PRESIDENT CALLS ON WORLD SCIENCE FORUM TO USE SCIENCE TO IMPROVE PEOPLE'S LIVES, FIGHT INEQUALITY

In hosting this forum, South Africa is looking to promote global debate that inspires action, provide support for African leadership in global science policy discussions and promote South Africa as a strategic partner for global science collaboration in response to societal challenges.

Established by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the gathering is seeing renowned thought leaders deliberate on various topics that include science for human dignity, science for climate justice, science diplomacy for multilateralism and science for Africa and the world.

The event is a platform for more than 900 leading scientists and decision-makers from the politics and industry, representatives of civil society, and the media to express their views on new challenges facing science in the 21st century.

A series of pre-events was also organised, including a Science Journalism Programme, discussions about the green hydrogen economy, an air-quality fun run in Sea Point and Khayelitsha, excursions to scientific facilities in and around Cape Town, a robotics boot camp for learners, a Women in Science film festival and a breakfast function with the international Square Kilometre Array Organisation.

MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN THE INTER-REGIONAL MEETING OF WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY

Dr Pandor and Co-Chair, the Swiss Ambassador to South Africa, Nicolas Brühl, were joined by the Minister of State for Gender and Culture of the Republic of Uganda, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, and Aletta Miller, Head of the Southern African Office of UN Women. In the audience were the national focal points of the various member countries and representatives of the Southern African Development Community Secretariat, African Union Commission and civil-society organisations. 

The aim of the meeting was to share innovative and transformative actions and strategies derived from the Fourth Capital-Level Meeting in Geneva, which took place earlier this year in May, with a view to achieve the overall goal of advancing the implementation of the WPS Agenda.

To read Minister’s full remarks during the opening session, please click on the below link:

http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2022/pand1206.htm

Keep up to date with the WPS Focal Points Network: https://wpsfocalpointsnetwork.org/

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT ABBAS BESTOWS GRAND STAR OF THE ORDER OF JERUSALEM ON MINISTER PANDOR

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES UNDERTAKES WORKING VISIT TO ALGERIA TO TAKE PART IN A HIGH-LEVEL SEMINAR ON PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA

The purpose of the seminar, which was inaugurated in 2013, is to discuss cooperation between the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the three African countries that are non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), also known as the A3. The discussions are aimed at finding ways to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the A3 group in discharging its mandate within the overall context of the implementation of the AU’s Master Roadmap of Practical Steps of Silencing the Guns in Africa.

South Africa is currently a member of the AUPSC and will chair this AU organ during February 2023.

Deputy Minister Botes is undertaking this visit to ensure that South Africa contributes to AU efforts and the stated goal of silencing the guns on the African continent.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES HOSTS HIS POLISH COUNTERPART FOR BILATERAL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS

The consultations take place annually and are an important foreign policy instrument to coordinate the relations between the two countries based on the Protocol on Consultations, signed in Pretoria between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland in September 1995. Mr Jabłoński, who is the Undersecretary of State, hosted Deputy Minister Botes in August 2021 during the previous session of the bilateral political discussions in Warsaw.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider progress on achieving the commitments made in the previous session of the political consultations. The two countries also shared perspectives and deepened their understanding of domestic, regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern.

The two delegations reviewed the state of the bilateral political relations to consolidate and further enhance diplomatic and political cooperation between the two nations.

As part of the aim to promote economic diplomacy, the consultations sought to catalyse progress towards the inauguration of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which is an important structured mechanism to coordinate economic activities between the two countries. This mechanism will operate under the guidance of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and its counterpart department in Poland.

The current level of bilateral trade between the two countries is small when compared to the relative size and potential of both economies, which both countries have identified as the area most in need of attention. South African exports to Poland for the period January to September 2022 amounted to R6.2 billion, while imports from Poland were worth more than double at R13. 4 billion.

During the visit, Mr Jabłoński also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor.

SADC HOLDS EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE OF THE ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia, presided over the meeting in her capacity as Chairperson of the SADC MCO of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. SADC ministers responsible for politics defence and security cooperation also attended the meeting.

