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| PRESIDENT ZUMA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT ISMAÏL OMAR GUELLEH ON HIS RE-ELECTION AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI |
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| President Zuma further congratulated the people of the Republic of Djibouti for conducting a peaceful election, as declared by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development election observer teams. |
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On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, President Zuma has congratulated President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on his re-election as President of the Republic of Djibouti, following the Presidential Election held on 8 April 2016.
President Zuma expressed his commitment to continue working closely with President Guelleh to enhance the good bilateral relations which exist between the Republic of South Africa and Djibouti. |
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DEPUTY MINISTER LANDERS VISITS SENEGAL FOR THE MEETING OF THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC
GROUP OF STATES (ACP) COUNCIL OF MINISTERS |
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| The meeting deliberated on ideas relating to poverty eradication and sustainable development within the context of the ongoing deliberations regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as on Climate Change and the Economic Partnership Agreements. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, represented South Africa at the 103rd Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, which was held from 25 to 27 April 2016 in Dakar, Senegal.
The main objectives of the ACP are: sustainable development of its member states and their gradual integration into the global economy, which entails making poverty reduction a matter of priority; establishing a more equitable world order; consolidation of unity and solidarity among ACP states; and consolidation of peace and stability in a free and democratic society.
The current Cotonou Partnership Agreement, signed in 2000, and which is valid for a period of 20 years, unites more than half of the world’s nations. It is built on three pillars of:
- trade and economic cooperation
- development assistance
- political dialogue that focuses on issues such as human rights and democratic governance.
South Africa assumed membership of the ACP Group in 1997 through its accession to the Fourth Lomé Convention. The decision to join the ACP, as part of South Africa’s integration into the global system, is a manifestation of the country’s commitment to South-South solidarity and cooperation. |
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| NEWS FROM CABINET |
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| This is the eighth annual iteration of successive government industrialisation plans which builds on the achievements, policy platforms and programmes of previous iterations. |
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Cabinet recently met on 26 April during which it approved the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) 2016/17 – 2018/19, which is a key pillar of the President’s Nine-Point Plan and contributes towards implementation of the National Development Plan.
IPAP 2016/17 seeks to achieve a higher impact industrial policy in difficult economic circumstances. These include the ongoing effects of the global economic recession, including the steel crisis and commodity slump, as well as the severe drought and other significant domestic constraints.
Achievements from the previous year include the saving of approximately 67 000 jobs and the creation of an estimated 7 000 new decent jobs in the Ccothing and textile, leather and footwear sector. The agro-processing sub-sector is one of the largest domestic manufacturing sectors by employment, providing an estimated 216 090 jobs in 2015 compared to 208 822 in 2014. Over R600 million worth of investment was attracted in 2015/16, laying the basis for strengthening enterprise development with a focus on rural communities.
During the meeting, Cabinet commended:
- The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, who received an Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany for her contribution to the development of science globally. The merit has been awarded to people from around the world for their achievements in political, social or intellectual spheres.
- The Environmental Affairs Director-General, Nosipho Ngcaba, for receiving the 2015/16 Lifetime Achievement Eco-Logic Award from environment publication, The Enviropaedia.
- Artist Kemang Wa Lehulere for becoming "Artist of the Year" for 2017, which is supported by Deutsche Bank. Wa Lehulere, who explores the relevance of the artistic gesture in post-apartheid South Africa, will present his first institutional solo exhibition in Germany at the Deutsche Bank KunstHalle in Berlin next year.
- The Department of Tourism for winning the Best Public Policy/Support prize in the 2016 African Responsible Tourism Awards. This accolade is awarded to a public-sector department, authority or entity that has made a clear commitment and contribution to advancing responsible tourism.
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| ARTS AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES AFRICA MONTH |
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| Africa Month will be celebrated under the theme “Building a Better Africa and a Better World: For Peace and Friendship”. |
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The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, launched Africa Month at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site on Tuesday, 3 May.
At the launch, the Minister outlined the programme of activities that would take place in the month of May that celebrates Africa month.
In addition, Minister Mthethwa paid tribute to the African continent for supporting the work of the African World Heritage Fund since its inception a decade ago.
