PRESIDENT MOURNS LATE US HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST RANDALL ROBINSON

“As we mourn his passing, we are comforted by his own anticipation of this moment in his novel, Makeda, in which the eponymous matriarch implores: ‘You won't need to talk to my headstone to talk to me. I won't be there. I'll be in the air and the Earth. I'll be in the stars that light the African heavens. I'll be watchin' over you and your family. My spirit will always be close enough to touch and protect you all. So, do not grieve for me. My body will die, but my soul will live on. For my soul cannot die. Always remember that my soul is the spark of God in me’.

“The African heavens are indeed illuminated with Randall Robinson’s indelible legacy.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE WITNESSES THE BREAKING OF THE FAST IN RAMADHAAN (IFTAAR)

Muslims in South Africa and across the world were observing a month-long period of fasting, which occurred in their Holy Month of Ramadhaan (according to the Islamic calendar). They fast from dawn till dusk, and this involves abstaining from food, drink and marital intimacies during the day. At the end of the day (dusk), they break their fast also known as Ifar, an occasion that usually brings families and members of the Muslim community together.

The breaking of the fast during Ramadhaan is an important occasion on the Muslim calendar and signifies the end of an intense period of worship and devotion during Ramadhaan that produces the necessary warmth in humankind and expressions of human solidarity.

The historical Masjidul-Quds Mosque in Gatesville is one of the largest in South Africa, which hosts a special Inter-Faith IFTAAR every year to spread the message of unity in diversity among leading South Africans. Among the many world-renowned dignitaries who have graced this much revered event, was the beloved late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

MINISTER PANDOR ARRIVES IN YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON, FOR AN OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 3 April 2023 for an Official Working Visit until 5 April 2023.

Minister Pandor’s programme in Cameroon included a bilateral meeting with her counterpart, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon, on 4 April 2023.

It is hoped that Minister Pandor’s visit to Cameroon will not only reinvigorate relations between the two countries but provide an opportune moment to institute a Joint Cooperation Commission, as provided for in the General Cooperation Agreement signed in September 2006.

Minister Pandor will also pay a courtesy call on President Paul Biya, the President of the Republic of Cameroon.

In the afternoon, Minister Pandor will address and participate in the Roundtable Business Forum, which will be attended by senior executives of the South African businesses in Cameroon and Cameroon businesses.

Cameroon-South Africa Relations

The Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cameroon have enjoyed full diplomatic relations since 1994.

The Cameroon High Commission was opened in South Africa in 1998 and South Africa opened a High Commission in Yaoundé in 2003. The two countries have a structured bilateral mechanism at the level of senior officials to discuss bilateral issues and cooperation.

Cameroon is one of the countries in Africa identified as an important partner for South Africa. South Africa is interested in strengthening this relationship to benefit both countries and the African continent. Cameroon is the biggest regional economy in Central Africa.

DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES HOSTS FIRST BRICS ROADSHOW IN MPUMALANGA

It is expected that more roadshows will be held throughout the country for the duration of South Africa’s chairing of BRICS.

The Mpumalanga roadshow also sought to promote tourism as one of the features that the province is known for, such as the Kruger National Park, God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Sudwala Caves and the World Heritage Site, Makhonjwa Mountains. It further promoted trade and investment opportunities in the infrastructure development, agriculture, mining and energy sectors that Mpumalanga offers. 

A golf day was also held at the Matumi Golf Club and a gala dinner took place at the Emnotweni Arena.

HOW THE GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS NETWORK IS CREATING MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS

Brand South Africa recently partnered with the South African High Commission in Ghana and Constitution Hill to host incredible Global South Africans Network events to strengthen the partnership between Ghana and South Africa.

The partnership between Ghana and South Africa is a longstanding and vital relationship built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect. Both countries have a deep commitment to democracy, human rights and economic development and have worked closely together on a wide range of issues over the years. One of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries has been in the realm of trade and investment.

South Africa is one of Ghana’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have a number of bilateral agreements in place to promote and facilitate mutual trade and investment. In recent years, a particular focus has been on increasing trade in key sectors such as mining, agriculture and tourism.

