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| PRESIDENT ZUMA BRIEFS MEDIA AND DIPLOMATIC CORPS |
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| South Africa will use its participation at the upcoming 70th Session of the United Nations (UN) to advocate for the reform of the organisation in order to be more inclusive, democratic and representative. |
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In a briefing on South Africa’s foreign policy with the media and over 80 foreign ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of mission resident in South Africa, President Jacob Zuma underlined the need for the UN to consider how it could transform and evolve to improve its capacity to respond to modern-day challenges, especially considering Africa’s needs. The briefing was held on 15 September.
South Africa’s concern, President Zuma said, was the lack of progress on this matter and that the UN Security Council still remained undemocratic, unrepresentative and unfair to developing nations.
According to the President, the reform is a key role in promoting world peace and security.
“The 70th anniversary of the UN is an opportunity to reflect and redouble efforts to meet current and future challenges across the three pillars of the UN: peace and security, development, and human rights,” he said.
The world leaders will meet at the UN Headquarters, in New York, from next week under the theme “United Nations at 70 – the Role Ahead: Peace, Security and Human Rights”.
President Zuma called on South Africa’s European Union partners, as well as Syria’s regional neighbours, to assist the Syrian refugees, in full accordance and compliance with all human rights and humanitarian laws.
“The human tragedy requires us to find lasting solutions – which is to stop the war in Syria,” said President Zuma.
President Zuma also briefed those in attendance on South Africa’s foreign policy with regard to, among others, the Middle East, Western Sahara, the security situation in Africa and South Africa’s hosting of the Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg in December. |
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| MINISTER MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE IN WASHINGTON FOR THE US-SA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE MEETING |
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| The Strategic Dialogue seeks to strengthen and expand economic and scientific engagements, improve coordination on public health and education, and discuss global security challenges, among others. |
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On 16 September, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, was hosted by the United States (US) Secretary of State, John Kerry, for the US-SA Strategic Dialogue.
The Strategic Dialogue focussed on, among other things:
- strengthening political and economic relations with the USA, with a particular emphasis on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting value-added exports and sourcing support for skills developments and capacity-building in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan
- ensuring that development cooperation from the USA, including funding for health (PEPFAR) and education priorities, continues to be aligned to South Africa’s domestic priorities
- promoting cooperation at the multilateral level with the USA, as well as advocating for enhanced action towards the reform of the global governance architecture.
The USA is currently the third-largest trading partner for South Africa, after China and Germany. Approximately 98% of South Africa’s exports enter the US market duty-free and quota-free under the current dispensation of the US African Growth and Opportunities Act.
The USA continues to be one of the major contributors to FDI into South Africa. Approximately 600 US companies in South Africa contribute about 30% of all corporate social investment for corporate social projects.
Bilateral trade between South Africa and the USA increased from about R130 billion in 2013 to R141 billion in 2014. The USA enjoyed a trade surplus with South Africa in 2014, for the first time since 2009. US investments in South Africa increased from R1,2 trillion in 2012 to about R1,8 trillion in 2013. |
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| PRESIDENT ZUMA UNVEILS MATOLA MONUMENT AND INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE |
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| The unveiling of the memorial aimed to honour the fallen heroes of the Matola Raid, as part of the Heritage Month Programme, and also paid homage to the sacrifices and contributions made by the Mozambicans towards a free, non-racial and democratic South Africa. |
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On Friday, 11 September, President Jacob Zuma undertook a Working Visit to Maputo, Mozambique, to unveil the Matola Monument and Interpretative Centre in remembrance of members of Umkhonto We Sizwe who were killed during the infamous Matola Raid by apartheid defence forces in 1981.
During the unveiling ceremony, President Zuma and his Mozambican counterpart, President Filipe Nyusi, laid a wreath at the gravesite in Llhanguene Cemetery in memory of those struggle heroes who were executed during the raid. The two heads of state also interacted with families of the victims as well as survivors of the ill-famed raid.
The monument and centre form part government's effort to redress the historical imbalances in heritage sites, and to promote social cohesion and nation-building. They also form part of the Liberation Heritage Route, which preserves South Africa's liberation legacy.