The month of May has been declared as Africa Month to celebrate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| ARTS AND CULTURE CO-HOSTS SEMINAR FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE AFRICAN WORLD HERITAGE FUND (AWHF) |
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| May 2016 marks the 10th Anniversary since the AWHF was launched on 5 May 2006 at Sterkfontein in South Africa with the mandate to contribute to the effective conservation and management of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value on the African continent. |
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On 3 and 4 May, the Department of Arts and Culture hosted, in partnership with the AWHF, a seminar at the Cradle of Humankind.
This provided the AWHF, the South African Government and stakeholders with an opportunity to reflect on some achievements and on future strategies and the overall journey over the last 10 years. To commemorate the creation of the AWHF, a series of events and activities are planned which included the recent Regional Youth Forum at Robben Island.
The seminar on African World Heritage …Thinking Ahead aimed to reflect on the past and future of African world heritage, natural and cultural.
The seminar gathered heritage professionals, policy-makers, academics, private sector, civil society, community representatives and experts to discuss thematic areas focusing on harmonising heritage conservation and development initiatives; enhancing the role of the private sector, civil society and local communities; world heritage in armed (post) conflict regions; effects and management of climate change; and capacity-building strategies for world heritage in Africa.
The discussion focused on the achievements and the challenges since 2006 and most importantly explored new targets for the next 10 years. The outcomes of the seminar will be published.
Another key event themed, Night of the African Legends, took place on 5 May, where the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, delivered a keynote address. This event involved artistic performances by high-calibre musicians and a ceremony of award in recognition of individuals and companies who have played an outstanding role in heritage conservation and sustainable development in Africa. It brought together representatives from African governments, business and industry leaders, heritage institutions, local communities and the development sector of Africa. |
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| BRICS COUNTRIES STRATEGISE ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT |
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| The meeting concluded with the signing of the BRICS Joint Action Plan Emergency Services 2016 – 2018. |
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South Africa recently participated in the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Ministers’ Meeting on Disaster Management Services, which was held in St Petersburg, Russia.
The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, led a South African delegation to the meeting, which focused on cooperation in the field of emergency management, as a consequence to look at improving tools for monitoring and forecasting of emergencies, as well as risk assessment.
The ministers also looked into the mechanisms of interaction in the provision of assistance in case of emergencies, as well as putting into practice advanced technologies and effective insurance tools.
In addition, the meeting exchanged experience in the field of fire protection and the training of specialists in the scope of fire safety.
Deputy Minister Bapela said the meeting was key and relevant to also look at issues of climate change that the country was faced with, especially challenges of drought.
“There is a further need to complement national action and capacity, there is a need to enhance cooperation between developed and developing countries,” he said. – Surce: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| JOBURG MAYOR HANDS OVER MANDELA STATUE IN RAMALLAH |
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| The statue is considered a donation from Johannesburg to Ramallah as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Palestine who are battling a territorial dispute with Israel. |
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Johannesburg's Mayor, Parks Tau, recently unveiled a monument commemorating late President Nelson Mandela in Ramallah in Palestine.
In a statement, the City of Johannesburg explained that a memorandum of understanding was signed between Johannesburg and Ramallah on 23 November 2014.
A multi-year action plan was also developed to support the memorandum and this included the donation of the monument.
According to a previous draft business plan by the city, areas of collaboration with Ramallah include an engineering exchange programme, knowledge exchange and political collaboration. |
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| COMPANIES INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN DTI MISSION |
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| The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is inviting companies to participate in the Trade and Investment Mission to Ghana and Nigeria. |
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Companies in the sectors of agriculture and agro-processing, built environment professionals, automotive and auto-components, energy (oil and gas), electro-technical, infrastructure (rail, road and telecoms) as well as mining and capital equipment are encouraged to apply.
Companies in these sectors must apply to the department before 8 June 2016 for the investment mission taking place from 8 to 12 August.
According to Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina, the objective of the trade mission to Nigeria is to build on the commitments made during the recent State visit by President Jacob Zuma in March 2016.
“The visit to both countries provides an ideal platform for South African companies, which would like to export value-added products and services and for companies who are looking for investment opportunities in the West African region,” he said.
Both Nigeria and Ghana are important role players in African economic performance and present a long-term export potential for South Africa in terms of investments and trade.
Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ghana experienced an upward trend between 2011 and 2015, growing from R3,1 billion to R4,6 billion respectively.
Meanwhile, bilateral trade between South Africa and Nigeria has experienced steady growth with total trade increasing from a total of R28,4 billion in 2011 to R46,1 billion in 2015.
Participating companies will be assisted through the dti’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme, whose objectives are to develop export markets for South African products and services, and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| BIGGEST MALL IN AFRICA OPENS FOR BUSINESS |
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| Developed on a scale beyond anything the country has known by leading South African property developer and investor, Atterbury, the iconic new Mall of Africa is the largest shopping centre to date. |
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The Mall of Africa opened its doors on Thursday, 28 April.
The mall was constructed at a cost of R5 billion and boasts a 130,000 square metre shopping centre that sets a new benchmark for shopping centres on the continent.
Louis van der Watt, CEO of Atterbury said: “In line with the Atterbury vision to create working, shopping and entertainment spaces for everyone to live to their full potential, the development of this breathtaking shopping and leisure destination introduces an unmissable, unmatched retail experience. Mall of Africa’s exceptional scale, design, location and retail mix places it at the forefront of development.”
Mall of Africa is co-owned by two leading South African property companies.
JSE-listed real estate capital growth fund Attacq Limited holds the commercial development rights to Waterfall and owns 80% of the Mall of Africa. Atterbury Property Developments owns 20% of Mall of Africa and is responsible for the Mall of Africa development project, on behalf of Attacq.
It is the largest single-phase shopping mall development in South Africa. There are over 300 stores in the mall, from Armani to Zara (with Starbucks opening its second store in South Africa there), accessible by 40 escalators. – Source: www.jacarandafm.com |
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| FLY BLUE CRANE ANNOUNCES NEW CAPE TOWN-WINDHOEK SERVICE |
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| The airline typically only offers flights to micro-cities within South Africa's borders, but will now make their international debut with flights to the neighbouring country of Namibia. |
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South Africa's newest domestic airline, Fly Blue Crane, has received approval from South African and Namibian authorities to launch services between Cape Town and Windhoek in May this year.
The inaugural return flights between the Cape Town and Windhoek will take to the skies on 13 and 15 May. Exact flight schedules on the route will be released soon, the airline says.
Current fares start at around R1 500 per one-way flight, but exact prices are to be announced.
Theunis Potgieter for Fly Blue Crane says the addition of the new Namibian route is in line with the airline's regional ambitions that were articulated at the time of its launch last year, with more Southern African destinations to be considered as the airline grows.
“The time is right for us to introduce this route in the light of the growing tourism and business ties between the two countries, as well as the fact that many people travelling to the region want to combine South Africa and Namibia," he says.
He says the aim of the airline is to make air travel an altogether better, convenient and more rewarding experience in the entire southern Africa subregion.
Fly Blue Crane launched its inaugural flights from OR Tambo International Airport on 1 September last year. The airline offers cargo services on all its flights to Kimberley and Bloemfontein, as well as between Kimberley and Cape Town, and between Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
The airline operates modern and fuel-efficient 50-seater Embraer Regional Jet 145 (ERJ) aircraft in a single class configuration. It uses the International Air Transport Association code 7B. – Source: Traveller24 |
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| KRUGER PARK TO GET NEW 240-BED 4-STAR LODGE |
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| A 240-bed safari lodge to be built near Malelane Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP) has been approved, the SA National Parks (SANP) said this week. |
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SANP said the Department of Environmental Affairs had given the green light to the Malelane Safari Lodge, whose impact would “definitely be far less than the sprawling towns of Skukuza and Satara”. It appears from earlier documents made public that the lodge will be run by Radisson Blu, which has a hotel in Cape Town and two in Johannesburg.
A spokesperson said: “The 240-bed facility was not going to be a high-rise building in the mould of the general perception of a hotel with the ‘bells and whistles’ of a city hotel but a development in line with the hall-mark SANParks environmental ambience that will complement its surroundings”.
According to the SANP statement, the lodge will be built on the park’s periphery, where it will have less impact. It is also meant to operate at a higher level than the existing camps and will cater for those tourists who need to be served rather than KNP's traditional self-catering service.
