PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CALLS FOR AU TO JOIN G20 LEADERS GROUP

The G20 is a group of 20 countries with leading economies, which come together to discuss policy on health, trade and other issues.

The President was speaking during the Working Session on Food and Energy Security at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, held in Bali, Indonesia.

President Ramaphosa said the addition of the AU would give a more unified approach to solving challenges currently plaguing the world.

“We call for continued G20 support for the African Renewable Energy Initiative as a means of bringing clean power to the continent on African terms.

“In this regard, this can be best achieved with the AU joining the G20 as a permanent member. It is only through a collective and united response that we can resolve the challenges of food and energy insecurity across our world,” he said.

President Ramaphosa bemoaned slow progress on negotiations between developing and developed nations at the recently held 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties (COP27).

“We are … concerned at the lack of progress on key issues in the multilateral negotiations at COP27, especially with respect to loss and damage, finance, technology, capacity-building, adaptation and the just transition.

“The outcomes of both COP27 and this Leaders’ Summit must reaffirm the principles of equity and ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’. Industrialised countries in the G20 need to demonstrate more ambitious climate action and must honour their financial commitments to developing economies,” he said.

Turning to food insecurity, President Ramaphosa said several factors were contributing to increasing global food insecurity with low- and middle-income states bearing the brunt of it

“The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been uneven and inadequate. Climate change has increased the frequency and the severity of droughts, floods and wildfires, disrupting agricultural production and supply. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has hiked global prices of fuel, fertilisers, edible oil, sugar and wheat.

“Low- and middle-income economies are most affected by the resultant food shortages and therefore need substantial financial support to ensure food security and tackle the effects of climate change,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said this support would go a long way to assist these countries to use new agricultural methods and technologies, which help mitigate the effects of climate change on food production.

“With this support, low- and middle-income countries can invest in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food production systems and climate change early warning systems. Trade restrictions are a major source of risk for global food price stability.

“We therefore support the call for multilateral trading systems that are transparent, inclusive, predictable and rules-based."

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HOLDS BILATERAL MEETINGS AT G20 SUMMIT

He was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana

The summit brought together 20 of the world’s leading economies to discuss challenges currently plaguing the world.

According to The Presidency, President Ramaphosa held bilateral discussions with several countries on the sidelines of the summit.

“On Tuesday … President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Peoples Republic of China, His Excellency President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders affirmed the special strategic relationship between the two countries. The nations committed to grow the blossoming relationship with increased Chinese investment in infrastructure and bilateral trade,” The Presidency said in a statement.

The two presidents also discussed issues of climate change, the BRICS group of countries and support for the African Union (AU) to become a permanent member of the G20.

“The leaders affirmed a collective position on resolving global challenges through multilateral institutions. President Ramaphosa welcomed President Xi on His Excellency’s support for China to hand over the chair of BRICS to South Africa in 2023, which coincides with 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“The two leaders expressed support and agreement on the proposition of a permanent G20 AU membership. South Africa and China consent on seeking commitments from developed economies to fulfil their Paris COP21 climate agreements. The two nations further committed on more ambitious climate action goals,” the statement read.

On Thursday, President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, met for a bilateral meeting.

“President Ramaphosa welcomed the support from the Netherlands on the South Africa Just Energy Transition- Investment Plan (SA JET-IP). The President further emphasised that for the plan to be realised South Africa would call for increased grant funding of the SA JET-IP.

“South Africa and the Netherlands have a diverse and substantial historic partnership, which remains strategic to date. President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Rutte agreed to continue the discussions on a working visit that the Netherlands will undertake to South Africa,” The Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa also met with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong where the deepening of trade relations between the two countries was discussed.

“South Africa's exceptional relations with Singapore are focussed on trade and investment promotion as well as collaboration in science and innovation, skills development, vocational training, port innovation and infrastructure development,” the statement said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR HONOURED

In the past decade, they have celebrated more than 100 women leaders and women-strong organisations across sectors with numerous award categories, thus motivating the pursuit of full gender parity in all spheres of our society.

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achiever Award include:

• Zanele Mbeki (Former First Lady)
• Mary Twala (Actress)
• Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Singer, activist and entrepreneur)
• Dr Thuli Madonsela (Former Public Protector)
• Sophia-Williams De Bruyn (Anti-apartheid activist)
• Graça Machel
• Juby Mayet (Veteran journalist).