The Global South Africans Network events hosted open discussions with South African citizens based in Ghana while commemorating our human rights.

The history of human rights in Ghana and South Africa is one of resilience, determination and progress. Despite the many challenges and obstacles that both countries have faced over the years, they have never lost sight of their commitment to human dignity and social justice. Both countries have made significant strides in areas such as access to justice, freedom of expression and gender equality. There have been significant improvements in healthcare and education, and both countries have made important contributions to the broader struggle for human rights and social justice in Africa and beyond.

Today, both Ghana and South Africa stand as beacons of hope and progress in the struggle for human rights and equality, inspiring generations of people across the continent and around the world.

“By becoming part of the Global South Africans network, you commit to being a brand ambassador for our country. You believe in South Africa, you love your country and you want to help us build an inclusive economy and a socially cohesive nation,” the website explains.

“South Africans living or travelling abroad will very often be the first point of contact and reference for people overseas, whose perceptions and decisions have a profound impact on the attractiveness and competitiveness of our country. These Global South Africans can show the world what South Africans are made of, why we are worth investing in and partnering with and how we can help find creative solutions to the gamut of the world’s problems, from poverty to climate change to violent conflict.”

The recent Global South Africans Network events provided a platform for South African and Ghanaian businesses to network, share ideas and learn about trade opportunities between the two countries.

Speaking to the press during the Global South Africans Network reception, the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason, announced plans for more investments between her country and Ghana to boost trade volumes and intra-Africa trade.

“We can do more and we will do more; the Africa Continental Free Trade Area is a catalyst for us to do more and create value chains in all sectors.”

She also disclosed that with South Africa being a new member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the country would leverage its membership to ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms.

“In South Africa today, it is a public day and a human rights day – this is a day we celebrate, and as we celebrate, we remember the atrocities that were committed by the apartheid era where 69 South Africans that were protesting were killed … so this is a day, we say never again and to say that South Africa has a constitutional democracy, we have a Bill of Rights and enshrined in our Bill of Rights is our Constitution, our democracy, equal rights, right to freedom, right to education and freedom of speech.”

“Ideally, this day is our Human Rights Day and our theme, which is consolidating human rights and looking into the future, and also that South Africa is part of the United Nations Human Rights Council from the 1st of January, 2023 for three years… so on these platforms and areas, are where we will be advocating for human rights.”

She added that her Global South Africans were excited to be living and doing business in Ghana, indicating that over 500 South Africans are doing business there.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.co.za

TOURIST ARRIVALS TO SA ON THE RISE AFTER COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Minister was speaking at the opening session of World Travel Market (WTIM) Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

WTM Africa is a leading global event for the travel industry that brings together global expertise to travel professionals in the region.

The Minister told delegates that the tourism sector had a major role to play in South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan aimed at stimulating equitable and inclusive growth.

“Tourism has for many years made a great contribution to the livelihoods, economies and vibrancy of our cities and countries.”

Following the pandemic, she said her department adopted the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2021.

The plan outlines strategic interventions needed to take to boost the economy back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond.

These include protecting and rejuvenating supply, re-igniting demand and strengthening enabling capability for long-term sustainability.

Air access

Meanwhile, she described air access as a key area needed to meet both domestic, regional and international demand.

“Encouragingly, airlift to and from South Africa has seen continuous recovery.”

Last year, she said, the country welcomed numerous direct flights from key source markets. This includes a direct United Airlines flight from Cape Town to Newark in the United States.

In addition, Air China's first flight since the pandemic from Beijing-Shenzhen landed in Johannesburg last week.

Meanwhile, the LATAM Airlines Group plans to re-launch a non-stop flight between São Paulo International Airport, Brazil, and OR Tambo International Airport.

The route is expected to resume in July or August 2023 after more than three years, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, she said she was pleased that South African Airways expanded to various markets across Africa. 

“These flights undoubtedly contribute to boosting our attractiveness and will contribute to seeing us return to pre-COVID-19 performance levels and beyond.”

Small business

According to Minister De Lille, the Department of Tourism has supported, through funding, 30 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to attend the WTM Africa and display their offerings and products.

