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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO BOTSWANA FOLLOWING MILITARY PLANE CRASH |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a message of condolences to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the Government and the people of the Republic of Botswana following the crash of a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) aircraft on Friday, 27 April 2018. |
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| It is reported that the aircraft crashed during rehearsals for BDF Day, claiming the life of the pilot. President Ramaphosa said the thoughts of the South African people were with the family of the victim. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CONGRATULATES THE LEADERS OF NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA FOLLOWING HISTORIC MEETING |
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| The South African Government hopes that the historic meeting held on 27 April 2018 will pave the way for talks towards the de-neuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and peaceful co-existence between the two neighbouring countries. |
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Following the historic meeting of the leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic for Korea (ROK), Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in, respectively, which resulted in the signing of the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the two leaders and commended them for working towards sustainable peace and unity.
The President emphasised that the solution to the long-standing tensions in the Korean Peninsula would be found through continuous dialogue between the two neighbours. President Ramaphosa called on the two leaders to rally the peoples of their respective nations and all other relevant stakeholders towards the implementation of the declaration.
South Africa has, over the years, been calling for a negotiated settlement to the stand-off in the Korean Peninsula and is pleased that the leaders of the two nations have taken the initiative to open channels of direct, high-level communication. President Ramaphosa said this move would go a long way towards building confidence and trust between the governments and people of North and South Korea. |
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| SA AT 24: LONG ROAD TO ECONOMIC FREEDOM |
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| While strides have been made to better the lives of ordinary South Africans, the road ahead to true freedom and an inclusive economy that serves all the people is still long, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. |
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Speaking on Friday, 27 April 2018, at government's official Freedom Day celebrations at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein in the Free State, the President said the challenge of hunger and unemployment still remained.
Twenty-four years into democracy, the huge gaps in wealth and opportunity between white and black and men and women persist and continue to widen.
“Our people cannot be truly free if they do not have jobs, an education and livelihoods,” President Ramaphosa said.
He acknowledged that democracy did not automatically heal the divisions of the past and that the country must work resolutely to remove the obstacles that still divide it.
The President used his address at the packed stadium to affirm government’s determination to intensify the struggle for economic freedom for all.
He said if the country was to end poverty, the economy must grow to create decent work.
“We need to attract investment on a much greater scale and we need to improve the education and skills of our people. At the same time, we need to transform the ownership, control and management of the economy so that black South Africans and women are fully represented and equally benefit.
“In short, we need to intensify radical economic transformation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Attracting investment
Government has already begun a new investment drive that aims to draw local and international investors into parts of the economy that have the greatest potential for job creation. This includes the appointment of four special envoys on investment to engage both domestic and foreign investors around economic opportunities in South Africa.
These envoys are mandated to attract investment in a focused and cost-effective manner and will culminate in a major Investment Conference towards the end of the year to raise more than R1 trillion in new investments over five years.
President Ramaphosa said government was also working to make the South African economy more competitive and attractive to investors by sustaining investment in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railway lines and ports, as well as schools, hospitals, colleges and clinics.
“We are fixing our state-owned enterprises, ensuring that they can meet essential social and economic needs more efficiently and cost-effectively. We are using industrial incentives, special economic zones and local procurement requirements to expand our manufacturing capacity.”
Government is also working to deracialise the economy by strengthening Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment policies, investing in black industrialists, opening up markets for new black entrants through more effective competition policies and using the buying power of the State to support black business.
Year of Nelson Mandela
Freedom Day was held under the theme” “The Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Towards the Full Realisation of our Freedom through Radical Socio-economic Transformation”.
The event was complete with a full military parade, including a national salute, guard of honour by the National Ceremonial Guard, 21-gun salute and a salute flight by three A109 Agusta helicopters.
President Ramaphosa described the first democratic election on 27 April 1994 as the culmination of a dream for which many in the country, the continent and across the entire world sacrificed.
“We remain grateful for the solidarity and assistance that we received from the international community and are determined that we ourselves should be champions of democracy, peace and human rights across the world,” said the President.
Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said government had an opportunity to make remarkable strides in advancing the country.
“Our duty, as custodians of this democracy, is to direct all our resources to conquer poverty, joblessness, racial hatred, anarchy, violence and lawlessness, illiteracy and idleness and place our country on a path of growth, development and lasting freedom.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA BESTOWS NATIONAL ORDERS AWARDS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Grand Patron of the National Orders, on Saturday, 28 April 2018, bestowed awards on a long list of South African and foreign recipients at a prestigious event held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane. |
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“I am honoured to preside over this National Orders ceremony to honour those among us who have made outstanding contributions to our country and to the broader global community:, the President said at the ceremony attended by various dignitaries across the South African society.
The National Orders ceremony, which is held annually, followed the celebration of the national Freedom Day on Friday, 27 April..
“These national orders are a recognition of the many outstanding individuals who defied great odds to make an immense contribution to various spheres of life.
“Our freedom opened windows of opportunity for many to chase their dreams, to excel, to succeed, and in so doing, to inspire others to reach beyond what they imagined possible,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President conferred the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo to the deserving recipients.