MINISTER CREECY LAUNCHES SOUTH AFRICA PAVILION AT COP27 IN SHARM EL-SHEIKH

The South African Pavilion is hosted jointly by the South African Government and South African business, coordinated by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the National Business Initiative. The pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference’s Conference of the Parties (COP27)  brings together businesses and civil society to collaborate with public-sector policymakers to discuss critical climate-related issues, the Just Transition in South Africa and to highlight key investment opportunities in the country.

The South African Pavilion is providing the global community with evidence that multi-sector collaboration in Africa is working to mitigate the effects of climate change, transforming economies and building resilient societies in a manner that is just, equitable and ensures no one is left behind.

COP27 marks the fifth South African Pavilion, which showcases the collaboration between government and business in the fight against climate change. The first joint pavilion was at COP23 in Bonn, Germany, followed by COP24 in Katowice, Poland, COP25 in Madrid, Spain and COP26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, respectively.

SA READIES TO HOST THE WORLD SCIENCE FORUM IN DECEMBER

“I am delighted to speak to you this morning on the occasion of the launch of South Africa’s hosting of the WSF 2022. The moment is therefore appropriate to share with you our exciting plans for an event, which we are confident, will not only ignite conversation but also inspire action to ensure science advances social justice,” he said on Thursday, 10 November 2022.

He also highlighted that Thursday marked the celebration of the Science for Peace and Development Day announced every year by the United Nations (UN).

“In choosing the theme of ‘Science for Social Justice’ as the theme for South Africa’s hosting of the forum, our government deliberately wanted to encourage the global community to focus on the strategic role science should play, as an instrument for peace and development.”

Minister Nzimande announced that the forum would have 33 different sessions, as well as numerous side and satellite events.

“We will also have a first debate, which I am confident will be provocative and enriching, on the role of science in advancing social justice.”

Objectives

The Minister also highlighted vital objectives, which the country would like to achieve through hosting the forum.

These include encouraging a global debate, which inspires concerted action and harnessing science as an instrument for social justice.

In addition, to provide a platform and support African leadership in global science policy discussions, and profile and promote South Africa as a strategic partner for global science collaboration responding to societal challenges.

“In these unprecedented times, marked by global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, unemployment and persistent poverty, science is more than ever called upon to make a critical contribution to creating a more equal, fair and just world.”

According to the Minister, debates at the forum will also interrogate what role science should play in ensuring resources, opportunities and privileges in society are accessible to all and distributed fairly.

He said he would also like to see how social justice through science, such as greater transparency and inclusivity, transformed the nature of the scientific enterprise to make it more responsive to the needs of society.

“International cooperation is crucial to advance the cause of science for social justice, as it is for the response to all societal challenges,” he added.
 
“We need to work together and share experience, expertise and resources. Science diplomacy will therefore be an important focus of the 2022 forum.”

African agenda

He believes that special attention should be given to the African agenda for science, technology and innovation and promoting greater participation by developing countries in global science.

“We also look forward to hosting our international visitors at many of South Africa’s leading science institutions, including the South African site of the Square Kilometre Array telescope.”

The platform, he said, would also support our foreign policy priorities.

These include renewing a global commitment to multilateralism and solidarity and supporting the leadership of Africa and the global South in international affairs.

“I am confident that the forum will also be a celebration of the power of science to enable humanity to progress; a celebration of the ability of science to inspire us to care more and be more tolerant, to unite and not divide; and a celebration of the wonder of science, which brings hope.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE HOSTS PUBLIC LECTURE IN TRIBUTE TO DR ANTONIO AGOSTINHO NETO

Speakers included the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa; and Adão de Almeida, Minister of State and Head of Civil House of The Presidency.

The lecture was preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by the handover of the bust of Dr Neto to Freedom Park. The donation also included literary and audiovisual materials produced by Dr Neto and his name is inscribed in the Wall of Names at Freedom Park.

FRANCE, GERMANY GRANT SA €600 MILLION JET CONCESSIONAL FINANCING

The financing agreements were acknowledged and welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, at a ceremony held during the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Treasury said the signing represented a significant milestone in the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) announced at COP26 in November last year.

“The JETP is a long-term partnership between South Africa, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union. The first initiative of its kind, the JETP aspires to support South Africa in accelerating its journey to a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient society,” said Treasury.

Last year, the founding partners of the JETP, known as the International Partners Group (IPG), pledged to mobilise an initial amount of US$8.5 billion over the next three to five years to advance the partnership.

