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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE LEADS SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE AU SUMMIT |
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The summit took place under the theme: "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth". |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in her capacity as Special Representative of President Jacob Zuma, led South Africa's delegation to the 29th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) that convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 3 and 4 July 2017.
Within the context of domesticating the AU's Agenda 2063 through the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Youth Policy 2020, the Government of South Africa has prioritised youth development and empowerment with the primary objective of ensuring their fullest integration into society to ensure that they take charge of their lives and realise their full potential.
The summit also deliberated on key issues related to the implementation of institutional reforms of the AU as encompassed in the report adopted in January 2017 by the 28th Session of the AU Assembly, titled: The Imperative to Strengthen Our Union: Report on the Proposed Recommendations for the Institutional Reform of the African Union.
The leaders also reflected on the issue of the early establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area as an essential instrument to promote intra-African trade and continental integration. Other important agenda items included matters related to peace and security on the continent, the adoption of the 2018 Budget of the AU and various elections, including for the remaining two positions of Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, and Commissioner for Economic Affairs. |
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| AFRICA TO LAUNCH SINGLE AIR TRANSPORT MARKET IN 2018 |
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| An African single air transport market will be launched in January 2018, with 40 plus countries expected to be signatories by then. |
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So far, 20 African countries out of 55 have subscribed to the African single air market.
This was announced by David Kajange, the Head of the Transport and Tourism Division at the African Union (AU) on Sunday, 2 July, on the sidelines of the ongoing 29th AU Summit, underway in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.
A single air transport market is one of the goals of the AU's Agenda 2063, aiming to connect Africa through aviation and other transport infrastructure to achieve integration and boost intra-Africa trade.
The single air transport market also aims to boost African nations' tourism, economic growth and economic development.
Kajange said Africa became the most expensive air transport market in the world because of individual nations' policies and regulations that hindered air connectivity.
According to Euroavia International, a firm specialising in consulting services for airports and the aviation industry, air transport in Africa is on average twice as expensive as the world average.
An African Open Skies vision has been there since 1980s, culminating in the adoption of the Yamassoukro Decision of African Heads of States of November 14, 1999.
However, between 2004 and 2014, despite sustained economic growth on the continent, an increasing business and tourism sector and growing middle class, the market share of African airlines has dropped dramatically.
The loss of market share by African airlines has been estimated by the AU to have decreased from 60% to below 2%.
– Source: Xinhua |
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| MINISTER ZULU ELECTED CODEPA SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT |
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| The Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has been elected as the Second Vice-President of the Coordination Committee for Development and Promotion of African Handicrafts (CODEPA). |
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This came after Minister Zulu announced that South Africa would become a member state of CODEPA.
She was elected at the Ninth CODEPA Conference of Ministers, which was held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, recently. Minister Zulu was invited to the CODEPA meeting to help make a contribution to the strengthening of the crafts sector in the region.
"The meeting provided an opportunity for South Africa to highlight its support mechanisms for SMMEs and cooperatives in the craft sector, consider the potential of market access opportunities for local entrepreneurs and share best practices with other countries while understanding their strategies.
"South Africa's decision to join CODEPA stems from the important role the handicraft sector plays in contributing to the economy and in recognition of the historical and heritage aspect of handicrafts in shaping the identity of Africans. South Africa was urged to assist the incoming president in encouraging more Southern African Development Community member states to join CODEPA," the Department of Small Business Development said.
Minister Zulu is determined to contribute to the development of the handicraft industry by giving support, providing leadership and determining the strategic direction for this important body.
Zimbabwe's Minister of SMME and Cooperative Development, Sithembiso Nyoni, was handed the Presidency of CODEPA during the official opening ceremony in Bulawayo.
The Department of Small Business Development has led in the development and promotion of the handicrafts sector through the customised sector plan since its inception. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER MKHIZE ATTENDS GLOBAL FORUM ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT (GFMD) IN GERMANY |
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The GFMD is a recent initiative of the United Nations member states to address the migration and development interconnections in practical and action-oriented ways. |
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The Minister of Home Affairs, Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, attended the 10th GFMD, held from 28 to 30 June 2017, in Berlin, Germany.
