SA AND UGANDA STRENGTHEN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS

President Ramaphosa hosted President Museveni on a State Visit to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday, 28 February 2023.

President Museveni’s visit was directed at consolidating bilateral relations between the two countries. The two heads of state held discussions encompassing political, economic, regional, continental and international issues.

The heads of state also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation between the Industrial Development Cooperation, Uganda Development Corporation and Uganda Development Bank Limited.

Other MoUs that were signed are on Cooperation in Tourism; MoU on Cooperation in Transport-Related Matters; MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Information and Communications Technologies; MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Correctional Services and Prisons; and the MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

“We have noted significant progress in the implementation of agreements that the two countries have had in the past. As testament to our growing relations, we have just witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in diverse areas of cooperation,” the President said.

On business relations between the two countries, President Ramaphosa conveyed to President Museveni that South Africa remained keen on investing in Uganda, particularly in banking, retail and telecommunications.

“We hope that Ugandan business invests in South Africa for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.

“As we speak now, the business leaders from both South Africa and Uganda are involved in a business forum, which both of us will visit later and address as well,” the President said.

The two presidents further expressed their strong views that they should always find ways to resolve the issues that impede economic growth and development between the two countries.

“We have agreed that our two trade ministers will need to be engaged to put in place a mechanism that will ensure matters such as the protection of investments in our respective countries.

“Our discussions have been expansive; they've covered quite a number of areas, particularly the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement that needs to be implemented,” President Ramaphosa said.

On peacemaking on the continent, President Ramaphosa said that they spoke extensively to ensure that they do indeed get as many countries that are currently afflicted to strive to return to peaceful coexistence.

“The eastern DRC was covered, as was Ethiopia and the efforts that we all have made to bring about the cessation of hostilities.

“We have also looked at the peace process in other parts of our continent and continue to pledge our solidarity with other parts of our continent like Western Sahara, that are still struggling to get to a peaceful situation,” the President said.

The President once again bemoaned the lack of a permanent representation of Africa in the United Nations Security Council, and continued to urge for the reform of that body.

President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation to the people of Uganda for their contribution to South Africa's freedom during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

“Through your visit here, we see ourselves deepening relations between us and we aim to better the lives of our people. We want to express our great delight to have you here in our country, together with your delegation,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS THE G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING AND 2023 RAISINA DIALOGUE IN INDIA

From 3 to 4 March 2023, Minister Pandor will attend and participate in the Raisina Dialogue 2023, which is a flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

The Raisina Dialogue is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Observer Research Foundation. Held annually, it attracts high-level participants worldwide to debate and exchange views on topics aimed to address various global challenges.

On the margins of the two meetings, Minister Pandor will also have bilateral meetings with some of her counterparts, which include, the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The discussions between the two ministers are expected to focus on issues of mutual interest such as further enhancing the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and India. i.e., the promotion of trade, growing foreign direct investment and partnering in areas beneficial for both countries, such as skills exchange.

Relations between South Africa and India have strengthened and deepened considerably since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in November 1993. During 2023, the two countries will also participate in several joint events to celebrate 30 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Furthermore, the two countries continue to work closely in several multilateral fora, most notably within the G20, BRICS, IBSA and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS HER SIERRA LEONESE COUNTERPART

MINISTER PANDOR ADDRESSES THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF HUMAN GENETICS IN CAPE TOWN

In her welcoming address, Minister Pandor said: “It is my great privilege to welcome you all to the 14th International Congress of Human Genetics, taking place for the first time in Africa. Africa is determined to invest in science and innovation and your presence here indicates that there are opportunities for cooperation between our continent and your countries. The theme of this congress, ‘Coming Home’, holds a special meaning for us, as it speaks to the anthropological reference of all human origins in Africa and signals that the worlds genetic scientists have returned to their origins to advance science. It also implies that the opportunity for excellent novel genetics research and innovation lies here in Africa.