The MCO discusses, among others, the political and security situation and strengthening democratic processes and the rule of law in the SADC Region. The MCO was preceded by the meeting of senior officials of the MCO of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 2 November 2022. The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

However, the historic contact can be traced as far back as the Korean War of 1950-53, when the Second Fighter Squadron of the then South African Air Force was part of South Africa’s contribution to the United Nations Command with a total of 826 South Africans who fought in Korea, with 36 casualties. It is notable that these fallen heroes are aptly honoured at a section of the new Korean Cultural Centre in Brooklyn.

South Africa and the ROK's diplomatic relations have strengthened across all sectors of cooperation. Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1992, South Africa and the ROK have concluded 16 bilateral agreements. These agreements cover cooperation in sectors such as air transport, the protection of investments, the avoidance of double taxation, science and technology, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, ICT, vocational training and energy.

South Africa and the ROK have complementary economies and enjoy relatively good economic relations. The relationship is driven by demand for raw materials in Korea and demand for consumer goods in South Africa. South Africa is the ROK’s largest trading partner in Africa.

Both countries share painful histories of conflict, violence and exploitation. However, today they can celebrate their belief in shared universal values, the most important core value being freedom. As the ROK recently marked the 1945 end of colonial rule on the Korean Peninsula, South Africa also annually celebrate the end of apartheid rule and of achieving our long hard struggle to achieve freedom and democracy since 1994.

South Africa is the ROK’s largest trading partner in Africa while the ROK is South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner in Asia. Between 2003 and 2019, the ROK had 15 foreign direct investment projects in South Africa, representing a total capital investment of around R31.27 billion. Total trade between South Africa and the ROK was around R47 billion in 2021, with South African exports to the ROK amounting to R31 billion and South African imports reaching R16 billion, thus reflecting a positive trade balance of R18 billion.

In April 1997, the two countries established a Policy Consultative Forum (PCF) as a way of focussing and structuring their bilateral relations and institutionalising regular bilateral meetings. After seven meetings of the PCF between 2002 and 2013, the two countries decided during the eighth meeting of the PCF in 2014 to elevate it to the level of Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) at ministerial level. Minister Naledi Pandor and her ROK counterpart, PARK Jin, co-chaired the inaugural JCC, which was held in Seoul on 11 October 2022. This forum provides the framework through which South Africa and the ROK structure and strengthen their bilateral relations.

The late President Nelson Mandela paid a State Visit to Korea in 1995, while former President Myung-bak Lee visited South Africa in July 2011 for a meeting of the International Olympic Committee. Former President Jacob Zuma visited Korea (ROK/South Korea) in March 2012 to attend a Nuclear Summit. On 1 December 2018, Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Moon Jae-in had a meeting on the margins of the G-20 Summit in Argentina on request of the latter, during which they discussed various issues related to bilateral relations.

The former ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kang Kyung-wha, undertook a Working Visit to South Africa from 14 to 15 July 2019, during which she had a bilateral meeting with Minister Pandor. During this meeting, the two ministers agreed, among others, to co-chair the first JCC meeting at ministerial level at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity.

Under the Korean Global Scholarship Programme, administered by the National Institute for International Education and the Korea International Cooperation Agency under the banner of its Knowledge Sharing Programme, the ROK has been active in assisting South Africa through valuable knowledge and skills transfer initiatives in various areas of expertise, while the South African community in Korea largely consists of graduates teaching English at Korean schools all over the country.

SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY OBSERVATORY CONSTRUCTION BEGINS IN NORTHERN CAPE

Radio astronomy, according to Minister Nzimande, has begun to revolutionise our understanding of the universe.

The Minister described the development of the SKAO as a major innovation that would provide scientists with data to push the explanatory frontiers of modern cosmology.

“I cannot help but be intrigued by the idea that significant discoveries on cosmological origins may well be made on African soil through the work of the SKA – the very place where we know through science the origin of all humanity is found,” Minister Nzimande said.

The Minister was speaking at the onsite commencement of the construction ceremony of the world’s largest radio astronomy infrastructure and telescopes in South Africa and Australia.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone, with the project being 30 years in the making, including several years of detailed design and engineering work.

“SKA is pioneering, and in some ways, a unique international scientific project, which demonstrates the power of multilateral collaboration in science to help us tackle the big challenges of humanity,” he told delegates.

“We owe a great deal to people who have worked incredibly hard to make this day possible, and it would not do justice to mention all.”

