PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS PASSING OF AMBASSADOR MOOLLA

After the promulgation of the 90-day detention law, Mosie was held in solitary confinement at the Marshal Square Police Station. He would later escape and leave the country to join the exile leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1963.

He became a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe and received military training in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. During his exile years, Mosie represented the ANC in India, Egypt and the World Peace Council in Helsinki, Finland.

With international relations experience and his contribution to the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations, Mosie was appointed by President Nelson Mandela to serve as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1995 to 1999.

Mosie served as High Commissioner to Pakistan from June 2000 until 2004.

Ambassador Moolla is survived by his children Tasneem, Azaad and Afzal.

– Source:  SAnews.gov.za

MINISTER PANDOR SAYS AFRICAN WOMEN SHOULD EMULATE CHARLOTTE MAXEKE TO UPLIFT OTHERS

MINISTER PANDOR HOSTS 17TH SESSION OF THE SA-RUSSIA JOINT INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The ITEC meeting took place within the context of a bilateral agreement that was signed in 1999 and revived in 2002 to give impetus to the political commitment between the two countries to broaden and deepen their relations. These engagements are further guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Partnership, signed in September 2006, as well as by the Declaration of Strategic Partnership, signed in March 2013 in Durban, South Africa.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa were established in February 1992. In 2022, the two countries celebrated 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The historical links between South Africa and the Russian Federation remain strong. The former USSR was one of the key supporters of the struggle for liberation in South Africa. South Africa became the first African state to recognise the independence of the Russian Federation post dissolution of the USSR.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES CO-CHAIRS SOUTH AFRICA-CUBA JOINT CONSULTATIVE MECHANISM

The JCM convenes annually, taking place against the backdrop of the excellent bilateral and fraternal relations of solidarity between the two countries that go far beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.

Several agreements have been signed between South Africa and Cuba, and both countries attach great importance in addressing economic, technical and trade barriers.

The JCM was characterised by renewed commitments to continue with the implementation of the existing agreements in areas such as health; public works and infrastructure; basic and higher education; arts and culture; human settlements; science and innovation; sport; trade and economic cooperation; defence; and water and sanitation.

Cuba chairs the Group of 77+China for 2023. For the first time in the history of the United Nations (UN) and since the founding of the G77+China in 1964, Cuba was elected as Chair of the Group of 77+China during the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2022.

TOURISM SECTOR WORKING HARD TO RECOVER

“We are all working towards seeing our various economies return to the pre-COVID-19 performance levels and in fact, exceeding these. Through collaboration and partnerships, we have made great strides in the recovery. This is evidenced through the tourism performance numbers over the last year,” she said.

The Minister highlighted that a comparison between the full calendar year last year and the same period in 2021 showed tourism to South Africa had increased by some 152%, with at least 5.7 million people gracing the country’s shores.

“It is encouraging that arrivals from other African countries continue to be our most substantial source of arrivals, with just over four million arrivals during this period.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba seeks to ensure that we, as the African continent, grow together collectively,” she said.

Recovery

South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) places the support for tourism recovery and growth as one of its key priorities in government’s aim to stimulate equitable and economic growth.

Minister de Lille explained that the Africa Travel Indaba provided “strategic platforms in our powerful arsenal of tools that we can use to attain the goals” of the ERRP.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba presents us with an opportunity to continue with the efforts we started last year when the industry met at this platform in person for the first time post the COVID-19 pandemic.  We committed to building our African tourism sector and reshaping our economy. No doubt over the past year, we have done so in our various engagements.

“We know our sector was hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and in fact at the time the pandemic reached our shores, the South African economy had experienced two consecutive quarters of a recession< so our sector was already reeling from this.

“Many businesses in this sector folded and many people lost their jobs and now it is up to each and every one of us in this room to play our part to re-ignite the African economy.  We win when we all win. Now is the time for us to gather once again to do business and put into action our plans,” she said.

Airlift

Minister de Lille emphasised that a crucial component of economic growth was ensuring “trade and travel occur seamless across our continent and the various other markets” through air travel access domestically, regionally and internationally.

“Encouragingly, airlift to and from South Africa has seen continuous recovery. Last year, we welcomed numerous direct flights from our key source markets into various parts of our country, such as the direct United Airlines flight from Cape Town to Newark in the United States of America,” she said.

She announced that a significant milestone in air travel would be reached in South Africa on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, when the first flight for group tours from China would arrive since the beginning of the pandemic.