The route recognises the people, communities, events and places which had a significant impact on our struggle for liberation and also stimulate much-needed economic development and job creation in South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
South Africa and Mozambique share strong historical and fraternal ties dating back to the time of the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
The two countries share strong economic ties and have formed strong historic and strategic bilateral relations in the many areas of cooperation over the last two decades. Key in this regard, was the decision in 2011 to elevate the structured bilateral mechanism to an annual Bi-National Commission. |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA RECEIVES SOUTH AFRICA'S FOOD SECURITY RECOGNITION AWARD FROM UNITED NATIONS (UN) |
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| The award pays tribute, recognises and celebrates the Republic of South Africa’s achievement in the fight against hunger. |
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Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa recently received a Food Security Recognition Award from Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The FAO has for the past two decades monitored progress made by 129 countries towards internationally recognised food security targets. The 2015 State of Food Insecurity in the World report states that the number of people who still suffer from chronic undernourishment fell to under 800 million for the first time since 1990. However, one out of nine people on the planet still do not have enough food to conduct active, healthy and productive lives.
South Africa is one of 72 countries that have reached the millennium development goals hunger target that is, reducing by half the proportion of undernourishment between 1990 and 2015.
“It is a moment of honour and celebration for South Africa to have met the ambitious and highly needed World Food Summit targets to reduce by half the total number of undernourished people”, said Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
South Africa is recognised and acknowledged with 11 other countries for keeping undernourishment levels below 5%.
The other countries are: Argentina, Barbados, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Going forward, South Africa will continue to emphasise and prioritise elements that promote food security, such as inclusive economic growth; rural development; and social protection systems working with civil society and other non-state actors. |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE HOSTS MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE TRIPARTITE MECHANISM ON DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION BETWEEN SA, ANGOLA AND THE DRC |
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| South Africa, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing the Tripartite Mechanism on Dialogue and Cooperation in Luanda, Angola, in August 2013. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, hosted her Angolan and Congolese counterparts for the Third Session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Tripartite Mechanism on Dialogue and Cooperation between South Africa, Angola and the DRC on Saturday, 12 September 2015, in Pretoria.
The objective of the mechanism is to support the consolidation of peace and stability in the DRC. The three countries have agreed to establish the Permanent Secretariat Offices of the Mechanism, to be hosted in Luanda, Angola, in order to drive this strategic cooperation.
Among other things, the Ministerial Meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of the MoU. |
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| BENEDICT DASWA REMEMBERED |
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| Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa would be remembered as a man who led a holy life, not in isolation of the social realities around him, but rather deeply engaged with these realities, said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. |
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He was speaking on Sunday, 13 September, at the beatification ceremony of Benedict Daswa, held by the Roman Catholic Church at Tshitanini, in Limpopo.
“This should be a day on which we set out to replicate the mission and passion of Benedict Daswa in the lives of millions of people in our country and on our continent.
“In so doing, we will hopefully rid our society of the evils that led to the untimely and horrific death of this youthful patriot and community builder,” he said.
“His fearless ministry cost him his life, but has caused the Church – 25 years after his death – to accord him the status of being part of ‘the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us’, as it is described in the Letter to the Hebrews,” said the Deputy President.
This is the first time in the history of the Catholic Church of Southern Africa, the Deputy President said, that a South African man was being recognised as a Blessed Martyr of Christ.
Daswa tragically lost his life at 43 years of age, on 2 February 1990, after being ambushed by people opposed to his outspoken rejection of witchcraft and witch-hunts. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER MTHETHWA LAUNCHES NATIONAL HERITAGE MONUMENT |
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| The National Heritage Monument will be a heritage site that epitomises intangible aspects of inherited culture, a culture that will tell the South African story, enabling us to share our diversity and propel us to continue working towards nation-building and social cohesion. |
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The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, launch the National Heritage Monument on Tuesday, 15 September 2015, at the Groenkloof Nature Plaza in Pretoria.
The National Heritage Monument is situated in the Groenkloof Reserve, which is in itself part of the national heritage and will include 400 life bronze statues of pre-colonial, colonial and anti-apartheid struggle heroes and heroines.
The manner in which the statues will be placed will be known as the Long Walk to Freedom, which will be the site’s most significant element because it will be seen as South Africa’s intangible cultural heritage foundation.