Minister Nzimande paid homage to the SKAO leadership, governments of all the SKA international partners and the managerial, scientific and technical staff both in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and other parts of the world who are working on this ground-breaking project.

He also mentioned China, which is a crucial partnership with the SKA as the manufacturer of the telescope dishes for the mid-frequency array.

Return on investment

He welcomed the SKA-mid infrastructure contract awarded to a South African company as part of the construction of the mid-frequency components of the SKA telescope in the Karoo.

Power Adenco Joint Venture was named a successful bidder for the tender to build the major civil infrastructure, which includes the roll-out of power, fibre and roads – the biggest contract awarded by SKAO to a South African-based company, amounting to close to R890 million.

A total estimated value of contracts worth R1.2 billion has now been awarded to South African entities, with further contracts expected.

In addition, he said, the leasing of buildings to be constructed, and SKAO's ongoing technical maintenance and operations for the next 50 years would deliver long-term, sustainable foreign investment to South Africa with about 11 200 construction job opportunities in the next six years of construction.

Skills development

Meanwhile, he said the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) would continue to invest about R80 million per year through bursary programmes to develop the requisite skills in South Africa and the African partner countries.

He announced that SARAO would fund about 100 bursary recipients per year and the skills that would be targeted include artisans, technicians, astronomers, engineers and data professionals.

MeerKAT telescope

Over the past five years, Minister Nzimande said, South Africa's investment in the development of astronomy, specifically the MeerKAT radio telescope, had realised socio-economic spin-offs.

This includes the installation of 110 km of overhead power lines, the resurfacing of 80 km of road and the construction of complex foundations for the 64 dishes, which created more than 8 700 direct and indirect jobs for the local communities surrounding the SKA site.

The MeerKAT radio telescope is a precursor to the SKA telescope and will be integrated into the mid-frequency component of SKA’s phase one.

The telescope was completed in 2018 for R3.2 billion with 75% local content, which boosted the local industry in terms of manufacturing various components for the telescope.

The Minister said 1 400 grants and scholarships had been awarded in the field of science and engineering. In addition, about 400 technicians have been trained in trades related to the work being done on the telescope. More than R130 million was spent on local businesses during the construction phase of the MeerKAT.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA TO HOST GROUP ON EARTH OBSERVATIONS MINISTERIAL SUMMIT

South Africa has been an active executive committee member of GEO since 2005, while its earth observations experts contribute to GEO initiatives and participate in most of the GEO's flagship programmes. 

“Climate change is a cross-cutting challenge and, in this interconnected world, the impact of a single event can have cascading consequences in locations further away and across borders,” said Minister Nzimande.

The Minister added that concerted, global action like GEO was needed to respond to societal challenges and improve living conditions for all people, especially the world's poorest citizens.

The GEO consists of more than 113 national governments, 31 of which are in Africa. These countries voluntarily contribute towards the common goal of building the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

GEOSS aims to integrate observing systems and improve data-sharing by connecting existing infrastructures using common standards.

The GEO, according to the department, addresses issues such as climate change, biodiversity, agriculture and health. Its systems encompass technologies from satellites and its comprehensive scope makes it possible to leverage resources and cut across disciplines.

The Minister said the unique global network connected government bodies, research institutions and data providers, among others. It also enables innovative solutions to address global challenges that transcend national and disciplinary boundaries, he added. 

"The unprecedented global collaboration of experts under GEO helps identify gaps and reduce duplication in the areas of sustainable development and sound environmental management," the Minister said.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has made several investments in earth observations as a contribution to GEO.

For instance, a precision agriculture information system being developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, one of the DSI's entities, provides actionable data to emerging and existing commercial farmers and other industries along the agricultural value chain.

The intention is to offer regular, farm-level information obtained from earth observations to guide precision farm management.

Another initiative, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) assists the departments of human settlement and small business development to deliver services related to urban and spatial planning. SANSA provides data products and services that enable government to monitor informal settlements and housing developments, which helps with planning.

The Oceans and Coastal Information Management System integrates tools for monitoring sea state, water quality, harmful algal bloom, coastal erosion and oil spills, informing the effective governance of South Africa’s oceans and coasts.

The Minister said sustainable and equitable solutions required intelligent, evidenced-based decisions that show how human behaviour affects the planet.