“I would like to start by acknowledging the remarkable progress that has been made in the field of human genetics and human health over the last 60 years. This congress is testament to the tireless efforts of scientists and researchers all over the world who have dedicated their lives to .advancing our understanding of human biology, and to improving human health and wellness.

“Africa has played a critical role in shaping the field of human genetics. Many of you may know that the earliest human ancestors were from Africa, and it is truly remarkable to think that the roots of human genetics can be traced back to our own continent."

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI PARTICIPATES IN HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

The HRC is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly. At the core of its mandate, is the responsibility to work with governments to promote and protect human rights and to ensure that these rights are realised and enjoyed by all people across the world without discrimination. South Africa has recently been elected back to the HRC for the period of 2023 to 2025.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini delivered South Africa’s statements at the High-Level Segments and also participated in various panels, including the Annual High-Level Panel on Human Rights Mainstreaming under the theme: “A Reflection on Five Years of the United Nations Youth Strategy”.

During her visit to Geneva, the Deputy Minister also held bilateral engagements with government ministers and heads of international organisations. The HRC is made up of 47 UN member states.

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI HOSTS HER PHILIPPINES COUNTERPART IN PRETORIA

The Fifth BCF between South Africa and the Philippines further consolidated the existing bilateral cooperation, discussed important bilateral and international issues of mutual interest and afforded an opportunity to review existing bilateral agreements and make proposals on further agreements that may be needed to enhance cooperation in various fields.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training, Research and Development between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines was signed during the BCF.

There is a steady growth of South African exports to the Philippines from various sectors. Sales of South African wines, juices and fruits have shown a marked increase and are available on retail shelves across the Philippines. There exists potential for closer and more beneficial relations with the Philippines.

The two countries have undertaken efforts to enhance bilateral trade and commercial relations with total bilateral trade for 2022 at R3.511 billion, with South African exports at R974 million and imports valued at R2.537 billion.

The Philippines is one of the founding members of ASEAN and supported South Africa’s accession to the association’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which came about on 10 November 2020. South Africa lodged its intention to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with ASEAN in December 2022.

South Africa and the Philippines are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. Bilateral relations between South Africa and the Philippines are warm and cordial, both on bilateral and multilateral levels. There is considerable scope for the deepening of relations at the bilateral level through the existing structured BCF and bilateral high-level visits.

SOUTH AFRICA-FINLAND SENIOR OFFICIALS CONSULTATIONS HELD

The 10th Session of the South Africa-Finland SOC was convened when Deputy Minister Alvin Botes visited Finland on 24 and 25 November 2021, on invitation of the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Skinnari, and also held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto, and other senior government officials. 

Bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa are deep-rooted due to Finnish support for the liberation movements in southern Africa. Relations have grown since 1994 in all areas of bilateral engagement and Finnish investment is a major priority for both countries, with R1.8 billion new investments recorded during 2019/20.

Finland is an important partner to South Africa, and despite its small population and territory, it is among the most developed countries in the world and provides valuable trade, investment and development cooperation for South Africa. Like the other Nordics, they play a very active role in global affairs, are strong advocates for multilateralism, have an excellent capacity and track record for peace and mediation efforts, and are global leaders in innovation.

Since 2010, Finland has been supportive of South Africa’s national priorities in various sectors, including maritime, science and technology, ICT and digitalisation, environment, energy, education and skills development, and agriculture. Within the Southern African Development Community context, they have supported several programmes on sustainable water management. Finland is also a strong international partner in areas of various global issues such as strengthening multilateralism, international law, peacebuilding and mediation, the advancement of gender and human rights as well as around issues of climate change.

However, the department said South Africa believed that sovereignty and the territorial integrity of all states should be “sacrosanct” and this also applied to the Ukraine.

This comes after 32 countries on Thursday abstained during the vote on a motion put forward by Germany calling for peace in the Ukraine immediately.

According to Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW), China, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and much of Africa and Central Asia were among those who abstained.