The working theme for this high-level debate was: Towards a Global Social Contract on Migration and Development. The theme sought attainment of a global social contract on how to approach migration for development and jobs. It was attended by high-level and senior government policy-makers and officials and ministers of foreign affairs/home affairs/interior who are active in the area of migration and development.
Minister Mkhize says the GFMD has been identified as a priority forum to advance South Africa's national interest and influence on the international migration agenda.
"The GFMD presents an opportunity for South Africa to compare notes with other stakeholders, including governments, academia as well as civil-society organisations on how to best manage international migration securely and effectively with a view to fostering the developmental agenda," she said. |
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| SA HOLDS CHINA IN HIGH REGARD – MINISTER |
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| The Minister of Public Service and Administration, Faith Muthambi, says South Africa holds China in high regard "for the very warm" ties of fraternal relations which exist between Pretoria and China. |
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Speaking at the Chinese Embassy, celebrating 20 years of Hong Kong's "return to the motherland", Minister Muthambi assured China that South Africa and the continent at large had an invaluable partner in the fight against poverty and inequality.
"We believe that our political and economic relations will go from strength to strength and further, find new ways of continuing and increasing investments in each other's economies with the common goal of achieving development and eradicating poverty," the Minister said.
Minister Muthambi said cooperation between South Africa and China on other critical issues such as the reform of multilateral institutions, financial governance, the global economy and climate change remained paramount.
"Together, with all developing nations of the South, we need to collaborate and work towards a common goal.
"Hong Kong has over the past two decades grown and matured as China's renowned international city," the Minister said.
Minister Muthambi said the success of Hong Kong and Mainland China had undoubtedly proven that the "one country, two systems" worked.
"The successful implementation of "one country, two systems" has allowed the region to seize new opportunities for further economic development.
"Many in other parts of the world were cynical about perceived different models of development, different systems and ideological orientation. What you proved is that these were not mutually exclusive," the Minister said.
A group of about 30 South African public servants will travel to mainland China in November 2017 to attend training, as per the signed Memorandum of Understanding. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA, FRANCE PARTNER TO FIGHT CYBERCRIME |
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With South Africa's cybercrime attacks on the rise, government is set to collaborate with France in order to boost the cyber and digital skills capacities which are key in investigating such crimes. |
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The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will result in the capacity-building of 350 forensic investigators being trained in cyber forensic investigations with the support of a French international technical expert and regional adviser on cybercrime.
The MoU was signed recently by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the French Embassy, together with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority in Pretoria.
The first training of the forensic investigators is scheduled in September.
"As cybercrime has no boundaries, this MoU highlights the critical role of international cooperation (exchange of best practices and knowledge) to address the world digital revolution," the SIU said.
In 2016, it was estimated that 8,8 million South Africans were hit by cybercrime.
According to the SIU, South Africa currently ranks as having the world's third-highest cybercrime attacks, losing in excess of R2,2 billion to Internet fraud and phishing attacks annually.
The SIU attributes the high attack to the growth in online services which the criminals use to increase the scale of corruption. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA BANKS RATED STRONGEST IN THE WORLD |
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| The rise of Capitec Bank Holdings [JSE:CPI] as South Africa's leading bank seems to have no end with the bank now regarded as the Best Bank in the World. |
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This is according to the Lafferty Group's 2017 Global Bank Quality Benchmarking Study. It ranks 100 major quoted banks across 32 countries for their longer-term sustainability and gives its highest ratings to banks that focus on serving their clients' needs in retail and corporate banking.
It found that South Africa's banks achieved the highest rankings for the second year in a row. The Lafferty Group's ratings are based on information available in the public domain, such as each bank's business model, assessed in terms of factors such as strategy, culture and management.
Capitec was awarded Lafferty Group's highest five-star rating; Absa achieved four stars; and FirstRand, Standard and Nedbank were given three stars.
"Capitec is a remarkable bank in that it is the only bank anywhere in the world among those we have rated that qualifies for a five-star rating," Lafferty group CEO, Michael Lafferty, told Fin24.
"It has very high financial ratios and also scores very high in qualitative criteria like strategy, culture, customer satisfaction, management experience and living the brand. Most of all it is a highly focused bank."
Lafferty explained that being focused was something that other banks could also leverage in order to climb up the rankings.