Of the 30 SMEs, 25 are majority black-owned, of which 16 are women-owned, while two businesses are run by youth.

Of these, half are tour operators and the rest are accommodation service providers.

“To these business owners and all emerging SMEs, I want to say that you are the lifeblood of this sector. Keep pushing and keep being part of offering visitors a truly South African experience.”

So far, 410 beneficiaries received support to participate in international trade platforms, while 577 were sponsored to attend local travel trade shows for several years.

The return on investment to the 410 beneficiaries at international trade platforms is an estimated R265 million in foreign exchange earnings from the R35 million in government spending for those trade platforms.

In addition, Minister De Lille said that government support had yielded 1 000 permanent jobs for the SMEs.

Minister De Lille has urged the attendees to take full advantage of opportunities now that industries are open for business following COVID-19-induced lockdowns. 

“Let us move ahead full steam to broaden our horizons, increase travel, trade, investment and jobs and increase the economic contribution of tourism to all our economies.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

ARTS AT THE EMBASSY: SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS CELEBRATED WITH US PROGRAMME THAT PROMOTES CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

The Arts at the Embassy Programme exhibits artworks by South African artists, curated by Bongi Dhlomo.

The US Embassy in South Africa is celebrating local artists with a special exhibition that will be on display in the Chief of Mission Residence in Pretoria.

The Arts at the Embassy Programme is an initiative that "promotes cultural diplomacy through exhibitions in more than 200 US Embassies and Consulates around the world".

"I wanted a theme that showed the cower of the South African story … as a means of demonstrating our respect for South Africa and respect for the struggle," said US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety.

Art in Embassies, an office within the US Department of State, "promotes cultural diplomacy through exhibitions, permanent collections, site-specific commissions and two-way artist exchanges in more than 200 US Embassies and Consulates around the world".

In a video taken at the reception at the exhibition, Ambassador Brigety explained the concept of the programme, saying, "The Arts at the Embassy Programme is a programme with the US State Department to showcase the artwork that speaks to the particular theme of an ambassador."

"For me, I wanted a theme that showed the power of the South African story, mixed in with the art of all of Africa as a means of demonstrating our respect for South Africa and respect for the struggle."

The exhibition includes 10 works of art loaned from the Javett Art Centre's Bongi Dhlomo Collection. It will "create strong ties with one of the most significant black South African women in the arts, one of the most prominent art institutions in Pretoria, and artists who have not received the spotlight they deserve because of Apartheid and its legacy," reads a press statement.

"I think the basis for putting this collection together was from the philanthropist Michael Javett, who said to me, 'We want to hear from you how the black artists saw their community in the 20th century," Dlomo said during the reception.

"There was nothing to make up," she continued, "It was something to look for, and as I was saying about [artists] David Koloane and Kay Hassan, that's exactly how they interpreted things like adverts that were foisted us. But she [Hassan] turned it around and made good art."

AFRICA IS AN OYSTER FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

The programme is a cost-sharing grant that contributes to the cost of feasibility studies that are likely to lead to high-impact projects that will increase local exports and stimulate the market for South African capital goods and services.

Nxumalo, 26, says the African economy is teeming with a plethora of opportunities for trade and investment that the continent’s young and innovative entrepreneurs can take advantage of by transcending borders and working together.

“The commendable efforts that are being made to integrate the African economy and eradicate limitations and blockages through the establishment of the AfCFTA make the continent an oyster for young entrepreneurs to come up with viable solutions to solve the problems experienced by the populations in various countries.

“To this end, our company has identified an opportunity in Zambia. As a result, we are working in collaboration with other businesspeople in the country towards setting up a 50 Megawatts (MW) solar power plant in Zambia,” says Nxumalo.

Nxumalo says he is aware that the energy challenges that the South African economy currently experiences require all the resources that the country could garner.

However, he reckons that the fact that the problem is not unique to South Africa, but is prevalent in many parts of the African continent, means that South African renewable energy companies can cast their nets far and wide and be part of the solutions across the continent.  

He says the pie is big enough for everyone who wants to provide renewable energy solutions.

The pull and pushing factors in the energy space in various countries should determine where entrepreneurs go, transcending borders.

