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| PRESIDENT ZUMA VISITS QATAR |
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| The President met with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and held bilateral talks on trade and economic relations between the two countries as well as critical aspects related to global and regional security and stability. |
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President Jacob Zuma undertook a State Visit to Qatar on 19 May to strengthen and elevate bilateral relations between the two countries.
The State Visit followed an official visit by President Zuma to Qatar in January 2012, during which discussions revolved around a wide range of issues and concrete projects that the two countries could engage in, including cooperation in water, energy, construction, agriculture and infrastructure development.
While in Doha, President Zuma paid a courtesy call on Father Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
“South Africa’s political and economic relations with the State of Qatar have grown significantly over recent years and have become more diverse, noticeably in the field of trade, while bilateral relations between the two countries are managed through the Bilateral Consultations, which is due to hold its fifth session in South Africa in the current year.
“Trade between the two countries has increased from R4 billion in 2012 to R7 billion in 2015. Most of South Africa’s investments in Qatar are in the petrochemical-related sectors such as Sasol, which plays a significant role in Qatar in the development of the country’s gas reserves,” said The Presidency.
The State Visit to the oil-rich gulf state saw the two sides signing several agreements and commitments in the field of defence, police as well as arts culture and heritage. The agreements will enhance and elevate bilateral relations between the two countries to a strategic level. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| GOVERNMENT HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FORT HARE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS |
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| The centenary alumni address was delivered by President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, also delivered a message of congratulations. |
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Government and stakeholders hosted a successful centenary celebration event at the University of Fort Hare, Alice, where President Jacob Zuma gave a keynote address. The event was attended by alumni, students, community members and dignitaries from across southern Africa.
“Government thanks the university community as well as the security agencies for ensuring that the centenary event was successful.
“On behalf of all South Africans, government wishes the University of Fort Hare well as it embarks on the next centenary where it will continue to contribute to the intellectual advancement of the African continent,” the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Fort Hare Centenary Celebrations said in a statement on 21 May.
The IMC said the centenary celebrated the values and traditions that placed the University of Fort Hare at the centre of African intellectual pursuit and selfless service to her people. Events to commemorate the university will continue until next year on 8 February 2017. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT ZUMA CONGRATULATES AZALI ASSOUMANI AS PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE UNION OF COMOROS |
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| President Zuma expressed his commitment to continue working closely with President-elect Assoumani to enhance the good bilateral relations which exist between the Republic of South Africa and the Union of Comoros. |
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President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, recently congratulated President-elect Azali Assoumani on his election as President of the Union of the Comoros.
The announcement of the results marks an important milestone in the democratisation process in the Comoros since 2001 following the Fomboni Accord that South Africa brokered under the auspices of the then Organisation for African Unity. President Zuma also commended the rest of the leadership and the people of the Comoros for the calm and peaceful climate under which the elections were held, as expressed by both the African Union Commission and the United Nations Secretary-General. |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE PARTICIPATES IN WOMEN 20 (W20) MEETING |
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| W20 was launched in 2015 in Turkey as a stand-alone outreach group to support the G20’s efforts to achieve inclusive growth and raise the profile of gender issues with the core objective of promoting global gender-inclusive economic growth. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, was in Xi’an, the People’s Republic of China, where she participated in the W20, an outreach engagement of the G20, which took place from 24 to 26 May 2016.
This year’s meeting took place under the theme: “Equal Participation and Innovative Development”, and was divided in the following four sub-themes:
- a gender perspective in global economic governance
- women’s employment and entrepreneurial and social protection
- women’s role in the digital economy
- an interconnected and innovative women’s network.
The meeting’s outcome communique will be adopted and tabled at the G20 Leaders Meeting scheduled to take place from 4 to 5 September in Hangzhou, China.
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane was joined by the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, as well as senior officials from the Department of Women. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MFEKETO BRIEFS MEDIA ON OUTCOMES OF VISIT TO SYRIA, LEBANON AND JORDAN |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindia Mfeketo, says the only resolution to the instability in Syria can only be through negotiations between government, opposition parties and concerned stakeholders. |
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The Deputy Minister also condemned the latest bombings in Tartous and Jableh along Syria’s Mediterranean coast that reportedly claimed the lives of 78 people.