"Unlike the big universal banks of Europe and the United States – that seem to want to do everything and usually fail to do anything particularly well – Capitec has its eye on the emerging South African consumer and knows how to serve them well."
Capitec Bank CEO, Gerrie Fourie, said in a statement that the bank's rating confirmed it was on the right track to build the best retail bank in the world.
"We value this recognition because it's based on information available in the public domain and represents an objective view of our company, while validating the trust that our clients put in the Capitec brand." – Source: www.fin24.co.za |
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| SA COMPANIES SPOT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN KENYA |
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South African companies recently taking part in the Department of Trade and Industry's Outward Selling Mission in Kenya have identified business opportunities in the East African country. |
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The delegation of 27 businesspeople participated in business seminars, business-to-business meetings, as well as a site visit to a company with South African linkages.
AfroBotanics Chief Executive Officer, Ntombenhle Khathwana, said she was impressed by the Kenyan market. Her company manufactures hair and body products from essential oils and natural ingredients, which are sold in 317 South African retail stores.
"I came to Kenya to understand the Kenyan market better, from a regulatory business perspective as well as from a consumer perspective. I had already attempted to enter the Kenyan market through Game Stores but the regulatory issues were hindering me, so this trip was a blessing, bringing me here to meet the role players," said Khathwana.
Khathwana and the rest of the delegation visited PG Bison Kenya in Nairobi, which specialises in the supply of decorative wood-based panel products, such as particle boards, flooring and door skins, to the construction and furniture sector.
The PG Bison plant, which has been operating since September 2002, employs 150 workers and supplies to the different sectors in Nairobi and the East Africa region.
Khathwana said PG Bison was a perfect example for South African companies to emulate.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, said the mission strengthened the already existing cordial relations between South Africa and Kenya. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA, TANZANIA MUST EVEN OUT TRADE IMBALANCE |
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| Economic Counsellor for the South African High Commission in Tanzania, Frans van Aardt, says South Africa and Tanzania must work to address the trade imbalance between the two countries. |
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"Currently, the trade balance is skewed in South Africa's favour and efforts should be doubled to address the imbalance. Tanzania is an emerging economy with high growth potential, a relatively diversified economy and a number of opportunities remain untapped in many sectors," said Counsellor van Aardt recently.
A delegation of 21 businesspeople arrived in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania recently to participate in the second leg of the Outward Selling Mission that was led by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).
In 2015, South African exports to Tanzania amounted to R6,5 billion, whereas imports from Tanzania amounted to R377 million.
Speaking at a welcoming session of the business delegation, Counsellor van Aardt said South Africa and Tanzania must continue with economic diplomacy that would eventually sort out the trade imbalance between the two countries.
Counsellor van Aardt said the business community must take advantage of the fact that economic relations between the two countries continued to expand and bilateral political relations were favourable and conducive for growth.
Currently, about 170 South African companies are operating in the East African country.
Counsellor van Aardt said indications were that growth would continue on an upward trajectory for the next couple of years, as the Tanzanian Industrial Policy had identified the promotion of the private sector in taking the lead in industrialising the economy of the country.
"The current industrial policy direction points to deepening the private-sector led industrial growth as a way of transforming the economy from its heavy reliance on agriculture, which accounts for more than a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product, to manufacturing," he said.
Counsellor Van Aardt, who reiterated South Africa's commitment to the growth of Tanzania, wished the business delegation well as they prepared to engage with the Tanzanian business community. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA HOTEL INDUSTRY POISED FOR GROWTH |
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The hotel industry in South Africa is poised for growth, says the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe. |
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Speaking at the Hotel Show, held in Johannesburg recently, Deputy Minister Thabethe said according to the 2016 hospitality report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, the number of available hotel rooms would rise at a 0,8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020, from 61 100 in 2015.
The report projects that bed-night stays will increase at a 1,9% compound annual rate to 14,6 million in 2020, from 13,3 million in 2015.
Overall hotel room revenue is expected to expand at a 7,8% compound annual rate to R20,6 billion in 2020, from R14,2 billion in 2015.
Deputy Minister Thabethe said South Africa had 118 869 star-graded rooms across approximately 5 354 accommodation establishments, including hotels, lodges and B&Bs.