For instance, he notes, in Zambia, the Government is investing in solar energy, with a target to increase electricity generation to 6 000MW by 2030.

“The Government has been encouraging private players to join the industry in order to achieve this target. The goal of our project is to collaborate with other players in the energy sector to complement government’s efforts in alleviating this challenge in the country.

“With its year-round sunshine and geographical location, Zambia is well-positioned to integrate solar power into its energy mix, which is currently dominated by climate-vulnerable hydropower,” Nxumalo explains.

Nxumalo advises young South African entrepreneurs to cast their net as wide as possible, expand their horizons, transcend borders, and explore trade and investment opportunities that the African continent is teeming with ‒ from Cape to Cairo.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

SPAIN EXHIBITION MEANS BIG BUSINESS FOR SA COSMETICS INDUSTRY

This was Hlongwane’s first international exhibition but she said her key take-home from the experience was a better understanding of the company’s target market, as she got direct feedback from potential clients.

“Participating in the exhibition helped us to identify the need to work with distributors to establish some presence in countries that we plan to expand to,” she said.

The representative of Empire Salon Specialist, Magdelen Govender, said exhibiting at In-cosmetics was an immense privilege because it had opened so many doors for the company.

Govender said she managed to connect with both large and small companies that are willing to work with her company.

“I have communicated with many companies from different countries. I have collected so much information that is going to assist me in the business going forward,” Govender said.

Empire Salon Specialist has a variety of beauty and hair brands. They also supply organic oils, butters, powders, product bases and a range of uncommon active ingredients.

The South African representative of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), Anna Reyneke, said South Africa’s first official participation at In-cosmetics in Spain successfully showcased the diversity of the country’s natural ingredients and its biodiversity on the leading global stage for this sector.

“It also highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of South African businesses and their high-quality products. Also, keen interest was shown by high-quality and targeted international visitors to the South African booth.

“In addition, there was high demand for sustainable ingredients with great emphasis on upcycled products, as well as impactful social and environmental aspects were shown,” Reyneke said.

She said that a continued and increasing presence of South Africa as a thriving place of origin of natural ingredients at In-cosmetics global trade shows was important to build on the momentum created as a capable supplier to export markets.

The participation of Team SA at the In-cosmetics Exhibition was supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

THREE SA CREATIVES CHOSEN FOR GRAND JURY AT NY FESTIVALS ADVERTISING AWARDS

The following three South African creatives have been named part of the Grand Jury: Coenie Grebe: Creative director at Ogilvy Johannesburg; Collin Mbiriri: Creative Director at Ogilvy Cape Town; and Mbuso Mabena: Senior Digital Designer at Leagas Delaney

With more than 280 advertising innovators on board to date, NYF’s Grand Jury panel represents a diverse range of creative talent who will lend their industry experience and perspective to the jury panel.

This year’s jury panel includes chief creative officers, CEOs, executive creative directors, art directors, copywriters, strategists, designers and communications pros from 47 countries around the globe who will thoughtfully review entries and play a pivotal role in selecting the world’s best in advertising.

“We’re thrilled that these world-class industry creatives and leaders are lending their expertise and perspective to the 2023 Grand Jury,” said Scott Rose, president, New York Festivals Advertising Competitions. “Their dedication to creative excellence coupled with their distinctive viewpoints ensure that all entries will be thoughtfully and respectfully reviewed.”

The official deadline to enter the 2023 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is 28 April 2023.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

RICHTERSVELD BOTANIST SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Pieter van Wyk, the botanist at |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, has been announced as one of three worldwide winners of the prestigious Future for Nature (FFN) Award and will soon be accepting his prize in the Netherlands.

Van Wyk works at the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which spans part of South Africa and into Namibia. His focus has been on conserving the incredible succulents that grow in the region. The park is something special, boasting large arid landscapes that surprisingly teem with life.

“The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park measures 6 045 km² and spans some of the most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa. It incorporates the 4 420 km² |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and the 1 625 km² |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld National Park in South Africa.

