PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SENDS GOOD WISHES TO CHINA

“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I wish the Government and the people of China, including here in South Africa, a happy and fulfilling time of goodwill, celebration and friendship, as you renew bonds between friends or reunite with family during this period,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that this year, relations between South Africa and China would reach a significant milestone.

“As we enter the New Year, we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in 1998.

“In addition, South Africa will succeed China as Chair and host of the next BRICS Summit, during which we hope to receive His Excellency, President Xi Jinping in South Africa. These occasions provide ample cause for celebration,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT DECLARES MOURNING PERIOD FOR THE LATE DR GINWALA

In 2005, Dr Ginwala was honoured with the Order of Luthuli in Silver for her excellent contribution to the struggle against gender oppression and her tireless contribution to the struggle for a non-sexist, non-racial, just and democratic South Africa.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR'S MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO THE GINWALA FAMILY

SA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO NEPAL FOLLOWING PLANE CRASH

“The South African Government wishes the Government and people of Nepal, as well as the affected families, strength and comfort,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

South Africa and Nepal, according to the department, have strong historical and fraternal bonds based on Nepal’s opposition to racial discrimination and support for South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“The two countries maintain a cordial bilateral relationship, which reflects shared values and a common vision for the future.”

SOUTH AFRICA CALLS FOR JOURNALISTS TO ENTER THE 2023 SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) MEDIA AWARDS COMPETITION

The awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television and radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region.

The first prize winner in each category receives US$2 500 and the runner-up receives US$1 000.

Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information by visiting www.gcis.gov.za

SPECTACULAR RECOVERY IN PASSENGER NUMBERS AT CAPE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

“These preliminary statistics received from ACSA show that CTIA recorded 266 656 international two-way passenger numbers for December 2022, resulting in a spectacular 95% recovery when compared to December 2019. The domestic terminal, for the same month, recorded a strong 72% recovery when compared to the 2019 figure with 790 514 2-way passengers recorded. Together, this is expected to bring the two-way passenger numbers for CTIA to over eight million in 2022,” Minister Wenger said.

Over this period, Provincial Traffic Services also noted high levels of traffic on Western Cape roads as citizens and visitors travelled to and within the province.

“It has been a bumper season for the Cape! I am pleased with December’s data showing two-way international passengers at CTIA at 95% recovery when compared to 2019 figures. Wesgro is confident that the province is well on its way to moving from tourism recovery to tourism growth in 2023. Cape Town and the Western Cape will continue to flourish in the coming year, welcoming even more tourists to enjoy wide open spaces and world-class yet affordable travel experiences,” Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, commented.

Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, also indicated that on two separate days this season, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal welcomed three ships in the terminal on the same day – a first for the port. 21 December 2022 saw Hanseatic Spirit (200 pax), Norwegian Jade (2 100 pax) and Seven Seas Voyager (600 pax) in the port together. On 3 January 2023, the Cruise Terminal was home to the Azamara Journey with 359 passengers, the MSC Sinfonia with 2 000 passengers and the Norwegian Jade 1 500 passengers – a bumper 3 859 passengers.

“I would like to thank all stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector for playing their part in ensuring a successful festive season period. More visitors to our province mean more jobs for our residents, and so this is excellent news indeed. We are committed to growing these figures even further by connecting Cape Town to more destinations around the world, and by doing whatever we can to remove barriers that stand in the way of this sector’s success,” Minister Wenger concluded.

– Source: www.sagoodnews.co.za

FEMALE CONSTABLE BECOMES FIRST WOMAN TO COMPLETE SPECIAL TASK FORCE SELECTION TRAINING PROGRAMME

“She is also the only female police officer that is currently serving in the STF unit as an operational member,” said Brigadier Mathe.

On Thursday, 12 January 2023, the member formed part of a platoon of 10 male police officers, who were bestowed with their STF Parachute Wings by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola.

