PRESIDENT OF TANZANIA PAYS STATE VISIT TO SA

Thursday’s State Visit was preceded by the Second Session of the South Africa-Tanzania Bi-National Commission (BNC).

“The BNC is a platform for strengthening cooperation, especially in areas such as trade and investment, infrastructure, transport, energy, water, science and innovation, education, defence, agriculture, environment, health and culture, among others,” The Presidency said in a statement.

Tanzania is one of South Africa’s foremost trading partners on the continent.

“South Africa wishes to see an increase in trade and investment and broader economic development between the two countries. To this end, total trade between South Africa and Tanzania increased from R6.89 billion in 2021 to R8.71 billion in 2022.

“The strong economic ties are evidenced by the presence of more than 250 South African companies in diverse sectors in Tanzania,” The Presidency said.

The BNC comprises four committees: Political and Diplomatic; Defence and Security; Economic Affairs; and Social and Cultural Affairs.

South Africa and Tanzania enjoy deep historical relations arising from Tanzania’s solidarity with South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“The ruling party in Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, supported the African National Congress and the Pan Africanist Congress in the struggle against apartheid.

“These ties culminated in the establishment of official diplomatic relations when South Africa achieved freedom in 1994 and have since evolved into excellent political, economic and social relations,” The Presidency said.

The State Visit was preceded by meetings of senior officials on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a meeting of the Ministerial BNC was held.

These engagements took place at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s OR Tambo headquarters in Pretoria.

On the margins of the State Visit and the BNC, a Business Forum took place under the theme: “Forging a New Deal between South Africa and Tanzania towards High Levels of Trade and Investment”.

The forum focussed on agriculture, agro-processing, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure development.

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA RECEIVES LETTERS OF CREDENCE FROM HEADS OF MISSION-DESIGNATE TO SOUTH AFRICA

The President welcomed 18 heads of mission-designate who have arrived in South Africa to serve in diplomatic missions.
Heads of mission-designate from the following countries will serve in South Africa with the aim of advancing diplomatic relations:

• Republic of the Philippines
• Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
• Kingdom of Norway
• Republic of Austria
• Kingdom of Belgium
• Republic of The Gambia
• Republic of South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of East Timor
• Republic of Slovenia
• Japan
• Republic of Botswana
• Commonwealth of Australia
• Republic of Mozambique
• Islamic Republic of Pakistan
• Republic of Kazakhstan
• Syrian Arab Republic
• St Kitts and Nevis.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Ramaphosa said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome all the new heads of mission as you begin your tenure as representatives of your respective countries to the Republic of South Africa.

“Your presence here is a firm indication of the commitment of your respective governments to maintain and deepen relations with South Africa.

“It is significant that all the continents of the world are represented here this afternoon, since South Africa has always endeavoured to maintain friendly relations with all countries.

“We firmly believe in the indivisible unity of humanity and that we share a responsibility to continuously strive to settle differences between countries peacefully and permanently.

“Global solidarity is required if we are to meet pressing international challenges such as energy and food insecurity, climate change, conflict and the existential threat of nuclear weapons.

“We need to be united in our efforts to advance sustainable peace and development.

“South Africa works to actively promote the centrality of multilateral institutions in managing global affairs and respect for international law and agreements.

“We seek to work with our partners across the world to build a more democratic, just and equitable world order, one which prioritises the needs and interests of the poor and vulnerable.

“As the peoples of the world, we have a shared interest in ending poverty and closing the disparities in wealth, skills, resources and access to education, health and social support.

“South Africa stands ready to work with all governments and peoples in achieving these objectives.

“We trust that your presence in South Africa as the representatives of your respective peoples will enable us not only to build bilateral relations, but to cooperate in building a better world.” 

CYCLONE FREDDY: SA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO AFFECTED FAMILIES

The tropical cyclone, which originated off the north-west of Australia in recent weeks and has travelled across the Indian Ocean, has resulted in many deaths, a high rate of injury and the loss of public infrastructure and private property in the three southern African states, The Presidency said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA TO WORK WITH BRICS COUNTRIES TO ADVANCE AFRICAN AGENDA

South Africa is chairing the BRICS group of countries in 2023 under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.