In addition, 141 member states voted in favour of the motion, and seven opposed it, including Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Mali, Eritrea and Nicaragua.

South Africa said it was firm in its resolve that urgent action was needed to end the war.

“However, it is a sad indictment on our efforts that we, as the international community, have been unable to come up with concrete proposals to create the conditions to do so. As South Africa has stated before in this Assembly, diplomacy and dialogue is the only path that will lead to a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“This resolution on the war in the Ukraine comes amidst an influx of arms to the region, perpetuating greater acts of violence and increased human suffering. This, together with the threat of nuclear war, makes peace seem less attainable,” DIRCO said.

Over the last year, DIRCO said, the UN General Assembly had adopted a series of resolutions on the Ukraine.

“As we have asked the Assembly before, are our words and actions focussed on the maintenance of peace or creating further divisions that make the attainment of immediate peace less likely?”

While the department said it supported the present resolution’s focus on the principles of the Charter and international law, “it sadly brings us no closer to laying the foundations for a durable peace and bringing an end to the devastation and destruction”.

“What we need is a firm unequivocal commitment to peace, from all parties. A resolution calling for peace without firm action will ring hollow,” DIRCO said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

They recorded over 4 000 promising trade leads that they hope will soon translate into substantially tangible deals.

The 16 agro-processing companies, including the South African Fruit and Vegetables Canners Export Council (SAFVEC), showcased their products in a National Pavilion that was set up by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

The main objective of the support provided by the dtic through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance scheme was to create a platform for these companies to develop export markets for their products.

The founder of Makhamisa Foods and a Black Industrialists Programme beneficiary, Terence Leluma, was part of the South African delegation.

Leluma, who manufactures unique chilli-based condiments, said his company’s products received huge interest from countries such as Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India and African countries such as Malawi and Kenya.

"The UAE market received our products well and believe our products deserve to be on the global food industry platform. We met a number of prospective clients and secured strong leads. We will be back for follow-up meetings in a month or two,” Leluma said.

“We are excited to have forged these relations. Dubai is the centre of trade and I am honoured to have been offered the opportunity to fly the South African flag high in this part of the world and take our products to the global market."

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Naturezone, that produces fitness waters and herbal teas from natural ingredients with zero calories, Peter Foulis, described his participation in the show as remarkable.

"We have received quality enquiries and leads. We are expecting great things to follow as we follow up on these leads. We appointed three agents at the show for UAE, Russia and India. Our neighbouring countries Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia have also shown interest in our drinks," Foulis said.

The Project Manager of RFG Foods, the manufacturers of canned fruits and vegetables and juices, Thasha Thaver, said her stand received hundreds of visitors with a lot of interest from the Middle East and Africa.

“Some existing customers came to look for new products that we have introduced. It was a great week. We have seen the value of attending the show. Being present at the trade shows has improved our turnover and offered a vehicle to create new relations,” she said.

“More South African companies should attend and see what the rest of the world is doing, benchmark and continue to improve products so as to offer the customers innovative products,” Thasia said.

The 2023 Gulfood exhibition is regarded as the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Middle East.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Fikile Majola, South Africa’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 was part of South Africa’s efforts to revive the economy and create opportunities for inclusive growth.

“It paved a way to further unlock opportunities by leveraging more trade events in the region, such as Gulfood, which offers a follow-through opportunity for South African firms,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA’S SPECIAL TASK FORCE AMONG INTERNATIONAL10 BEST SWAT TEAMS

The team's overall commander, the Component Head responsible for Specialised Operations, Major General Nonhlanhla Zulu, who formed part of the team in Dubai, said the SAPS was proud of the team.

“The members’ performance is commendable: in the world, we are number nine but on the African continent, we are number one, so this is a big achievement. We beat Kenya and Libya. So yes, we are satisfied with the results, we hope to do better next time. We are happy to be back to continue to deal decisively with serious and violent crime in our country,” said Zulu.