The Deputy Minister said this when she briefed the media in Cape Town following her visit to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan on 24 May in Cape Town.
“At the moment, what might be the final solution is only if all of us support the Geneva negotiations that have been initiated by Russia and America.
“… there is a likelihood for that to be derailed because there are forces that want more than a peaceful resolution, their main aim is a regime change.
“We are hoping with the resilience of the Syrian people, including the opposition, they will call on those two cities, the major players, to again revive the negotiations for this challenge to be sorted sooner rather than later,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday, 24 May 2016.
The Deputy Minister said after flying into Damascus – Syria’s capital – she was met with a very vibrant city where residents went about their business as usual, which showed that the Syrian conflict was not that of a civil nature.
“To our surprise, also because of what we understood to be happening there, restaurants were full. There are restaurants that are open till late. Restaurants were packed and people were going about their business,” she said.
The Deputy Minister said she stayed in the capital, which was also hit by bomb attacks previously, for three days.
“The three days we stayed in Damascus, if we didn’t know there was war somewhere, we would think everything is fine because Damascus, the capital, is operating [optimally].
The Deputy Minister said she also used the visit to pay a courtesy call on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, where she conveyed a message of support from President Jacob Zuma and the people of South Africa.
She said after all her meetings, she was hopeful that there will be a solution to the Syrian challenges.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the visit to the region, which was characterised by instability, was to also strengthen bilateral and economic relations with South Africa’s trade partners in the region.
She said she also paid a visit to Palestinians who are based in Damascus and Jordan to share South Africa’s consistent calls for their independence.
“We hold a view that all communities and the institution of global governance honour their recorded international resolve and commitment to the question of Palestine and this is what they share and they appreciated our continued solidarity with them,” she said. – www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER LANDERS CO-CHAIRS 13TH SOUTH AFRICA-CUBA JOINT CONSULTATIVE MECHANISM (JCM) |
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| The JCM convenes annually and is co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, co-chaired the 13th JCM with his Cuban counterpart, Marcelino Medina Gonzàlez, on 23 May 2016 in Pretoria.
South Africa is a beneficiary of Cuba’s ongoing assistance in support of the five priorities of the South African Government, through joint programmes in health, labour, defence, social development, housing and infrastructure.
One of the success stories is the extensive cooperation between South Africa and Cuba regarding skills development and training, wherein over 500 South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds have graduated as medical doctors, providing much-needed primary healthcare services to their local communities.
In addition, the deployment of Cuban doctors, engineers and technical experts across South African provinces is a further demonstration of strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
The South Africa-Cuba JCM was conducted against a background of solid bilateral and fraternal ties between the two countries that go beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994. The two countries agreed during the 12th JCM in October 2015 in Cuba that, the year 2016 would be celebrated as the 20th Anniversary of bilateral cooperation.
To mark South Africa-Cuba 20th celebrations on bilateral cooperation between the two countries, First Deputy Minister Medina and Limpopo Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, unveiled two of Limpopo's Department of Health buildings in honour of the two Cuban revolutionary leaders, former President of Cuba, Fidel Castro, and Ernesto "Che" Guevara, on 22 May 2016 in Polokwane.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation also used the opportunity to host a wreath-laying ceremony and reception at Freedom Park and a panel discussion on the status of SA-Cuba relations and South-South cooperation. |
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| THIRD ROUND OF SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM SWEDEN |
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| The students will be travelling to Sweden to commence their studies in August 2016. These young students from across South Africa will pursue their Master’s studies in a wide range of fields, including Entrepreneurship, Economics, Law, International Health, Bioinformatics and Engineering. |
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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently hosted South African students who were selected for the third round of the Swedish Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
This programme, at the initiative of DIRCO, in collaboration with the Government of Sweden, offers 10 scholarships per annum and will be funded by the Swedish Institute. At the Ninth Session of the South Africa-Sweden Binational Commission (BNC) in October 2015 in Stockholm, South Africa and Sweden agreed to extend the scholarship programme for a further three years. This is in recognition of the centrality of education and skills development for the economic development in South Africa. The BNC is co-chaired by South Africa’s Deputy President and Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and takes place on a biennial basis.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and Sweden are excellent and have a strong historical basis with Sweden having supported South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. Present-day relations cover a number of partnerships in various areas such as water resource management, science and technology cooperation, environmental protection and climate change, renewable energy and arts and culture. |
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| AGE GROUP EXTENDED FOR SMART ID APPLICANTS AT BANKS |
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| “In our quest to deliver a quality service to our people, we have partnered with four major banks, including ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank, to create innovative avenues to expand our footprint for the convenience of our clients.” |
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The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, recently said that citizens in the 25 – 40 age group would from 23 May, be able to apply for their Smart ID Card and passport at four of the country’s banks.
