionally, there will be several climate-related engagements focussing on the urgency of working together for climate action. The impact of climate change is unquestionable. For the developing world, climate impacts are significantly more pronounced. This is impacting directly on an already resource-constrained world, and it is imperative that we start building resilience immediately. These discussions will be a precursor to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting that is scheduled to take place in November in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt.

“Another equally important meeting that will take place will be one focussing on the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. There should be no illusion that the threat of nuclear weapons constitutes a threat to humanity. The recent failure of state parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty to adopt an outcome following a review conference of the treaty, is of huge concern, specifically the failure of nuclear weapons states to keep to their commitments to disarm.

“The various engagements at UNGA will provide South Africa with an opportunity to highlight issues of national, regional and international importance. South Africa’s participation in the General Debate of the UNGA77 is a strategic opportunity for the promotion of our national and foreign policy objectives as espoused in Chapter 7 of the National Development Plan, Positioning South Africa in the World.

“His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Washington DC. The visit to Washington DC follows the invitation by His Excellency President Joe Biden, delivered by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his recent visit to South Africa. President Ramaphosa accepted the invitation to the White House where he will hold talks with President Biden on 16 September 2022.

“The two leaders will discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, climate change, food security, energy, and peace and security. President Ramaphosa will reaffirm the importance of the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between South Africa and the United States. The President will further emphasise the need for enhanced multilateralism and dialogue as the means through which the challenges facing humanity can be addressed. These include the urgent need to stimulate economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While in Washington DC, President Ramaphosa and his delegation will meet Congressional leaders and the veterans of the Civil Rights Movement who were instrumental in lobbying the American public against apartheid and who remain loyal to the cause of anti-racism in both the United States and South Africa.

“South Africa and the United States enjoy historic and cordial relations. The US is a major export market for South Africa, a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI), technology transfer, development assistance and tourism. Trade and investment relations take place under the auspices of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free and quota-free access to the US market for value-added products. AGOA has created jobs in both South Africa and the US and is thus mutually beneficial.

“Over the years, two-way trade between South Africa and the United States has been on the increase. The United States is South Africa’s third- largest trading partner (after China and the European Union), with more than 600 United States companies operating within our borders. In 2021, the United States ranked as the second-largest destination for South Africa’s exports globally.

“South African firms have also become significant foreign investors in the United States. Investments from South Africa into the United States are on the increase, with the United States accounting for 17.4% of total South African outward FDI to the world, according to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. 

“Let me conclude by emphasising that South Africa’s foreign policy remains inspired by its history – and the country, working with others, strives for the attainment of a just, humane and equitable world. In conducting our international relations, we attach the utmost importance to the promotion of human rights, democracy, equitable justice and the rule of international law. The said principles place multilateral institutions, specifically the United Nations, at the centre of our foreign policy engagements and objectives.

“The President’s visit to the United States provides us with an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States though the engagement with President Biden and to deepen multilateralism through the United Nations, which remains the primary vehicle through which the international community must confront the myriad challenges facing the world today.”

TOURISM SECTOR SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Addressing the launch of the National Parks Week at Augrabies National Park, in the Northern Cape, the Minister said the recovery, primarily at this stage in the domestic tourism market, reflected that the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan in the tourism sector was well on track.

She said conservation and biodiversity management in developing countries were only sustainable if communities living adjacent to national parks benefitted directly from tourism and its associated ecosystems.

“Currently, South African National Parks (SANParks) and its concessionaires, employ over 6 100 people, 80% of whom are recruited from neighbouring communities.

"Through the Expanded Public Works Programme, a further 13 650 work opportunities were created last year and 835 SMMEs participated in providing goods and services to SANParks during the 2021/22 financial year.”

To expand the economic opportunities in the national parks, earlier this year, SANParks hosted a conference where over 100 projects were launched, seeking investment partnerships in accommodation, retail activities and restaurants in the national parks.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

NETHERLANDS SHARES BEST WATER PRACTICES WITH ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

Netherlands Ambassador, Janneke Vrijland, said it was important to have apolitical ties with the municipality to share ideas and knowledge on how they further develop their respective countries.

Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Senior Manager, Dhevan Govender, said cooperation with the Netherlands had already yielded pockets of positive benefits for the City.

“The Centre of Expertise is one of the initiatives to try new innovative technology. It does this by matching the needs of the utilities with new technology,” said Govender.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA UNDERTAKES SYMBOLIC CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF WORLD FOR WILDLIFE RANGERS

The TAF has joined forces with the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) to help cover the cost of:

• health and life insurance for the 220 rangers within the GKEPF area
• upskilling anti-poaching teams
• school uniforms for ranger kids
• producing a video for schools and tourism, explaining why conservation is of utmost importance.

