| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA DECLARES A SPECIAL PROVINCIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL FOR FORMER AMBASSADOR STEPHEN PANDULA GAWE |
|
| |
| President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late struggle veteran and former Ambassador Stephen Pandula Gawe, who passed away on 18 July 2018 in the United Kingdom. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
This category funeral is designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa for distinguished persons. The President has instructed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast in the Eastern Cape province on the day of Ambassador Gawe’s funeral, Saturday, 11 August 2018.
Mr Gawe was the Ambassador to Norway and served as Director in the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. His last posting before retirement was as Ambassador to Denmark.
President Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences to the Gawe family as well as relatives, friends and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Details of the funeral will be communicated by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. |
|
| |
|
| |
| DIRCO CELEBRATES WOMEN’S DAY |
|
| |
|
| |
| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, on 6 August 2018, hosted the female staff of the department during a Dialogue on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, in Celebration of Women’s Month. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| DIRCO HOSTS THE FOURTH ANNUAL GERTRUDE SHOPE ANNUAL DIALOGUE FORUM |
|
| |
| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) hosted the Fourth Annual Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum on Conflict Resolution and Peace-making on Wednesday, 1 August 2018, in Pretoria. |
|
| |
|
| |
This year’s event took place under the theme: “Celebrating a Legacy of Liberation by the Pan-African Women: Taking Forward the Struggle for Gender Equality”.
The Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum was formed to serve as an institution of women discussing issues related to African peace-building and development.
The event coincided with the Pan-African Women’s High-Level Panel on the Revitalisation of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation. Gender activists from South Africa, Africa and the world participated in the event. These included representatives of governments, members of the Diplomatic Corps and NGO leaders.
Addressing the event, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, said that it was unacceptable that in this day and age women were most vulnerable and lived in fear in their own communities.
“The future of our women, especially young girls, depends on the work that you do as this forum. Make sure that you are highly trained so that peace lasts."
Ms Gertrude Shope started her address by saluting all women of the country and all around the world. She said that this was a special event because it happened during the 100th anniversary of the birth of a very dear friend of her, Mme Albertina Sisulu.
Ms Shope said: "If Mme Albertina Sisulu was here, the first thing she would have done is to remind you how special you are to your families and to your country." |
|
| |
|
| |
| PAWO SEEKS RECOGNITION FOR AFRICAN WOMEN LEADERS |
|
| |
| The President of the Pan-African Women's Organisation (PAWO), Assetou Koite, says Africa must recognise and honour the contribution of women to the decolonisation of the continent and take action to advance gender equality. |
|
| |
|
| |
“Our continent historically has been blessed with numerous female revolutionaries. Moreover, what is evident is that PAWO has become a transnational feminist movement. This movement has been instrumental in forging international consensus on a rights-based approach to women's rights,” Koite said on Tuesday, 31 July 2018.
She was speaking at the 2018 Pan-African Women’s Day held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Tshwane.
The event was hosted by DIRCO in collaboration with PAWO under the theme “Celebrating a Legacy of Liberation by the Pan-African Women: Taking forward the Struggle for Gender Equality”.
The celebration marked the 56th anniversary of the formation of PAWO and was an opportunity to highlight its achievements. It focused on revitalising PAWO, as well as building a progressive women’s movement in Africa.
The celebration coincided with the 100th year commemoration of the formation of the Bantu Women’s League and came on the eve of South Africa entering Women's Month in August.
Change comes from within
Koite said continental and subregional influences seemed to have a bigger impact on driving the agenda for changing the status of women.
“They are perhaps more important than global transnational influences as a vehicle for changing the status of women. Today, most of the impetus for change comes from within Africa and from regional-level networks.
“This may explain why there is greater openness to these changing norms at present, even as resistance to advancing women's rights continues. Africa has, for example, emerged as a global leader in promoting women's leadership in politics,” Koite said.
She stressed the importance for a formation like PAWO to unite and organise women who were skilled, educated and gifted with leadership and organisational skills, to ensure that gender equality truly manifested itself in society.