“President Jacob Zuma launched this groundbreaking initiative in April, with Smart ID Card and passport application services initially available to clients within the 30-35 age group in Gauteng and the Western Cape at the moment.
“… from Monday, 23 May 2016, we will begin to accept applications from those clients who fall within the 25 to 40 age group. This will add impetus to our resolve of replacing the green ID book with the Smart ID Card,” said the Minister at a briefing to the Cape Town Press Club, in Cape Town.
Plans are underway to have the system implemented at other banks throughout the country.
Banks where Home Affairs services can be accessed are: Absa Lifestyle in Centurion; Absa Towers North; Absa Ghandi Square; FNB Lifestyle Centurion; FNB Menlyn; FNB Merchant Place; Nedbank Rivonia; Nedbank Roodepoort; Standard Bank Centurion; Standard Bank Killarney Rosebank and Standard Bank Canal Walk in the Western Cape.
The department introduced the Smart ID Card and the new passport in 2013 as part of its modernisation programme.
The new ID Card and passport bear strong security features, which significantly reduce the chances of fraudulently producing these two essential items.
The Minister said so far over four million Smart ID cards had been issued. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN GREEN ECONOMY - DEA |
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| The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, has commended the Department of Transport's plan to make South Africa's regional airports more self-sufficient through solar energy. |
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Transport Minister Dipuo Peters officially opened the Kimberley Airport Solar Plant, a project that is spearheaded by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) at a special ceremony in the city on 13 May.
This is South Africa's second solar airport, after the opening of the George Solar Airport in February 2016. The construction of the Kimberley Airport solar plant started in September last year and forms part of the ACSA’s broader plan to install solar energy plants at all six regional airports over the next three to five years.
The state-of-the-art Kimberley Airport Solar Plant will use 1620 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and 18 inverters to generate electricity by converting solar radiation into a renewable and clean energy source. The plant is designed to deliver 500 KWp of peak production per year. This initiative is in line with the Government’s sustainable development imperatives, energy security priorities and environmental conservation obligations.
In its first phase, the Kimberley Airport Solar Plant will generate 141 870 kWh and is forecasted to produced approximately 927 000 kWh hours per year .– Source: Traveller24 |
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| EXTENSIVE HIV VACCINE STUDY PLANNED IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| The drug will be trialled in South Africa at the end of 2016. |
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A successful early-stage HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa has prompted the expansion of the experimental vaccine regimen into a large clinical trial.
The new study, called HVTN 702, is designed to determine whether the regimen is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV infection among South African adults. It will use a new variation of the RV144 shot, an experimental HIV vaccine developed by the United States’ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Niaid).
The HVTN 702 study will be led by Protocol Chair, Dr Glenda Gray. Gray is the president and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, research professor of Paediatrics at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and a director of the Perinatal HIV Research Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.
According to a post on the Niaid website by its director, Dr Anthony Fauci, RV144 promises to be able to cut HIV viral infections by a third, even more when the vaccine is tested in a real-world environment. Fauci is one of the global leaders in searching for a viable and affordable solution to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
He says the new RV144 variation has been the most feasible vaccine ever developed. The trial will be one of largest single clinical testing processes done in South Africa. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| BILL GATES TO DELIVER 2016 NELSON MANDELA LECTURE |
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| Since the inaugural Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2003, speakers have been notable global leaders in their field – be it politics, human rights or economics. This year will be no different. Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates will deliver the 14th annual lecture on the eve of Mandela Day. |
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Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates will deliver the 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on 17 July 2016, the eve of Mandela Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has announced, in association with the University of Pretoria.
Gates, who is the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will speak on the theme "Living Together".