“China is the most promising source market for South Africa. Just before the pandemic, South Africa received nearly 100 000 visitors from China. It is possible to push the number to [one million] by 2030.

“If we reach this target, more than R100 billion in Chinese tourism spend could be generated over a five-year period, and this could reduce unemployment significantly. The impact on the economy of South Africa will be positive and sustainable. For this reason, I will be working hard with our key stakeholders to remove key barriers such as airlift, visa and safety,” she said.

Minister De Lille praised the opening of new routes and new collaborations in the sector.

“LATAM Airlines Group plans to re-launch a non-stop flight between São Paulo International Airport, Brazil, and OR Tambo International Airport, in July or August 2023.

“Last year, we also saw our national carrier, South African Airways, expand to various markets across the African continent. This is a major success for our country.

“I am very thrilled to see that there is indeed collaboration with our airline stakeholders as this is a major part of tourism recovery and beyond,” she said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ENSURE WATER SECURITY

The signing took place on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference, which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.

The agreement between South Africa and Finland aims to promote water security and is focussed on integrated water resources and river basin management.

These include the management of groundwater/aquifer and surface water, river basins, and adaptation to, and mitigation of the impacts of climate change on water resources management, as well as hydrological extremes, including flood, drought, water quality, water borne diseases and other water-related risk management.

Minister Mchunu, together with Finnish Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Jaana Husu-Kallio, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments.

Finland has considerable expertise in water resource management and protection as well as in water-related technology, planning, construction, and research.

Minister Mchunu noted that the Integrated Water Resources Management is the dominant paradigm in contemporary water resources management.

“Finland has implemented such an approach for decades, aiming at win-win partnerships. It has also been the guiding principle in Finnish water legislation,” he said.

He added that the signing of the agreement was a much-needed boost the sector required in South Africa.

Inspiring and capacitating young talent

Meanwhile, the agreement signed with the Kingdom of the Netherlands has been renewed for an additional four years.

The agreement is aimed at collaborating on inspiring and capacitating young talents in water, climate and sustainability in South Africa and abroad.

Dr Phillips and Wetskills Foundation Manager, Johan Oost, officially signed the agreement with obligations that include addressing the skills gap in the water supply value chain and in technical areas within the water sector as well as to develop professional water ambassadors that can protect and manage future water resources.

In addition, the two governments are obligated to organise various activities for students and young professional in the water sector, creating innovation and empowering young people, and integrating young and established professionals in the water sector.

South Africa and Netherlands have a long relationship relating to water, which was formalised through the signing of an MoU between the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the South African Department of Water and Sanitation in July 2014.

Minister Mchunu has reiterated his stance on partnerships in the water and sanitation sector and has committed to ensure accountability and transparency when implementing the MoUs.

The Minister also met with several other countries’ leaders on the sidelines of the conference to discuss the possible forging of bilateral partnerships on water and sanitation for the benefit of the respective countries. These included India, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Denmark, Egypt, Palestine and Belgium.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SA COMMITS TO CEMENTING ECONOMIC TIES WITH BELGIUM

This, as His Majesty, the King, together with his wife, Queen Mathilda, were participating in the State Visit to South Africa, with an aim to enhance political and economic relations between the two countries.

The ORTSEZ’s Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) houses Belgium’s Pluczenik Diamonds, which has gone into a partnership with a young South African entrepreneur Kealeboga Pule of Nungu Diamonds to establish a diamond-polishing factory in this country.

Pluczenik was established in South Africa in 1948 before its headquarters moved to Belgium a few decades later.

The new deal facilitated the return of the company to South Africa. It also has diamond-cutting and polishing facilities in Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho.

The value of investment by Pluczenik in this deal is US$10 million over a period of five years. It is estimated that the investment will create just over a 100 jobs, which translates to high productivity and capacity.

Deputy Minister Majola said through the SEZ programme, government was committed to attracting investment from both domestic and foreign markets, among other things, through the creation of an enabling platform that facilitates investment in its defined high-value low mass industries and beneficiation is one of the areas of focus.

“We want to unlock and facilitate the development of appropriate infrastructure required by investors who sign up to operationalise their investments, thereby enhancing the manufacturing and export of products through OR Tambo International Airport.

“This specific partnership continues to enable South Africa to meet its beneficiation objectives and supports communities, particularly as diamonds have a long history and heritage in the country,” Deputy Minister Majola said.