The list of 40 individuals honoured also included former Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who received the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Gold.
Also on the list of those awarded were veteran actor Lillian Dube, soccer legend Neil Tovey and former Deputy Chief Justice Digkang Moseneke.
The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa bestows on citizens and members of the international community who have contributed meaningfully towards making the country a free democratic and successful nation, united in its diversity.
Neil Tovey, who led Bafana Bafana to the African Cup of Nations victory in 1996, received the Order of Ikamanga in Silver.
Former Springbok captain, John Smit, who led the national side to victory and lifted the Webb Ellis trophy at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, described his award as an incredible occasion in his successful career.
“Today is an unbelievable occasion to be bestowed with an honour like this by the President himself, among these incredible recipients from far and wide. It’s quite humbling and a special moment,” he said. Smit was awarded the Order of Ikamanga in Silver for his contribution and leadership in the sport of rugby.
The Order of Baobab recognises South African citizens who have contributed to community service, business and medicine, among others, while the Order of Luthuli recognises citizens who have contributed to the struggle for democracy and nation-building, among others.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises eminent foreign nationals for friendship shown to the country.
This award was given to former Mozambican President Joaquim Chisano, and former Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who received their awards in absentia. Former President of Botswana, Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, was honoured posthumously while former President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, received a standing ovation.
President Ramaphosa said, for its freedom, South Africa owed a great deal to the devout support of the international community.
“Many countries offered solidarity and opened their arms to our activists. Many people in our neighbouring countries lost life and limb for our cause. We express our sincere and eternal gratitude to them for joining a struggle that was not theirs, in a land far from their own,” said President Ramaphosa.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER MTHETHWA LAUNCHES AFRICA MONTH CELEBRATIONS |
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| 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. |
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The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, launched the fourth edition of Africa Month on Wednesday, 2 May 2018, at Arts Cape in Cape Town under the theme: “The Year of Nelson Mandela: Building a Better Africa and a Better World!”
Africa Month is conceptualised within the context of several policies and legislative instruments that guide what South Africa wants to achieve domestically and internationally. In this regard, the principles of the National Development Plan 2030 and Outcome 11 and 14 of the Medium Term Strategy Framework objectives become the pillars of Africa Month. |
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| FIRST INDIA-SOUTH AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT HELD |
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| The first India-South Africa Business Summit 2018 was recently held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, in the presence of the Indian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, and South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies. |
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The summit was also marked by the presence of trade and industry ministers from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and top CEOs and industry specialists from India, South Africa and SADC countries.
The two-day event opened with a tribute to Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a plenary session, eight breakaway sessions and a closing session, all of which sought to chart the way forward for the India-South Africa relationship.
The summit was also marked by a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between Invest SA and Invest India, strengthening a rapidly growing economic and trade partnership between the two strategic partner countries.
The summit began with a meeting of the “India-South Africa CEOs Forum” wherein key issues concerning trade, investment and promotion of business were identified and discussed by chief executives of both countries in coordination with the Confederation of Indian Industries and BUSA/DTI/BBC.
The forum was led by Adi Godrej, Chairperson of the Godrej Group from the Indian side, and Vivian Reddy, founder of the Edison Group on the South African side.
A report of the forum, which sets out in detail potential sectors for future growth concluded that there was an urgent need to deepen and widen trade between India and South Africa, diversifying it away from gold.
Two additional highlights of the summit included a book release of The Red Fort Declaration – The Legacy 20 Years on, Commemoration of 20 years of Strategic Partnership, authored by journalist Fakir Hassen, which documents the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries. There was also the release of a White Paper setting out the substantive corporate social responsibilities of Indian companies based in South Africa.
Keynote addresses were delivered by ministers Prabhu and Davies and the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
The Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, as well as CEOs and industry specialists from India and South Africa, also attended the summit.
– Source: www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/ |
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| GOOGLE SA CREATES DOODLE TO MARK FREEDOM DAY |
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| Google joined South Africa in commemorating Freedom Day with a doodle. |
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Friday, 27 April 2018’s doodle on the search engine’s website displayed the South African flag waving in honour of the country’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994.
Google describes doodles as fun and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to its logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries and the lives of famous artists, among others.
This year marks the 24th anniversary of democracy. On 27 April 1994, almost 20 million South Africans queued to vote in the country's first free and democratic elections.
Freedom Day, which is a public holiday, is marked annually and reflects on the achievements that the country has recorded since 1994.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MANDELA PORTRAIT: ART THAT WILL WARM YOUR HEART |
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| The largest Madiba portrait has been unveiled at Zonderwater Correctional Centre in Cullinan, east of Pretoria. |
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The Massive Mandela Masterpiece, made in collaboration with inmates and the 67 Blankets movement, is the world’s largest portrait of the late former statesman – and it’s all made from knitted blankets.
The colossal portrait is made from 3 000 blankets, which were knitted by inmates from different correctional centres. The 7 000-m2 portrait is big enough to be seen from outer space and is a fitting tribute in honour of Madiba.
The portrait is not just for the sake of art or breaking the Guinness Record: all the blankets that make up the portrait will be distributed to communities in need throughout South Africa.