"It's an incredible honour to be invited to deliver this year's Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture," Gates said. "President Mandela will be remembered for generations to come for his courage, his vision and his relentless pursuit of equality and justice. I believe, as he did, that progress is possible.
"We can help people everywhere live healthier, more productive lives – if we make sure that innovation reaches everyone who needs it. I can't think of a better forum for discussing these urgent issues than the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture."
Sello Hatang, CEO of the foundation, said the organisation was delighted Gates had accepted the speaker's invitation.
"I have no doubt that his views will stimulate debate and highlight the issues that continue to curb progress of poor and marginalised communities in South Africa and around the world."
The lecture will be take place at the University of Pretoria's Mamelodi Campus.
"As an innovator and a philanthropist, I know Bill Gates will inspire students, staff and academics at the University of Pretoria," said Professor Cheryl de la Rey, vice-chancellor of the university. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| GERMAN AFRICA AWARD FOR PUBLIC PROTECTOR THULI MADONSELA |
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| The South African Public Protector will receive the award at a special ceremony in Berlin later this year. |
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Thuli Madonsela will be awarded with the prestigious German Africa Award 2016 from the German Africa Foundation to honour her engagement in safeguarding the rule of law.
“Being awarded the German Africa Award in her last year of office is a sign of appreciation for her achievements in the role as Public Protector,” stresses German Ambassador Walter Lindner. “Mandonsela’s engagement for democracy and the rule of law is outstanding and will serve as a role model for many years to come,” Lindner argues.
Madonsela joins the ranks of influential Africans such as Tunisian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Houcine Abassi, who received the award last year. The award was established 38 years ago to promote and facilitate dialogue between the business, economic and political sector of both countries and is supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The award is bestowed on Africans that demonstrate exceptional commitment towards promoting peace, rule of law, democracy, human rights and culture on the African continent. – Sources: German Embassy Pretoria and Diplomatic Society |
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| FORMER MISS EARTH SA PICKED FOR OBAMA’S MANDELA FELLOWSHIP IN USA |
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| Former Miss Earth South Africa Catherine Constantinides – who started her first business at the age of 16 – has been selected to head to the US as one of the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellows. |
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The young Play Your Part Ambassador’s star keeps shining as she works to make South Africa and the world a better place. Constantinides is an international climate activist, passionate humanitarian and social entrepreneur.
In February, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation awarded her the Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award for her outstanding work across Africa and the world.
No stranger to leadership platforms and thought leadership, Constantinides will be heading to the United States of America as part of the Department of State’s Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali).
She will leave in June with fellows from across Africa for a six-week leadership training programme. This includes an opportunity to hone her skills at an American higher education institution with support for professional development after she returns home.
Constantinides said that ensuring human rights for all Africans would unlock the continent’s potential.
“We must be committed to succeed in ensuring that human rights are an integral part of our fabric with a unified commitment and energy to move Africa forward as an economically stable and viable global competitor,” she said.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders began in 2014 as the flagship programme of President Barack Obama’s Yali initiative.
Fellows are placed at US colleges and universities where they will focus on developing skills in one of three areas: business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, or public management.
Constantinides has been placed in the civic leadership track and will spend her time in Virginia at the Presidential Precinct. – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| EMIRATES OPENS NEW LOUNGE AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
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| The lounge follows after an investment of over R45 million by the airline, which also includes a complementary chauffeur drive service in Cape Town. |
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Emirates’ premium customers can now look forward to even greater levels of swag, hospitality and convenience with the opening of the airline’s new two-level premium lounge at the Cape Town International Airport in South Africa.
All Emirates First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Skywards Platinum and Gold members travelling from Cape Town to Dubai will have complementary access to the new facility, which has the capacity to accommodate 123 people comfortably.
It is conveniently located in the international departures corridor next to Emirates’ preferred boarding point at Gate A3.
According to Mohammed Mattar for Emirates Airport Services, the lounge is “designed with a focus on comfort and quality and, coupled with the chauffeur drive service, will ensure premium customers a seamless, comfortable and enjoyable journey from the moment they start their travel until they arrive at their destination.
"We expect to welcome approximately 65-70 premium customers on a daily basis at the lounge,” he added.