On the day of the launch, Minister Mthethwa unveiled the first 56 life size bronze statues of the 400 which will become part of South Africa’s cultural heritage landscape. |
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| SA SENDS CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING MECCA ACCIDENT |
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| “The South African Government sends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the tragic loss of lives of pilgrims as a result of the crane accident at the Grand Mosque. |
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President Jacob Zuma has sent his condolences to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the accident at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
“Our prayers go out to the families and friends of the deceased and we wish those injured in the accident, a speedy recovery," said President Zuma in a statement.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia said an investigation had begun following the accident on Friday in the Muslim holy city that killed at least 107 people and injured 238.
Those wounded included nationals of several countries, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Consulate in Jeddah is monitoring the situation in Mecca following the accident.
“Thus far, no reports have been received of any South African citizens affected by the accident,” it said. – www.SAnews.gov.za-NNN |
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| AFRICAN CHARTER ON STATISTICS APPROVED |
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The charter is a policy framework for the development of statistics in Africa, which sets out the professional principles governing the production and management of statistics at national, regional
and continental levels. |
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Cabinet recently approved the submission of the African Charter on Statistics to Parliament for ratification.
Statistics are the bedrock for effective monitoring and evaluation, and ensure that objectives are achieved and outcomes are met.
The charter provides guidelines for the production of good quality statistics needed to monitor the National Development Plan and government programmes and priorities. |
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| TWENDE MBELE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE MONITORING AND EVALUATION ACROSS AFRICA |
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| Cabinet approved that the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation takes forward the Twende Mbele Programme in order to invest in collaboration around monitoring and evaluation across Africa. |
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The Twende Mbele Programme will assist South Africa to build on and formalise existing informal partnerships, which may include bilateral agreements.
This supports the struggle for a better life in South Africa, which is linked with the pursuit of a better Africa in a better world. |
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| SA EYES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN DRC |
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| Minister Rob Davies said the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a domestic market estimated at 77 million people and bordered by nine countries with a potential market of 200 million consumers, was a strategic market for South Africa. |
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The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is leading a business delegation to participate in the Seventh Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) to the DRC, which is taking place from 14 to 19 September 2015 in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
“Currently, South Africa is the DRC’s number one import source in the world at 21.40%. Total trade between South Africa and DRC is reflective of the regional trend that continues to characterise South Africa’s trade with African countries.
“There is considerable growth in both exports and imports, however, South Africa continues to dominate the terms of trade between the two countries,” Minister Davies said.
Minister Davies said the trade initiative was aligned with the dti’s post-conflict reconstruction strategy for the DRC, which also entailed infrastructure rehabilitation and development, as well as the facilitation of investments into that country’s economy by South African entities.
The business delegation comprises business people from the agroprocessing and agriculture, infrastructure, built environment, energy, mining and capital equipment, medical equipment, solutions and supplies, as well as electro technical sectors. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA TO PARTICIPATE IN BRICS AGRO BUSINESS FORUM |
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| South Africa’s participation in the exhibition will be through the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. |
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South Africa is to participate in the 17th Russian Agricultural Exhibition “Golden Autumn 2015” and Agro Business Forum of investment agricultural projects of the BRICS, next month.
“The objective of this exhibition is to attract investments in the development of the agro-industrial complex of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and increase the volume of mutual investments among BRICS countries,” said the dti.
Taking place from 8 to 11 October, the exhibition is also aimed at increasing the volume of mutual trade in agricultural products, raw materials and food products among BRICS countries and to develop cooperation among state authorities, industry-specific organisations, experts and investors in BRICS countries.
The Russian Agricultural Exhibition is the main agrarian event within the agriculture and food industry in Russia. It is attended by senior Russian officials as well as heads of agrarian ministries of European, Asian and American countries.
The exhibition is expected to draw over 2 000 exhibitors from Russia and other countries.
Key exhibitors will include food processing industries, agricultural machinery and equipment.
The main events of the exhibition will be the business forum on agriculture and the agricultural investment projects exhibition for BRICS where participants will discuss realities, existing problems and prospects of agricultural investment in the BRICS countries. |
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| OPERATION PHAKISA AQUACULTURE PROJECT PROGRESSES |
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| A local aquaculture farm in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, recently underwent its first harvest of approximately 260 dusky kob fish or kabeljou as it is commonly referred to. The Hamburg kob pilot project is driven by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and employs 21 people from the community. |
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The farm, one of 24 aquaculture projects, forms part of Operation Phakisa: Ocean’s Economy, an initiative of the South African Government which aims to implement priority economic and social programmes better, faster and more effectively and was launched by the President of the Republic in October 2014.