"The growth in overseas arrivals, the increase in the number of star-graded establishments, and the range of accommodation options on offer indicate that our destination is perfectly suited to meet the needs and budgets of our visitors.
"We are confident that there is potential for even further growth in tourism in our country," the Deputy Minister said.
She said when it came to business events, African destinations were fast earning their rightful place as host destinations.
"African destinations offer the world exceptional, unfiltered, life-inspiring authentic experiences. From our history and heritage to the wildlife and natural beauty – Africa never fails to create a lasting impression on travellers from across the globe," Deputy Minister Thabethe said.
The Department of Tourism is training and upskilling people in the industry to deliver on this promise, across all touch points of the consumer journey.
"Government and industry must continue to work together to make the tourism sector a leading example of radical economic transformation," Deputy Minister Thabethe said.
The Tourism Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter Council has made good progress in formulating a plan to transform tourism. – Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA'S FOUR MAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS MAPPED FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY PLAN |
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| South African travellers can proudly say they are one step closer to flying as eco-friendly as possible, as four of South Africa's international airports have met the necessary international requirements to achieve Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation. |
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Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) told Traveller24 that OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Port Elizabeth International Airport had met the entry-level standards of the ACA programme to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) – the only institutionally endorsed, global carbon-management certification programme for airports.
There are only six accredited African airports at Level 1 Mapping of the ACA programme, of which four are in South Africa and two in Morocco. In total, this represents 25,6% of African air passenger traffic.
The ACA programme independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through four levels of certification and provides airports with a common framework for active carbon management through measurable goals.
Acsa also told Traveller24 that in line with the ACA Level 1 requirements, the four recently accredited airports determined their operational boundaries and emission sources, calculated their annual carbon emissions, compiled carbon footprint reports and engaged independent third parties to verify their carbon footprint calculations.
The next steps would entail reduction, optimisation and overall neutrality.
Three of South Africa's airports, in George, Kimberley and Upington, have already been converted to solar power in 2016.
Added to this, Acsa plans to convert Bram Fischer Airport (Bloemfontein), East London and Port Elizabeth to solar power by the end of 2017.
"Ultimately the solar conversion programme will be part of achieving this accreditation on an airport-by-airport basis. The company aims to have its other airports – Bram Fischer, Upington, Kimberley, George and East London – achieve Level 1 ACA within the next year," says Acsa. – Source: www.traveller24.com |
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| BRAND SOUTH AFRICA IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM |
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| Brand South Africa has now joined Instagram. You can experience South Africa's natural beauty and awesome people wherever you are. |
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"We are warm people living in a beautiful country. "We are a country of 52 million stories. We want South Africans to tell their own story. It is for this reason we have launched our Instagram page today", Brand South Africa said in a statement recently.
"In celebration of the launch, we're giving you the chance to win a weekend getaway in South Africa for two.
"Upload an image of your South Africa and tag @BrandSouthAfrica with #IHeartMySA. The picture that best illustrates the love for South Africa will be deemed the winner.
"We want you to share your pride in our sports teams, your love of being together, the natural beauty of the world we live in. We will share our warmth, the good times we share with our extended families. We want you to tell the stories of your success and the better world we are creating.
"Using the #IHeartMySA, we will inspire each other to show off the best of us. We will build themed collages showing off South Africans national pride and the hospitality of our neighbours.
"The prize includes accommodation at a four-star resort with breakfast and dinner for two. It excludes any travel and extra costs incurred by the winners. For more information, have a look at the terms and conditions.
"So, don't hesitate to follow us by using the handle @BrandSouthAfrica." – Source: www.brandsouthafrica.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTUBE STAR CASPAR LEE MEETS THE QUEEN, AWARDED FOR INSPIRING WORK |
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South Africa's Caspar Lee was received by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in England recently, as one of the Queen's Young Leaders Award Winners … for his inspiring work, helping those less fortunate than himself. |
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After meeting the Queen, the 23-year-old South African expat – and YouTube star – posted a photo of himself shaking hands with the British monarch.
Caspar was joined by other Queen's Young Leaders Award winners from Commonwealth countries around the world; and was photographed with British athlete, Mo Farah, and One Direction singer, Liam Payne.
