PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA JOINS WORLD LEADERS TO PAY RESPECT TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Around 500 guests representing nearly 200 countries and territories attended the funeral on Monday, 19 September 2022, including 100 presidents and heads of government and over 20 royals. Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world descended on London to mourn the passing of the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II – Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – passed away in her holiday home on 8 September at Balmoral Castle, in the Scottish Highlands, at the age of 96 after a 70-year reign, plunging the nation into mourning.

 – Source: www.sapeople.com

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONCLUDES POSITIVE US VISIT

“A joint task force on trade and investment will be established to expand bilateral economic ties,” said The Presidency in a statement on Saturday, 17 September 2022.

In addition, South Africa will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in 2023, which will map the next phase of Africa-US trade.

“President Ramaphosa welcomed the United States’ further commitment to improve bilateral trade and investment volumes, which will create much-needed jobs and economic growth in South Africa,” said The Presidency, adding that the President had expressed concerns about tariffs levied by the US on South African steel and aluminium products, which South Africa views as unfair and punitive.

President Ramaphosa departed the country for the US on Wednesday, 14 September, and met with President Biden at the White House on Friday, 16 December, to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Energy

The Just Energy Transition also formed part deliberations.

“The leaders affirmed their commitment to the Just Energy Transition and agreed that South Africa would require more funding to achieve an effective and just transition that leaves no one behind and that protects workers and communities that would be affected by the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.”

The work on the investment plan for the Just Energy Transition Partnership between South Africa and the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Union is expected to be completed by the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP 27) in November 2022 in Egypt.

Stability and global security

Discussions on global security and stability focussed on the insurgent attacks in Mozambique. President Ramaphosa acknowledged the assistance currently being provided by the US in responding to the insurgent threat in Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa called for more US support in the provision of skills and resources to counter the terrorist activities that are causing great suffering in Mozambique and threaten the stability of the Southern African Development Community region.

Food security

Africa’s food security also featured prominently in the meeting with both heads of state.

“Following the discussions at the G7 meeting held in Germany this year, there is consensus on supporting Africa’s efforts towards fertiliser manufacturing, which will bolster Africa’s independence in ensuring the continent’s food security,” said President Ramaphosa.

Malign Russian Activities Bill

President Ramaphosa raised concern about the Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Bill, which is currently before the US Congress.

If it becomes law, said President Ramaphosa, the Act would unfairly marginalise and punish African countries for exercising their sovereignty in their pursuit of development and economic growth.

The President also emphasised the need for an urgent end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasised the leadership role of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, could provide in leading a peace process.

Health systems

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for US support for health services capacitation and future pandemic preparedness. This includes continued support for the PEPFAR [President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief] programmes to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and the support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Ramaphosa applauded the leadership role played by President Biden in assisting developing economies to strengthen their health systems and for support on the World Trade Organisation Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights waiver on vaccine manufacturing.

UN reforms

Africa’s representation in key multilateral institutions was highlighted by President Ramaphosa. This includes the proposal for Africa’s admission through the African Union into the Group of 20 countries (G20).

“The absence of representation of 1.3 billion people from Africa in the UN Security Council remains a blight in the global democratic order,” said President Ramaphosa. Both leaders agreed on the need for broader reforms of the UN.

Building capacity of the State

President Ramaphosa tabled a proposal for a partnership with the US in supporting South Africa’s efforts to develop public servants, especially women.

“In this regard, South Africa’s National School of Government will work closely with leading American institutions in designing training programmes for South African public servants.”

Ahead of the meeting with President Biden, President Ramaphosa met with the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, at her official residence, where they discussed women’s empowerment, health and security, partnership on technology and space exploration.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MEETS WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

“We are extremely grateful that our friends in the Congressional Black Caucus and the anti-apartheid veterans have accepted this invitation to meet with us. This meeting brings together the peoples of South Africa and the United States, who were united in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and racial segregation in the US,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President, who arrived in the US on Thursday, 15 September 2022, expressed gratitude to the anti-apartheid activists for the significant role they played and continue to play in advocating for the recognition of the sovereign equality of nations.

“The voice of the Congressional Black Caucus is as relevant now as it was at the height of the fight against apartheid, putting pressure on countries in conflict to respect international human rights conventions.

“The people of Western Sahara and Palestine depend on such support in their fight for self-determination. After our experience of apartheid, we know that self-determination can only be achieved with the support and solidarity of the people of the world,” said the President.

He said South Africa remembered that the 1986 Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act was a critical contribution towards the end of apartheid.

He added that the country remained seized with the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“We therefore appreciate the continued efforts of our friends in the United States to overcome the debilitating effects of apartheid and colonialism. As they have done with such great effect in the past, members of the Congressional Black Caucus can use their influence to promote policies that advance Africa’s development agenda.”

He said the caucus should hold the US Government to account for its implementation of the US Strategy for sub-Saharan Africa, which acknowledges the role of the African continent in global affairs and seeks a partnership among equals.

He expressed concern at the possible implications for the African continent if the Countering Malign Russian Activities Bill were to become US law.