South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August 2023.

The BRICS group brings together some 3.2 billion people. After the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS is among the largest bloc of countries by total population.

“As part of our strategic intent to further advance the African development agenda within the BRICS group, we are inviting several other African leaders to the summit.

“One of the priorities during our Chairship is to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“We are focussing in particular on opportunities that will generate economic growth on the continent, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and infrastructure,” the President said.

The President told members of Parliament that there were great opportunities for BRICS countries to participate in infrastructure development and the AfCFTA by locating production and services activities on the continent and partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs.

Responding to how South Africa will ensure the advancement of the South-South Agenda, President Ramaphosa said that the country’s priorities were responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global South.

“Another strategic priority is strengthening multilateralism, including working towards real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes.

“Our priorities respond to challenges and opportunities that are shared by South Africa and other BRICS members. They are also responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global South,” he said.

The President shared that one of the founding values of BRICS was the need to restructure the global political, economic and financial architecture to be more equitable, balanced and representative.

He said that BRICS countries agreed that the UN must remain at the centre of multilateralism and be reformed to make it more effective, inclusive and representative of the global community.

“This includes reform of the UN Security Council to ensure that African countries and other countries of the global South are properly represented and that their interests are effectively advanced.

“The BRICS relationship extends beyond the governments. Bodies like the BRICS Business Council, BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, BRICS Think Tanks Council and BRICS Civil Forum ensure that the opportunities of this association are explored across society,” President Ramaphosa said.

He added that the relationship sought to promote people-to-people contact, including among youth formations. Among other things, he said, this person-to-person contact enhanced travel and tourism between BRICS countries.

In all, there are some 190 meetings and events taking place during the course of this year.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INNOVATORS AND CHANGE MAKERS

“As young people, you demand to be part of decision-making and shaping a future that is yours,” said the President on Friday, 10 March 2023.

He was speaking at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Youth Dialogue at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, a platform for young people within the African continent to engage in constructive discussions on pressing socio-economic issues such as leadership and governance, free trade, labour migration and a just energy transition.

The dialogue brought together young people from 20 African countries, including, among others, South Africa, Algeria, South Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Kenya and leaders from government, business, labour and civil society.

“You are here as youth leaders from respective countries who want to be part of the solution to Africa’s many challenges,” President Ramaphosa said.

The dialogue, he said, should be about affirming individual and collective self-worth as a people and determination to develop the continent through innovative entrepreneurship.

“It should also be about giving space and opportunity to the entrepreneurship spirit, talents and energy of Africa's youth to take their rightful place in the regeneration of the economic fortunes of the continent.

“It should be about raising our consciousness to the endless possibility that the idea and experience of being African carries. It should be about us taking advantage of the vast, golden opportunities available in the programme of rebuilding Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.

A more humane and a just world cannot blossom without an African renaissance, without embracing African values and without a proper appreciation of African aspirations.

“The Nelson Mandela Dialogue is an engagement between young Africans on the most critical and pressing issues of our time such as youth unemployment, African trade and economic integration, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, climate change and good governance,” President Ramaphosa said.

He was grateful for the commitment by the National Youth Development Agency and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to hold the Nelson Mandela Youth Dialogue and Ethical Leadership Programme.

“We want to start a conversation about ethical leadership, drawing on the Mandela legacy. And in doing so, we want to light a spark in young people from across our continent who aspire to lead,” President Ramaphosa said.

Women, Children and People with Disability Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said former President Mandela would have loved to see the initiative, uniting the youth across the African continent.

She said it was young people who would ensure the continent is delivered from poverty. “Africa must be the largest manufacturer and also lead in development,” she said.

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University, Rushiella Songco, emphasised the importance of universities to position themselves for Africa’s development.

“Institutions must increase the numbers of doctors and academics for the development of Africa,” she said.