Cape Town has become Emirates’ 39th lounge in its network of over 150 global points and the 14th destination to feature the airline’s new lounge design concept, which includes Italian marble floors, leather armchairs and walnut wood finishes, creating an upmarket contemporary space with a fresh relaxing atmosphere.
It offers a dedicated dining area with a choice of bar seating, an extensive menu of complementary hot and cold gourmet foods served buffet style, including local dishes, and a beverage service which includes a premium selection of champagne, spirits and South African and international wines.
Customers will also have access to a fully equipped business centre with state-of-the-art touch screen workstations, complementary Wi-Fi and a dedicated lift to access the upper level of the lounge, which offers a quiet seating area, main dining room, a second TV area, main restroom with showers, and a prayer room.
Emirates currently operates two daily flights between Cape Town and Dubai with its popular Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline will launch a third daily service between the two cities from 4 July 2016. – Source: Traveller24 |
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| CAPE TOWN'S TOP TOURIST SPOTS TO BENCHMARK VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT ATTRACTIONS AFRICA CONFERENCE |
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| Some of the world’s top attractions' managers will be coming together to discuss how to improve the overall visitor experience at this year’s Attractions Africa Conference, taking place in Cape Town in June. |
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The third annual Attractions Africa is a collaborative effort between some of the continent’s top attractions, including Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Two Oceans Aquarium, SAB World of Beer and Cape Point.
Participants will be treated to a two-day programme comprising international speakers sharing trends, benchmarks and best practice, as well as examples of excellence, case studies and white papers presented by local attraction managers.
“A conference of this magnitude brings together leaders and their peers within the Attractions management industry and provides invaluable learnings for those on the frontline of providing amazing visitor experiences at their establishments.
"Whether you are a museum, an art gallery, a hotel, a mega event, a restaurant or a theme park, we want you to join us for this must-attend educational event”, says Sabine Lehmann, Attractions Africa chair. |
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| R380-BN TOURISM ECONOMIC BOOST FORECAST FOR SA IN 2016 |
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| The tourism sector is recovering remarkably after a poor performance in 2015, with January and February showing 15% and 18% growth respectively, as forecasts indicate that significant improvement is set to continue in 2016. |
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The Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, in delivering his National Council of Provinces speech has stated that in 2014 the balance of trade from tourism had more than tripled, from R10 billion in 2010 to R38 billion in 2014.
According to the minister the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that tourism in South Africa will contribute over R380 billion to the economy in 2016.
Hanekom says the tourism sector is well placed to continue contributing to addressing South Africa’s triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment, saying this year’s budget will be used optimally to ensure that South Africa’s tourism economy continues to create tangible and lasting benefits.
“South Africa offers truly unique experiences, and we have untapped resources in abundance. We have all the ingredients to be one of the world’s top tourism destinations. All our nine provinces are blessed with great attractions: beautiful landscapes, wildlife and biodiversity, leisure and adventure options, and warm and welcoming people who are steeped in cultural tradition.” – Source: Traveller24 |
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| FOUR SMALL SA HOTELS WIN BIG |
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| Four boutique hotels have been selected for top awards by TripAdvisor users in its 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards, as has the increasingly famous Test Kitchen in Woodstock, Cape Town. |
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TripAdvisor calls the awards announced recently “The Very Best of Travel Chosen by Millions of Travellers”.
The Garden House in Franschhoek came 25th in the Top 25 B&Bs and Inns. Situated in a building that dates back to 1881, it is a 15-minute walk from downtown Franschhoek and is owned by Annette and Barry Phillips, who moved to the wine town from London in 2001.
Villa Afrikana Guest Suites in Knysna came 11th in the Top 25 Small Hotels, with its locally named suites like Noetzie, Phantom (after the nearby forest) and Spitzkop.
The 2Inn1 Kensington in Cape Town was 16th, also coming 21st in the Best Hotels for Romance. Nestled below Table Mountain, the boutique hotel has standard, luxury rooms and a luxury apartment, as well as a spa.
Also in Franschhoek, the Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guest House won 18th in the Best Hotels for Romance. It has six rooms in five “unique” buildings in the perfect setting.