“Earth observations can point to opportunities for creating sustainable economies, and secure optimal environmental and social conditions for future generations.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

NEW COINS FOR SOUTH AFRICA IN 2023

In order to reflect every official language in the currency, the "South Africa" imprint appears multiple times in different languages on some of the coins: three on the R5 coin, one on the R1, and two on each of the R2, 50c, 20c, and 10c coins.

Among others, the 10c features a Cape Honey Bee, replacing the current Arum Lilly.

On the 20c, the current King Protea will now be aloe themed.

The striking new 50c has a loerie in flight.

The R1 will switch from the Springbok to the Protea  while the R2 will now feature a Springbok.

The R5 coin change is also striking, replacing the Wildebeest with Southern Right Whales.

– Source: www.businessinsider.co.za

AIRBNB REVEALS THE TOP TRENDING SPOTS IN SA – AND THIS LIMPOPO STAY BEATS ALL THE REST

More than 1.1 million overseas tourists had already visited South Africa by October, compared to just 250 000 during the same period in the previous year. The traditionally busier summer months, especially November and December, are expected to boost South Africa's tourism recovery even further.

Many of these tourists have chosen Airbnb stays as their accommodation of choice while travelling across South Africa. The online marketplace for short-term homestays recently revealed that South African hosts collectively earned R1.4 billion during the previous summer season, with even greater expectations for the upcoming holiday period.

"The return of international travel in South Africa is fantastic news for the tourism economy, which supports local businesses and communities," said Velma Corcoran, regional lead for Middle East Africa at Airbnb, in a statement recently.

"Hosting is also proving to be an economic lifeline for thousands of South African families as it's an opportunity to showcase the beauty of their homes while also boosting their income in light of the rising living costs."

Using booking and search data, Airbnb also compiled a list of "top trending destinations in South Africa for international guests in 2022". The list includes 10 destinations across South Africa, with 40% of these located in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape's Witzenberg, Theewaterskloof, Saldanha Bay and Drakenstein made the top-10. Destinations in KwaZulu-Natal also featured prominently, with uMngeni, Ray Nkonyeni, and Msunduzi included in Airbnb's list. Ndlambe and Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape have also been named as some of South Africa's top trending destinations.

Topping the list is Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Renowned for its geothermic hot springs, the main resort regularly attracts a flurry of both local and international travellers. Extraordinary wildlife and conservation efforts surrounding Bela-Bela add to the destination's appeal.

Bookings on Airbnb in the area have increased by more than 400% compared to 2021, with the booking platform describing Bela-Bela as a "must-visit for tourists across the globe".

These trending destinations are expected to welcome more international travellers during the upcoming summer season, with many of these tourists looking for new and unique experiences.

.– Source: www.businessinsider.co.za

SOUTH AFRICAN WINS “YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR”

Rifumo (aged 25) is from a rural community bordering Kruger Park and he is a dedicated environmental educator, photojournalist and filmmaker. He is the Programme Director of Wild Shots Outreach – a not-for-profit organisation that connects young Africans from disadvantaged communities with nature through photography.

“I want to connect young people with our natural heritage – we’re the future of Africa’s conservation. Though I live next to Kruger National Park, 99% of young people in my community have never been to a game reserve. How will we save Africa’s wildlife and wild places if there is this huge disconnect with young Africans? Over the past three years, I have taught photography to more than 500 young people and taken them on their first-ever game drive, so the students can capture their memories and stories upon seeing wildlife for the first time,” Rifumo explains.

The judges were incredibly impressed by Rifumo’s drive, commitment and passion for promoting awareness of sustainability through his community work and photography, always working to inspire others.

“It is clear Rifumo has committed his career and personal life to the cause and has empowered others to make a difference too. Rifumo’s work is exceptional and is clearly going from strength to strength, leaving a positive and long-lasting environmental legacy,” they said.

On learning he’d won the award, Rifumo exclaimed, “I’ve achieved things I’d not dreamed possible. I’m really grateful for this amazing opportunity and It is such a privilege to me to win this award. I hope this will inspire other young Africans that we can make a difference and reach for our dreams. We are flipping the script and changing the narrative – making photography and conservation more diverse and inclusive.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

UB40 TO TOUR SOUTH AFRICA IN 2023

After reaching number four in the charts with King / Food for Thought, the multi-racial band released their debut album Signing Off in 1980. During their career, they have sold in excess of 70 million records and topped the United Kingdom (UK) singles chart on three occasions – with Red Red Wine in 1983; I Got You Babe (a duet between Ali and Pretenders singer and long-standing UB40 champion Chrissie Hynde) in 1985; and (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You in 1993. Two of those hits, Red Red Wine and (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, also went to number one in the United States.