Plans are underway to ensure that the dialogue is held annually, focussing on the topical issues concerning young people in South Africa and the African continent.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR CO-CHAIRS SOUTH AFRICA-TANZANIA MINISTERIAL BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION (BNC)

The BNC took place ahead of the State Visit to South Africa by the President of Tanzania, HE Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The BNC:

• reaffirmed and deepened the warm and cordial bilateral relations that exist between the two countries
• evaluated the progress of implementation of commitments made during the inaugural session of the BNC
• assessed and evaluated the progress of all outstanding decisions and commitments as well as joint projects
• agreed on new areas of cooperation and further enhanced cooperation within the framework of the BNC
• deepened understanding of regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern.

South Africa and Tanzania enjoy historical relations as well as political, economic and social relations, which were cemented during the period of the liberation struggle.

South Africa and Tanzania have similar aspirations with strong cultural and historical ties. These ties present opportunities for strengthened bilateral cooperation in many areas, including trade, investment, local beneficiation, agriculture, industrialisation, energy and mining. There are also opportunities in the value chains of commerce, agriculture, road and rail. Through mutually beneficial investments and projects, these areas of cooperation have the potential for a constructive and concrete impact on the economies of the two countries.

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI UNDERTAKES OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT TO WEST AFRICA

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Benin are anchored on the Agreement for the establishment of the Joint Commission for Cooperation, which was signed in 2015. A joint Trade and Investment Committee was also established.

As a prelude to the Deputy Minister’s visit, a Senior Officials Meeting was held in Cotonou on 13 March 2023 and has paved the way and set the framework for substantive discussions between the Deputy Minister and her counterpart.

While in Cotonou, the Deputy Minister is also expected to visit the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone to further explore trade and investment opportunities between both South Africa and Benin. The two countries enjoy warm diplomatic relations, which were established in May 1994.

CONSTRUCTION OF BIOVAC ULTRA-COLD STORAGE FACILITY COMPLETED

The partnership between Pfizer and Biovac goes back a long way, having been first established in 2015 to support the establishment of a sustainable supply of Pfizer’s innovative pneumococcal vaccine ‒ a potentially life-saving vaccine for South African children.

“We are pleased that this partnership between government and the private sector has brought to fruition the pledges made by Pfizer at the last South African Investment Conference.

“To produce life-saving vaccines is a positive development for South Africa as we are currently dependent on the import of human vaccines. The success of this facility can enable greater health security on the African continent,” Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, said on Thursday, 9 March 2023.

The Freezer Farm facility is a state-of-the-art 1100-m2, two-storey building, which houses 135 ultra-low temperature freezers that allow for the storage of vaccine products up to minus 70 degrees Celsius, and notably, the storage of the locally manufactured Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Biovac CEO, Dr Morena Makhoana, said the partnership between Biovac and Pfizer had enabled South Africa to expand its capabilities to locally produce not only the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine, but also the 13 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

This is one of the largest paediatric vaccines included in South Africa’s Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) – the early childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Over 20 million doses of vaccines are delivered a year by Biovac, with a significant number of these locally manufactured.

“This journey has witnessed the full technology transfer of the innovative 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. With the technology transfer completed in 2022, Biovac can locally manufacture and distribute over three million vaccine doses of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate to the National Department of Health annually towards the immunisation of babies in South Africa,” the statement said.

To date, Pfizer has invested over R855 million in Biovac in the form of infrastructure and skills development, with an economic benefit of over R500 million per year to the South African economy.

“Pfizer remains resolute in enabling access to quality, affordable healthcare, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through public-private partnerships like this one with Biovac. We embraced the opportunity to get involved in a collaboration that would contribute to the health and well-being of South Africans, as well as Africans across the continent,” Global President, Pfizer Emerging Markets, Nick Lagunowich, said.

According to the statement, research indicates that more than 12 500 vaccine-related job roles can be created by 2040 on the continent, up from only 3 000 at present.

“Furthermore, it has the potential to see an additional 33 000 jobs being created indirectly by industry suppliers. It is our hope that Pfizer’s investment into Biovac will significantly contribute to these numbers in the coming years,” the statement said.

