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US-AFRICA SUMMIT A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: ZUMA |
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| Hailing the summit as a major success, Zuma touted the inroads made at the summit, including more than $33 billion in investments in Africa announced by United States (US) President Barack Obama. |
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African leaders and the US have agreed to work together to build stronger trade ties between the two continents, South African President Jacob Zuma said at the close of the historic US-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington.
President Zuma said that the conference had succeeded in bringing almost all African leaders together under one roof to discuss common interest with the US, a crucial market for African goods.
Africa is home to six of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle class, Zuma said, and this week's summit was an affirmation both of Africa's growth and of US willingness to take Africa on board as the two regions seek to expand their growth.
He added that, following the summit, the question of whether South Africa would continue to be part of a renewed African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) was no longer an issue.
"That to us is very important, because before we came here some people were saying South Africa is now developed and doesn't need AGOA. That is no longer the issue, because everyone has realised that South Africa is one of the key players in the integration of the continent and [that] if you pull South Africa out of that you really will be in a sense destabilising that process."
"Given the manner in which this summit has helped to foster our relationship, it's going to be very difficult for any future American leader to come and ignore that this summit has taken place and what it has achieved," Zuma said.
He said a great part of the summit's deliberations had focused on boosting US business ties with Africa, the continuation of AGOA, good governance as well as peace and security.
The US also pledged to provide financial support for Africa's Standby Force, which is expected to start operating in October.
America has changed its earlier stance on conflict resolution on the continent, and will not attempt to send any troops to Africa in times of crisis but will instead leave this to the continent's leaders and the African Union (AU).
Since 2009, the US has committed to provide nearly $892 million to develop African peacekeeping capacity and strengthen African institutions. The US has also come out strongly in support of the work done by more than 67 000 African peacekeepers serving with the AU and United Nations in Africa.
In his final press conference at the end of the summit, President Obama said leaders from both sides had emerged more determined to strengthen ties between the US and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing regions.
"The summit advanced our shared interests in increased US-Africa trade and US investment in Africa and highlighted America's commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development and its people," Obama said.
"By enabling discussion of tangible actions that can be taken to deepen the US-Africa partnership, the summit fostered stronger ties between the US and Africa."
The summit's theme – "Investing in the Next Generation" – reflected the common ambition that the US shared with Africa "to leave our nations better for future generations by making concrete gains in peace and security, good governance and economic development," he said.
On Wednesday, President Obama announced $33 billion in new financing to promote US exports to and investment in Africa.
He made the announcement at the first US-Africa Business Forum, where he said that $7 billion would go to new financing to promote US exports to and investments in Africa under the Doing Business in Africa Campaign.
US companies will also sign deals in clean energy, aviation, banking and construction worth more than $14 billion, in addition to $12 billion in new commitments under the President's Power Africa initiative from private sector partners, the World Bank and the Government of Sweden.
– Source: www.SAnews.gov.za
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ATTENDS PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION IN MAURITANIA |
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| The inauguration ceremony was the culmination of the 21 June 2014 elections that saw the incumbent President re-elected for a second term with more that 80% majority vote. |
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Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa represented President Jacob Zuma at the inauguration ceremony of the President-Elect, Mahomed Ould Abdel Aziz, of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, on 2 August 2014 in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
South Africa made a constructive contribution in Mauritania in support of the implementation of the democratic road map undertaken by the military transitional government following the coup d’état of August 2005. These efforts contributed to the restoration of constitutional order and stability in Mauritania leading to South Africa’s support for the lifting of the African Union’s suspension of the country on 10 April 2007.
President Abdel Ould Aziz appointed a Special Envoy to represent him during the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma on 24 May 2014. |
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| SA IS OPEN TO US INVESTMENT – MINISTER |
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| Around 600 United States (US) companies currently trade in South Africa. Last year, total combined trade between the two countries was R130 billion. |
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Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane briefed reporters ahead of the US-Africa Summit. "South Africa is open for business and we need more than 600 companies from America to come invest," she told reporters in Washington, ahead of the US-Africa Summit |
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South Africa needs more American companies to invest in it, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoane-Mashabane, said in Washington this week.
"South Africa is open for business and we need more than 600 companies from America to come invest," she told reporters in Washington, ahead of the United States-Africa Summit.
