PRES RAMAPHOSA TO PARTICIPATE IN AU SUMMIT

The President will also chair the AU Peace and Security Summit on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The President indicated that the focus would be on collaboration on sustainable development, the just energy transition, industrialisation and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

South Africa, together with its neighbours in the Southern African Customs Union, will soon finalise its industrial offer on the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Once fully operationalised, the Continental Free Trade Area will provide an unprecedented opportunity to deepen African economic integration, grow national economies, and open up new frontiers and markets for South African companies.

SA TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, with members representing about 85% of the global gross domestic product and over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

“This year, South Africa assumes the Chairship of the BRICS group of countries,” the President said in his address.  

In addition, South Africa, together with its neighbours in the Southern African Customs Union, will soon finalise the industrial offer on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA, which was conceptualised in 2012 to enhance trade integration on the continent, aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development, gender equality and structural transformations within member states.

The goal is to also enhance competitiveness within Africa and in the global market and see industrial development through diversification and regional value chain development, agricultural development and food security and resolve challenges of multiple and overlapping memberships.

“Just as we are committed to improving the fortunes of our countrymen and women and to advancing shared prosperity for all, so too is our commitment to achieving a better Africa and a better world.”

In addition, the President said he was “greatly concerned” at the recent escalation of tensions between the Israelis and Palestinians.

He called for an end to hostilities and a resumption of the stalled peace process.

President Ramaphosa also used the opportunity to express the country’s deepest condolences to the Government and people of Türkiye, following the devastating earthquake, which has claimed thousands of lives.

“As a country, we are immensely proud of the efforts of Gift of the Givers to help those affected by the earthquake.”

Also, he said South Africa remained “deeply concerned” about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and urged all parties to cease hostilities and seek a peaceful solution through dialogue.

“South Africa’s fortunes are inextricably linked to those of our continent and the Southern African Development Community in particular,” he explained.

“For the sake of our own stability and prosperity, we are duty-bound to pursue interventions that will bring peace, stability and development in our continent.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS HER ALGERIAN COUNTERPART

The two ministers discussed bilateral issues, including outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting between South Africa and Algeria, held in Pretoria from 16 to 19 January 2023, and preparations for the Seventh Session of the Binational Commission to be held in Algeria.

The two ministers further exchanged views on regional, continental and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The relations between South Africa and Algeria culminated in the creation of a structured framework of cooperation in the form of a Ministerial Joint Bi-National Commission of Cooperation (JBC) in 1998.

The JBC was later upgraded to a Bi-National Commission at Presidential level in 2000, signifying the strategic quality of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

KLAPMUTS COMMUNITY HOSTS AN EVENT TO THANK MINISTER PANDOR FOR GETTING THEM A SCHOOL

SA DEFENCE SECTOR COMPANIES TO EXHIBIT AT IDEX

The participation of the companies in IDEX has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme to showcase their products at the 16th biennial event.

The companies will participate in the event from 20 to 24 February 2023.

The aim of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

IDEX is the only international trade show in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region showcasing the latest technologies in land, sea and air sectors of defence.

The 15th edition of IDEX, held in 2021, brought together more than 62 000 visitors and 900 exhibitors from almost 60 countries.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina, IDEX provides a platform and an opportunity to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments and businesses in the Middle East.

“The South African aerospace and defence companies that we will be assisting to participate in IDEX 2023 manufacture a range of products related to the defence industry.

“This is part of our efforts to support the recovery and further development of the defence industry in South Africa through assisting companies to access international markets. The show will provide the South African companies with an opportunity to sign new deals, explore new partnerships and stay up-to-date with the latest market trends,” Deputy Minister Gina said on Monday, 13 February 2023.

The companies will also be in a good location to attract potential buyers, distributors and agents. They will also be able to gather trade leads, as well as trade and investment market intelligence to increase their knowledge of the UAE market.

“The Middle East has increased its military spending over the past decade, making it a strategic and important market for South Africa’s defence products and services.

“The UAE is key to South Africa’s export strategy in the region, representing 78.5% (R33.9 billion) of total exports to the Middle East region in 2021. Our bilateral trade increased by 38.11% to reach R61.71 billion in 2021, from R44.68 billion in 2020.

“The market access support provided to the 11 firms and the greater industry will contribute to increasing the market share in a high-growth market such as the UAE,” explains Deputy Minister Gina.

She notes that IDEX 2023 provides an important platform to highlight South Africa’s strong manufacturing and technological capability of the defence industry, while increasing value-added exports to the UAE, Middle East region and globally.

The dtic seeks to support local South African manufacturers through participation in the event, and to contribute to a competitive export industry, which is a key focus area of the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

Deputy Minister Gina is hopeful that the participation of local companies in IDEX 2023 will result in an increase of South Africa’s exports to the UAE and create an awareness of South Africa as a strategic trade partner and competitive investment destination.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA AGRO-PROCESSING COMPANIES TO SHOWCASE PRODUCTS IN DUBAI

The companies’ participation has been funded by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme.

