PRESIDENT WELCOMES AU SUMMIT FOCUS ON CONTINENT'S PROGRESS

He was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor; Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele; Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana; Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel; and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla.

“This has been a very productive assembly, which paves the way for peace, economic growth and trade and for the African Peer Review Mechanism to start working more effectively so that countries on the continent can be able to review each other’s processes, democratic and otherwise, (and which) paves the way for the empowerment of women and young people,” the President said in a statement.

While the continent faced challenges in the economy and in areas such as infrastructure, it is working collectively to deal with these issues – a clear demonstration of which could be seen in the collective response to COVID-19.

President Ramaphosa and South Africa’s participation in the assembly straddled a number of areas that included his roles as AU Chairperson of the PSC and COVID-19 Champion.

The President also reported on progress in the operations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On South Africa’s role as Chair of the AU PSC, President Ramaphosa outlined progress with regard to the project of silencing the guns throughout the continent. 

“In this regard, the President reported on a breakthrough in the conflict between the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Liberation Front where a process facilitated in South Africa secured a ceasefire agreement and a commitment by the parties to pursue peace,” the statement read.

The settlement was facilitated in South Africa by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya and former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of the Republic of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa also set out progress with regard to efforts to end conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and said he was encouraged by a report presented by President João Lourenço of Angola on the commitment of all parties to this conflict to work towards a cessation of hostilities.

He further commended steps taken by the Southern African Development Community to end conflict in Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa has also welcomed the AU PSC’s call for an immediate return to peace or to democracy in four Sahel states that have been suspended as a result of the unconstitutional taking over of power through the force of arms.

At the summit, South Africa, as AU COVID-19 Champion, presented a number of proposals on how the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) can be strengthened and adopt measures to better prepare the continent for pandemics.

As part of his Working Visit, President Ramaphosa chaired a meeting of the AU PSC; addressed a high-level breakfast meeting of heads of state and government on Africa CDC and participated in a session on gender advocacy.

The President also held bilateral meetings with a number of leaders to discuss several issues of common interest, including with the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres; President Filipe Nyusi of the Republic of Mozambique; former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, on facilitation efforts in Lesotho; and President Denis Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT SALUTES SANDF FOR THEIR SELFLESSNESS

“By virtue of their calling and allegiance to the Constitution, they act without hesitation whenever called upon to do so, when their country needs them most,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the soldiers had picked up the spears of fallen heroes and heroines and continued the effort to give South Africans lasting peace, security and stability.

“I salute all of you who carry out tasks in times of disaster that literally stand between life and death. We are inspired by their bravery as we stand here in the face of grave challenges confronting our society.

“We are determined to emerge triumphant from the struggle against poverty, inequality, unemployment, gender-based violence, crime, disease and deprivation.

“While our armed forces are always on guard to defend our hard-earned sovereignty and constitutional democratic order, they do much more than that,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the soldiers were found on rescue missions in times of disaster, building bridges where a desperate need exists and rehabilitating rivers from the effects of pollution.

“They have time and time again shown that they are a force for good and an integral part of all progressive humanity.

“By virtue of their calling and allegiance to the Constitution, they act without hesitation whenever called upon to do so, when their country needs them most.

“We extend our appreciation and respect to our forces deployed in various missions across the continent,” the President said.

The President said with the confidence and faith South Africans had in the capabilities of the armed forces, citizens are reassured as a people that no matter the circumstances, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would always be there to restore order, maintain calm, support people and defend the territorial integrity of the Republic.

Prior to the formal event, the President started the day by laying a wreath at the Empangeni World War II Monument.

Thereafter, the President proceeded to the military parade where he took a salute from the SANDF.

The Armed Forces Day is held annually on 21 February in commemoration of the World War I naval tragedy in which 616 black South African troops died when the SS Mendi steamship sank on its way to France.

The day honours women and men who have lost their lives in the course of their patriotic duty to the country or on international missions.

The day also seeks to expand public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate through live simulations of military action the capability of the army, navy, air force and South African Medical Health Service.

Furthermore, Armed Forces Day fuels the imagination of young South Africans in terms of choosing career paths and exercising their passion and abilities.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE LIBERATION ACTIVIST PC JONES

He was arrested, tortured and detained with Biko in the tracks of a liberation mission in 1977 when Biko was ultimately killed.