It features the world’s second-largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon, which meanders for 161 km between the steep, spectacular cliffs that divide the Nama plateau. In places, the canyon floor is more than 550 m below the plateau, exposing rock of up to 2 600 million years old.”

Inspired by the FFN Award winners, Wageningen University ecologists Ignas Heitkönig and Rascha Nuijten founded the FFN Academy in 2016. Currently, the FFN Academy is coordinated by Marit Hertlein.

The FFN Academy spreads the inspiration and dedication of FFN Award winners and other conservation heroes to a growing network of students and young graduates across the Netherlands, to fuel this young generation’s passion for nature conservation. They do so by organising varying activities such as guest lectures, excursions and symposia. They create a platform for people to meet, discuss and make plans together for a better future for nature.

Van Wyk won because of his outstanding efforts in the protection of succulent species.

“The area is renowned for housing most of the richest succulent flora of the world. The Orange River is characterised by striking endangered riparian bush. At the Gariep Centre of Plant Endemism, with the transfrontier park at its core, at least 2 700 species of plants, 560 of which are endemic or near-endemic, can be found.

A soft but regular and therefore effective rainfall is mainly responsible for this abundance of plant life. Many of the endemic plants are limited to small areas, mostly on mountains where the rainfall is higher and habitat diversity is greatest. The best-known endemic plants are the stem succulents known as the “halfmens”, Pachypodium namaquanum, and the giant tree aloe, Aloe pillansii.”

South African National Parks and specifically the Arid Region are extremely proud of van Wyk for scooping this prestigious award and cannot wait to see what changes he will implement upon his return to further his very commendable work of protecting the precious species of the Richtersveld.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

FOUR CHEETAH CUBS HAVE BEEN BORN IN INDIA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES

Last year, eight Namibian cheetahs were brought over to Kuno National Park in what was shared as the first intercontinental relocation of cheetahs. The cats were so slick they even got an airplane nick-named after their 11-hour flight, Cat Plane.

Later on, another 12 cheetahs from South Africa would join the clowder.

In celebration of the births, India’s Environmental Minister, Bhupender Yadav, took to share a few sneak peaks on Twitter recently, calling the moment “a momentous event in [the country’s] wildlife conservation history”.

These cheetahs join other translocation projects from South Africa, like the Liwonde National Park mission in 2018. This effort helped revive the threatened species as the first wild cubs to be born in Malawi in 20 years.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

TWO SOUTH AFRICAN CITIES RANK IN TOP 10 FOR BEST TO VISIT IN 2023

The 28 factors were grouped into four categories that allow for a more complete idea of how travellers can thoughtfully select a city destination.

The four categories included factors like how efficient and cost-friendly it is to get around the city, places to stay and availability of hotels in the city, and availability of mindful experiences to be had.

Cape Town and Johannesburg both featured on the worldwide list but took Top 10 positions in the Middle East and Africa region. The Mother City came in at number six, while Johannesburg placed at number eight on the list.

On the worldwide list, Cape Town placed 145 out of 167 cities, and Johannesburg came in at number 153.

The top three cities for the mindful traveller to visit worldwide are:

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Graz, Austria.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

NEW SHOW HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL COMEDIANS, MAKING THEM LAUGH, IS COMING IN 2024

Trevor Noah has had an incredible career to date. He is a proudly South African comedian, tackling politics in a way that makes us all laugh out loud; he was the host of The Daily Show. He also hosted the Grammy’s and has been nominated for several awards, not to mention winning too. Now he is coming home and he won’t be sitting idle; Noah will be hosting South Africa’s first original series on Prime Video come 2024, where he will highlight 10 local comedians and entertainers.

The show, which is being called LOL: Last One Laughing, is set to launch in South Africa and globally early next year, introducing audiences to some of the best South African comedic talents.

As it will be available globally, it could be the platform where many other South African talents can launch their own international careers.

In the series, Noah will pit 10 famous South African comedians and entertainers against one another to see who can keep a straight face while simultaneously trying to make their opponents laugh – and lose. It’s a competition for a grand prize of R1 million, which goes to the winner’s South African charity of choice.

“I’m excited to be back home to host Prime Video’s first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing, and to have a chance to connect with my home audience,” said Noah.