“KNP currently offers self-catering facilities throughout the park which are hugely popular but fall short in meeting the needs of the emerging market,” the statement said.
According to a 2015 impact study of the area, the lodge was planned for the north-east of the Malelane Gate on the western bank of the Crocodile River, adjacent to the confluence with the Timfenheni River. It also said the developers would build and operate the resort for 30 years.
According to the study, the project will cost over R280 million. The stakeholders at the time were SANP, the neighbouring community in the form of a trust funded by the Industrial Development Corporation and Public Investment Company, local BEE partners, Carlson Rezidor Hotels (Radisson), the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and two local private enterprises (Secprop Leisure and Cradle of Man). – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| RESCUED LIONS FIND HOME IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| Iron, Zeus, and Rapunzel are part of the group of rescued lions that arrived in South Africa on 1 May. They are three of the 33 big cats saved by Animal Defenders International (ADI) from circuses in Peru and Columbia and rehomed at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Limpopo. |
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Iron’s release into the enclosure is the fairy-tale ending for 33 mistreated circus lions.
"Iron is one of the Colombian 9, the first animals to be handed over after the country's wild animal circus ban was passed," wrote ADI on its Facebook page. "With his cage mate, Ojiclaro, Iron was a pitiful sight, the years of suffering clearly visible on his face."
According to the ADI, this is the largest transfer of lions, a process which started 18 months ago. The cost per cat per transfer was $10 000 (approximately R142 000).
The animals are no longer able to function in the wild, and will need to be taken care of.
"Almost all of the rescued lions have been mutilated to remove their claws, one has lost an eye, another is almost blind, and many have smashed and broken teeth so they would not survive in the wild," ADI said in a statement.
Their new South African home is a large natural enclosures containing drinking pools, platforms and toys.
"The lion habitats will be steadily expanded over the coming months as the lions become familiar with their new life and are introduced to each other."
ADI president, Jan Creamer, said this was the first time the animals were in their natural habitat.
"It's the best environment for them.
They have been beaten, they have been starved, and they have been deprived of everything that makes life worth living for a lion. We have brought them back to paradise, where they belong." – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| NEW 160-KM BIKE TRAIL TO OPEN ALONG GARDEN ROUTE |
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| A 160-km cycling track between George and Plettenberg Bay, part of a much larger plan to make the Western Cape a biking mecca, is planned to be launched early next year. |
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The Western Cape Government said in a statement recently that the route, which would be the first part of the projected “Cape Cross” cycling route from Cape Town to Southern Cape, will include road track, mountain trails, jeep and forest tracks.
“Our aim is to position the Western Cape as the Cycling Capital of Africa,” said Alan Winde, Western Cape’s Minister of Economic Opportunities.
Upcoming work includes putting up signage, as well as assessing accommodation, cycling tracks and bike shops along the way. The development of the new route is being driven by the Western Cape Government, Wesgro, local municipalities and private-sector stakeholders in the region.
Winde said the Cape Cross project was one of various initiatives through which the Western Cape was hoping to add another 100 000 jobs to the tourism sector in the province. – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| 67 BLANKETS FOR MANDELA CLAIMS WORLD RECORD |
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| The campaign has confirmed that the "Guinness Book of Records" has officially recognised the organisation's successful world-record attempt at creating the world's biggest blanket. |
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The 67 Blankets for Mandela Campaign encourages people from all over the world, and now prisoners from across the country, to contribute handmade blankets towards creating a giant world record-breaking blanket, while contributing to a good cause.
On 22 April 2016, thousands of blanket contributions from as far afield as Asia, the United States and Australia, as well as blankets handmade by South African prisoners – totalling over 20 tons of handmade blankets – were stitched and combined at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre in Paarl‚ Western Cape. The combined blanket covered 17 181 square metres‚ five times larger than last year's blanket record achieved through a similar idea in India.
The 67 Blankets for Mandela organisation, inspired by the life and values of Nelson Mandela, approached South African prisoners to crochet and contribute their unique blanket designs to the record attempt, using almost R7-million worth of donated yarn.
Drakenstein was an appropriate venue: It was from this facility that Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990.
All blankets that formed part of the world record will be distributed to the poor.