Caspar – whose full name is Caspar Richard George Lee – tweeted his invitation to the Palace some days ago, with a dig at one of his teachers from South Africa, saying: "Shoutout to the teacher who said I shouldn't waste my time making YouTube videos".
The British-born South African-raised vlogger, who became a millionaire at 20, now bases himself in London … although he spends a lot of time flying back home … not only to see his family and friends, but also to do inspiring work. Last year, he flew back to meet some of the South African-based Queen's Leaders and said one of his most important YouTube videos ever was when he met with a youngster living with HIV in a township.
Caspar now has over seven million subscribers on YouTube.
At the award ceremony, Prince Harry praised the award recipients in a speech, thanking Caspar and the others for "inspiring us all".
He said: "The Queen's Young Leaders Programme was launched in 2014 in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's 60 years of service to the Commonwealth.
"The Queen's Young Leaders Awards recognise what these incredible young people have achieved – not for themselves, but for others – for their peers, for their communities for their environment, and for those less fortunate.
"It is my pleasure to congratulate the Queen's Young Leaders for 2017. Thank you for inspiring us all." – Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| LOCAL BEACH MAKES MOST COLOURFUL PLACES IN THE WORLD LIST |
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South Africa may have been dubbed many things under the sun but one thing is for sure, the country prides itself on flying the flag high when it comes to its colourful people and attractions. |
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The latest accolade is being included in CNN's compilation of colourful places in the world.
Ranked at number two on the list of 25 world's most bright and colourful places, South Africa's Muizenberg beach surpassed places found in Tokyo, Arizona, Italy and France, to name a few.
It says "Muizenberg's colourful beach huts don't need an Instagram filter to dazzle".
Known as a shallow beach with warm water during winter, according to Cape Town Tourism, the Muizenberg region is more than just a summer destination. It offers great family fun and learning to surf has become the number one activity on the jam-packed beachfront, even during winter. – Source: www.traveller24.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA'S WINE TOURISM GOES DIGITAL |
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Welcoming wine enthusiasts from far and wide with even greater ease, the winelands and its tourism offerings are now just a click away thanks to the newly launched wine tourism portal, www.visitwinelands.co.za.
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Inspiring visitors to explore South Africa's award-winning wine estates, discover new wine-tasting experiences or simply enjoy "good old" favourites, the portal gives users access to everything on offer in South Africa's wine tourism.
And with a wide variety of choices – from an array of tasting options at hundreds of wine estates, to choosing between the boutique wineries or the more familiar brands – the portal couldn't have come at a more convenient time.
This one-stop searchable wine tourism gateway to the winelands forms part of a new national wine tourism strategy and marketing initiative, and is a key project of the Wine Industry Strategic Exercise.
The portal aims to bring the wine and tourism sector together to attract even more international and domestic travellers who are keen to experience destinations through distinctive cultural, culinary and outdoor adventures, ensuring that visitors explore beyond the well-known tourism regions.
It allows for a comprehensive browse of South Africa's wine producing areas, along with category specifics for a tailor-made experience. You can source info from gourmet feasts to off-the-grid adventures, and discover the best each wine route has to offer. – Source: Traveller24.com |
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| TWO JOBURG RESTAURANTS MAKE IT ONTO SHORTLIST FOR RESTAURANT AND BAR DESIGN AWARDS |
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| In its ninth year, the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards have shortlisted its not so short list of 239 restaurants. Considering that submissions come from across the globe, this figure would've been significantly reduced, after processing hundreds of entries. |
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Two Johannesburg restaurants made their way onto the shortlist this year; Urbanologi, the industrial-styled restaurant attached to Mad Giant Brewery, headed by Chef Jack Coetzee, serving refined dishes inspired by street food culture; and Midrand restaurant Nostimo by Mythos, a grand space that follows their Mediterranean theme, with blue hues and a long golden yellow booth.
The awards ceremony takes place in October this year, with an impressive array of judges from different corners of the culinary and design worlds, as well as creative industry leaders in media. The judges this year include George Calombaris, a favourite on South African TV screens for his role as one of the judges in Australian Masterchef.