The Special Task Force Parachute Wings are awarded to members who have undergone and completed the STF Selection Training Programme.
“The STF Parachute Wings are worn on the left chest and signify that the recipient has been trained to a high level of skill in weapon proficiency, advanced para-military rural tactics, advanced tactical policing for high-risk incidents, hostage release tactics in a variety of high-risk incidents, as well as the ability to deploy operationally by parachute into rural environments,” she said.

Also standing on parade were an additional 10 STF members who were bestowed with their Operators Badge after undergoing a two-year probation period during which they were already serving as members of the elite unit.

The female police officer from the Western Cape, whose identity cannot be revealed for security reasons, says this momentous achievement must be a motivation for other women who continue to break barriers in male-dominated environments.

“If you really want something, you must do everything to obtain it. I wanted to be part of the best, either the best or nothing. If I can do it, other women can and will be able to do it,” she said.

The STF is the only paramilitary unit in the SAPS and falls under the Specialised Operations Component, which is led by Major General Nonhlanhla Zulu. Together with other units and components, they report to the organisation’s first female Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

General Masemola said the organisation will continue to empower and recognise women.

“Out of 906 applications to join this elite unit, 589 applicants qualified for provisional selection. Ultimately, only 93 applicants reported for selection, [and] only 11 successfully completed the STF Basic Training programme. Suffice to say, the 11 successful candidates, together with the currently serving 10 STF members, have done the organisation proud.

"All members on parade have shown dedication and commitment to their profession. The STF selection criteria are very stringent and those who are selected, must prove their mettle throughout their intensive and rigorous training,” he said.

The STF Unit was established in 1976. The unit’s mandate includes responding and providing operational support to high-risk incidents, which include terrorism, hostage-related incidents and rescue missions, among a host of other high-risk matters.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

THESE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S BLUE FLAG BEACHES OF 2023

Primarily, Blue Flag is an educational programme designed to encourage participating municipalities to meet high environmental and international sustainability standards.

Following a national audit of beaches submitted for assessment by each local municipality, WESSA used 33 criteria to determine if each beach meets the level of service excellence required for Blue Flag recognition. Each beach is measured in four categories: Environmental Education and Awareness, Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety Services.

The individual criteria allow for an in-depth analysis of a variety of areas of competence, which include:

• universal access (for the disabled, elderly and mothers with young children)
• control of domestic animals (such as dogs on beaches)
• availability of interpretive signage
• effective waste management.

The quality international standards, which have been achieved at these beaches are critical drivers, which encourage the economic growth of the coastal areas. Residents and tourists can access a variety of leisure activities at these beaches.

These are the blue flag beaches of the 2022 and 2023 summers. Last year, there were a total of 51 full status beaches and 33 pilot beaches; this year, there are 54 full status beaches and 20 pilot beaches.

This year, Kings Beach in Nelson Mandela Bay has earned an award for having Blue Flag status for 10 consecutive years. De Bakke in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has also received this award this year. Hessequa got top honours though, with all their blue flag beaches having had 10 consecutive years of status.

Full Status

Eastern Cape

Hamburg – Amathole
Cape St Francis – Kouga (New)
Dolphin – Kouga
Marina Matinique Beach – Marina Martinique (New)
Kings – Nelson Mandela Bay
Humewood – Nelson Mandela Bay
Hobie – Nelson Mandela Bay
Kariega – Ndlambe
Kelly’s – Ndlambe
Middle Kenton on Sea – Ndlambe (New)

KwaZulu-Natal

Marina – Ray Nkonyeni
Trafalgar – Ray Nkonyeni
Southport – Ray Nkonyeni
Umzumbe – Ray Nkonyeni
Hibberdene – Ray Nkonyeni
Ramsgate – Ray Nkonyeni
Thompson’s Bay – Kwadukuza (New)
Willard – Kwadukuza (New)
Blythdale – Kwadukuza (New)