These are important markers to accomplish as they aid in the fight against poaching and uplift communities into becoming conservation-minded.

Through these actions, TAF aims to not only support the anti-poaching units working on the frontline but also to help educate the future guardians of our natural resources; the young people living adjacent to conservation areas. By increasing sensitivity and awareness of the importance of conserving wildlife, the funds will not only “‘raise a child” but raise a generation of young people who will see our environment as a precious resource that offers South Africans from all walks of life an opportunity to grow and thrive, such as through careers in tourism and conservation.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Tshembo Africa Foundation team again. Their new campaign is exciting, globally inclusive and highlights not only the importance of our African and South African endangered environment and wildlife but places a focus on the future custodians of these precious assets.” – Sharon Haussmann, GKEPF CEO

The Forward for Conservation campaign will run until 25 September 2022. The hope is to get as many people as possible, moving towards the 220 000-km goal and raising the R1 million.

By 9 September 2022, a total of 5 220 km had already been covered and over R37 000 raised.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TALENTED SOUTH AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHER GIVEN RESIDENCY IN AMSTERDAM’S NOOR

Born in 1997 in Thokoza, Bheka joined the Of Soul and Joy project in 2012 and graduated in photography from the Vaal University of Technology in 2018. His work has been shown many times in South Africa and internationally (International Festival of Gand, Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg Art Gallery, Addis Foto Fest, Bamako Encounters, Cape Town Art Fair, Constitution Hill, among others).

In 2018, he was a finalist for the Photography and Social Justice grant of the Magnum Foundation and was nominated in 2019 for the CAP Prize.

The NOOR residency is a tailor-made programme for Of Soul and Joy photographers. It allows the participating photographers to meet and benefit from mentorship by renowned agency photographers. The community of NOOR photographers educate selected emerging artists and gain insight into Amsterdam’s culture and cultural identity through visiting several photography-related institutions.

NOOR is an Amsterdam-based, international agency for documentary photography and visual storytelling. The NOOR Foundation focusses on creating opportunities for visual education and capacity-building in ethical visual journalism and documentary practices. The creative developmental entity launched in 2007 as a platform for its members to take financial control over their work and leverage the power of a group in a changing media landscape.

The NOOR foundation and agency work with multiple international clients, collaborators and partners. As a collective of industry leaders, the sought-after creative growth destination produces work for large media companies and small start-ups, institutional clients and non-profits.

Photographers Kadir van Lohuizen and Sanne de Wilde from NOOR photo agency will mentor Sibusiso Bheka and say, “We welcome Sibusiso Bheka to our programme and look forward to sharing meaningful learnings and perspectives with him.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Dhaisha Naidoo was one of a select group of students from throughout Africa who were invited to speak to a team of Chinese astronauts, also known as Taikonauts, who are currently up in space.

Dhaisha is a grade 11 learner from Curro Waterfall, in Midrand, Johannesburg, and she is part of the Mandarin Club at her school. She was selected by the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC) to participate in a discussion on heaven and earth. Joined by her fellow club members, they visited the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on 6 September 2022, to have a conversation.

The Mandarin Club classmates submitted questions and videos for the Taikonauts in July this year, and many of her school friends watched as she undertook the live broadcast to Tiangong Space Station and spoke directly to the 14-man crew.

Dhiasha was the only South African learner asking questions, with other queries coming from youth in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Somalia. Some of the questions Dhiasha asked the astronauts included how long it took them to reach space from Earth, if they ever get sick in space and how they cope with being apart from their loved ones.

The Mandarin club is very popular at the school and over the last three years, learners like Dhiasha have been able to take up the international language as an extramural. Their Mandarin teacher collaborated with the South African Director of CCIEEC, Dr Zhilei Lu, and the Chinese Director, Prof. (Jessica) Wenhong Dai, which is where the relationship with the CCIEEC began.

“It is wonderful to see our learners being given the chance to experience this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It goes to show how important non-curricular learning is to the development of a learner. After all, not everyone can say they have spoken to an astronaut, let alone one live from space and I hope this experience fuels a much-needed desire for our learners to continue exploring domestic space travel,” explains Camilla Pretorius, Head of High School at Curro Waterfall.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN STREET NAMED AMONG “COOLEST” IN THE WORLD

“Since our inaugural street hotlist last year, the world has crept further back towards normality. Many places still face ongoing health restrictions as well as rising living costs. But at this moment, more people are getting out and about in their hometowns – and travelling to visit the world’s greatest cities – than at any time since the start of 2020. So, consider this ranking a really, really specific rundown of the best places in the world to hang out in 2022, as well as a celebration of the people that have made them their home.