"We need to go out and take advantage of opportunities."
Minister Nkoane-Mashabane said that while inter-regional trade within the African continent was important, international trade also needed to be encouraged.
"In today's global village, and also taking into consideration that South Africa's economy is globally connected ... we remain and we are part of our own continent.
"[South Africa and Africa] are in the business of integrating the infrastructure of our continent to bring about connectivity so that we can integrate our own economies and trade with our neighbourhood, but that does not exclude engaging with other economies around the world."
– Source: www.fin24.com |
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| GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY OPENS R80-MILLION STATE OF THE ART SOLAR PV MODULE MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN CAPE TOWN |
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| Jinko Solar opened this facility in response to the roll-out of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) where 1484 MW of solar PV projects have been procured. Since the inception of this programme, Jinko Solar has deployed over 300 MW of solar PV panels, reaching approximately 30% market share. |
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NYSE listed company, Jinko Solar, officially opened its R80-million, 120-MW solar PV module production facility in Epping, Cape Town, recently.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, has welcomed the opening of this facility as part of the dti’s drive to expand the capabilities of the South African manufacturing industry, increase the country’s industrial base and create much-needed jobs in Epping. The Green Economy has been identified as a key focus area in the Department’s Industrial Policy Action Plan, and provides significant opportunities for job creation, localisation and economic growth.
Then opening of Jinko’s state-of-the-art production facility in Cape Town once again highlights the attractiveness of South Africa as an investment destination and will contribute further to establishing the country as a hub for renewable energy and other Green Economy industries.
Minister Davies speaking on the margins of the US-Africa Summit and in meetings with USA companies, said South Africa was becoming a leader in renewable energy. |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE DELIVERS PAPER ON SA’S TENURE AS CHAIR OF BRICS |
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| Minister Nkoana-Mashabane’s paper reflected on South Africa’s role within the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Forum, with emphasis on the role played by the country in its role as Chair of the BRICS from March 2013 to July 2014. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, delivered a paper at an event jointly organised by the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Institute of Global Dialogue, focusing on “South Africa’s Chairpersonship of BRICS: From Durban to Fortaleza”.
Addressing the UNISA Senate Hall, packed with the academic community, civil society, the Diplomatic Corps, and the media, among others, the Minister said: “Our journey from Durban to Fortaleza has not been an easy one, but it is from this journey that we have a good story to tell”.
“Among others, a good story worth telling is that we are proud members of an emerging group that represents 42,6% of the world’s population, 18% of global trade, attracts 53% of foreign capital, accounts for 20% of global GDP and generated 61% of economic growth in the world economy and has an estimated USD4 trillion foreign reserves base. Our own trade with BRICS countries increased from R297 billion (2012) to R381 billion (2013) – 20% of total South African trade.”
The Minister highlighted the Fortaleza agreement to move swiftly in order to process the Agreement on the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Treaty for the Establishment of a BRICS Contingent Reserve Agreement.
“These are some, amongst the many, tangible outcomes of our BRICS chairpersonship – a legacy whose humble beginnings can be traced from Durban. The NDB is by far the most powerful, single institution conceived by emerging economies for the sole benefit of their own development and prosperity. It has a solid vision inspired by ideals founded upon South-South cooperation,” the Minister said.
For the Minister’s full address go to: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2014/mash0801a.html |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MFEKETO PARTICIPATES IN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE NAM COMMITTEE ON PALESTINE |
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| The purpose of the committee meeting was to discuss and consider the current situation and latest developments in Palestine, especially the situation in Gaza. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindia Mfeketo, accompanied by President Jacob Zuma’s special envoys to the Middle East, Zola Skweyiya and Aziz Pahad, attended an emergency meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Committee on Palestine, on 4 August 2014, in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, as Chair of the NAM, called for an emergency meeting of its Committee on Palestine. South Africa is a member of the Committee, together with Algeria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palestine, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The last meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine was held during the NAM Ministerial Conference in Algiers, Algeria, on 28 May 2014. The committee adopted the Declaration on Palestine, which reaffirms unconditional support to the cause of the Palestinian people.