The STF is a highly specialised unit in the SAPS whose members are responsible for only responding to high-risk incidents, which include hostage-taking cases, search-and-rescue missions, as well as providing specialised operational support to other units within the SAPS.

–  Source: SAnews.gov.za

NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR PERFORMS FOR SIR ELTON JOHN’S FOUNDATION

The Ndlovu Choir was established in January 2009 to afford talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults (14-24 years) the opportunity to perform locally and abroad proficiently. The choir consists of 30 choristers from the beautiful Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo.

The Ndlovu Choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

Since appearing on America’s Got Talent for the second time, the choir has been the talk of Hollywood. While they didn’t make it to the next stage of the competition, the choir has earned praise from the likes of Stevie Nicks and now, invited to perform for Elton John’s friends, colleagues and esteemed guests.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TOM CRUISE EXTOLS THE VIRTUES OF UBUNTU AND SAYS SOUTH AFRICA IS “ABSOLUTELY STUNNING”

“I just got back from filming in South Africa. It’s an absolutely stunning country and there’s a beautiful philosophy – Ubuntu – that originated there. And it is the idea that humanity is based on the plural, not the singular. Ubuntu means essentially: I am because we are. And so, I thank all of you. I am because you are, thank you.”

Cruise said so many in the industry, including Steven Spielberg and Jerry Bruckheimer, had “enabled me the adventurous life that I’ve wanted. I’ve been able to travel the world and work and watch films in so many countries to share in their cultures and realise how much we all have in common, and to admire our differences.”

Cruise has spent a large part of the last year filming his latest instalment of Mission Impossible, in South Africa.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN MODEL INVITED TO HUGE TALENT COMPETITION IN NEW YORK

“Our little girl would quite literally come alive on stage.”

After three years of lessons, McAlpine won the Junior Miss Teen Ace Models International title at the 2022 national conference. She went on to audition in September for the International Arts Talent Showcase. She was awarded Top Female Model at the Gauteng audition and received call backs to sing and model at the three-day International Talent and Arts Showcase, where she would have an opportunity to perform in front of 10 celebrity judges from the United States. She was also privileged to be selected to model in the Ford Models production.

“Brooklyn was ecstatic when we received the call back at 3.15 am on Sunday that she was selected to attend IMTA in NY.”

IMTA is where talent agents, managers and casting directors come to find new faces in the industry. The convention has launched the careers of industry professionals such as Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood, Eva Longoria, Jessica Biel, Katie Holmes and more.

Following intensive training sessions at two boot camps in January and March, McAlpine is set to take to the stage in New York to showcase her talent to the world.

“Being under 18 is a huge advantage for Brooklyn, given her natural talent at such a young age. If we are able to make her dream come true, she will use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make South Africa proud while she represents us as an ambassador to showcase what African talent is made of.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

MOMENTUM PROTEAS MAKE HISTORY WITH SILVER IN THE WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP FINAL

Australia Women lived up to their “tournament favourites” label remaining unbeaten in the competition after beating edging Momentum Proteas by 19 runs in the T20 women's final staged in cape town at Newlands.

Meg Lanning's decision to bat first after winning the toss forced them to set a sound innings' score of 156/6 after 20 overs on what was a perfect day of cricket as the weather played ball. Player of the Match, Beth Mooney, led the charge to an unbeaten 74* from 53 deliveries.

Aussie all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner was awarded Player of the Tournament after scoring 110 runs and clinching 10 wickets throughout the duration of the showpiece. “I don't think words can describe how I feel. One of the things we talk about is growing the sport around the world; this is special.”

The Proteas ladies walked away with silver medals after a spirited and courageous effort both with the ball and bat. The bowling attack was sensational in restricting the seven-time finalists to 156. From a bowling front, Shabnim Ismail with 2/26 and Marizanne Kapp slightly costly at 2/35 while Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba took one each.