Even though Cape Town came 20th out of the Top 25 Destinations – London won – it was ahead of Sydney and Tokyo. Luke Dale-Roberts’ Test Kitchen, which is said to have a very long waiting period to get in, was a predictable winner in the top dining awards. – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| SA LAUNCHES NEW GREEN ENERGY STANDARD LABEL |
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| The aim is to encourage all South Africans to use energy efficiently, including purchasing energy efficient household appliances, says the department. |
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The Department of Energy (DoE) recently unveiled a new green standard label, as a means for consumers to recognise clean energy measures, as the 16th annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa Conference kicked off at the Cape Town Convention Centre.
South Africa has just officially signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement and a number of key state departments are involved in ensuring the country meets its 2020 objects, with clean energy also forming an integral part of South Africa's nine-point plan for the national economic turnaround as outlined by President Jacob Zuma during the 2015 State of the Nation Address.
As a result, the DoE, in collaboration with the departments of public works and trade and industry are collaborating on a planned energy efficiency programme of which the new South African Energy Efficiency Label and the Building Energy Savings Campaign Identity form a part.
"We believe that a nation knowledgeable of the benefits of energy efficiency and the dedicated activation of the appropriate behaviour by all of us will ensure that the country achieves its set energy efficiency objectives," the DoE says.
The DoE says the Energy Efficiency Label will further guide and impact positively on changing behaviour towards energy efficiency measures and compel citizens to individually take the lead in whatever platforms they find themselves in.
The DoE says appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, electric ovens, refrigerators, electric geysers, audio and video equipment, dish washers and electric lamps will now have energy efficiency labels which have been designed to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. – Source: Traveller24 |
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| ARTS AND CULTURE HOSTS AFRICAN FASHION VIBES SHOW AS PART OF AFRICA MONTH CELEBRATION |
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| The African Fashion Vibes Show formed part of the Africa Month celebrations under the theme: “Building a Better Africa and a Better World”. |
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The African Fashion Vibes Show was held on Saturday, 21 May 2016, at the Soweto Theatre, Jabulani in Johannesburg.
The show brought together local fashion designers and their Pan-African counterparts from as far as Uganda, Malawi, Ethiopia and Botswana, to showcase some of the most exciting local and Pan-African designs. The African Fashion Vibes Show, among others, served as a platform to celebrate and promote African identity, create markets and networks, cultural exchange, integration, unity and solidarity within the continent.
The month of May has been declared Africa Month, to celebrate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963, it was on this date that 25 May was declared as Africa Day as a symbol of unity among all Africans. Africa Month also acknowledges the progress that Africa has made and the Africa Month programme features all aspects of arts, culture and heritage among African nations. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA SCOOPS FIVE WINS AT GLOBAL PAGEANT IN TURKEY |
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| South Africans were the biggest winners at the 2016 global World League of Beauty & Fashion pageant in Bodrum, Turkey, recently, walking away with an unprecedented five titles! |
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In a message to SAPeople, SA pageant organiser Carolyn Baldwin Botha said: “I am more than SUPER PROUD of #TeamPageantsSA #PageantsSA.”
Zenande Mncwabe (7) from Richard’s Bay won the Little Miss Universe 2016 title, Deanté Swart (9) from Greytown was crowned Little Miss World, Chante Green (11) from Mossel Bay won Little Miss Globe, Mpho Botha (15) from Welkom won Mr Teen World and Andrea Abrahams (20) from Mpumulanga won Miss 7 Continents.
Carolyn said: “This is an achievement above all that my heart could have wished for. Well done to all my contestants and also to their amazing parents. Wow my heart is overflowing with pride …”
Zenande and Mpho also received Best of the Best & Best Talent; Chante received Miss Sympathy; Deanté was awarded Photo Model of the World and Overall Winner of the competition and received an Honorary Membership to the WLBF (World League of Beauty & Fashion); and Andrea won Face of Beauty & Face of the Elizabeth Friedrich.
Carolyn attributed South Africa’s incredible success – winning each age category – to a fantastic selection of those to represent the country, as well as the fact that they entered several competitions beforehand to get lots of practice.
Deanté’s proud Wembley College headmaster, Dederick Swart, said: “this is the first time in 25 years that a child as young as nine years old has ever received this award!