– Source SAnews.gov.za

LIFE-SIZE BRONZE STATUE OF DESMOND TUTU UNVEILED IN CAPE TOWN

The statue's likeness left Tutu's family visibly emotional. Tutu's granddaughter, Nyaniso Burris, said: "It looks like him. I wasn't expecting it to look so much like him. It's beautiful. It feels like him. It's such a beautiful rendition of who he was and the memory we have of him. It's amazing that over a year after he passed, he's being honoured in such a way."

The chief executive of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Janet Jobson, said Tutu was a "global signpost" for exceptional leadership.

She added she hoped the statue would inspire a new generation of South Africans to stand for the values Tutu espoused.

– Source: www.news24.com

BEAUTIFUL NEW HOTEL WITH 18 VILLAS TO OPEN IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Marriott International in a statement to the media announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Tingana Hospitality Group to open an Autograph Collection hotel in the Kruger National Park. 

According to the statement, the property, which is currently under construction, will undergo a brand positioning process before opening as an Autograph Collection by 2025.

Haroun Peer, director of the Tingana Hospitality Group, said, “We are extremely excited to have signed with the world-renowned Marriott International group, which has a global footprint internationally in the hospitality sector. This lodge is a distinctive addition to Autograph Collection Hotels and will be a unique destination for Marriott Bonvoy members and travellers from across the globe to visit."

According to Talya French, the director of lodging development for Marriott International, the group is "delighted to work with Tingana Hospitality Group to bring Autograph Collection Hotels to one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa".

French added, "Autograph Collection features curated properties that celebrate individuality and we look forward to offering a distinct perspective on design and hospitality to the emerging and beautiful areas of Mpumalanga. Through this deal signing, we continue to enhance our portfolio in South Africa and support the growth of the tourism sector in the country.”

The hotel in the Kruger National Park will feature 18 villas, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar and swimming pool, among other features and facilities. The hotel will be located on the Sabie River and it is near the Kruger Gate entrance to the park. 

As part of the vision of the ownership group, the hotel will be committed to social responsibility and empowering the local community through their operations.

Autograph Collection Hotels currently features over 270 hotels globally.

– Source: www.news24.com

SOUTH AFRICAN SAUVIGNON BLANCS MAKE SIGNIFICANT HEAD WAY AT 2023 CONCOURS MONDIAL DU SAUVIGNON

A record number of 1 210 Sauvignon wines across the globe this year competed for the highly coveted Concours Mondial du Sauvignon medals. Fifty international judges awarded silver and gold medals to wines from 20 countries, announced on Monday 20 March 2023 at ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.

South Africa ratified its ranking as a major Sauvignon Blanc producer country, winning 56 medals – 26 gold medals and 30 silver medals – along with an international trophy. The Villiera Bush Vine 2022 by Villiera Wines was awarded the Tonnellerie Sylvain trophy, which rewards the best wine matured in oak casks. Darling Cellars’ Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 received the Revelation South Africa trophy for the best performing South African wine at the show.

South Africa was well represented with a record number of nearly 13% of entries. France continues to dominate with 40% of wines entered, also winning the International Trophy for the Best Blend of Gascon wine for the Saint-Lannes Sauvignon Chardonnay by Duffour Père & Fils. It is followed by Austria with 225 wines entered (18.6%), with the Dubourdieu Trophy for the top Sauvignon in the competition coming from Steiermark, awarded to Sauvignon Blanc Sieme Eichberg by the Adam-Lieleg winery. Italy and New Zealand complete the top five line-up of participating countries.

This 14th edition of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, the first outside of Europe, was hosted by Sauvignon Blanc South Africa in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, together with the international organisers, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. In addition to the tastings, the 50 judges from across four continents and 19 nationalities, including journalists, winemakers and buyers, discovered the diversity of South Africa’s wine regions through conferences, visits and opportunities for engagement with the local wine industry.

According to RJ Botha, Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc SA, the competition was a huge success. “We are extremely proud of all the compliments that continue to pour in for our country, people and wines,” Botha says. “We are confident that this is only the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles organising team.”

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone for their support in hosting the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in South Africa, including our platinum partners, Vinventions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the National Convention Bureau and WESGRO, our bronze partners Boutes, Tonnellerie Garonnaise, Tonnellerie Sylvain, Enartis, Beveratech, FNB, Porex, Hillebrand GORI and Anchor Oenology, as well as Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and all other partners.”