Lead singer Ali Campbell joined Birmingham singer and toaster Pato Banton to top the UK charts again with Baby Come Back in 1994. Paying homage to the songs that inspired them, UB40 also released three volumes of the Labour of Love series, covering Jamaican standards such as Eric Donaldson’s Cherry Oh Baby and Lord Creator’s Kingston Town.

Ali is joined by his incredible nine-piece band and will be honouring long-time member Astro who sadly passed away in 2021. While a handful of songs from the forthcoming album will feature alongside favourites from the Labour of Love series, Ali is keen to include older numbers such as King (about the legacy of American Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King) and One In Ten (about unemployment in the UK)..

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, 9 December, at 9:00 AM local time from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

SA STAR DEVONECIA SWARTZ LANDS LEADING ROLE IN GLOBAL MUSICAL "CALLING US HOME"

"I am both incredibly excited and absolutely terrified to play Grace. I'm honoured to bring my flair to a beautifully powerful character, and I cannot wait to collaborate with all involved to contribute to the journey of Calling Us Home."

‒ Devonecia Swartz on her role as the leading lady in Calling Us Home – The Musical.

"I am really excited Devonecia Swartz is leading our production of Calling Us Home. When she first auditioned, she captured both the power and vulnerability in the character Grace. Her voice is magnificent, and she interprets Alice's lyrics with insight and care. She is a genuine leading lady, and I can't wait to get to work together," said Flynn in a statement.

The cast of the musical is made up of both South Africans and Americans, something Gillman says was done deliberately.

"Calling Us Home is a global story that reaches across from one great continent to another, and we wanted to tell it in the most authentic way possible," she said in a statement, adding, "We wanted to work with artists who could personally understand this story's meaning from within their own lives, their own history and context, while also having the generosity of spirit to explore with us how the great human desires for love, hope and home will always unite us all," Gillham concluded.

Calling Us Home – The Musical will show at the Artscape theatre in Cape Town from 15 to 19 February 2023 before the grand-scale musical heads out on its international tour.

– Source: www.news24.com

FOURTH TITLE IN A ROW FOR THE BLITZBOKS IN DUBAI

The final started in spectacular fashion with Shilton van Wyk blitzing the Irish defence with a sharp break and he finished under the sticks, giving Ricardo Duarttee the easiest of conversions.

Van Wyk, who was named Player of the Final, was soon at it again, slicing through the opposition's defensive line with Duarttee’s conversion pushing the lead to 14 points.

That was also the halftime score and as expected, the Irish came back strong in the second half. Their early endeavour was dealt a cruel blow when Siviwe Soyizwapi intercepted a pass and ran all 60m to score. Duarttee extended the lead to 21-0.

The South Africans were starting to concede a number of penalties on defence and Ireland managed to score 11 minutes of play. The last three minutes were played in the middle of the field, with a strong South African defensive effort keeping Ireland at bay to score a famous win.

For Soyizwapi, the effort was expected: “We had a hard chat after our defeat in the first round against Great Britain. There are so many good sides in the world series and you need to be sharp in every match. We decided to get stuck in and that delivered some fantastic performances. I am really proud of the squad and everyone involved.”

– Source: www.sarugby.co.za

SA'S ASHLEIGH BUHAI REIGNS VICTORIOUS AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

The South African was emotional as she putted for par to clinch the victory with her husband, David on her bag.

It's been a remarkable year for Buhai, who clinched her maiden Major title at the Women's British Open at Muirfield in August.

Meanwhile, Polish Adrian Meronk won the men's Australian Open title as he won by five-shot win over home favourite Adam Scott.

– Source: wwww.news24.com

EMOTIONAL WIN FOR THRISTON LAWRENCE AT DP WORLD TOUR’S SOUTH AFRICAN OPEN

DP World Tour congratulated Lawrence, saying this was the 164th South African win on the DP World Tour. The 26-year-old said: “This is what you strive for, being a kid, you dream for this moment, to win such a prestigious event in front of an amazing crowd.”