She is not only the first South African child to ever receive it, she was also selected as the overall winner of this prestigious international competition in which she competed against participants who were between five and 26 years of age!” – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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CAPE-TO-CAPE RECORD:
17 000 KM IN LESS THAN 9 DAYS! |
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| The Longest Drive team, driving from North Cape in Norway, has successfully reached Cape Agulhas in South Africa in an incredible eight days, 21 hours and three minutes. |
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During their extremely challenging journey, the team of three, covered more than 17 000 km in a Porsche Cayenne SUV, breaking the former record by seven hours and six minutes. The team comprises a trio of veteran drivers: Shaun Neill (South Africa), Vitoldas Milius (Lithuania) and Jan Kalmar (Denmark).
Team leader Kalmar said: “The previous record time was good, so we had to avoid time-consuming mistakes. A big motivation for the team was that more people walked on the moon than those who managed to accomplish this non-stop journey of almost cosmic proportions.
“This is what kept us motived to move forward during the whole journey.”
Though every member of The Longest Drive crew has vast experience in long distance driving, it was a challenge to accomplish their record-setting drive. In order to break the previous record of nine days, four hours and nine minutes, careful preparations, strict driving, a resting order and attentive handling of the car was required.
For example, every stop at a gas station took under eight minutes, winter tire change was also performed in about eight minutes, and even two broken rims were repaired in about 40 minutes.
During their record drive, The Longest Drive crew crossed 20 countries in total. To cross the borders in the shortest time possible, the crew had to take care of all required documentation in advance and find locals who would help speed up the process.
The other challenging task was driving the car non-stop. Each team member went through a six-hour shift before the next driver would take over. Furthermore, wild animals represented a big risk while driving in Africa, therefore the driver and co-driver had to be fully concentrated at any time. – Source: www.wheels24.co.za |
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| CHRIS BROWN RETURNS TO SA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY |
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| Chris Brown is returning to SA for a one-night-only exclusive performance. |
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The multi-platinum-selling, multi-award winning sensation Chris Brown will be headlining the Mother of All Parties in Durban on 2 July to treat South African fans to his current tour.
Brought to South Africa by Mabala Noise Entertainment & BACK TO THE OLDSKOOL in association with Channel O, Breezy will headline alongside other international acts and a long list of local stars at one of the most infamous parties that takes place during the Durban July Weekend.
The Durban July’s popularity has grown to prove it’s the busiest weekend in the city all year. The concert will take place on 2 July at the Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields.
"Chris Brown is by far no stranger to South Africa having successfully toured the country in 2012 for the Carpe Diem Tour and again in 2015 for the Chris Brown X Tour Live," said Sam Sekgota, frontman of Mabala Noise Entertainment. "We look forward to yet another spectacular showcase of his talent in the city of Durban."
The full line-up will be announced over the next few weeks via the various media channels. – Source: www.news24.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN CLASSIC “THE SUIT” MADE INTO A SHORT FILM |
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| The short film version of Can Themba's classic South African story, "The Suit", has been written for screen and directed by fledgling filmmaker Jarryd Coetsee. |
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The film stars Atandwa Kani, son of South African acting legend John Kani, in the lead role of Philemon.
The story, set in 1950s apartheid South Africa, deals with the consequences of an extramarital affair gone wrong, but the metaphor acts as a more substantial comment on the brutal effects of the forced removals of the time. The story was banned by the National Party government when it was first published, but has since become a standard in high school set work curriculums; it has also been adapted for stage.
Themba was a journalist for Drum magazine and an apartheid dissident. He died in exile in 1968.
About his debut film, Coetsee, who first read the novel as a set work at school, told the South African Sunday Times newspaper that the story was still important. Its themes of personal space and humiliation offered a more emotional understanding today of the profound trauma experienced by millions of South Africans during apartheid.
In the story, Philemon discovers a suit left by the lover of his wife, Matilda. He proceeds to use the suit to torment and humiliate her.
"Oppression is cyclical and it affects personal relationships in a destructive way," said Coetsee. "I can think of no time in our history when it has been more urgent to heed Themba's cautionary tale because we are now at great risk of oppressive forces derailing our progress." – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| DJ BLACK COFFEE TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT SAMAS |
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| South African music is exploding on global stages thanks to trailblazers such as DJ sensation Black Coffee, who will be presented with the sought-after International Achievement Award at the 22nd Annual South African Music Awards. |
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#SAMA22 organisers RiSA have announced that Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, will be honoured for flying the South African music flag loudly and proudly across the world at this year’s awards ceremony taking place on Saturday, 4 June at the Durban ICC.