– Source: www.news24.com

CAPE TOWN VOTED BEST VALUE FOR MONEY HOLIDAY SPOT FOR UK TOURISTS

Forty destinations were surveyed, with a vital barometer being what the cost of eight specific items were in each holiday spot.
The items, based on what an average British tourist is likely to buy on holiday, are:

• a three-course meal for two with wine
• bottle of local beer
• glass of wine
• can of Coca-Cola
• large bottle of still water
• cup of coffee
• sunscreen
• insect repellent.

The prices were cross-checked by PO researchers … and South Africa came out cheapest, with Turkey in second position. Taking several factors into account, the report named four destinations as its Holiday Hotspots this year: Egypt, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa!

The PO said: “Despite the rising cost of living, holidays remain a priority for UK travellers.” But with times being tough, tourists like to choose a beautiful destination where their money will go that little bit further.

Cape Town currently offers the best value for money, with a drop of 7.5% in costs to £51.44 (thanks to the pound/rand exchange). Previous leader, Marmaris in Turkey, falls to second in the list.

“While sterling’s fall against most foreign currencies has seen a rise in costs in 80% of resorts and cities surveyed for 2023, South Africa remains among a handful of destinations where sterling’s value will help a tourist’s holiday money to stretch further,” said the PO.

“Sterling is 15.7% stronger against the South African rand than 12 months ago and prices in Cape Town are the lowest across the 40 destinations featured in this year’s PO barometer of costs.”

Portugal’s Algarve is in fifth and again cheapest in the Eurozone, with costs a third higher than last year. The Algarve has the cheapest coffee and wine out of any of the destinations (including Cape Town).

Reykjavik in Iceland remains the most expensive destination surveyed, with total costs of £198.42 for those eight essential barometer items, almost four times more expensive than Cape Town! This is followed by the Seychelles and Barbados.

 – Source: www.sapeople.com

GIFTED GIRL WHO COULD READ AT TWO WINS NICKELODEON KIDS CHOICE AWARD

The United States award screening of the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award was held in Rosebank where Lethu proudly held her temporary blip-trophy until the real deal arrives from the States.

According to Lethu’s father who spoke to YOU, Lethu is the youngest person to ever win the award. She may be tiny, but this is no small feat.

– Source: www.news24.com

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK NAMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST NATURE DESTINATIONS

Tripadvisor says that South Africa’s largest game reserve is “basically a synonym for the word "safari" and placed the Kruger at the number 20 spot.

South Africa’s flagship national park is a fantastic destination to view over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunning diversity of trees and flowers. “Adventurers can explore the park in a 4×4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon,” says Tripadvisor.

The Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best winners are “determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, as well as an additional editorial process”, explains Tripadvisor.

Best of the Best is Tripadvisor’s highest honour, and those awarded are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor.

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park secured third spot, largely due to its astonishing vastness and famous annual migration (of the wildebeest), the largest and longest overland migration on earth.

Mauritius (“arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination, a tropical paradise with tons to do”) made it to the top spot, while Kathmandu, Nepal (“surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages”) came in second.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

SA WILDERNESS RESERVE NAMED ONE OF MOST REMOTE, BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE WORLD

The accolade has been awarded by Big 7 Travel and car comparison specialists HolidayCars.com. Seeing as they specialise in car-based trips, they wanted to highlight some of the most remote places worthy of a visit.

The world is full of unique and remote places, some of which are challenging to reach.

The complete list includes 50 destinations on nearly every continent. These destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous travellers. These off-the-radar destinations were ranked on several factors, including but not limited to the following:

• Remoteness
• Number of inhabitants
• Unspoiled beauty
• Uniqueness.

"Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa was named one of the Most Remote and Beautiful Places in the World, landing a spot at number 44.

Bushmans Kloof is an utterly gorgeous wilderness escape on a private reserve in South Africa. This boutique luxury lodge, and ecological oasis, is the perfect setting for getting away from it all, enjoying delicious South African cuisine, and making memories discovering the wide-open plains, awe-inspiring wildlife, pristine mountain landscapes, ancient rock art sites and rich San culture in the company of friendly local guides.”