Andreas Peschke, the German Ambassador to South Africa, said: “We are very happy about these agreements, as they represent a very concrete implementation of our partnership.”

South Africa continues to be dependent on coal to produce most of its electricity and the coal sector remains significant to the country’s national economy and the livelihood of several communities.

“One year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that France was ready to commit significant support for South Africa's ambitious decarbonisation project for a just energy transition. We are now putting those words into action with this important loan,” said Arnaud Roux, Chargé d’affaires of the French Embassy.

Audrey Rojkoff, AFD Regional Director for Southern Africa and Country Director for South Africa, said most countries around the world were trying to find a balance between the inevitable short-term trade-offs and the long-term perspective of a future, where nature and people prosper.

“All partners can make better progress by sharing their experiences and international institutions have an important role to play by encouraging dialogue. This first public policy loan to South Africa aims precisely at promoting policy dialogue between our countries.”

She indicated that along with dialogue and knowledge-sharing with other countries, continued research would also be essential to fully understand potential climate risks and their impact on South Africa’s financial system. As such, the AFD loan will be accompanied by grant financing from France to support several key South African actors involved in the production of knowledge and further policy development related to the JET.

"We expressly welcome South Africa's commitment to reducing electricity generation from environmentally harmful coal," said Silke Stadtmann, KfW Development Bank's Country Director for South Africa.

She said the development was an important step in achieving the country's climate goals.

“As a long-term partner of South Africa, we support these efforts not only with concessional loans for necessary investments and grants for a JET but also with comprehensive studies on energy sector reform.”

Ismail Momoniat, acting National Treasury Director-General, said the South African Government welcomed concessional funding.

“While South Africa still requires more support for its Just Transition path, considering the scale of the required transition in the context of the current socio-economic challenges of high unemployment, high levels of poverty and inequality, this funding will assist in addressing the challenge of financing the critical adaptation and mitigation programmes and supporting resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth,” Momoniat said.

The funding will also provide the much-needed catalytic funding for the implementation of the JET investment plan in mapping out a just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society.

These loans are concessional and contribute to government’s efforts to mitigate rising government debt costs.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

DWS WELCOMES COMMENCEMENT OF LESOTHO WATER PROJECT PHASE II

The Polihali Dam will be a concrete-faced rockfill dam, which will create a reservoir on the Senqu and Khubelu rivers. The infrastructure also includes a spillway, a compensation outlet structure and a mini-hydropower station.

The Polihali Transfer Tunnel will transfer water by gravity from the Polihali reservoir to the Katse reservoir, the centrepiece of the LHWP.

From Katse, water will move through various places, including the Ash River outfall, outside Clarens in the Free State, on its way to Gauteng.

Department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said the project would see an increase in the annual water supply rate, which would be a welcome addition to meeting South Africa’s rising water needs.

“On completion, the Polihali Dam will add approximately 2 325 million cubic metres in storage capacity to the LHWP Phase II, which will increase the project’s current annual supply rate capacity from 780 to 1 270 million cubic metres,” Ratau said.

Ratau said the additional flow of water from Polihali would simultaneously increase power generation within Lesotho, which is another step towards meeting the country’s electricity needs, reducing its dependence on imported power.

He said the awarding of contracts came as the department continued work towards ensuring adequate water infrastructure.

“The awarding of the contracts to start with Phase 2 of the LHWP comes at an opportune time when the department is getting all its ducks in a row to ensure adequate infrastructure to meet the current and future demand for water.

“The increasing population, coupled with rapid urbanisation, continuing economic activity and impact of climate change, put a strain on water infrastructure. Therefore, the sooner we complete Phase 2 of the LHWP, the better.”

He said this would go a long way to mitigating water shortages and water security would be realised.

Thousands of job opportunities

Thousands of job opportunities will be created through the contract appointments.

“The contracts are estimated to generate approximately 5 000 job opportunities continuously for a period of three years in both Lesotho and South Africa. To date, the advanced infrastructure programme has generated more than 4 000 jobs,” he said.

Work on Polihali Dam is expected to commence in November, while work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel is set to start in December 2022.
The project is expected to be commissioned in 2028.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

NASA, SA RENEW LUNAR EXPLORATION PARTNERSHIP

“Location, weather and existing infrastructure make Matjiesfontein the ideal place to build this antenna.