He further served the liberation struggle as the Vice President of the Azanian People's Organisation (AZAPO).

President Ramaphosa said: “PC Jones was a selfless and resolute liberation leader, a Black Consciousness stalwart who put up a good fight against racial oppression. He devotedly fought for black pride and freedom.”

“May his soul rest in peace and his contribution be remembered for many generations to come.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, AZAPO and all those who knew and loved PC Jones," said the President.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS HER ALGERIAN COUNTERPART

The visit was aimed at deepening and strengthening the already existing good political relations dating back from the years of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

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 (BNC) 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 Binational Commission of Cooperation (JBC) in 1998.

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

SA PLANS TO RAISE R2 TRILLION BY 2028 THROUGH INTRA-AFRICA TRADE

This is according to the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, who participated in the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, 14 February 2023.

Members of Parliament from both houses gathered at the Cape Town City Hall to debate the address.

“Mr President, because of your leadership, in 2021, we exported more to Africa ‒ R385 billion ‒ than to the European Union's (EU) R355 billion.”

According to Deputy Minister Botes, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will cover a market of 1.2 billion people in Africa, with a combined gross domestic product of US$2.5 trillion.

He told Parliament that this would increase intra-African trade by up to 52.3% and expand the size of Africa’s economy to US$29 trillion by 2050, as estimated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, enjoined by its seven aspirations to realise inclusive prosperity.

“A South African, Wamkele Mene, is the Secretary-General and the penholder on implementation of the prescripts of the Abuja Treaty and Lagos Plan of Action. The promotion of economic diplomacy has dialectically contributed to your investment target of R1.2 trillion, Mr President,” Deputy Minister Botes said.

Global governance

As the only African country in the G20 or Group of Twenty and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), as well as a key strategic partner of the EU, the country continues to place the African continent and the global South on the agenda.

He said a critical priority for 2023 was South Africa’s Chairship of BRICS under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.

“The global South is elated with the re-election of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and we welcome his support for your leadership in BRICS.”

In addition, he said one of the issues that would be discussed in BRICS, is how to restructure the global, political, economic and financial architecture so that it becomes more balanced, representative, inclusive and equitable.

Under President Ramaphosa’s leadership, Deputy Minister Botes said the international community voted overwhelmingly for South Africa to be a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the next three years (2023 to 2025).

He also said that the Eighth South Africa-EU Summit would be hosted on home soil in the first half of 2023.

“I wish to reiterate the South African Government’s appreciation for the continued EU support to development cooperation and its support during the pandemic and to Biovac and the mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in South Africa,” he said.

“We further appreciate the technical assistance received from the EU related to the possible greylisting of South Africa by the Financial Action Task Force.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER MTHETHWA HOSTS VICE PREMIER OF STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE`S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Hosted in n collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the PPEM meeting was aimed at deepening mutual understanding between South Africa and China and enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education, international relations, communication, health, science and technology, sport, tourism, women affairs and youth.

The Third PPEM meeting took place following the two state visits on 14 July 14 and 2 September 2018 during which President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly people-to-people exchanges.

LOCAL COMPANIES FLY SA FLAG HIGH

This, as a business delegation comprising 16 agro-processing firms is showcasing products in the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, while 11 companies operating in the defence sector are participating in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) that is taking place in Abu Dhabi.

Both international exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) started on Monday, 20 February 2023, and will continue until Friday, 24 February 2023.   

Proudly South African products are receiving significant interest and are registering good trade leads at both shows.

The companies’ participation at both exhibitions has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The department has set up national pavilions at the two trade shows where South African companies are showing off their wares.

The Managing Director of Cape Town-based Jacobs Jam company, Nigel Jacobs, said his company’s products had already recorded interest from countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India.

The company manufactures high-quality jam products that are sold all over South Africa and Zambia.

The Managing Director of Cape Town-based Global Cuisine, Samreen Kumandan, said participating in the Gulfood exhibition would help her grow the company.