The area where Bushman’s Kloof is located, is unbelievably beautiful. The Cedarberg mountains are truly magnificent, even more so come winter when the caps become snow-packed and the air is so crisp you feel like you are breathing freely for the first time.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

NEW ANIMATED ACTION-ADVENTURE SERIES BY TRIGGERFISH PREMIERES IN US

The project was selected out of almost 1 400 ideas and now joins Netflix’s Supa Team 4 (previously Mama K’s Team 4), which was also developed as part of the Story Lab.

An original concept by Robert Vargas, adapted from characters created by Dey and Dillon, this action-adventure animated series follows Kiya, a seven-year-old African girl who was inspired by the antics of Dey’s daughter who played dress-up as a ninja-princess but also saves the world, and, through Kiya, the team has wonderfully captured this duality in a heroine who boldly shines bright and makes things right with her two friends.

Triggerfish is currently working with both Dey and Dillion on other properties in development, including; Rosy Days, a series based on Kelly’s short film Belly Flop, and Tonko, created by Terence Maluleke, who is one of the directors in the Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire anthology.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

BAFANA BEATS LIBERIA TO QUALIFY FOR 2023 AFCON TOURNAMENT

BANYANA STAR ANDILE DLAMINI, THEMBA ZWANE, SWIMMER LARA VAN NIEKERK WIN BIG AT SA SPORTS AWARDS

This year’s ceremony was held at the Sun City Superbowl in North West. 

Dlamini, who was nominated alongside equally deserving swimming sensation Mathew Sates and golf star Ashleigh Buhai, had a stellar 2022.
For the Sports Star Award, Dlamini took home R500 000. 

The 30-year-old shot stopper is one of the players who played a crucial role in Banyana winning their first Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

Dlamini also received the Minister's Excellence Award together with Buhai.

Dlamini also won the Hollywoodbets Super League for the third time in a row with Sundowns and bagged the runners-up medal in the Caf Women’s Champions League.

Sundowns and Bafana star Zwane was voted for by people to take home the accolade that comes with a R500 000 cash prize.

Swimming star Lara van Niekerk was crowned Sportswoman of the Year while fellow swimmer and teenager Pieter Coetzee won the Sportsman of the Year award.

Van Niekerk also received the Minister's Excellence Award.

Team of the Year went to the Springbok Sevens while the Coach of the Year Award was taken home by swimming coach Rocco Meiring.

Others who received the Minister's Excellence Award are Phiwokuhle Mnguni, Damien Bonhage-Koen, Christopher Baxter, Nkosinathi Hlatshwayo, Charl Du Toit and Andy Birkett.

Dr Malumbete Ralethe, the late Cheryl Roberts, Louis Nel, Elizabeth May Ann Smith, and former Sascoc president Gideon Sam were all awarded the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achiever.

– Source: TimesLIVE

PROTEAS BREAK WORLD RECORD T20I RUN CHASE TO BEAT WEST INDIES

Proteas captain Aiden Markram then carried them home with seven balls to spare, contributing 38 not out.

It was the highest successful run chase in an international T20 game.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the tourists were given an early shake when opener Brandon King was removed by seamer Wayne Parnell with the third ball of the innings, but their top order then took control.

Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers shared 135 runs for the second wicket before Marco Jansen had Mayers caught by Reeza Hendricks for 51 runs midway through the innings.

Once he was dismissed, however, Charles was completely rampant, racing to his first T20I century off just 39 balls. It was the fourth-fastest ton by any player at international level in the short format and the quickest ever by a West Indies batter, breaking the national record held by Chris Gayle who needed 47 deliveries to reach the milestone against England in Mumbai at the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Charles was eventually bowled by all-rounder Jansen in the 14th over after making 118 runs off just 46 deliveries at a strike rate of 256.52. His remarkable innings featured 10 fours and 11 sixes.

West Indies captain Powell, who made 28 runs, then combined in a 57-run stand for the fifth wicket with Romario Shepherd, who was unbeaten on 41, as the visitors reached 258/5.

Jansen was the best of the South African bowlers, returning 3/52 from his allotted four overs.

– Source: www.citizen.co.za

SA BLIND GOLF ASSOCIATION TO HOST FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN AFRICA

“We would be happy for anyone wishing to see the top blind golfers in action to come down to Milnerton. We are always on the lookout for more ball spotters on the course or scorers to walk with each group. It might sound intimidating to the uninitiated, but it’s a fun group of people who would welcome the interest and support from the public.” – Professor Garrett Slattery, Honorary Secretary/Treasurer, SABGA

The last championship was hosted in Rome, Italy, in 2018.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com