The total average weight of the batch was 277 kg, with an average individual weight of 1,1 kg per fish.
The first batch of fish was introduced into the system in February this year and has reached market size, ready for sales. The farm, located approximately 60 km from East London, is a two hectare sized site with the capacity to produce 20 tons of dusky kob per annum.
The department has identified a number of aquaculture projects that aim to empower coastal communities through the transfer of technology, skills development and job creation. The harvesting was done in collaboration with Oceanwise (Pty) Ltd, a leader in the farming of dusky kob in South Africa, based in the East London Industrial Development Zone.
The department decided to take the lead with industry on kob farming in order to share the risks associated with developing this fairly new type of farming in South Africa.
The DAFF invites aspiring and new aquaculture project owners to register their projects to become part of Operation Phakisa: Unlocking the Economic Potential of South Africa’s Oceans. Projects may be submitted any time, however, evaluations for inclusion will be conducted on a quarterly basis.
For more information on the evaluation criteria and application requirements, interested parties can refer to the Aquaculture lab report and the New Projects folder available on the Operation Phakisa website: www.operationphakisa.gov.za/operations/oel/aquaculture |
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| DIRCO HOSTS FOURTH MEETING OF THE CHINA-AFRICA THINK-TANKS FORUM |
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| The China-Africa Think-Tanks Forum is part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) subforums that were first established on the sidelines of the FOCAC Summit in 2006. |
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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in collaboration with Zhejiang Normal University, the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) and the Follow-Up Committee of the FOCAC, hosted the fourth meeting of the China-Africa Think-Tanks Forum (CATTF IV) on 9 September.
The purpose of the CATTF IV was to create a platform for dialogue and exchanges between Chinese and African think-tanks, nurture long-term cooperation and encourage academic exchanges among the academia of China and Africa.
The opening session was addressed by the Heads of Institutions, Prof. Jiang Guojun, President of Zhejiang Normal University, and Joel Netshitenzhe, Executive Director of MISTRA, among others.
A number of panel discussions took place following the opening session, focussing on topics related to the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Post-2015 Development Agenda. |
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| SENDING MONEY TO UGANDA MADE EASIER |
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| The Post Office said many of the foreign citizens working in South Africa had dependents in their home country and therefore had a need to send money to their respective families back home continuously. |
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The SA Post Office (Sapo) has introduced an affordable and a simple money transfer service to and from Uganda.
“Individual customers can send amounts of up to R5 000 per month from any online post office in South Africa to any post office in Uganda,” Sapo said.
There is no limit on the amount that can be sent from Uganda to South Africa.
The introduction of the service follows one that is similar to Zimbabwe and Botswana.
“For security purposes, the sender can choose a secret code or message and then communicate that to the receiver. This acts as a secret code that the recipient must provide to confirm his or her identity,” the Post Office said.
The sender needs to present copies of his or her passport or identity document and utility bill upon collection.
Migrant miners and farm workers from neighbouring countries who work in South Africa are among the people who will find the new service particularly useful.
The service is available at 1 591 post offices in South Africa. There is a post office in all major towns in Zimbabwe and Botswana. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE (IDZ) LAUNCHED |
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| Trade and Industry (dti) Deputy Minister, Mzwandile Masina, and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile, launched the IDZ. |
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An IDZ, with an investment of over R260 million, was launched on Friday, 11 September, at the OR Tambo International Airport.
“The IDZ aims to attract investors through a range of incentives, including dedicated customs support services, duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and inputs and reduced tax and exemption for some activities,” said the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.
The first greenfield project to be constructed within the IDZ is the jewellery manufacturing precinct, a facility catering for mineral beneficiation; diamond cutting, polishing and trading; as well as light manufacturing for jewellery and other high-end products.
MEC Maile said the development should be seen as part of Gauteng’s plans to reindustrialise and chart a new course for its economy by supporting value-adding, labour-intensive and innovative industries, especially agroprocessing, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing.