“The law could have the unintended consequence of punishing the continent for efforts to advance development and growth. Both the US and Russia are strategic partners for South Africa. As a sovereign country that pursues an independent foreign policy, the Bill seems to punish those who hold independent views.”

He told the gathering that in the wake of the devastating social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa was working hard to rebuild its economy.

“We have held four South Africa investment conferences to mobilise investments that would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and assist with skills training and capacity-building, especially for the youth.

 “We are undertaking far-reaching structural reforms to make our economy more competitive. We are improving the ease of doing business by doing away with red tape and streamlining investment support. We call on the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and anti-apartheid veterans to encourage investment in South Africa and Africa more broadly.”

Growth and development

In addition, the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act is vital to ensure that progress made over many years to strengthen trade and investment ties between the US and the continent is not lost.

He called on the leaders to help change the narrative about Africa, which seeks to portray the continent as riven by conflict and which gives a false impression that Africa has nothing to offer the rest of the world.

“On the contrary, we know that Africa has huge potential for growth and development. The African Continental Free Trade Area will place the economies of Africa on a new trajectory of development and production,” he said.

In his address, he said the continent’s united response to the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated that Africa had the will and the means to work together to overcome the greatest challenges.

“It is important that Africa should be allowed the space to choose its own partners and should never again find itself as a battleground for influence among the global powers. Instead, we seek to partner with countries from across the world in pursuit of Africa’s interests.”

This includes partnerships on issues such as Africa's Just Energy Transition in accordance with global equity and national circumstances and enabled through international support.

It includes partnerships to develop Africa’s human capital through education and innovation.

“This is vital to ensuring the continent’s future stability, security and prosperity. For us, this meeting is an important opportunity to reaffirm the ties of friendship and solidarity that have been forged over decades of common struggle for justice,” said President Ramaphosa.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS GENERAL DEBATE OF UNGA77

UNGA77 is taking place at the UN headquarters from 20 to 27 September 2022 under the theme, “A Watershed Moment: Unlocking Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges”.

Minister Pandor believes that this year’s UNGA theme resonates with South Africa’s philosophy of working together as a global community to find solutions to challenges affecting the global community.

“UNGA77 is being held at a time when the world is characterised by geopolitical tensions, concerns around the proliferation of mini-lateral 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,” said Minister Pandor.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, several high-level meetings are being held on the margins of the UNGA77. These include meetings focussing on transforming education, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, elimination of nuclear weapons and several climate-related engagements.

The climate change engagements, according to the department, precede the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference that is scheduled to take place in November 2022 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The various engagements at UNGA will provide South Africa an opportunity to highlight issues of national, regional and international importance.

The department said South Africa’s participation in the general debate of UNGA77 was a strategic opportunity for the promotion of South Africa’s national and foreign policy objectives, as espoused in Chapter 7 of the National Development Plan, titled: “Positioning South Africa in the World”.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES VISITS CHILE TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL RELATIONS

South Africa and Chile enjoy warm and cordial diplomatic relations. The two countries share values such as a commitment to democracy, human rights, peaceful resolution of conflicts, multilateralism and respect for the rule of international law.

Bilateral relations are mainly anchored through the JCM, chaired at the level of deputy ministers, and the Joint Trade and Investment Commission, which operates at senior officials’ level.

South Africa is Chile’s major investment and trade partner on the African continent, with significant and growing investments between the two countries.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO VENEZUELA

In July 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations was concluded between South Africa and Venezuela. In 2008, a Framework Agreement on Cooperation was signed, paving the way for cooperation in the areas of energy, mining, agriculture, and social and cultural activities.

The two countries agreed to establish a Joint Bilateral Commission to monitor the implementation of the Cooperation Framework Agreement and identify new areas of cooperation.

The objective of the visit by Deputy Minister Botes was to prepare for the visit of President Nicolás Maduro Moros to South Africa and take stock of progress in bilateral relations since the South Africa-Venezuela Technical Expert Meeting that was held in South Africa in 2019.

There are significant opportunities for mutually beneficial economic and commercial relations and technical cooperation with Venezuela in several areas such as agribusiness, blue economy, energy, mining and pharmaceuticals.

WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE HOSTS AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE EXHIBITION 2022

Addressing the media, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, said AAD was the largest defence and aerospace exhibition in Africa.

“Through the exhibition and air show, we primarily seek to showcase the capabilities of the armed forces from both South Africa and abroad. Over the years, the AAD has become synonymous with South African excellence, world-class capability and, of course, our exceptional warmth and hospitality. The show boasts a unique format of a combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show.

“The AAD takes place every two years and has grown significantly over the last 20 years. Sadly, we were unable to hold the AAD in 2020 due to the restrictions that were occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. This invisible but debilitating enemy literally brought the world we live in, to a grinding halt. Nothing could have prepared us for the harsh reality of the past year and a half. It became the new normal.

“The AAD is an event that carries a wealth of history. It is a rich legacy that has been built over the last 20 years. Indeed, the story of the AAD is a story of dedication, hard work and commitment to sheer excellence.