“The show is offering an opportunity to make connections with distributors and buyers in the UAE and the global market. It is exciting to exhibit the company’s delicious savoury snacks, which are a common food in the UAE. We are receiving promising leads and will be following up on them so they can translate into business transactions,” said Kumandan.

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

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

Meanwhile, Sales and Marketing Manager of Unipro Protective Wear, Mpho Mankge, who is participating in an international exhibition outside South Africa for the first time, said the first day of IDEX was an eye opener.

“Our products attracted quite a significant amount of interest among people from various countries who sought more information about our company and products. We have been working hard to break into the export market and it looks like our dream will finally become a reality as a result of being here,” said Mankge.

Business Development Director of Shrike Marine, Rhi Cuthrie, expressed happiness that her company’s vehicle power management systems were catching the eyes of directors of many other companies that are also exhibiting products at IDEX.

The UAE remains the main destination for South African goods in the region, as reflected by the consistent increase of exports. Over the past 10 years, South Africa’s exports to the UAE grew from R8.6 billion in 2012 to R34 billion in 2021.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SAPS LAUDS SEARCH-AND-RESCUE TEAM FOR TÜRKIYE RECOVERY EFFORTS

Brigadier Mathe said among the successes achieved by the team was the recovery of an 80-year-old elderly woman who was found alive in a collapsed building. 

“The SAPS takes this opportunity to commend the following members who have represented the organisation and South Africa with great pride,” she said.

Team leader, Brigadier Vimla Moodley, is the current serving Provincial Head in the Eastern Cape for Police Emergency Services.

Warrant Officer Tinalia Gouws is a K-9 SAR handler attached to the Lydenberg K-9 unit in Mpumalanga. 

Warrant Officer Martin Bann is a K-9 SAR handler attached to the Benoni K-9 unit in Gauteng.

Warrant Officer Keagan Naidoo is a K-9 SAR handler attached to the Johannesburg K-9 unit in Gauteng.

Warrant Officer Len Willemse is a K-9 SAR attached to the Pretoria K-9 unit in Gauteng. 

Sergeant Jennifer Seleka is a K-9 SAR handler attached to the Mahikeng K-9 search and rescue unit in North West. 

Masemola said the team was the epitome of pockets of excellence that exist in the organisation.
 
“The team has been hard at work, searching and locating victims. We are happy to hear that our role yielded significant results and we were able to provide closure to the people of Türkiye. On behalf of the SAPS, I would like to pay gratitude to the team who has displayed commitment and dedication to the cause of serving,” said General Masemola. 

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA’S DR LUTHANDO DZIBA SELECTED TO JOIN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

SANParks is confident that Dr Dziba will continue to make a positive impact and will advance collaboration between South Africa (especially SANParks) and other international institutions who share the duty of conserving biodiversity across African landscapes.

SANParks Acting CEO, Property Mokoena, said: “Dr Dziba’s leadership in SANParks has been felt in our conservation work in all national parks. He and his team have led a number of key initiatives, including on rhino and elephant conservation, conservation of large predators, protected area expansion, improved management of cultural heritage, innovative conservation finance and advancing conservation research. He has also advanced collaboration with stakeholders across various conservation landscapes where we work. He leaves SANParks at a crucial time but his contribution to conservation will continue.”

“On behalf of SANParks, I wish Dr Dziba and his family well on this new journey and hope that his efforts on an international and regional scale will enhance the conservation of Africa’s biodiversity and Africa’s contribution to the recent Global Biodiversity Framework,” concluded Mokoena.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

12 SOUTH AFRICAN CHEETAHS ARRIVE FOR INDIA REWILDING

The 12 cheetahs from South Africa will join their Namibian cousins at the Kuno National Park, a wildlife sanctuary 320 kilometres south of New Delhi, selected for its abundant prey and grasslands.

Quarantine enclosures have been created at the reserve for the newly arriving cheetahs, officials said.

Their arrival is the first intercontinental relocation of the planet's fastest land animal.

Cheetahs are one of the oldest big cat species, with ancestors dating back about 8.5 million years, and once roamed widely throughout Asia and Africa in great numbers.

But today, only around 7 000 remain, primarily in the African savannahs.