Last week, Lawrence made history when he became the first South African to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year – an accolade won by greats like England’s Sir Nick Faldo (1977), Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie (1988) and Spain’s Sergio Garcia (1999).

The European tour said he won Rookie of the Year “after a breakthrough season on the DP World Tour that included two wins, six further top tens and a Major debut.” And now that’s three wins. Lawrence has been feeling incredibly “grateful and honoured” when, as he points out, last year he didn’t even have a category.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

SOUTH AFRICA TAKES THE TITLE IN INAUGURAL HOCKEY MEN’S NATIONS CUP

The packed crowd in Potchefstroom was treated to an end-to-end display of attacking hockey in a closely-fought match that ended in a 4-3 win to South Africa. The attacking stars from both teams showed up in the big finals with Dayaan and Shane O’Donoghue scoring twice, while Tevin Kok, Mustaphaa Cassiem and John McKee got on the scorecard for Ireland.

Cassiem was especially brilliant, scoring two fantastic goals for the hosts in the first half before winning the penalty stroke, scored by younger brother Mustaphaa, that gave South Africa the win in the final quarter.

Ireland piled on the pressure in search of a late equaliser, but the experienced heads of Jethro Eustice, Keenan Horne and goalkeeper Hendrik Kriek kept the Irish at bay and sealed a historic win for South Africa in front of a raucous home crowd.

Earlier, Korea got the better of Malaysia in the all-Asian affair in the bronze medal match. France finished in fifth place, edging Japan in the shoot-out after a closely-contested match.

In the seventh-place playoff, Canada and Pakistan played a nine-goal thriller that swung multiple times. It was finally settled through a 58th-minute goal by Usama Bashir to earn Pakistan their first win in the tournament.

– Source: www.timeslive.co.za

TEAM SOUTH AFRICA SET OFF TO MALAWI FOR 2022 REGION V GAMES

Some of these include netball, basketball, volleyball, athletics and para athletics stars.

The 2022 Region V Games run from 2 to 12 December 2022. A total of 3 000 athletes from 10 African countries will be competing. South Africa is always a front-runner at this event and this was proven last year, even after the squad was pulled halfway through the games due to COVID-19.

“These Games are an important fixture on the sporting calendar,” said South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) president, Barry Hendricks.

“We have seen over the past decade that they have always unearthed future world-class talent and this year will be no different. Last year the right decision was made to withdraw our squad from the event in Maseru after an outbreak of COVID-19, but we are confident that next month the region will see the very best from our athletes.”

For many of our athletes, these games will be the final qualifiers for participation in the 2024 Olympics.

“We are delighted to be taking such a strong squad of young athletes and we have an experienced management team to oversee them. These Games are vitally important in the development of an athlete’s career. The likes of our Olympians, Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya, who became track legends, are a product of these Games.

“Many of the athletes across Team SA in Malawi will go on to become Olympians and Paralympians. Through our Operation Excellence Programme (OPEX), we are identifying young future stars and supporting them through their careers. This is another opportunity to showcase the importance of OPEX as we build towards the 2024 and 2028 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris and LA, respectively,” – Nozipho Jafta, CEO, SASCOC

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

THE 2023 NETBALL WORLD CUP DRAW IS DONE, THIS IS WHO SA WILL GO AGAINST

The official Netball World Cup draw took place recently and South Africa will be playing in a pool against Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Wales.

The 2023 Netball World Cup will be hosted in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Over the years, the country has proven itself worthy of hosting massive international sporting events.

East London played host to the official draw recently.

There will be a total of 16 teams involved in the World Cup next year. South Africa, together with Australia, England, Jamaica, New Zealand and Uganda got automatic qualification for the World Cup due to their world ranking. The rest of the teams worked over the last few months to qualify.

The teams will play in four pools, with four teams each. There will be a total of 60 matches throughout the world cup.

“We are happy with the draw because we believe that it turned out the way it was supposed to. We would like to wish all the teams well and everything of the best as they continue to prepare for this world cup. Our players are hard at training already as they prepare themselves for a podium finish,” said Cecilia Molokwane, Netball South Africa president.

The 2023 Netball World Cup will take place in Cape Town from 28 July to 6 August 2023 and all 60 matches will be broadcast by both pay channel SuperSport and free-to-air SABC.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com