Western Cape

Silwerstroomstrand – City of Cape Town
Clifton 4th – City of Cape Town
Camps Bay – City of Cape Town
Llandudno – City of Cape Town
Muizenberg – City of Cape Town
Bikini – City of Cape Town
Melkbosstrand – City of Cape Town
Fish Hoek – City of Cape Town
Kleinmond – Overstrand
Hawston – Overstrand
Grotto – Overstrand
Castle beach – Overstrand
Onrus – Overstrand
Struisbaai – Cape Agulhas
Witsand – Hessequa
Preekstoel – Hessequa
Lappiesbaai – Hessequa
Jongensfontein – Hessequa
Gouritzmond – Hessequa
Stilbaai Wes – Hessequa
De Bakke – Mossel Bay
Hartenbos – Mossel Bay
Klein Brak – Mossel Bay
Santos – Mossel Bay
Glentana – Mossel Bay
Herold’s Bay – George (New)
Wilderness – George
Brenton-on-Sea – Knysna
Buffalo Bay – Knysna
Robberg 5 – Bitou
The Waves – Keurboomstrand – Bitou
Nature’s Valley – Bitou
Lookout – Bitou
The Dunes – Bitou
Singing Kettle – Bitou

Pilot Status

Eastern Cape

Blue Water Bay – Nelson Mandela Bay
Wells Estate – Nelson Mandela Bay
Birah – Ngqushwa
Hamburg – Ngqushwa
Mgwalana – Ngqushwa
Mpekweni – Ngqushwa
Mzamba – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (Formally Mbizana)
Mtentu – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Tenza – Mbhashe
Xhora Mouth – Mbhashe
KwaZulu-Natal
Pennington – Umdoni
Rocky Bay – Umdoni
Preston – Umdoni
Umthwalume – Umdoni
St Michaels – Ray Nkonyeni

Western Cape

Strandfontein – City of Cape Town
Mnandi – City of Cape Town
Victoria Bay – George
Brenton on Sea – Knysna
Buffalo Bay – Knysna.

– Source: www.sagoodnews.com

SOUTH AFRICAN CHEF INCLUDED IN FREE INTERNATIONAL OCEAN COOKBOOK

The MSC, the ocean not-for-profit responsible for the world’s leading sustainable seafood ecolabel, has launched its highly anticipated Ocean Cookbook 2023. The free digital cookbook brings together chefs and fishers from all over the world to create a collection of healthy, delicious everyday recipes that tell a sustainability story about the seafood we all love.

The ocean is a vital part of human life on our planet. It provides daily protein for over a billion people, it is a reliable source of food for billions more, and 200 million people are employed directly or indirectly by the seafood industry. But our ocean needs help: overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing and climate change not only negatively impact species and ecosystems, but communities too.

The cookbook highlights how easy it is to rustle up affordable, healthy, easy-to-make and sustainable seafood dishes at home – suitable for the whole family.

Included in the choice of recipes is a simple and delicious Cape hake recipe by South Africa’s much-adored chef and nutritionist, Naledi Toona. Her recipe features a lightly pan-fried hake served with seasonal vegetables and a creamy coconut sauce to enhance the natural flavours of the hake. This is a healthy recipe the whole family will love.

“Cooking has always been an act of love for me and hake is such a versatile, sustainable and quick-to-cook ingredient. It allows me to show love to my family, today, and to those in the future,” she adds.

The cookbook includes stunning photography from internationally renowned food photographer, David Loftus, who has worked with Jamie Oliver throughout his career. Loftus is a great believer in sustainable fishing.

Other recipes available include smoked salmon and mango salad, creamy Nordic mussels and crispy herring rolls, to name a few.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

THE NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR HEADS BACK TO AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

The choir members are very excited to head back to the stage that gave them global recognition and went on to change every single one of their lives
.
“With more than 70 local versions of “Got Talent” produced across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, AGT: All-Stars brings together the most beloved and memorable contestants from across the globe for one of the toughest competitions yet. The best of the best will return to the stage to showcase their talent.” – Simon Cowell

They travelled to America to audition for AGT in 2019 and breezed through all the rounds while filling South Africa and the world with pride! Their first audition went viral and had many South Africans in tears; everyone was bubbling with pride.