United States (US) Consul General, Todd P Haskell, said the US Government was proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with South Africa in support of US companies such as Pfizer and their South Africa partner Biovac, whose investments make a real difference to health outcomes and support local upliftment – including the creation of jobs and the development of critical skills.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MAPISA-NQAKULA LEADS SA DELEGATION TO IPU ASSEMBLY

The five-day session of the 133-year-old multilateral organisation took place at the Exhibition World Bahrain from 11 to 15 March 2023.

The multilateral organisation of 178 Parliaments was attended by representatives of 110 parliaments, including delegations from countries in conflict situations.

The assembly was held under the theme: ”Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusive Societies: Fighting Intolerance”.

The theme was informed by evidence that the world is at its lowest ebb of peacefulness in over 15 years because of a series of conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said Mapisa-Nqakula would also be attending as a member of the IPU Task Force for the Peaceful Resolution of the War in Ukraine.

“The task force is scheduled to meet high-level delegations from both Russia and Ukraine. The parliamentarians will share best practices for promoting inclusivity and peaceful coexistence as prerequisites for resilient, cohesive and democratic societies across the world.

“Other special intervention groups of the IPU to provide status reports on efforts to find peaceful solutions to conflicts include the ‘Middle East Questions’ and ‘Facilitators on Cyprus’,” Mothapo said.

In addition to its Yes to the Youth Campaign, the IPU launched the Parliaments for the Planet Campaign, designed to place parliaments at the forefront of fighting global warming by, among others, reducing their carbon footprints, as part of the overall execution of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“Various statutory structures of the IPU will also be meeting during the five-day assembly with members of the multi-party delegation of Parliament serving in each structure to share and advance South Africa’s position.

“These include the thematic Standing Committees on Peace and International Security; Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade; Democracy and Human Rights; as well as United Nations Affairs,” Mothapo said.

The South African Parliament delegation included National Council of Provinces Deputy Chairperson, Sylvia Lucas; National Assembly House Chairperson for International Relations, Cedric Frolick; Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs Whip, Moleboheng Modise; African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Chief Whip, Doris Dlakude; Economic Freedom Fighters Chief Whip, Floyd Shivambu; Inkatha Freedom Party Chief Whip, Narend Singh; and United Democratic Movement Chief Whip, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.

The members of Parliament also included Fikile Masiko from the ANC and Dr Annelie Lotriet from the Democratic Alliance.

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (MPWC) Chairperson, Nkhensani Bilankulu, joined the South African delegation attending the 67th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW67), taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York, from 13 to 17 March 2023.

The commission is focussing on innovation and technological change and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.

The session will also review the agreed conclusions of the 62nd session, titled: “Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls”.

The MPWC's principal function is to lobby and influence public policy and decisions to ensure progress in achieving gender equality and at the very least, a more gender-sensitive approach to decision making and governance.

“International engagements such as the UNCSW67 are important tools in improving members' understanding and effectiveness, working towards establishing standards of parliamentary oversight that may lead to a more gendered approach to accountability in government planning, expenditure and service delivery,” Bilankulu said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

RSA, KINGDOM OF ESWATINI CONCLUDE KOMATI TREATY REVIEW CONSULTATIONS

The first public consultation took place on 2 March 2023 in Malelane, Mpumalanga, and the second was held in the Kingdom of eSwatini on 9 March 2023.

KOBWA is an international organisation formed by South Africa and eSwatini to manage operations and maintenance of the Driekoppies Dam (in South Africa) and Maguga Dam (in eSwatini).

The organisation has been responsible for designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the Maguga and Driekoppies dams, as well as associated infrastructure, which was constructed mainly to provide assurance of water supply for irrigation purposes in both member states.

Addressing delegates and stakeholders during public consultations, the Department of Water and Sanitation's Chief Director for International Water and Sanitation Corporation, Duduzile Mthembu, called for concerted collaborations to foster transboundary relations.

“The Komati River Basin Treaty was signed in 1992, with a focus on design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Maguga Dam, in eSwatini and the Driekoppies Dam in Schoemansdal, South Africa.

“It is through the treaty that we have seen the successful completion of the construction of the two dams. We now have to consider other avenues to look into broadening the scope of the treaty and thus ensure water security in both countries,” Mthembu said.