There are various categories that entrants submitted in, looking at individual design elements that make up a restaurant and/or bar's identity. These include ceiling, colour, murals and graffiti, as well as surface interiors and lighting. – Source: www.food24.com |
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| ISIXHOSA SCI-FI FILM WOWS AT BRICS FILM FESTIVAL IN CHINA |
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| A new isiXhosa film, a futuristic sci-fi action film, titled: "Stillborn", opened the International Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Film Festival, held in China during June 2017. |
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The International BRICS Film Festival is an annual showcase of films from the BRICS countries. The 2017 festival ran from 20 to 27 June 2017 in Chengdu, south-west China. More than 30 new productions from established and up-and-coming BRICS filmmakers were screened.
A South African short film, the sci-fi drama, Stillborn, written and directed by Jahmil XT Qubeka, opened the festival.
Mandisa Nduna portrays an android searching futuristic Johannesburg for her place in the world.
Qubeka contributed the film to the festival's collective film presentation, Where Has Time Gone?, which featured short vignette films from BRICS filmmakers. The co-production was the first of many for the festival, which showcased filmmakers in line for scholarships to the prestigious Beijing Film Academy. – Source: www.brandsouthafrica.com |
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| LIRA OPENS FOR ROBIN THICKE AT JOZI CONCERT |
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South Africa's own platinum selling songstress, Lira, alongside Kaya FM's DJ extraordinaire, Kenzhero, shared the stage with the multiple award-winning R&B superstar, Robin Thicke, at the Birchwood Hotel on Sunday, 2 July. |
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East Rand's own Lerato "Lira" Molapo, recipient of 11 South African Music Awards, has seven albums under her belt. As one of South Africa's most celebrated exports, this Afro-Soul vocalist added a perfect fusion of soul, funk, jazz and African elements to the evening's sound.
Likewise, Kenzhero is by far no stranger to the South African music scene. This acclaimed homegrown DJ has been performing for nearly 20 years having entertained the Jozi party scene for many years with his Party People property. He recently joined Kaya FM. – Source: www.channel24.co.za |
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| JOHNNY CLEGG BIDS FANS GOODBYE |
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| After nearly four decades of foot-stomping music that challenged South Africa's apartheid regime and promoted racial reconciliation, Johnny Clegg – aka "the White Zulu" – is heading out on his final tour. |
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On Saturday, 1 July, Clegg started his global farewell tour with a concert in Cape Town before playing other South Africa venues and then on to London, France, Dubai, the United States and Canada.
The 64-year-old, who is famed for his multi-ethnic collaborations, told AFP that the decision to bring down the curtain on live performing came after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2015.
"It has been a rewarding career in so many aspects ... to be able to unite people through song, especially at a time where it seemed impossible," he said.
"I want to give my fans some kind of conclusion ... (showing) that the journey I started when I was 14-years-old is coming to an end now.
"My shows are very physical, a lot of dancing, and I have to be strong to do that."
Clegg's cancer is in remission after he underwent chemotherapy.
"I would like to present a final farewell while I am still capable of doing it," he added during an interview in Johannesburg.
Clegg said that the "Final Journey Tour" would be an autobiographical trip through his musical career since he was a boy. It is a journey that saw him endure harassment from apartheid police under white-minority rule, when he was targeted for playing with black musicians.
In contrast, his music – and activism – attracted a worldwide fanbase that packed venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and across France, where he remains a huge national star.
He credits the 1982 song, Scatterlings of Africa, as the tune that catapulted him and his band to stardom as it topped charts in France and England. – Source: www.enca.com |
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| SA JUNIORS RETURN WITH 17 MEDALS FROM CAA CHAMPS |
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The national Under-20 team ended their four-day campaign with a total of 17 medals (12 gold, four silver and one bronze) at the CAA African Junior Championships in Tlemcen, Algeria. |
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Sprinter Clarence Munyai stormed to a spectacular victory in the Men's 200-m final, clocking 20.22 for the second-fastest time of his career.
Munyai shattered the 22-year-old championship record of 20.76 held by Ibrahim Meite of the Ivory Coast, finishing well ahead of Zimbabwean silver medallist Kundai Maguranyanga who crossed the line in 21.11.
In the Men's Discus Throw, the South African squad bagged the one-two positions, with Werner Dames launching a best effort of 72.75m to edge out countryman Hernu van Vuuren by just one centimetre.