The choir forms part of a more significant project, which started in 1994. The Ndlovu Care Group was founded in 1994 by a Dutch doctor named Dr Hugo Templeman, in the rural village of Moutse, Limpopo. The care group provides innovative healthcare, childcare, education and community development to the area.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir was created in 2009 and has since profoundly affected the lives of the young members. The choir demonstrates the potential of any human being when given a chance to achieve excellence, no matter their background, education or place of birth. The youth choir has grown from humble beginnings to the incredible ensemble it is today.

The choir has taken these young South Africans from the rural streets of Moutse to an international stage to show off their amazing talent, and we cannot wait to see what else they have in store for the world!

Best of luck Ndlovu Youth Choir! You are going to make South Africa so proud.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA YOUTH CHOIR TAKE PART IN POPULAR DUTCH TV SHOW FILMED IN CAPE TOWN

The contestants each accept a phone call where they are told if they are a candidate or the mole. One does not get to hear which they are, but the point of the show is for the contestants to figure out who is the real mole.

They fast-forward to two weeks later when the contestants are locked in a box in the middle of busy Cape Town hotspots. They need to entice the Capetonians to help them get out of the box. The show follows them through the tasks they need to perform, and one of those leads the contestants to the South African Youth Choir.

The point of the show is for the candidates (and the mole) to win money by doing the tasks. The mole works to sabotage them while trying not to be found out. The winner of the show is the candidate who can name the mole.

The choir has kept its involvement secret until now. The contestants needed to take part in a musical challenge. They were divided into two groups and each was given a task to do with the choir.

“We are so overwhelmed by all the positive comments and messages pouring in from the Netherlands! This exciting experience was certainly one for the books!!” – The South African Youth Choir

This is the second time the show has come to South Africa; they also filmed here in 2013.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

DAKAR 2023: SA SHINES

This year's race was one of the toughest in Dakar's history, but Basson and Pienaar would want no other baptism than the one they got in 2023.
"We came here with one clear objective, and that was to finish the race," said an emotional Basson at the finish line. "But before we started, Leander and I decided that we weren't here to mess around. We set ourselves a target of a top 10 finish."

Which is exactly what they achieved after two gruelling weeks of racing.

Basson and Pienaar faced tough competition throughout the rally, with the six competitors ahead of them having competed in it before. Yet, it soon became apparent that seventh was theirs as the gap to the crew in sixth was just too out of reach.

"At this point, we knew that we did all that we could do. For the last few stages, it became a matter of survival as our focus was to simply defend our overall position," Basson added.

Fortunately, their advantage over the crew in eighth was enough for them to secure the position and 37th overall in the general car standings.

Basson and Pienaar were also awarded the Rookie prize, a well-earned pat on the shoulder for making it to the end of such a tough race.

Basson summed it up: "As a racer at heart, one always wants to win, but realistically, our rookie victory and seventh overall is a great result for us. I'm already thinking of how we can put things in place to return to the world's toughest race once more in 2024."

SA’S CHARAN MOORE WINS THE MALLE MOTO EVENT #WOW

This was the 31-year-old South African’s second time at the Dakar, which makes the win even more exciting! Aside from winning the Malle Moto division, Moore also placed 28th overall at the Dakar this year.

“A rollercoaster from start to finish. Bike issues, a complete engine change, radiator issues, bush mechanics – all ace out from the comforts of a tent and box of tools and spares but enjoyed every second!

What is Malle Moto?

Malle Moto means a rider is completely unassisted. They are responsible for setting up camp daily, doing maintenance on their bikes or cars and all-around going it alone. It is a tough event to take part in within Dakar but a very rewarding one!

Competitors doing Malle Moto can pack one Malle Trunk with all the equipment they will need to complete the Dakar. The trunk should contain spare parts, tools and equipment and personal belongings. There is also a size limit on the trunk.

This event is gruelling because it limits a person’s sleep and pushes them to their limit over 14 stages. Moore managed to overcome every hurdle and went on to win this event!

KIRSTEN LANDMAN COMPLETES DAKAR 2023 UNSUPPORTED

She made her Dakar debut in 2020 and went on to become the first African woman to complete the Dakar in Saudi Arabia. After a break from the event, she returned in 2023 to do the race Malle Moto.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com