Echoing Mthembu’s sentiments, KOBWA Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Shongwe, affirmed that the effects of climate change ‒ which often result in drought and severe flooding ‒ required innovative thinking and adaptation measures.

“We have seen how floods have wrecked people’s livelihoods and the damage caused to the environment. The review of this treaty should enable all of us to proactively curb or prevent the dire effects of climate change,” Shongwe said.

Stakeholders who attended the public consultations in the two countries included small-scale farmers, irrigation boards and catchment agencies, among others.

The treaty under review can be found on the KOBWA website www.kobwa.co.za and inputs can be sent through email on treatyreview@kobwa.co.za until 31 March 2023.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR JAZZ SINGER GLORIA BOSMAN

Bosman was born in Mofolo and raised in Pimville‚ Soweto.  She won two South African Music Awards (Samas) and more than 11 nominations‚ as well as two Kora nominations.

Bosman’s debut album‚ Tranquillity‚ which was released in the 1990s‚ earned her the prestigious award for Best Newcomer, and received nominations for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Female Artist at the 2001 Samas.

Her album Stop and Think‚ released in the 2000s‚ received nominations for Best Female Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2003 Samas‚ as well as 2004 solo album‚ which received six Sama nominations and the title Best Female Composer.

Bosman recorded six albums: Tranquillity (1999); The Many Faces of Gloria Bosman (2001); Stop and Think (2002); Nature Dances (2003);

Emzini (2006); and Letters from the Heart vol.1 (2010).

She has toured the world and shared the stage with Sibongile Khumalo‚ Concord Nkabinde‚ Sipho Mabuse‚ Moses Molelekwa‚ Tananas‚ Vusi Mahlasela‚ Sipho Gumede‚ Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela.

– Source: TimeLIVE

YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN MAKES GLOBAL “POWER LIST” OF WOMEN IN TRAVEL

Ndhlovu is a freediving Instructor and the founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, an organisation seeking to create diverse representation in the ocean arena. Ndhlovu’s work centres around creating first encounters that expose the youth to the ocean. With a strategic approach combined with an outside-the-box perspective, Black Mermaid helps people break through barriers and challenges, overcome doubts and take a large stride towards achieving their goals.

As an ocean conservationist, diversity and inclusion specialist and avid speaker and storyteller, she uses these skills to advocate for diversely represented and inclusive oceans while working to reshape incomplete narratives.

“Black Mermaid is where I found solace in this journey; I’m a freediving instructor based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Being the first black African instructor in South Africa, I’m determined to share my passion for the ocean with the world and explore how our deepest beliefs about the deep ocean can coexist with freediving and perhaps even bring us closer to the knowledge of self.

“I’m an advocate of wonder, exploration and awe – beginning with self.

“I’ve always dreamt of making a positive impact in the lives of others, and am made happiest when inspiring, motivating and challenging people from all different backgrounds by simply being.”

​Ndhlovu is a change agent, passionate about human potential being the critical currency that creates the worlds we want to live in, while focussing on the collective ability to bring change.

Here’s what the Condé Nast Traveller article had to say about Ndhlovu.

“When I found the ocean, it felt like finding home,” remembers Zandile Ndhlovu. “Being someone who’s never really fit in, to be able to find a place where you didn’t have to pretend to be anything else but yourself was just so incredibly empowering.”

"Ever since that seminal first dive in Bali in 2016, Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first black woman freediving instructor, has been on a mission to make sure others get to experience that same sense of wonder – no small feat when you consider that just 15% of South Africans can swim, with a notable racial divide.

“When you think of ocean spaces, black communities often feel like that’s a white space. I knew I wanted to change the narrative.”

With her Black Mermaid Foundation, Ndhlovu – the very image of a mermaid herself, with her signature blue mane and daily visits to the Atlantic Ocean – does this through both education and access. She takes young children from townships, many of whom have never been underwater before, on snorkelling excursions and teaches them about plastic pollution, overfishing, marine habitats and climate policy in conservation.

"She’s also creating ‘hubs of hope’ across South Africa and, eventually, the continent. The concept has created physically safe gathering spaces for children, starting with one in Cape Town’s Langa township.