“We really couldn't have asked for a better spot on Earth than here in South Africa, with whom we first partnered six decades ago to land the first humans on the lunar surface,” said Younes.

South Africa was home to a ground-tracking station outside Johannesburg at Hartebeesthoek, which played a critical role in NASA's Apollo missions in the 1960s.

Artemis, named for Apollo's mythical twin sister, will land the first woman and person of colour on the moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence, and serving as a stepping-stone to sending astronauts to Mars.

“We see this partnership as mutually beneficial. The Matjiesfontein ground station will alleviate increased demand for NASA's Deep Space Network, allowing Artemis to meet its goals and expand our scientific knowledge,” said DSI Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara.

The Matjiesfontein site, according to the department, will join future LEGS facilities at NASA's White Sands Complex in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and a still-to-be-determined location in Australia.

With LEGS stations in North America, South Africa and Australia, the moon will always be in Earth's view to ensure essential, enhanced direct-to-Earth communications capabilities, up to two million kilometres away through NASA's Near Space Network.

“We are pleased that this project has reached a significant milestone with the support of the Department of Science and Innovation as well as the partnership of NASA.

“The Matjiesfontien ground station extends SANSA space capabilities and specialisation, taking the agency a notch higher as a global player in space science and technology,” said Acting Commercial Services Executive at SANSA, Tiaan Strydom.

“The moon brought NASA and South Africa together 60 years ago. I'm so pleased it's done so again today,” Younes said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

FREE STATE UNIVERSITY PROF. ABDON ATANGANA RANKED SECOND IN THE WORLD FOR MATHEMATICS

“It is always encouraging to see a researcher from a developing nation at the top of the list in a difficult scientific field like physics, chemistry or mathematics. Many academics from the global South made it into this list, dispelling the myth that only researchers in the global North are capable of doing high-quality research.

“Being an African black child and the second-ranked mathematician in the world shows that the subject of mathematics is not limited by geography or race; as David Hilbert stated. Mathematics is a subject that transcends all national boundaries.” – Professor Abdon Atangana

The highly cited professor is the author of many crucial mathematical ideas. One of which is used in various fields of science, technology and engineering, called “Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivatives and integrals”.

Professor Atangana’s work goes beyond general mathematics. He has also developed epidemiological modelling, numerical analysis and integral transformations. These concepts are what make him so highly cited in other professors’ works.

“I am the author of various crucial mathematical ideas that are applied and pure mathematics. For instance, I created the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivatives and integrals, which constitute a novel calculus and are based on the general Mittag-Leffler kernels. Since its inception in 2016, this fractional calculus has been employed in various fields of science, technology and engineering.

“I am the creator of various concepts in epidemiological modelling, numerical analysis and integral transformations. I am also the pioneer of the fractal-fractional calculus, which is employed in all domains of applied sciences. I developed the most recent ideas known as piecewise differentiation and integration.”

The Free State University is incredibly proud of Professor Atangana. There is a total of 22 professors from the university that have earned places on the list.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

CAPE TOWN ACCREDITED AS A RAMSAR WETLAND CITY

“Over the past 20 years, the city has implemented several initiatives, both inside and outside of protected areas, with the aim of rehabilitating wetlands and conserving these natural assets," the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Friday, 11 November 2022.

The announcement was made at the 14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 5 to 13 November 2022.

“Because of the threats posed by urbanisation and the increased demand for land on wetlands, the convention in 2015 introduced Wetland City Accreditation for cities that have recognised the importance of protecting urban or peri-urban wetlands," the department said.

The Wetland City Accreditation Programme provides international recognition for cities that uphold a solid and favourable relationship with wetlands through creating public awareness on wetland benefits, incorporating wetland protection into municipal planning and decision-making, and promoting wetland benefits for local people.

The department said urbanisation was a globally acknowledged problem that had an impact on the health and efficiency of wetland ecosystems.
“The voluntary wetland accreditation system adopted by the Ramsar aims to promote sustainable urbanisation and the conservation of urban and peri-urban wetlands within urban and peri-urban areas.

“Cities that have taken exceptional measures to protect their urban wetlands or a wetland of international importance (known as a Ramsar Site) within their city may apply to be accredited as a Ramsar Wetland City,” the department said.

The city is recognised as a global hotspot of biodiversity and thus has a corresponding number of rare and threatened wetlands supporting many endemic fauna and flora species.