“I am equally delighted for the opportunity to be working alongside my fellow home-grown comedy stars on a show that not only entertains but gives back to the South African production and charity communities.”

LOL: Last One Laughing will be the first South African original available on Prime Video. It is set to be a six-part series with 30-minute episodes. It will be produced by Rapid Blue, which is known for producing Come Dine with Me South Africa.

“Comedy, in all its forms, shines among South Africa’s most valuable treasures. Together with an A-list roster of this country’s incredible home-grown comedic talent competing for a great charitable cause, Trevor and Prime Video are demonstrating the depth of our shared ambition to invest and elevate the very best of South Africa for audiences locally and around the world.” – Ned Mitchell, head of Africa and Middle East Originals, Prime Video

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

“Yoh, I was not ready for it! I arrived late to the awards show and wasn’t expecting to win at all. So, when they called my name out ‒ I was like ‘What?!'” enthused Caesar. “It felt validating, and I loved that I could share this moment with family and friends who know my story. It was really special and a kickstart to the year.”

Caesar – who is a performing artist, composer, producer and music director and DJ – has the unique ability to create a sound that perfectly fuses his eclectic cultural background. Born in the Caribbean island of Dominica and raised by a feminist, activist mother, he went on to live in Amsterdam, St Lucia and London, before moving to South Africa where he spent the vast majority of his upbringing. From KwaZulu-Natal to Johannesburg and finally Cape Town, Caesar was able to draw on a variety of cultural backgrounds evident in his music today.

“Being born in Dominica and living in London as a child, these are my deepest musical roots, but growing up in South Africa has had a massive influence,” commented Caesar. “Top that off with a rich history in Hip Hop and you got me! Being in these different countries, I got to soak in all the sounds and culture and watch the changes in music evolve.”

Already a rising star in South Africa, his music has playlisted on Metro FM, 5FM, Goodhope FM and Jacaranda. His work as Music Director at Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi has also been extensively recognised, including the original song for Gotham City, and the Space Jam New Legacy Live Show. Now, having moved to Dubai only last year, he already has an award under his belt.

The latest award is from Musivv, a platform in a digital magazine that discovers and develops independent musical artists in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. And this digital space is undoubtedly where Caesar is gaining ground. The musician has taken on the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in music, something that is set to revolutionise the way musicians actually profit from their own creations. Through his newly established anime and music company, TIGXA (Tee-Gah), Caesar dropped his first official release last year – the first NFT to be played on South African radio!

“I was very fortunate to take part in the evolution of the South African music industry from when House dominated before Hip Hop artists could have careers, to seeing the Gqom and Amapiano scene before it blew up globally,” commented Caesar. “When South Africa started to respect and edify their local artists, things changed. Instead of an American star headlining, we had local stars. When media covered more South African artists’ stories, that momentum spilt over globally. A viral moment is fleeting but having a strong foundation will give longevity that takes the industry investing in itself and its talent.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

INTERNATIONAL SKATEBOARDER MAKES BEAUTIFUL BOARD WITH SA ARTIST

Mukheli, is the co-founder and director of I See a Different You, a collective of Soweto-born creatives. Bufoni’s collaboration with Mukheli also welcomed members from Island Gals Shred, a community built by women in skateboarding to embrace and increase the female skateboarding scene in Africa. The finishing touches on their new custom boards were added by Bufoni and two young skaters, adding a splash of their own identity merged with Mukheli’s afro-modern aesthetic.

Skateboarding has for many years had a strong association with visual art – making it a popular art medium.

“Working with Leticia Bufoni was great; the collaboration made me feel like a kid again. I’ve always loved skateboarding and having to customise them for one of the best skaters in the world was like a dream come true!”, says Mukheli.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA'S BINDER WINS ARGENTINA MOTOGP SPRINT RACE

Binder was the star of the sprint having started from a lowly 15th on the grid.

The 27-year-old nipped ahead by the second lap after Franco Morbidelli on a Yamaha was quickest off the start line.

"I surprised myself a little, but what a start," said Binder after finishing 0.072 sec ahead of Bezzecchi. "The plan worked from start to finish."

– Source: www.news24.com