The cheetah is listed globally as "vulnerable" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

– Source: www.news24.com

SA OPERA SINGER PRETTY YENDE TO PERFORM AT KING CHARLES' CORONATION CEREMONY

New commissions include a Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Coronation March by Patrick Doyle, a commission for solo organ by Iain Farrington and new works by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O'Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.

Hailing from the small town of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, Yende made her professional operatic debut at the Latvian National Theatre in Riga, Latvia, as Micaela in Carmen in 2010, and now frequently travels for performances at some of the best-known theatres in the world.

Sharing the news on social media, she said: "It's hard to put into words how honoured and blessed I feel to receive an invitation to perform at The Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6th of May 2023."

– Source: www.news24.com

DR JOHN KANI JOINS HOLLYWOOD STARS IN HILARIOUS NETFLIX SEQUEL

BACKSTREET BOYS ANNOUNCE SOUTH AFRICA DATES FOR DNA WORLD TOUR 2023

In early 2019, BSB released their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album DNA on RCA Records. The album debuted at #1 and features the Top 10 hit Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. The critically acclaimed and chart-topping single was nominated for the Pop Duo / Group Performance 2019 Grammy and was BSB’s first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 10 years. Upon its release, the single went straight to #1 on iTunes Top Songs and global charts and charted in over 22 countries.

In May 201,9 the BSB kicked off The DNA World Tour – the group’s biggest arena tour in 18 years thanks to the global success of their #1 new album. The DNA World Tour has seen the group sell out arenas all over North America, Europe, Asia and South America.

Over the years, the BSB has continually captivated millions of people with their impressive catalogue of hit songs and creative partnerships.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

SOUTH AFRICAN INITIATIVE NOMINATED FOR LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD AWARD

The Laureus Sport for Good Award recognises an individual or organisation who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has made a significant contribution to transforming the lives of children and young people through sport.

Nelson Mandela was the first Patron of Laureus. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, President Mandela said:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

This has become the philosophy of Laureus Sport for Good and the driving force behind its work.

This year, the inspirational shortlist includes a movement-based psychosocial support intervention developed by War Child, Save the Children and UNICEF the Netherlands that uses physical activity to relieve stress in children affected by war or conflict (TeamUp); one that uses boxing to challenge stereotypes and empowers young women in Kenya (Boxgirls); a football project aimed at educating and elevating the homeless population in Delhi (Slum Soccer); a programme whose mission is to make sport inclusive for people with disabilities in South Africa (Made For More); and a project in Germany that uses action sports to help orphaned and migrant children integrate into new communities (High Five).

Made For More (South Africa) Multi-sport

In Africa, there are 90 million people estimated to be living with disabilities, many of whom are disregarded due to stigma or ignorance. Made for More breaks this discrimination by equipping and empowering the disabled through sport to discover their purposes and passions in life. It is unique because it focusses specifically on inclusion and uses sport as a transformational tool. As part of that, it offers a surfing programme that teaches adaptive ways to bodyboard and surf, provides accessible clinical and psycho-social support for people with different abilities and operates sports camps that focus on Paralympic sports.

“What a privilege it is to be seen, honoured and celebrated by Laureus Sports for Good for the work that we do to include, equip and empower people with disabilities in South Africa. We had goosebumps reading that we had been nominated for this prestigious award and are very grateful for the opportunity to create more awareness around inclusion through this incredible platform,” Julia Van Zyl, Founding Director of Made for More said.

Boxgirls (Kenya) Boxing

This programme engages with girls and young women across poor and disenfranchised neighbourhoods in Nairobi. Boxgirls reaches out to schools to engage with girls, providing them with boxing training and with peer coaching and related discussions about life experiences and life skills, helping the girls to build skills and confidence in themselves.

“I want to jump and scream and shout because this is a clear information that our work is impactful in all communities and the world is going to be a better place for girls and young women,” Mercy Odero, Facilitator at Boxgirls said.

“I grew up under the wings of Boxgirls and am now at the organisation as a young woman giving back to my community and am super happy because the more recognition, the more girls will be reached and learn about the beautiful work the organisation does,” Grace Buliba Mini-Coach at Boxgirls said.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

CITY REVVING UP FOR CAPE TOWN’S FIRST E-PRIX EVENT

Cape Town joins 11 other global cities for Season Nine of the Formula E World Championship, which opened in Mexico City last month.