“Many of the kids live under many hard conditions – gender-based violence, drugs, poverty,” she says. “What would it mean to have a hub of hope that is rooted in the ocean but lives in the community?”

Ndhlovu is passionate about advocating for more representation, both in the water and in the conversation.

“As you enable communities to believe that the oceans belong to them too, they become new custodians and stakeholders and voices that protect these oceans.”

And this all starts with showing children the wonder beneath the waves, inspiring a generation to explore bravely and freely.

“Sometimes we can’t dream things we don’t see.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN TEEN COMMENDED FOR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION

The United States (US) Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, recently visited Thandolwethu Fani’s school to commend the young South African on her commitment to conservation.

When the Pan-African children’s series Team Sayari premiered on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, Starsat 221) at the end of last year, learners at Hatfield Christian School were delighted to see one of their peers, 16-year-old Thandolwethu Fani, appears as a presenter on the show.

Recently, Ambassador Brigety visited the school to commend the young girl for being selected for the production and encourage learners to embrace defending the planet.

“Congratulations to Thandolwethu for already being an advocate for the environment and setting an example,” he said.

“National Geographic teaches us to explore the natural world because when we know more about it, we are more likely to protect it,” said Christine Service, General Manager: The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Thandolwethu is a wonderful example of a young person who advocates for the environment and is an outstanding presenter on the show,” she added.

Fani loves nature and is passionate about making a difference by limiting the use of plastic and conserving water. Prior to being cast in Team Sayari, she appeared in the theatre production of The Littlest Mermaid in Pretoria in 2019.

Led by the programme’s goal to inspire meaningful, impactful behavioural change in young viewers across the continent and create the next generation of environmental conservation leaders, Team Sayari takes children on adventurous journeys in which the wonders of the natural world, and the need to live more lightly on the planet, are revealed. Viewers enjoy fascinating journeys through wild spaces such as mountains, forests and nature reserves and encounters with wild animals from elephants to bees, from sharks to snakes, and everything in between.

The second part of the first series is currently on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, Starsat 221) on Saturdays at 13:00 (CAT).

Team Sayari is the result of a collaborative effort between National Geographic, The Walt Disney Company Africa, USAID, the US State Department and WildlifeDirect. The series is produced by Kenyan production company White Rhino Films with the aim to celebrate the environment and raise awareness of conservation and associated issues in a fun and relatable way.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ALL SET FOR 44TH EDITION

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO TO PERFORM AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY IN THE US

Global Arts Live brings inspiring music and dance from all corners of the world to stages across greater Boston, aspiring to transcend borders, cultivate community and enrich lives.

“Ladysmith Black Mambazo carries a message of peace, love and harmony as they travel the world year after year. They bring this message, in song and dance, to every theatre they perform in. We hope you will join them as they spread their message,” said the organisation.

South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award-winning singing group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was founded in the early 1960s by Joseph Shabalala, then a teenage Zulu farm boy living just outside the small town of Ladysmith.

Joseph retired in 2014, handing the group leadership to his four sons, Thulani, Msizi, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

BOYZ II MEN ANNOUNCE DATES FOR SOUTH AFRICA TOUR

PROTEAS COMPLETE SERIES WHITEWASH OF WEST INDIES

Keshav Maharaj came into the attack and was in the wickets column when the left-arm spinner got one to pitch on middle and turned into the stumps of Roston Chase.

Jermaine Blackwood did not last long and fell to Harmer for just four while Kyle Mayers was trapped lbw to Maharaj for seven to leave the Windies at 35-6 at the break.

Joshua Da Silva and Jason Holder put up a bit of resistance after the interval with a stand of 48 but Holder was bowled by paceman Gerald Coetzee for 19.

Da Silva hit five fours and a six in a bright and breezy 34 off 52 deliveries but was undone by Coetzee to a ball that kept low on a weary Wanderers pitch.

The match was wrapped up quickly as the Proteas completed a dominant victory and a 2-0 series result after the 87-run success in the first Test in Centurion.

The day started with the hosts resuming 287-7, a lead of 356, with captain Temba Bavuma still at the crease on his monumental 171.