They are part of the 11 sectors earmarked for government intervention over the next few years.
“The facility will support industrial development in the area and give practical expression to our plans to turn Ekurhuleni into an aerotropolis. It will also offer investors access to clustered infrastructure and its proximity to the OR Tambo makes it suitable for export-oriented production,” said MEC Maile. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| GAUTENG, ITALY STRENGTHEN RELATIONS |
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| Premier Makhura’s visit was aimed at exploring areas of cooperation between the Gauteng City Region and the Umbria Region. |
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Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, paid a week-long visit to Italy to strengthen relations between the two countries. His visit was at the invitation of the President of the regional government of Umbria, Catiuscia Marini.
Premier Makhura and the President of Umbria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on, among others, forging partnerships with emerging suppliers in Gauteng townships, agroprocessing, infrastructure development and cultural exchange programmes,” the Gauteng Provincial Government said.
The Gauteng Provincial Government’s delegation also met Italy’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Graziano Delrio, in Rome.
Premier Makhura also addressed the Reggio Emelia’s business association and civic groups on the promotion of mutual trade and investment opportunities. – Source www.SA.news.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN ANTI-POACHING UNIT CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH |
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| With this award, made in the Inspiration and Action Category, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognising the rapid and impressive impact the Black Mamba unit has made in combatting poaching, as well as the courage that is needed in the anti-poaching fight. |
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The South African Black Mamba anti-poaching unit, a ranger group mostly made up of women, has been named one of the winners of the UN’s top environmental accolade, the Champions of the Earth Award.
"Community-led initiatives are crucial to combatting the illegal wildlife trade and the Black Mambas highlight the importance and effectiveness of local knowledge and commitment," said UNEP executive director, Achim Steiner. "With every rhino saved, the Black Mambas demonstrate that action on a local level is critical to achieving global sustainability and equity."
Officially known as the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit of Transfrontier Africa, the women protect the Olifants West Nature Reserve. It forms part of the Balule Nature Reserve, near Kruger National Park.
For three weeks at a time, the rangers patrol the park – walking up to 20 km a day, checking its fences and seeking out poachers, their trails, camps and snares. They know their ground so well that even a moved stone alerts them to poachers.
The rangers also work with communities around the reserve to help identify potential poachers, and do what they can to discourage them. One ranger specifically works with children in the region, seeking to connect them with the parks' wildlife, soil and water.
In addition, the Black Mambas contribute to the discussion in the community about the connection between money, criminal gangs and poaching. They understand how the extreme poverty surrounding the parks and the demand from Asia combine to produce the surge in poaching.
"Their difficult, intense and dangerous work both within and outside the park fundamentally undermines the international poaching syndicates that threaten to wipe out populations of rhino and elephant in the wild," says the UNEP.
The award will be presented in New York on 27 September. It will be the second honour for the Black Mambas this year. On 27 July, the unit won the Best Conservation Practitioner Category in the annual Rhino Conservation Awards. Those awards are hosted by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Game Rangers Association of Africa. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| NEW DISCOVERY OF HOMO NALEDI ON LIMITED DISPLAY AT MAROPENG |
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The discovery of a new species of human relative was announced on Thursday, 10 September 2015, by the University of the Witwatersrand, the National Geographic
Society, the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. |
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The awe-inspiring new species discovered at the Cradle of Humankind, Homo Naledi, is open to the public until 11 October at Maropeng.
Besides shedding light on the origins and diversity of our genus, the new species, appears to have intentionally deposited bodies of its dead in a remote cave chamber, a behaviour previously thought limited to humans.
Consisting of more than 1 550 numbered fossil elements, the discovery is the single largest fossil hominin find yet made on the continent of Africa.
– Source: traveller24 |
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| SA FEMALE ENGINEER MAKES AFRICAN AUTO HISTORY |
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| Sue-Ann Lewack (39) is leading the way in a manufacturing industry largely dominated by men. |
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A General Motors South Africa (GMSA) employee soared to the top of her field when she became the first certified female calibrator on the African continent.
Lewack placed a further feather in her cap by completing her certification in the shortest possible time of seven months. The certification normally takes a year and a half to complete and is one of the most sought after qualifications for employees in the automotive sector.