Formula E cars run on 100% renewable energy and there is a major focus on developing alternative energy solutions.

Staging Formula E in Cape Town will assist the City in raising awareness of the adverse effects of air pollution.

“We are positioning Cape Town as a leading city for renewable energy and a major event such as Formula E aligns perfectly with this strategic objective. A ticket to the event gives spectators more than just a race day experience as the festival also offers an E-Village dedicated to the fans. These initiatives will assist in strengthening and growing the Western Cape’s strong green economy ecosystem,” said Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The Mother City is looking forward to putting its scenic route around the iconic Green Point Precinct under the shadow of Table Mountain to the test.

“We have been hard at work over the last few years to prepare the Green Point precinct and Cape Town is on track to deliver a spectacular race event for motorsport enthusiasts. In addition to the extensive economic benefits for our city, this event’s legacy will deliver improved road infrastructure for the precinct, which will benefit residents and allow for better access for non-motorised transport. This all forms part of the event’s core goal to transition to a greener future,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The Cape Town E-Prix will see Formula E’s third Generation cars, which reach top speeds of 320 kph, race on the track that runs from Vlei Road, down Beach Road in Mouille Point and Fritz Sonnenberg Road.

The 22 cars will race their way through the Green Point and Waterfront precincts, with Signal Hill and other famous Cape Town landmarks as the track backdrop.

The 2,94-km, 12-turn track is predicted to be one of the fastest in the series.

Over 20 000 people are expected to line up in spectator areas along the track area for Africa’s first E-Prix.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

YOUNGEST EVER SA ENDURANCE RACING CHAMPION TO TAKE ON KYALAMI 9-HOUR

Last year, Mokoena drove with Audi factory driver Luca Engstler and 2021 Investchem SA Formula 1600 champion Andrew Rackstraw to take the win at Killarney Cape Town 9 Hour to secure the championship. Marius Jackson, who took Mokoena under his wing at the beginning of last year to join his MJR Motorsport team and introduced him to GT racing, says that Mokoena will join him and driver Mo Mia at Kyalami this weekend in their Audi 8 GT3.

Eighteen-year-old Mokoena has been home-schooled for the past four years and will finish his Matric this year. He says he is looking forward to the experience of competing with so many international drivers.

“The number of pro drivers that have come in, the skill level is pretty insane. So, this is going to be a huge ask, to be running with those guys. I just want to take away from this weekend as much as I can, try and learn from the pros – see how they go into a race weekend and how they go about everything.”

Kwanda’s father, Kwame, says his family grew up in the former Transkei and they all loved speed: “The most significant thing was when Kwanda’s uncle Tschops [Sipuka] was discovered by Terry Moss and things took off. Kwanda literally grew up going to the track and listening to cars when Tschops was racing, so by the age of two, he had been to every racetrack in the country. Terry Moss said that we should get Kwanda into karting, so he has been competing since he was six or seven and winning championships.”

It’s been a journey that took him to the World Karting finals, where he was 10th in the world in 2017. His father says he competed in the Polo Cup for a few years but became disillusioned with the sport.

“The biggest blessing was meeting Marius [Jackson], who suggested he try GT4, and he gave him all the tools he needed to bring his A-game, which he did. He just started loving racing again. We saw it from the first race where he won his class. Right up to the end of the season, he never gave up and he just kept on enjoying it and loving what he was doing. God-willing Kwanda will be driving at the GT Masters in Germany this year.”

Jackson says that the ultimate goal for a driver like Mokoena is to get to Europe and be discovered by one of the manufacturers and become a factory driver.

“I find the young guys, train them and teach them about GT4 and GT3. I love this sport and I want to see youngsters succeed and make a name for themselves overseas.”

The Kyalami 9-Hour Motorfest kicks off early on Thursday morning, 23 February, and over three days will boast over 180 cars competing in six support categories, with a full 12 hours of racing action each day.

The Kyalami 9-Hour race will start at 13h00 on Saturday, 25 February, and among other attractions, there will be a historic car demonstration and display, and prizes to be won at the Mercedes-Benz simulators at the ATK Arena. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Team will be doing gymkhana demonstrations.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com