The Durban-born South African music icon in the making has had a dream year by anyone’s standards which has seen him take the world’s dance capital of Ibiza by storm as well as criss-crossing the globe on a 17-country tour that spanned four continents over five months. This tour included dates in North America.
The profile and popularity of the Afropolitan house whizz and ace producer continues to soar on global stages.
This year, Black Coffee ramped up his touring schedule, delivering more headline-grabbing performances at some of the world’s leading festivals, including a monster set at Coachella in California in April.
The rollercoaster year of career milestones and a skyrocketing international reputation was capped off by Black Coffee being chosen to grace the cover of MixMag – the first African DJ to have this honour – and being named the authoritative dance music magazine’s Star of the Year.
In February 2016, Black Coffee received the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Ubuntu Arts and Cultural Award for his successful career, which has grown from winning a DJ competition in the 1990s to being an influential musician in Africa. – Source: www.channel24.com |
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| SEMENYA SHINES ON WORLD STAGE |
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| It was Semenya's quickest time in five years. Former world outdoor champion Eunice Sum was way back in fourth in 1:59.32 at the first Diamond League series in Africa. |
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Caster Semenya set another world-leading time and again showed she will be one of the runners to watch at the Rio Olympics, leaving behind a strong field to easily win the 800 metres at the Diamond League meeting in Morocco recently.
Semenya's performance was even more impressive than her victory at the Doha meet two weeks ago. She was nearly two seconds faster this time, blowing past world indoor champion Francine Niyonsaba to win in 1 minute, 56.64 seconds, over a second ahead of Niyonsaba. "It's a big boost to morale to beat a strong field like this one," Semenya said. "I just have to keep training hard and there will be more to come."
Semenya was the world champion in 2009, the world’s silver medallist in 2011, and the Olympic silver medallist in London. |
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| BRAD BINDER GRABS MOTO3 HAT TRICK |
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| South Africa's Brad Binder consolidated his lead in the world Moto3 championships after notching up a third successive win in the category in Italy on Sunday, 22 May. |
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| The 20-year-old KTM rider from Potchefstroom finished ahead of Italian duo Fabio Di Giannantonio (Honda) and Francesco Bagnaia (Mahindra) after taking the lead on the last lap of a thrilling race in hot conditions in Mugello. – Source: www.s1port24.co.za |
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| SA PARA-ATHLETES COLLECT MORE MEDALS IN BRAZIL AND NETHERLANDS |
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| Last week it was Ilse Hayes and Tyrone Pillay and this weekend it was Union Sekailwe and Reinhardt Hamman who came to the para-athletics party. |
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Hayes won double sprint gold in Barcelona, and Pillay took shot put gold at the Rio Test event in Brazil.
The latest medals to come back to South Africa are a track silver from Sekailwe and and a field gold from Hamman.
Sekailwe took silver in the T38 400-metre at the same meeting at Rio, while Hamman took javelin gold at the IPC Athletics Open Dutch National Championships in Breda, Netherlands.
Sekailwe, who had a disappointing 100m earlier in the week, took second spot in an impressive time in an event described by coach Alta Oelofse as a lovely race.
“I was very happy after running my season’s best 52.24 but yes, I know I can definitely run faster than that,” Sekailwe told Road to Rio 2016.
“Now, I’ll go back and work even harder at my training and I will be ready for things.
“Come September and Rio, I’ll be ready for all the action. For now, it’s just preparing to meet these guys. My next competition will be in Berlin, Germany, in July.”
Meanwhile, Hamman was hurling his way to T37 category gold in the Netherlands.
“Today’s competition went really well,” he told Road to Rio 2016. “My opening throw was a 48.32m which felt rather easy. Then I managed to improve with my second throw to 49.03m.”
“My fourth throw was by far the best as I improved my personal best, the SA record and Africa record from 50.06m to 50.22m. I’m super happy with the distance and now I’m looking forward to next week’s competition, the IPC Grand Prix in Nottwill, Switzerland.” – Source: Africa News Agency |
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