The scheme aims to develop export markets for South African products and services, and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

Gulfood is regarded as the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Middle East. It attracts many participants from the Middle East and the world at large.

Gulfood 2023 will showcase food and beverage products from around the world. South Africa will participate in the Fine Food Pavilion, which will be showcasing agro-processing products and services, as well as in the beverages hall.

The Middle East continues to experience a population growth, translating into increasing opportunities for the agro-processing sector, with a market demand of US$3 trillion.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Fikile Majola, South Africa’s participation is expected to positively influence export sales from the South African agri-food industry, food retail and value-added agro-processing products.

In 2020, export sales generated by the South African companies at Gulfood were worth more than R221 million.

“The show is expected to expose South African companies to available opportunities in the UAE, as well as creating awareness for South African products in the Middle East in general.

“South Africa’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020, which was part of our efforts to revive the economy and create opportunities for inclusive growth, paved a way for more trade opportunities like the Gulfood, which offers a follow-through opportunity for South African firms,” Deputy Minister Majola said.

The UAE remains the main destination for South African goods, as reflected by consistent increase of exports.

Over the past 10 years, South Africa’s exports to the UAE grew by 20.87% to reach R33.73 billion in 2021, from R8.50 billion in 2012.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SOUTH AFRICAN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT AMONG TOP THREE IN PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL AWARD

The programme, which recognises young researchers in the field of wood science, harvested wood products and forest products innovation, entailed various country-hosted rounds and an international round.

During the local round, organised by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), Naude, a Master’s in Science (Chemical Engineering) student at North-West University, submitted her project which outlines how she has developed a more cost-effective purification method of lignosulphonate, an abundant and versatile alternative to fossil-based fuels. Her work was put forward to the international round.

Jane Molony, executive director at PAMSA says: “With International Day of Women and Girls in Science marked annually on 11 February, it is important that we help shine a spotlight on future leaders in the field and it’s fantastic to see three young women as the top three this year.”

She adds: “While there is certainly a place for everyone in our sector, it is critical to show young women and girls that they can achieve incredible things if they pursue careers in STEM.”

Naude’s research on the application of lignosulphonate in high-end products contributes towards the circular economy and improves the overall sustainability of the pulp and paper industry. Lignosulphonate is often used as a dust suppressant, among many other uses.

“I am honoured to have been selected and to put South Africa on the map in the field of wood science and STEM,” says Naude. “My project, which has resulted in a provisional international patent application, presents another way of purifying a low-value pulp and paper by-product  into a high-value product, thereby supporting a circular bio-economy as well as greener alternatives to carbon-intensive materials. By making extraction processes cost-effective, we can find more ways to put by-products such as lignin to better and greener use.”

Naude completed her Master’s in Engineering under PAMSA’s bursary and research programme, which supports excellence in chemical engineering by sponsoring Bachelor of Science students to do their Masters’ in Engineering. She is currently working as an Engineer-in-Training at the Sappi Technology Centre in Pretoria.

Naude will be heading to Amsterdam in The Netherlands in May to present her research project to an international group of forest sector CEOs at ICFPA’s Global CEO Roundtable event.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TÜRKIYE EARTHQUAKE: GIFT OF THE GIVERS, K9 UNIT RESCUE WOMAN, 80, STUCK UNDER RUBBLE FOR 8 DAYS

Head of the K9 team, Brigadier Vimla Moodley, told News24 the team, along with five sniffer dogs, was deployed.

"One team had two dogs, and the other one had three."

"It was amazing when the dogs reacted for us and found someone alive because our mission here was to find live victims rather than dead bodies. This is an unfortunate situation and devastating. Buildings with 900 occupants fell, and all we can see are layers of each floor."

Brigadier Moodley said desperate families, who were looking for loved ones, reached out to the team for assistance ‒ and, often, all they could find were deceased members.

"Some families want closure ... we assist by using the dogs and, that way, the bodies are removed and handed over to families," she said.

Dr Qasim Bhorat, one of the team's rescuers, told News24 the woman was dehydrated although she was "relatively well".

He said the team had extracted several bodies of deceased people before the K9 dogs directed them to the woman.

Dr Bhorat said the experience of rescuing people under the rubble was emotional.

"It is a bit disheartening seeing disfigured bodies, smashed and in a bad state. Finding someone alive has given us a shot in the arm, while that window is still there," he said.

The organisation's founder and chairperson, Imtiaz Sooliman, said: "Congratulations to the team for pulling out someone alive several days after the earthquake. When we work together, as a call for humanity, for human beings, there is always success. We are hopeful that more live persons will be [found] in the building."

More than 35 000 people have died in Turkey and Syria after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country last week.

The Turkish Ambassador in South Africa, Aysegül Kandas, told News24 the earthquake was "the biggest disaster of the century", according to her government.

The disaster covers 10 cities with a population of about 15 million. The number of people directly affected is 3.5 million. Hospitals and cities are demolished, and cities are erased from the map.