Set on paving the way for other female employees in her field, a humble but excited Lewack said she was proud of her accomplishment, although the magnitude of her achievement has not yet sunken in.
All GM factories are calibrated by GM-certified calibrators. The Global Manufacturing System (GMS) calibration assessment takes place to maintain the highest manufacturing standards and to ensure Short Lead Time (SLT).
When required, Lewack will now be responsible for calibrating GM plants globally. She has already been assigned to assess GM’s vehicle and powertrain plants in India. During her visit, Lewack also used her knowledge to train her peers to reach her level.
Recently, Lewack led a series of workshops in Egypt and Kenya respectively. She further trained workers on how to achieve SLTs.
According to Lewack, completing her certification was a deep desire that she had for a long time. Lewack has been working for GM for 19 years: “I am thankful that my loyalty towards GM has paid off and that I was not overlooked. My instincts that I would have a solid future with the company was spot on when I walked into the door of GM 19 years ago.” – Source: www.wheels24.co.za |
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| SA, NIGERIA LEAD AFRICA IN FACEBOOK USAGE |
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| Detailing the figures, the company said that South Africa had averaged 12 million active monthly users while Nigeria had 15 million monthly Facebook users. |
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The number of daily active Facebook users in South Africa has shot up to 7,3 million while in Nigeria this figure is 7,1 million. This is according to the social network which revealed its official numbers recently.
Of the daily active users on the social network in South Africa, seven million accessed Facebook via mobile devices. In Nigeria, this figure stands at 6,9 million.
“Mobile is not a trend; it’s the fastest adoption of disruptive technology in the history of communication,” said Nunu Ntshingila, the newly appointed head of Africa at Facebook, in a statement.
“It’s also an incredibly personal device, regardless of where a person lives or how they connect, and businesses need to reach people where they are, not where they were, in an authentic, personal and relevant way,” said Ntshingila.
Facebook also said active user numbers for the Africa region had grown by 20% to 120 million in June, compared to 100 million in September 2014.
Facebook has already opened its first Africa office as it seeks to entrench uptake and active usage of its platform which offers a cheaper communication- and informatio-sharing alternative. – Source: www.fin24.com |
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| STERN PAINTING USED AS NOTICE BOARD FETCHES R17,5 M |
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| It is the most expensive South African painting sold this year, said auction house Bonhams. |
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An Irma Stern painting, originally auctioned off to pay for Nelson Mandela's treason trial legal fees, has been sold for a record R17,5 million.
The painting was recently discovered in a modest London apartment where it was used as a notice board, with the owner apparently having no idea of its value.
Arab in Black sold at a Bonhams sale of South African art in London recently for £842 500 (R17,5 million).
"This powerful image from Stern's highly regarded Zanzibar period, is one of the artist's finest works. It also has a fascinating past – from an important role in the political history of South Africa to its recent fate as a notice board in a modest London apartment," said Bonhams' head of South African art, Hannah O'Leary.
Arab in Black was put up for auction in the early 1960s to raise money for Mandela and his co-accused's treason trial's defence fund to raise money for legal fees and support their families. Stern donated a work to this cause.
The painting's original owner was art collector Betty Suzman, whose father, Max Sonnenberg, MP, founded the chain store Woolworths. Betty Suzman was anti-apartheid activist Helen Suzman's sister-in-law.
"In the 1970s, it came to Britain when the buyer emigrated to the UK and was subsequently bequeathed to the current owner. For many years, Arab in Black hung in a London flat and was used as a notice board."
It was discovered during a routine valuation. Now Arab in Black is among the top 10 South African paintings ever sold at auction. – Source: news24.com |
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| MUSIC CONFERENCE DRAWS INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION |
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| This year, the conference invited music business representatives and musicians from as far as China, Brazil and Jamaica to share and exchange ideas on how to strengthen the business as a viable commodity in the digital age. |
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At the opening of the 12th Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition at the SABC, Auckland Park, on Thursday, 10 September 2015, SABC and Moshito partners, the Department of Arts and Culture, assured delegates of their continuing support in helping initiatives like Moshito in developing and curating South African music.
Moshito Music Conference chairperson, Sipho Sithole, welcomed guests, delegates and visitors to the conference, saying that the Moshito ideal was to make the event a "premier destination for music makers and the music business" not only for Africa, but for the world.