South Africa remains committed to the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, freedom and justice. The International Year of Solidarity with the People of Palestine, declared as such by the United Nations, should be utilised to initiate concrete programmes and activities aimed at supporting the just and legitimate cause of the Palestinians. |
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| US TO SET UP LEADERSHIP CENTRES IN AFRICA |
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| President Barack Obama made this announcement in Washington last week during a meeting with a group of 500 young Africans who were chosen from nearly 50 000 applicants from across the continent to participate in the Washington Fellowship exchange programme, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative. |
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The United States (US) is to set up centres to train Africa's next generation of political and economic leaders – starting next year with centres in Senegal, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya – as it moves to expand US President Barack Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative.
According to news agency Bloomberg, the US Agency for International Development would be providing US$38 million to set up the first four leadership centres. President Obama said that US universities, African institutions and business partners like Microsoft and the MasterCard Foundation would also be partnering on setting up and running the centres.
"Starting next year, young Africans can come to these centres to network, access the latest technology and get training in management and entrepreneurship," Obama said.
"The first centres will be located in Senegal, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya – and will provide tens of thousands of young Africans the resources they need to put their ideas into action."
According to the White House, the Young African Leaders Initiative was launched by President Obama in 2010 "as part of a long-term investment in the next generation of African leaders. It aims to sharpen their skills, to improve their networks and to strengthen partnerships between the United States and Africa for years to come". – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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SA AND JAPAN CELEBRATE
10 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
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| The two countries have enjoyed cordial relations since signing a bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement in 2003. |
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This year, South Africa and Japan are celebrating 10 years of successful science and technology cooperation. The decade-long relationship has seen over R85 million invested in about 50 joint research and development projects in the areas of life sciences, climate change, astronomy and space science, and human capital development, among others.
Speaking at a ceremony in Pretoria to celebrate this milestone, the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, said: "South Africa and Japan have made significant strides in intensifying support for basic fundamental and applied research, development and innovation over the past decade."
The National Research Foundation is the agency responsible for promoting this collaboration on behalf of South Africa's Department of Science and Technology (DST), while the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science manage the partnership on behalf of Japan.
Among the highlights of this partnership is the DST-Hitachi Scholarship Programme, which has benefited more than 10 South African engineers since 2009. The engineers spent three months at a time visiting Hitachi (the Japanese multinational corporation specialising in high-technology equipment, including power) learning gas and steam-turbine engineering.
Last year, the Tshwane University of Technology and Nagaoka University of Technology signed a memorandum of understanding promoting student exchanges to contribute to the development of higher education and research in South Africa. It is expected that research collaboration will be enhanced through such cooperation. |
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SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS THE FOURTH ISIBALO YOUNG AFRICAN STATISTICIANS CONFERENCE (IYASC) |
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The fourth IYASC was themed “Young African Statisticians Staking Their Claim in Unleashing the Power of Statistics in Exposing and Disposing of Inequality Post-2015”. |
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Statistics South Africa hosted the fourth IYASC from 31 July to 2 August 2014 in Gauteng. This biennial conference brought together young statisticians from all over Africa to present papers and be part of a statistical discourse.
When South Africa hosted the 57th Session of the International Statistical Institute in 2009, there was minimal participation from statisticians in Africa. The IYASC was first hosted in South Africa in 2008, to prepare Young African Statisticians (YAS) to participate in international statistical conferences and to have their research work published in international reputable statistical journals.
More than 120 papers from YAS were presented at the three-day session. |
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| 20 YEARS OF FREEDOM CELEBRATIONS – ROME |
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| Two of the most popular dishes have been incorporated into Bacco in Tevere’s menu for the rest of the summer period of the Isola Del Cinema. |
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Main cinema where the movie was shown |
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Wine tasting event at the Isola Del Cinema with Sommelier |
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South African Chef: Arnold Stuurman, Daniel Toledo and Paolo Scalla at Bacco in Tevere |
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From 18 to 20 July 2014, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa celebrated the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s freedom and democracy in collaboration with Isola Del Cinema in Tiberina (located along the Lungotevere River) and Mandela City (40 min outside Rome).
The events included a:
- tribute evening dedicated to former President Nelson Mandela at the Isola del Cinema on the 18th a with special performance by Mi Casa and the showcasing of the Mandela films, “Long Walk to Freedom” and “Invictus”
- a 6,7-km marathon at Mandela City on the 19th and an evening at the Isola showcasing the films, “Cry the Beloved Country” and “Drum”
- a tribute to Miriam Makeba at the Isola Del Cinema on 20 July, showcasing the films, “ Sarafina” and “Mama Africa”.