“From grand avenues and shopping strips to pedestrianised backstreets and leafy squares, these streets are manageable microcosms of the world’s most exciting cities – each one chock-full of independent businesses, creative humans and everything else that makes urban life brilliant.

“Perfect for date nights, hanging out with pals, indulging in wellness treatments or tucking into some of Cape Town’s finest eateries, Kloof Street – the main thoroughfare of Gardens district – is both a local favourite and tourist drawcard. Here you can explore local fashion, pop into a swish art gallery, dive into secondhand furniture stores or just generally catch a bucketload of local buzz, all while taking in magical views of Table Mountain.”

Kloof Street is certainly a vibe, with an array of restaurants and eateries to enjoy – from The Bombay Bicycle Club to Cafe Paradiso, Black Sheep and Asoka. If you haven’t been to South Africa’s “coolest street” then put it on your bucket list.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA STARS STUN ON THE RED CARPET AT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (TIFF)

The Umbrella Man, directed by SA filmmaker John Barker, centres on a ragtag bunch of musicians who are forced to rob a bank during the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival in the hope they will save their iconic but in-debt nightclub in the Bo Kaap.

Also at the TIFF promoting his film Living was South African director Oliver Hermanus. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival in January with five-star reviews and was screened at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month.

– Source: www.news24.com

SOUTH AFRICAN SERIES IN GLOBAL TOP 10 MOST WATCHED LIST

The series has a 78% favourable audience score, has already been viewed for 9,860,000 hours, and has made it onto the top 10 most-watched “non-English” series list!

See the full list below:

Extraordinary Attorney Woo: Season 1

High Heat: Season 1

Alchemy of Souls: Season 1

Young Lady and Gentleman

Kleo: Season 1

Pasión de Gavilanes: Season 2

Family Secrets: Season 1

Ludik: Season 1

Under Fire: Season 1

Another Self: Season 1.

– Source: wwww.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICANS MAKE HISTORY IN ALBANIA, TWO TEAMS WON GS TROPHY 2022

Hanneli Zondagh, a rider for the South African Women’s team, said the teamwork that went into their win was incredible and that as more women got a taste of this sport, the greater the future looked.

“It just shows what teamwork can do if you just don’t give up. It’s been a great competition, we’ve really enjoyed our times with the other female teams, they’ve been incredible, and so much fun. And what a great thing to do; once women have been exposed to this great sport and pastime of adventure motorcycling they see how fantastic it is, how liberating, that you ride, you see the world, you meet new people, see different places, even in your own country. It’s a wonderful thing.”

The International GS Trophy took place in Albania from 4 to 10 September 2022. This was the first event since 2020, so the teams were very excited to take part.

“Seven days of pure adventure. Seven days that took two years of preparation. Seven days that change lives. Each rider only has one opportunity to take part in the International GS Trophy. But it is not a classic competition – these intense challenges, in which participants demonstrate their knowledge and riding prowess, are all about team spirit and skill. And the journey is made memorable by nights in the tent under the stars, unique landscapes and cultures, as well as new friends from all over the world – the #SpiritOfGS doesn’t get much better than this.” – BMW Motorrad.

Regional races take place in each competing country, after which a team is selected from each to take part in the final, global event.

The South African teams are over the moon for the win and even more so as it is a double win. South African Men’s rider Warren Ventner shared what the win felt like.

“This is amazing, we didn’t expect this, last night we were doing the numbers and we knew it wasn’t a certain thing. It came down to the last challenge. So, we are really stoked. And to take the fourth win is great, there was that pressure not to be ‘that’ team – the ones who didn’t win – but we said to ourselves we’ll do the best we can and whatever comes up, comes up. Also, we want to thank everyone who’s supported us back at home, they really help make this happen.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

MEN’S NETBALL TEAM RAISING AWARENESS FOR 2023 WORLD CUP IN SA

The team also brought home a few awesome titles. While we didn’t win any medals this time, of the five additional awards at the event, the guys earned four of them! Lutendo Maiwashe was awarded the title of “Best Shooter”, Eugene Sinxezi was awarded the title of “Best Attacker”, Shiko Mokaila was named the “Player of the Tournament”, and again, Eugene Sinxezi was named the SA MVP!

In March 2019, Cape Town was announced as the host city for the Netball World Cup in 2023 after a successful inter-governmental bid which included the national and provincial governments as well as Netball South Africa. The 2023 Netball World Cup will be the first tournament hosted on African soil in the competition’s 50-year history.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com