In August 2015‚ campaign founder Carolyn Steyn, together with National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Zach Modise, established an initiative to introduce blanket-making in prisons as part of prisoners' rehabilitation. "The initiative offers an opportunity for inmates from across the country to give back to society‚" Modise said at the launch. "The key to rehabilitation is empowering offenders with skills to function effectively in society upon their release."
Since the organisation's launch in 2014‚ the enthusiasm of KnitWits for Madiba – as contributors call themselves – has spread around the world. But for Steyn the prisoners' participation was a "momentous" new direction for the concept: "Thousands of men and women serving sentences in South Africa will be largely responsible for keeping thousands upon thousands of people in impoverished communities warmer over all the winters to come‚ in the name of the greatest prisoner of them all it is … indicative of a healing nation‚" Steyn said at the record attempt. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| BUMBLE BOOKS NAMED AFRICA'S BEST CHILDREN'S PUBLISHERS |
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| A South African company was named the best children's publisher on the continent at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy. |
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Bumble Books of Noordhoek was among many publishing houses, publishers' associations and other book institutions that took part in this annual event, which ran from 4 to 7 April 2016.
Robin Stuart-Clark, founder and publishing director at Publishing Print Matters and Bumble Books, told radio station Cape Talk that the group had competed against the best children's publishers across Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Guinea and Benin had been represented.
To Stuart-Clark, the award belonged to the group's illustrators who were doing extraordinary work. "We have nothing to apologise for, we are up there with the best," he said.
Andersen Press won the fair's Children's Publisher of the Year prize in the European category, according to The Bookseller. The award was for "publishers who have most distinguished themselves for their creative and publishing excellence over the year, showing originality as well as professional and intellectual skills".
There are also awards for Central and South America, North America, Asia and Oceania.
According to its website, Publishing Print Matters publishes books on South African art, craft and heritage "with a particular focus on those artists, craftspeople and individuals who have been overlooked yet made an impact on South African culture: they have stories to tell and a vision to share that can empower our youth and restore pride in our collective heritage".
Bumble Books is its illustrated children's book imprint. It showcases new South African illustrators and authors, with an emphasis on fun and entertainment. It publishes illustrated children's books showcasing new South African illustrator-authors internationally. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SELECTED FOR LONDON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS (LIA) JURY |
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| A South African has been included in the radio and audio jury in the LIA 2016, taking place on 8 November, with judging taking place from 6 to 14 October. |
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Executive creative director of advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather in Joburg, Mariana O'Kelly, has been selected to be on the jury for the international media awards.
According to the Ogilvy & Mather website, she's worked at prestigious agencies such as Hunt Lascaris, Jupiter Drawing Room and Net#work BBDO for over 18 years. She joined Ogilvy & Mather in 2011.
"She has been recognised at Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clios, Eagles and Loeries and has helped build brands like Nike, BMW, Virgin Atlantic, Mercedes Benz, Economist, Cell C, Nedbank and Chicken Licken," reads the site.
Created in 1986 and formerly known as the London International Advertising Awards, the awards honour excellence in the fields of advertising, digital, production, design, music and sound, and technology. In 2004, the word "advertising" was removed to reflect that the awards observed more than advertising in a fast-changing media industry.
"The juries comprised the most talented, recognised and awarded individuals from within their respective fields," reads the LIA website.
"Jury members are required to attend from the commencement of judging through statue discussions.
"Every member on each jury panel, including the jury president, judges all entries (they are not permitted to judge their own work) in their respective media without bias as to origin of work by country, company or individual." – Source: Bizcommunity |
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| CAPE TOWN-BASED B-BOY TO COMPETE IN JAPAN |
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| A Cape Town-based B-boy says he’s honoured to represent South Africa on the world stage after winning one of the biggest hip hop competitions in the country. |
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Brandon Petersen from Eerste River won the grand prize at the Red Bull BC One national competition held this weekend. Peterson will be representing South Africa at the finals in Japan later this year.
The crowd went wild when defending champ, Petersen, also known as “The Curse”, won the title of SA’s number one B-boy.
16 B-boys from across the country battled it out for the coveted title.
This is the third time Petersen has won. More than 1 500 people attended this year’s event. – Source: ewn.co.za |
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