Ambassador Kandas said the recent Gift of the Givers rescue had restored hope that more live bodies might be found.

The country had received assistance from over 10 000 medics and rescuers from 100 countries.

Ambassador Kandas said the country's needs list was constantly changing.

Among items needed are mobile toilets, sleeping bags, generators, gas heaters and winter tents, among others.

– Source: www.news24.com

KAROO DONKEY SANCTUARY EARNS INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION

“After 12 months of due diligence focussed around rigorous peer-reviewed animal care standards covering the areas of ethics, governance, best care practices, facility adherence, staffing, financial management, integrity, record keeping, management team aptitude, education, outreach, stewardship, professionalism, leadership, integrity, excellence, safety policies, protocols, and training to name a few – that culminated in an intensive site visit back in November last year – we did it folks!!!”

“This is a massive achievement for me personally in my crusade as an animal rights activist as well as for the KDS management team. We could not have asked for a higher global accolade of recognition of our service to all the magical animals in our care as well as all the precious souls out there whose lives we have yet to touch.

“GFAS’ mission is to accredit and recognise true sanctuaries and rescue centres, support them to achieve the highest standards of excellence, promote collaboration and raise awareness of their work.

“Our GFAS Verified status provides a clear and trusted means for the public and donors to recognise the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as an exceptional animal rescue organisation. It ratifies our mission, our work and our philosophy that all vulnerable and persecuted animals require true sanctuary and we could not be more proud!”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA SINGER TYLA JOINS CHRIS BROWN ON EUROPEAN TOUR

In 2021, Tyla signed with American label Epic Records through a venture with Johannesburg/New York-based Fax Records, co-managed by We Make Music and Africa Creative Agency. She said about the signing: "I had no plan B, so this is something I invested my everything into, and I could not be more satisfied."

She added: "To be welcomed into the Epic family like this, it’s such an honour; I’m so grateful for everyone who believes in me. My team at FAX and I worked so hard to get here, and I’m super excited to keep growing with them and take it to the top."

Ahead of joining the musician on his tour, Tyla told Rolling Stone at the Black Music Collective ceremony, she is "excited" about the African music scene.

"I'm so excited for African music. I'm from South Africa, so amapiano and afrobeats are really booming right now, and I just want it to go even higher from here," she said.

Per The Native Mag, Tyla started as a Mining Engineering student but soon realised her passion for music and committed to it full-time. However, with only her debut single Getting Late to her name, her plans hit a snag with the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press statement by Sony Music, Getting Late, featuring Kolldrink, has since amassed more than 5.5 worldwide views. Tyla followed up the single with a collaboration with DJ Lag titled Overdue, which was soundtracked on Netflix's Blood & Water.

– Source: www.news24.com

SA'S STRYDOM DELIVERS FLAWLESS FINAL ROUND, CLAIMS SINGAPORE VICTORY ON EUROPEAN TOUR

The pick of the bunch was on the par-five 18th when he left himself in a bit of trouble through the green with his second, but he held his nerve and chipped his shot stone dead to tap-in for birdie and set the target at 19 under.

That left Valimaki heading up the last needing an eagle to win or birdie to force a play-off but he left his second shot short and a par was the best he could manage.

Looking back on his touch of magic at the last, Strydom said: "It's a funny one. I said to my caddie that it's either got to go up in the air and if you hit a bit behind it, it's wet.

"I took a wedge, it came out absolutely phenomenal. I didn’t think it was coming out that good. But it did and ended up where it was."

Strydom's maiden win, at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, was back in December and helped him get over the line here.

He said: "It's a mindset that's changing at the moment. When you've been in that situation before and you know you can do it again."

– Source: www.news24.com

WOMEN’S IPL TEAMS FORK OUT MILLIONS FOR PROTEAS STARS MARIZANNE KAPP AND SHABNIM ISMAIL

Ismail, meanwhile, was also in high demand as she fetched INR 1 crore  ̶  close to R2.1 million  ̶  with the UPZ Warriors securing the fast bowler’s services.

Proteas captain Sune Luus and fellow ICC T20 Women’s World Cup squad members Laura Wolvaardt, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk and Tazmin Brits were not picked up in the first draft.

Wolvaardt’s omission is a major surprise as she is one of the classiest batters in women’s cricket, having been selected in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup XI in Australia four years ago while continuing her success in Australia’s WBBL and The Hundred in England.

Left-arm Mlaba is also currently the World’s No 2 ranked T20 bowler in the world and would have expected to receive a bid.

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana fetched the highest price of US$415 000 (approximately R7.5 million), while Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardener was the most expensive overseas player bought for US$390 000 (R6.95 million).

– Source: www.iol.co.za

RISING HOCKEY STAR EARNS SECOND WORLD CUP “JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT” TITLE

“Mustapha, your country is proud of you!” – South African Hockey Association

South Africans have been sending in words of congratulations to Cassiem for his success during this tournament.

South Africa came eighth in this tournament, achieving what they had hoped from the last World Cup, which was an improvement on coming 11th.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com