In explaining this year's conference theme, "From Kwela to Hop", Sithole said Moshito wanted to highlight the respect paid to South African music of the past, and how that respect informed and guided the music of the present and future."
The Moshito Conference and Exhibition included discussions on various aspects of the music industry in both local and international contexts, as well as looking at trends and changes that touch both the business and artistic development. Seminars included music branding, archiving of musical legacy, changes in digital musical technology, songwriting and exploring new markets for music.
In between the seminars, visitors and delegates were entertained by various public performances at the exhibition at the SABC's Radio Park venue, as well as at some of Johannesburg's legendary music venues.
The conference culminated in a special concert, titled: "The Great South African Song Book" on Saturday, 12 September at Newtown Park featuring an all-star collection of some of South Africa's best music artists, including Arthur, Judith Sephuma, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Cortina Whiplash. |
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| SOWETO GOES TO SCOTLAND |
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| The cast and crew of the production "After Freedom - New Rhythms of Soweto" recently returned from the United Kingdom (UK). The high-energy musical took international audiences through the highs and lows of life for "born-frees" in Soweto. |
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As part of a cultural exchange partnership between South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture and the UK's British Council, a group of performers spent a month in Edinburgh showcasing the best of Soweto culture.
The 12 performers used dancing, singing and acting to take the audience on a journey through the township where old and new generations intertwine through rhythm and dance.
Kamo Morake and Serapelo Dingalo described the experience as "amazing" and an opportunity to pursue their dream of being on stage.
Morake, 18, said for many youngsters in Soweto, life after apartheid offered opportunities to "be whoever you want to". – Source: www.timeslive |
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PARLY'S BOKKE LEAVE
FOR UK |
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| The Deputy President was speaking at a cocktail dinner organised to send off Parliament’s rugby team – which comprises MPS, officials and Springbok veterans – at the Old Assembly, in Cape Town, recently. |
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Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has told Parliament’s rugby team, which left for England to participate in World Cup curtain raisers, to go to the Queen’s land and make South Africa proud.
He said while they were not professionals, they should go to the World Cup knowing that over 50 million South Africans were behind them.
“I extend my best wishes to the club for your own tournament for you are going to go out there and represent us.
“In case you thought that all you are going to do was to cheer the Springboks, you are actually going to represent us and we are praying that you should go and represent us as well.
“I don’t have a great deal of advice to offer you though, either than to say what we say in Parliament so often – play the ball and not the man."
Parliament’s rugby team, made up of sitting and former Parliamentarians, Parliamentary staff members and some Springbok legends, will partake in a tourney that precedes the official Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in England this month.
The Deputy President said the team was a valuable institution within the institution of our Parliament.
The President used the dinner to also wish the official Springbok team well during the Rugby World Cup.
“I look forward to the Springbok success, also in this tournament and indeed all of us look forward to that based on exceptional talent and hard work that they have displayed.
“We think that they have a great chance indeed of making it to the final and finally bringing the cup back home.” |
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| ROUSING RWC WELCOME FOR BOKS |
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| Hundreds of rugby fans lined the street and packed the venue as the Boks, led out by coach Heyneke Meyer, entered the theatre to the sounds of well-known British hard rock band Led Zeppelin. |
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The Springboks were given a vibrant and rousing reception at their official Rugby World Cup Welcoming Ceremony, held at the iconic Winter Gardens in Eastbourne on Sunday, 13 September.
All the players received their Rugby World Cup caps and participation medals, while the team management was also awarded medals.
The Springboks and gathered crowd were addressed by Oregan Hoskins, President of the South African Rugby Union and Deputy President of World Rugby; Ian Richie, CEO of the Rugby Football Union; and the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Janet Coles.
Meyer and Springbok captain, Jean de Villiers, spoke on behalf of the team and thanked all the Springboks’ bases for the duration of the tournament for their efforts, as well as the throngs of fans who made the team feel welcome in England.
“Yet again, we are completely humbled by the amazing support we’ve received,” said Meyer.
“But it’s the support from locals and our Springbok fans here in England that has really made a mark on this team, and we are truly grateful.”
The Springboks’ first match will be against Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium on 19 September. – Source: www.sport.24.co |
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