“In this regard, I wish to commend the AAD partners for consistently staging an exhibition and air show that rivals the best in the world. I am informed that the AAD ranks among the top six defence exhibitions of the world in terms of its magnitude, scale and size.

“It is also heartening to note that with each edition, this show delivers real impact on the economy of, not only the host city, but also that of Gauteng and the country as a whole. The AAD serves South Africa by contributing to job creation and the fiscus. The AAD 2018 edition generated a taxation revenue of R160 million. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will exceed this target.

“This 11th edition of AAD will bring together the largest gathering of aerospace and defence industry decision-makers and buyers from around the world, including many from Africa.

“The defence industry plays a key role in assisting the SANDF to discharge its constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of South Africa and to secure our nation. By ensuring security and stability, the SANDF, in turn, helps to create an enabling environment for economic growth and development. Through our peacekeeping missions, we are similarly contributing to peace, stability and prosperity on our continent.

“This year, Turkey is our biggest exhibitor with 25 companies participating in the Turkish Pavilion. They have doubled their space from the previous 2018 exhibition.

“The AAD will once again give exhibitors and trade visitors a unique opportunity to interact directly with various stakeholders over the trade days and allow for the public to witness the spectacular display of the Airforce and Aviation Sector. According to the organisers, there are 200 exhibitors from 24 countries, with nine national pavilions. Seventy per cent of exhibitors are local.

“The AAD 2022 features two SMME pavilions hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Gauteng Growth and Development Agency. A total of 15 companies will be hosted. This is consistent with our understanding that small businesses are a catalyst for the much-needed economic growth and sustained development of our country.

“Youth empowerment has remained an integral component of the AAD. The AAD Youth Development Programme will be showcasing advanced aviation, defence and aerospace technologies to 10 000 learners from South Africa. It is anticipated that pilots from the South African Air Force (SAAF) and United States Air Force will also be having motivational sessions with learners.

“Learners will be guided on opportunities in space technology and the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects. South African Airways would be flying learners from Durban and Cape Town. These learners will be experiencing the joy of flying for the very first time. They will then be escorted by our own SAAF members using the Gautrain to get to Air Force Waterkloof.

“We are excited to welcome exhibitors and delegates from 24 countries from all corners of the globe, including Ministers of Defence, Deputy Ministers, Secretary of Defence, Chiefs of Defence Force, Chiefs of the Army, Chiefs of the Air Force and Chiefs of Medical Services. We look forward to hosting yet another exciting edition of the exhibition and show, where, among other things, our defence industry will be showcasing South Africa’s air capabilities.“

SOUTH AFRICA’S INNOVATIVE WONDERBAG A FINALIST FOR 2022 FOOD PLANET PRIZE

Sarah Collins was inspired to create the bag during the 2008 loadshedding crisis in South Africa and teamed up with poverty activist, Moshy Mathe. Together, they created a bag that not only lowers carbon emissions but also combats deforestation and reduces the cost of electricity by up to 30% a month.

In 2018, the Wonderbag was voted one of the world’s Top 50 Genius Companies Leading Into The Future by Time Magazine. Now, the company has been announced as a finalist for the 2022 Food Planet Prize.

The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize is the largest monetary award in the global food arena. It rewards innovative solutions that can help us shift to sustainable food systems within a 10-year time frame. The prize is the Curt Bergfors Foundation’s primary tool to encourage agents of change and promote game-changing initiatives.

Having Wonderbag be recognised by this global food innovation funder is massive. Two winners will be selected for 2022, and the prize is US$2 million each.

The winners will be announced in November.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

THUSO MBEDU BECOMES FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN ACTOR TO APPEAR ON “THE VIEW”

"It made sense to shoot the movie in South Africa, and it was shot in my home province in the first two weeks of production, which was very special," said Mbedu.

South Africa had beautiful locations, she added.

– Source: www.ewn.co.za

SPRINGBOKS SECURE BONUS-POINT WIN OVER ARGENTINA

The Boks looked good in the first half of their penultimate Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test and kept the scoreboard ticking over at regular intervals.

Apart from a penalty try, Jordan Hendrikse and Malcolm Marx also scored, while Lood de Jager went over right at the end of the first half, only to be denied by an earlier knock-on at the lineout.

Argentina played very well in the second half and with the Boks losing Willie le Roux and Kwagga Smith to the sin bin, the hosts were awarded a penalty try, followed shortly by a converted try by Matias Moroni, which brought them to within two points with 10 minutes to go.

However, the Boks stepped up a gear at the end and Damian de Allende added his name to the score sheet before Marx went over in the corner for the crucial try that secured the bonus point.

Scorers:

Springboks 36 (22) – Tries: Penalty try, Jaden Hendrikse, Malcolm Marx (2), Damian de Allende. Conversions: Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn (2). Penalty goal: Willemse.

Argentina 20 (6) – Tries: Penalty try, Matias Moroni. Conversion: Emiliano Boffelli. Penalty goals: Boffelli (2).

– Source: www.sapeople.com