Mpho Tladi was also in fine form, charging to a commanding win in the Men's 110-m Hurdles final in 13.78, albeit with the benefit of a +2.4m/s tailwind.
Among the women, Discus thrower Yolandi Stander secured gold with a best effort of 49.13m, adding to her silver medal in the Shot Put earlier in the week.
She fell 21 centimetres shy of her Personal Best, taking the title more than 10 metres clear of her nearest opponent.
Jana Steinmann, the Shot Put gold medallist, settled for fourth place in the Discus Throw, delivering a best attempt of 34.93m.
Versatile athlete Jone Kruger won the Heptathlon with 4 850 points, holding off a challenge from Afaf Benhadja of Algeria, who took second place with 4 552 points in front of her home crowd.
The SA team finished second on the overall medals table behind Ethiopia, who bagged 38 medals, including 13 gold.
"We are very proud of the Junior National Team for the hard work they have put up and the medals they have brought home," said Aleck Skhosana, the President of Athletics South Africa.
"This is what sending out a National Team is all about. Athletes going out there and putting their country first, is a spirit that continues to shine from our athletes.
"We always strive to be No 1 on the overall table, but it's a job well done nevertheless. So, it's congratulations to all athletes, coaches, management and everyone one who contributed to this success." – Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| BOLT TOTALLY ENVISAGES WAYDE'S WORLD |
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| Record-setting Wayde van Niekerk could be the athlete to take over track and field from Usain Bolt, according to the Jamaican sprint star himself. |
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Bolt is in his final season of a glittering career that has seen him win eight Olympic and 11 world gold medals with a charisma and charm that have made him one of the most recognisable faces in world sport.
The massive void his absence will leave looks most likely to be filled by South African Van Niekerk.
The 24-year-old smashed Michael Johnson's world record for the rarely-run 300m at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava recently, clocking 30.81 seconds.
It was the second time Van Niekerk has bettered Johnson, having set a new world record of 43.03 sec when winning Olympic 400-m gold in Rio last year.
Asked whether the South African, also the current world 400-m champion but an athlete who has clocked 19.84sec in the 200-m and 9.94sec in the 100-m, is his likely successor, Bolt was definitive.
"Yeah for sure," he said. "I think he really wants to be a sprinter because he's set a personal best in the 100m this year.
"He's shown he's ready for the challenge. He's really down to earth, he's really humble, he's a great person.
"He listens and wants to be good and if he continues like this, he'll take over track and field." – Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| VAN NIEKERK, KAPP HELP PROTEAS DEMOLISH WINDIES |
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Proteas captain, Dané van Niekerk, and number one One-Day International (ODI) bowler in the world, Marizanne Kapp, took eight wickets between them, securing a comprehensive, 10-wicket drubbing over the West Indies at Grace Road in Leicester on Sunday, 2 July. |
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Van Niekerk became the first South African bowler, male or female, to take four wickets without conceding a single run, while Kapp returned career-best figures of 4/14, with three of those wickets falling in one over.
It was South Africa who won the toss and elected to field first, a wise decision in the end by the skipper that had the Windies bundled out for just 48 in 25,2 overs.
The batting reply was equally as clinical. Lizelle Lee smashed six boundaries, returning unbeaten for 29 off 16 deliveries, while her opening partner, 18-year-old Laura Wolvaardt, hit three boundaries (including the winning runs) for her 19 off 22 to give the Proteas an easy win in the end.
The victory came with 262 deliveries to spare, the largest remaining ball margin in World Cup history.
Van Niekerk is delighted with her team's performance and hopes that they can continue in the same vein as the competition heats up.
"If I could script it, I couldn't have scripted it any better," she said. "We had our plans coming into the game and it worked to the T. I'm really proud of the bowlers, especially my two opening bowlers – world class.
"They (West Indies) are a very talented team and they are very destructive, we know what they can do. I just said to the team to stick to the plan, bowlers, bowl their lines and lengths, we know that dot balls create wickets and yeah, it was a world-class performance by them."
On her record-breaking statistic, she commented sheepishly; "The ball was not coming off great, I can't tell you what happened there today. I'd be lying if I said I bowled to a plan, all I was saying to myself was 'don't bowl a full-toss' and I think they (West Indies) just missed the balls." – Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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Issue 283 | 06 July 2017