The home skipper though only added one run to his overnight score after holing out to fine-leg off Jason Holder.

Both teams will now start preparations for the three-match ODI series that begin on 16 March, which will then be followed by three T20Is.

– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com

BRITISH OPEN CHAMP BUHAI REIGNS SUPREME IN STEENBERG TO LIFT FOURTH SA WOMEN'S OPEN TITLE

"To try to play it down because I know it's a lot of pressure and it's going to be difficult to do, but now that I've got it done and over the line, I'm really happy."

Last August, Buhai made history as she became the first South African female golfer to win a major championship since 1988.

Buhai also became the third South African woman to win a major as she clinched a thrilling play-off at Muirfield.

With her husband on her bag this week, Buhai captured her fifth Ladies European Tour title and 12th Sunshine Tour Ladies title.

"I think with what I'm doing at the moment between my golf swing and the mental side, I just need to stick to it, don't try and reinvent the wheel," said Buhai.

"Hopefully, I can keep up this consistency. That's what my main goal is to just become more consistent and give myself a chance every now and then to win a golf tournament."

 – Source: www.news24.com

DURBAN SELECTED TO HOST 2023 ITTF WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS

“Excitement is mounting as Durban prepares to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023. It is the second time the championships will be hosted on the African continent. The last time it was hosted in Africa was in Egypt in 1939.

At the end of February, the ITTF revealed the mascot for the championship would be a local and lekker hippo named Takuma. He has been adopted by many sporting events and is a well-loved symbol in South Africa.

Takuma has a special origin story; he was designed by Tumelo Nkoana, a then 13-year-old from Mogogelo Village, north of Pretoria in South Africa. Nkoana’s winning design, a hand-drawn entry of a hippo, symbolised the strength and spirit of South Africa and beat 182 other entrants from different schools across the nation. Since then, Takuma has become the mascot for all sports in South Africa. 

“Takuma’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination in shaping our world,“ added ITTF President, Petra Sörling.

The event will run from 20 to 28 May 2023.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

15-YEAR-OLD SOUTH AFRICAN TAKING ON ITALIAN MOTORCYCLE CHAMPIONSHIP

KJ, as he is fondly known, was always keen on the sport but was hindered by his parents, who thought it was too dangerous. That all changed when Neil Harran from the South African Motorcycle Racing Academy visited on a school open day in 2017.

“When I tried Mr Harran’s demo stationary practice bike, everyone was so impressed with my test ride that even Mr Harran recommended to my parents that I should enrol into his academy,” he says.

The young KJ hasn’t looked back since. He started participating in competitions in the Short Circuit Road racing series that very same year and won the NSF100cc Honda Cup Championship in 2019. Over the next four years, he would go on to become extremely well-known in the biking community for his impressive tricks and stunts, winning multiple circuit motorcycle racing championships and gaining a cult following.

In 2020, just before the pandemic hit, KJ claimed another title in the Clubman’s Championship, finished in second position in the 150 Cup and won the same championship in 2021. In the very same year, his dream of showcasing his potential internationally though was almost shattered though, when he lost the support of his biggest supporter, his dad.

Swiss-based Revwing Sport Management was searching for a young South African rider to take part in the Premoto3 CIV Championship. KJ and his father thought this would be a great opportunity for him to take the next big step in his career.

“My father was instrumental in helping secure me a spot in the M&M Management racing team for the 2021 season and I will always remember him for this,” he explains.

KJ’s father was a medical specialist who tragically passed away in 2021 in a helicopter crash on his way to help save a patient.

The loss of his father made KJ even more determined to make a success of his motorbiking career, pushing through any boundaries, and always striving to improve his skills and achieve new records. His mother made several sacrifices so he could make his dream a reality and join the championship later.

This 15-year-old is passionate, dedicated and is going to do great things in the motorsport world, all while holding South Africa’s flag up high.

“KJ’s passion for biking and dedication to his studies is an inspiration to everyone at Waterstone College. We follow his progress in the world of motorbike riding with immense pride and interest and are honoured to have such a talented and hard-working student within our school community,” says Jacques Nel, Executive Head of Waterstone College.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com