These wetlands include the Rietvlei and Milnerton Lagoon (part of the Table Bay Nature Reserve), the Zandvlei Estuary, Edith Stephens Wetlands, False Bay Nature Reserve (a wetland of international importance), the Noordhoek wetlands and many others.

“Wetlands in and around urban settlements have historically been considered impediments to development. Drainage, filling in and pollution have long been a feature of planned and unplanned urbanisation.

“Through the Ramsar Accreditation system, those living in urban areas are now being encouraged to regard their wetlands as spaces which contribute to the liveability of cities through improving water quality, regulating the climate and reducing the effects of urban heat islands, providing space for recreation and leisure, and mitigating the effects of extreme events such as floods and resulting infrastructure damage,” the department said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SOUTH AFRICAN LODGE NAMED BEST RESPONSIBLE TOURISM DESTINATION IN THE WORLD

The mountain lodge is in the Northern Drakensberg of South Africa and provides overnight accommodation and access to hiking the region’s most famous trails.

Witsieshoek was about to be closed by its community owners, the Sesotho Batlokoa, when TFPD was awarded the concession to manage and market the property in 2011. Since re-opening in 2011, Witsieshoek has tracked the local economic benefit created by the lodge and reported a Regional Economic Benefit of R77,7 million over the past 12 years. Some 46% of the value results from local procurement policies and practices.

During the refurbishment, a buy-local policy was mandated. Where the services did not exist, support was provided to upskill and capacitate local businesses. As a result, a team of local seamstresses was trained to make curtains and extended their business beyond just the clothing they had previously made. Tefo Magasane, the potter, developed a range of functional ceramics to create a unique bedside light base, as well as several unique décor items. And the local home carpet weavers not only supplied the bedside and décor rugs for Witsieshoek but were also commissioned by other lodges managed by TFPD to provide handmade rugs. While the economic bounty of the refurbishment period came to an end in 2016, the entrepreneurs who skilled up during this period had the resources to continue their businesses.

With 96% of the staff employed from the local area, this money goes directly into the local economy, where it generates another cycle of economic activity. The average salary at Witsieshoek supports seven people. The Principle Traditional Leader of the Batlokoa has maintained a policy that funds earned from the turnover and profit levies must be invested to build a capital reserve before any significant expenditures could be incurred. This financial prudence turned into a lifeline for the lodge during COVID-19 when it borrowed those funds to keep staff paid. All COVID-era loans from the community trust have been repaid with interest. This mature commercial relationship between the commercial operation and the community leadership is a key indicator of a sustainable and progressive business with a strong future.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICA NAMED ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN THE WORLD

Choosing the best countries to retire to was not as straightforward as counting up the points, “to make the cut, the teams have been ruthless with ensuring that destinations must offer a good mixture of everything”. For example, South Africa has a very high quality of life ranking but the visa process ranks on the medium level. Had the visa process been somewhat more difficult, no matter how high the quality of living is, we would not have made the cut.

Countries were ranked on the:

• quality of life
• cost of living
• rent index
• restaurant price index
• average annual temperatures
• the easiness of obtaining a visa or residency.

They also took into account healthcare, hospitality, language barriers and the range of things to do.

“South Africa is a popular destination for expat retirees, thanks to its mild climate, affordable living costs and sizeable expat population. This large and diverse country encompasses everything from subtropical coastlines to semi-deserts to sprawling cities. It’s one of Africa’s premier safari destinations too. For retirees looking to relocate, South Africa’s visa and residency permit system is ranked mid-level difficulty, but once you’ve got hold of it you can enjoy low living costs, a laid-back lifestyle and a famously high quality of living.” – Enjoy Travel

Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

THINUS VAN DER WESTHUIZEN BECOMES THIRD SOUTH AFRICAN CHEF TO RECEIVE MICHELIN STAR

In 2016, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen made history by becoming the first South African chef to be awarded the Michelin Star and then in 2019, Jean Delport joined him. Now in 2022, we can proudly say we have three South African chefs who carry the distinguished badge of honour.
Michelin awarded 99 Sushi Bar the star for its beautifully presented dishes, full of finesse and precision!

“There’s no shortage of finesse and precision in the well-constructed and beautifully presented dishes at this chic Japanese restaurant, skills whose primary goal is to underline the quality of the ingredients. Even the more contemporary touches are done with subtlety and care. The Spanish owners import most of the seafood from their native country; the red shrimp is particularly noteworthy. It’s all run as smoothly as silk and is the ideal venue for an intimate experience.”