The hosts fell short by 19 runs in their run chase, ending on 137/6 in their innings, which came alive during Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon’s partnership, which was short-lived. Wolvaardt says the support helped her score 61 off 48 balls, which was the best batting performance in the South African camp on the day and the hosts' leading run scorer in the tournament. “I could do this every day. This has been a very cool experience. It’s been amazing, as a group we have had a good tournament as a group after how started I'm really proud of the girls.”

Captain Sine Luus summed up their effort as follows “It's been absolutely amazing. We have never imagined firstly being in the final and then the stadium being packed every single game ... thank you Newlands and every single supporter; we love you guys.”

Moving forward from the tournament, a base has been set for women's sport as South Africa appeared in their first-ever final in cricket.

“I don't think there is going backwards at the moment, I hope there is a lot of development in the country and schools start getting girls cricket, and that club cricket and provincial cricket blows up.”

All-rounder Marizanne Kapp, took time to reflect of the remarkable journey.

“The game against England was something very special. It's something I will remember for the rest of my career. To beat them in the way we did with the crowd we had ... it was something I could have never imagined”. Kapp added that moving forward she hoped “things will change in the future for women's sport and women's cricket. I'm hoping there is a few more young girls picking up a bat today.”

Part of the 13 500 fans cheering on the home side included the likes of Mark Boucher and some notable high achievers in South African sport, such as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has acknowledged the outstanding performance by the Momentum Proteas during the finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

“With the curtain coming down at the end of the World Cup, we look back at the excellent manner in which the event was hosted and the outstanding Protea team performance with great fondness,” the department said.

“While a lot of lessons will have been learnt through the Proteas team’s participation, there is no doubt that the future looks bright for our women cricketers.

“While Australia was never going to do them any favours, the heroic manner our women cricketers fought in reaching the World Cup final for the first time is something to be proud of. We are also thankful to the Newlands spectators for their unwavering support to the national team,” the department said.

– Source: ewn.co.za

CAPE TOWN PROVIDES THE WINNING FORMULA E GRAND PRIX

On the street and in the stands, the event generated a fever pitch of excitement among racing aficionados, and helped position Cape Town as a key destination on the global motorsport map, with the confirmation by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis that the event has been secured by the city for the next three years.

On the track and hospitality terraces of the Boss Emotion club guests rubbed shoulders with South African celebrities, including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi; DJ Black Coffee; ex South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar; former Proteas cricket captain Graeme Smith; members of the DHL Stormers rugby team, including Damian Willemse, Evan Roos and Seabelo Senatla; media personality Derek Watts and dignitaries, including Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis; Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde; and government officials.

The first-ever ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in Cape Town was won by an elated António Félix da Costa for the Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, whose crowd-thrilling overtaking manoeuvres in the 24th lap were cited by some as “the best motorsport fans will ever see”. Jean-Éric Vergne for DS PENSKE and Nick Cassidy for Envision Racing took second and third places on the winner’s podium.

– www.bizcommunity.com

SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS VICTORIOUS AT ALL AFRICAN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The objective of the RTP Programme is to facilitate the attendance of these players at several African, Pan-American and other international tournaments to boost their world ranking with Badminton World Federation (BWF). To qualify for the Olympics, players will need to be ranked number one in their discipline (singles/doubles/mixed doubles) in Africa and among the top 50 in the world.

South Africa hosted the 2023 edition of the All African Badminton Championships in February at the John Barrable Hall in Benoni, Johannesburg. Fourteen African countries got together to play against each other.

Jared Elliot and Robert White, and Amy Ackerman and Deidré Laurens, ended the tournament victorious in the men’s and women’s doubles, while Johanita Scholtz claimed silver as runner-up in the women’s singles.

The women’s duo went into the event seeded second in Africa and beat three seeded pairs to be crowned champions without dropping a single set.

Ackerman and Laurens each added a bronze to their spoils in the mixed doubles partnered by Elliott and White, respectively, while team South Africa came away with a collective bronze in the mixed team event.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com