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha, said at the portrait unveiling that his department’s participation in the project was a great source of pride for the inmates.
“Undoubtedly, we take pride in this crocheting project as it presents an opportunity where inmates across the country are giving back to society,” Minister Masutha said.
The Department of Correctional Services has hailed the blanket-knitting project as “therapeutic value for offenders, with significantly large psychological and social benefits which can improve their well-being and quality of life”.
The project is part of a nationwide programme of events to mark Madiba’s centenary.
The partnership between the Department of Correctional Services and 67 Blankets has registered a number of accolades, which include the world’s biggest blanket (made in 2016), as certified by Guinness World Records. |
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| TWO NEW R50 MANDELA COINS LAUNCHED |
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| Two new R50 Mandela coins were launched by the South African Mint. The coins cost R127 each. |
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The R50 bronze alloy depicts Mandela as a young lawyer while the R50 sterling-silver coin depicts the older president.
Two new R50 Mandela coins were launched by the South African Mint recently. The launch of the coins coincides with former President Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, commemorated by the South African Government throughout the year.
The coins will be priced at R127, representing the 27-years Mandela spent in prison, South African Mint Managing Director, Tumi Tsehlo, said in a statement.
“Pricing the coin was a conscious tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy and our way of paying it forward,” Tsehlo said. “With every coin purchased, R27 (VAT-free) will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.”
The coins can be purchased from the South African Mint’s retail store in Centurion, Elegance Jewellers in Melrose Arch and various pop-up stores in malls around South Africa.
The range is set to include a special-edition R500 gold coin, which has not yet been released.
– Source: www.businessinsider.co.za |
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| FINANCIAL GRADUATES RATE CAPE TOWN AS TOP CITY TO LIVE IN |
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| The Mother City not only rates favourably as a holiday and events destination but turns out it is also a choice destination for financial services graduates. |
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Global financial advisory firm deVere has revealed an annual survey undertaken by the company that shows Cape Town as one of the top five locations within its network of over 70 offices, graduates from its International Financial Services programme would prefer to begin their careers in international financial services in.
Dubai is the number one destination of choice for those polled.
Dubai came top of the list with 28% of graduates surveyed. Barcelona came second (22%); Hong Kong third (17%); in fourth place was New York (14%); and Cape Town came in fifth (8%).
According to deVere statement, despite similar characteristics, the top five cities of choice differ greatly in regard to lifestyle, as well as the "potential client expectations and the financial and regulatory environment".
It says there are some shared traits, such as language, as English is commonly spoken in all these locations.
"In addition, they are all stable both financially and politically, and there are a large amount of high-net-worth-individuals."
– Source: https://m.traveller24.com |
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| DR MPHO TSHIVHASE BECOMES SA'S FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO EARN PHD IN PHILOSOPHY |
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| Tshivhase was awarded a PhD in philosophy, focusing on advancing a theory of what it means for people to be unique. She graduated at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Thursday, 12 April. |
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With graduation season in full swing in South Africa, a number of stand-out graduates are marking their mark in big ways and Dr Mpho Tshivhase is one of them.
The UJ student has become the first black woman in South Africa to be awarded a doctoral degree in Philosophy – focusing on advancing a theory of what it means for people to be unique, according to the university.
Her thesis, titled: "Towards a Normative Theory of Uniqueness of Persons", was completed under the supervision of Professor Thaddeus Metz from UJ's Department of Philosophy.
According to Professor Metz, Dr Tshivhase’s doctoral thesis is the first systematic treatment of uniqueness as something valuable that can be manifested in a person’s life.
In it, she distinguishes the value of uniqueness from other values such as happiness and morality, arguing that it merits attention as something worth having in its own right. She also points out that existing philosophical accounts of uniqueness all share the counter-intuitive implication that everyone is always already unique.
“This topic is extremely fascinating for me, particularly because I think we live in a society that generally moves people to prioritise who (and perhaps even what) other people think they should become," Dr Tshivhase told the university's news and event team.
Dr Tshivhase is also working to apply for grants that will enable her to establish research projects that will fund Masters and Doctoral students with a particular focus on developing female students.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| TWO NEW PREMIER HOTELS WILL OPEN ITS DOORS IN UMHLANGA IN 2019 |
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| Accommodation options in Umhlanga will be getting two new additions to Durban's popular holiday spot. |
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Premier Hotel and Resorts will be investing R380 million into the area with a 4-star Premier Hotel and a 3-star Splendid Inn, both of which will be open in November 2019.
“Our decision to invest in Umhlanga is due to our desire to have properties in every major South African city, as well as in all secondary cities,” says Samuel Nassimov, the hotel chain’s founder and Managing Director.
“We have decided to offer two brand options in Umhlanga so that everyone can enjoy the Premier experience at a price that suits their budget.”
Both hotels' rooms are all guaranteed sea views in Umhlanga Ridge with on-site conferencing facilities – a short drive to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and business district.
The Premier Hotel will have 130 bedrooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and gym, while Splendid Inn will be smaller with 64 bedrooms and an eatery.
Besides KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Hotels and Resorts also has properties in Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
– Source: Traveller24 |
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