The proudly South African chef says the award is a dream come true but he couldn’t have done it without his team.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

AFRICAN SERIES “MY BETTER WORLD” NOMINATED FOR INTERNATIONAL EMMY AWARD

The series was produced by South Africa’s Fundi Films in collaboration with Johannesburg-based MAAN Creative for non-profit Impact (Ed) International (formerly Discovery Learning Alliance). The International Emmy Awards will be held in New York on 21 November 2022.

The series was also selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival – the world’s highest-profile animation event.

My Better World has already been broadcast across five African countries with a reach of 140 million, with more broadcasters and countries to follow soon. With an average of 1.4 million viewers weekly, it was one of Kenya’s most popular shows and the number one kids’ show in Kenya.

“My Better World embodies the best of what media can and should do – draw audiences on its entertainment merit, telling the stories that matter most, and leaving them empowered to improve their lives and the lives of those around them,” says Ivy Denge from Citizen TV in Kenya.

“We spent three years working with a Pan-African team of over 100 artists to bring the series to life, and to see it being enjoyed by viewers across our continent is amazing. This International Emmy nomination is great recognition for the whole team,” says Chris Morgan, South African series producer at Fundi Films, one of the two South African companies behind the series.The production is one of the largest animated series ever created entirely in Africa. Each episode revolves around the six friends facing a particular challenge in their lives and includes a two-minute documentary showcasing inspiring role models from across Africa.

“We had writers in Tanzania and Kenya, documentary crews in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and beyond, and of course the incredible animators from MAAN Creative in Johannesburg,” says Morgan.

The series was produced in four languages (English, Swahili, Somali and Hausa). A World Bank impact study showed the series led to increased school enrolment and improved parental aspirations for students to stay in school longer, stop early marriages and have children later in life.

Executive Producer and Co-CEO of Impact (Ed) International, Aric Noboa, says, “Through the series, we’re equipping young viewers with essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity and the power of collaboration, while addressing issues important to youth. These include child labour, child marriage and gender roles. For example, in Nigeria there was a 43% increase in the number of girls enrolled in school in communities as a direct result of facilitated community screenings of the series.”

Aimed at teenagers, My Better World tackles challenging subject matter, MAAN Creative Co-Director, Johan Scheepers, says, adding that it was important to get the tone right.

“It had to be entertaining, educational, meet all the curriculum requirements and be sensitive to different cultural norms.”

More than 35 South African animators and artists worked on My Better World.

“We’re thrilled that My Better World has been nominated for an International Emmy,” says Scheepers. “These are African stories told by African creatives. I think it is very positive for African story-telling and our local animation industry. It is quite a landmark project in many ways.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

GOVERNMENT SADDENED BY PASSING OF PEARL SHONGWE

“While the country mourns her loss, let us also give her family space and the privacy to mourn her death. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be sorely missed.”

BOK MIDFIELD MAESTRO LUKHANYO AM NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS WORLD RUGBY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Earlier this year, he was named the South African Players' Player of the Year, an award voted for by the professional rugby players in the country.

The winners of the various World Rugby Award categories will be announced on Sunday evening in Monaco.

– Source: www.news24.com

FLEETWOOD HOLDS OFF FOX TO WIN AT SUN CITY

Overnight leaders Rasmus Hojgaard and Thomas Detry faded after a rain interruption midway through the round.

"It was such a lovely feeling coming down the back nine with a chance," said Fleetwood, who also lifted the trophy in 2019. "You draw on the good memories that you have round somewhere you've won. I felt good all day."

The 31-year-old Fleetwood holed an eagle from the bunker on the 14th to pull level with Fox and Sharma and set up an absorbing final four holes at the Sun City resort.

"It wasn't the best lie but I felt okay," said Fleetwood. "It wasn't a terrible place to be. I don't know how far it would have gone past but it came out lovely and went in. That spark, those kind of things, happen."

Sharma's challenge ended with bogeys at 16 and 17, and when Fleetwood tapped in for par at the last, after almost sinking a huge birdie attempt, Fox paid for a poor tee shot and posted his only bogey of the day at the worst possible moment.

It denied Fox, 35, a chance to go top of the tour rankings before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week.

It was Fleetwood's first win in three years since taking the last Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted before the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Source: www.theleader.com.au