To conclude the celebrations, the Mission collaborated with Artevita Mastronantonio to have two South African chefs, Arnold Stuurman and Daniel Toledo, cook South African food. |
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SAA ADDS MORE TRAVEL OPTIONS IN AFRICA |
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According to SAA, the new flight on Tuesdays (SA080) will depart Johannesburg at 11 pm to arrive in Lagos at 4:15 am the next day. SA081 returns on Wednesday from Lagos departing at
8 am to arrive back in Johannesburg at 2:55 pm. |
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SAA has started increasing flights on the Johannesburg-Lagos route, where it now offers eight frequencies per week. The increase came into effect on 1 August. “All flights will be operated with a long-haul Airbus aircraft offering lie-flat seats in business class, which we anticipate will be welcomed by our business class travellers, as we have seen a tremendous growth in demand for premium travel in Africa,” SAA General Manager Commercial (Acting) Kendy Phohleli said in a statement.
Africa routes on which frequencies were recently increased include:
- Johannesburg-Harare (18 to 19 per week)
- Johannesburg-Lusaka (20 to 21)
- Johannesburg-Abidjan (from two to three per week)
- Johannesburg-Blantyre (from two to three per week)
- Johannesburg-Dar es Salaam (from 13 to 14 per week)
- Johannesburg-Kinshasa (from four to six per week)
- Johannesburg-Nairobi (from 10 to 11 per week)
- Johannesburg-Ndola (three to four per week)
- Johannesburg-Windhoek (20 to 21 per week).
The new schedule will provide greater/additional connectivity to the SAA network and accommodate the current passenger and cargo demand SAA is experiencing on the route. SAA has also made changes to its international route network, where frequencies on the route between Johannesburg and Mumbai have been reduced by one per week to six weekly frequencies (effective from 1 July 2014). SAA will, however, offer the same number of seats as a bigger aircraft will be used on the Mumbai route.
The Tuesday Mumbai departure will no longer be operated as this flight historically shows low demand.“This is a change also aligned with SAA’s Gaining Altitude strategy, where frequencies on low-performing routes are adjusted in line with our key strategic objective to achieve, and maintain, commercial sustainability, while supporting South Africa’s development agenda,” said Phohleli.
SAA, Africa’s most awarded airline, operates to 40 destinations worldwide. Regionally, SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent, including Abidjan, Accra and Harare. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN BRANDY NAMED WORLD'S BEST |
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| This is the seventh time that the South African wine and spirits maker has won the award, and follows its triumph at the International Spirits Challenge 2013, where its KWV 15 Alambic Brandy was named Best Brandy in the World. |
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KWV's 12-year Barrel Select Brandy was named Worldwide Best Brandy, winning the 2014 Worldwide Brandy Trophy Award at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition awards ceremony in London.
"To win Worldwide Best Brandy 2014 is the highest accolade and demonstrates our brandy team's commitment to innovation and quality of the highest standard," KWV Master Distiller Pieter de Bod said, adding that KWV Brandy was increasingly being recognised as a serious competitor to Cognac.
"South African brandy standards and processes are on par, if not better, than the equivalent Cognac standards, with the only difference being the location from where the grapes that provide the base wine for distillation are sourced."
Distilled in the world's largest copper potstill distillery at KWV's brandy cellars in Worcester in the Western Cape, the KWV 12 is distilled mainly from Chenin Blanc and Colombar grapes and matured in small French oak barrels to give it its unique smooth taste. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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South Africa left the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a total of 40 medals, just three short of their target of 43.
They have, however, claimed the most gold medals since re-admission in 1994. The South Africans finished in seventh place on the overall standings with 13 gold medals.
While bowls proved to be South Africa's best source of gold medals in Glasgow, swimming produced 12 medals in total, including three gold, three silver and six bronze medals, which was good for fourth on the medal table, and good for the third most medals won.
Track and field athletes delivered a much improved performance on their results of 2010 in India, finishing sixth on the table, after claiming three gold, four silver and two bronze medals, a total of nine in all. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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