“We must ask ourselves what it means to move the baton from Queen Nzinga, Jean Martin Cisse, Maria Ruth Neto, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Gertrude Mongella, Wangari Mathaii, Albertina Sisulu and many others to the next generation.
“How do we recalibrate the women’s movement so that it can continue to champion issues which relate to the plight of women? What does it mean to reimagine a society [that can] achieve real gender equality?” Koite said. |
|
| |
Mainstreaming gender politics
PAWO Secretary-General and Communications Deputy Minister, Pinky Kekana, called on women organisations to support government in its programmes aimed at addressing gender issues.
“We now have to make the gender agenda an agenda for everybody,” Deputy Minister Kekana said, adding that sufficient resources must be put behind women’s programmes.
The Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, expressed her appreciation to the women who took part in the struggle for emancipation, saying this paved the way for today’s generation, who were now beneficiaries of the struggle. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
| |
| MOU TO BOOST SA-CHINA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT |
|
| |
 |
|
| The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has partnered with a Chinese organisation in an effort to boost industrial development in Africa. |
|
|
| |
CSIR chief executive, Dr Thulani Dlamini, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU) with the Gold Yard International Exchange Service, an organisation representing various provincial bureau of China State Administration of Foreign Affairs experts. Gold Yard General Manager, Anquan Chi, signed on behalf of the organisation.
The two countries enjoy strategic relations in science, technology and innovation, with the CSIR having worked with several Chinese institutions in the energy storage and artificial intelligence sectors.
CSIR and Gold Yard have agreed to collaborate on a number of research activities aimed at accelerating research capacity and industrial development in Africa, the council said in a statement.
“These include, but are not limited to, key initiatives in the fields of health, with a focus on nutrition and affordable, novel treatments; natural environment, where the emphasis is on the wise use of resources, with the aim of establishing a secure future environment; energy, with the focus on alternative and renewable energy; as well as defence and security, contributing to the readiness and capability of securing a safe future,” the CSIR said.
Improving the competitiveness of the industry from large multinational to small and medium enterprises, which had the sharpest focus in critical economic sectors, was one of the objectives of the partnerships, the CSIR added.
Dr Dlamini welcomed the agreement, saying it was critical for South Africa and China to exchange ideas and technologies.
“This is a very important strategic development to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. This partnership will lead to mutual benefit for South Africa and China through the exchange of ideas and technologies. The hard work starts now in terms of realising the ambitions and the intentions set out in the MoU,” said Dr Dlamini.
As part of the agreement, the CSIR will share technologies, which are suitable for the Chinese markets, for industrialisation and commercialisation in China.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| EMBRACE THE SA FLAG, IT'S WHO YOU ARE |
|
| |
| South Africans have been encouraged to embrace the national flag as it is the one thing that unifies citizens. |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
The message came from Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, during the launch of the #IAMTHEFLAG Campaign at the Randburg taxi rank recently – a partnership between the department and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
Government has identified nation-building and social cohesion as some of the priorities for the current mandate period as envisioned in the National Development Plan.
Minister Mthethwa said it was important to have the campaign this year as it coincided with the centenary celebrations of former President Nelson Mandela, the country’s first democratically elected statesman.
“We remember who we are and there is no better way than the flag of South Africa. It symbolises unity, diversity and our pride as a nation. We should respect our flag, we should popularise our flag, and it should be everywhere we are,” he said.
The essence of the campaign was to promote and entrench national consciousness, social cohesion, nation-building and patriotism among South Africans.
Minister Mthethwa reminded commuters and drivers that the flag was the country’s “identity document”, saying it was the one thing that keeps citizens together.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
 |
|
| The men and women who defend the country’s wildlife, sometimes paying with their very lives, were honoured as South Africa observed World Ranger Day. |
|
|
|
| |
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Barbara Thomson, on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, led country celebrations at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape.
Deputy Minister Thomson delivered the commemorative message, highlighting the dedication and commitment of South Africa’s rangers as well as the importance of World Ranger Day, which is observed on 31 July each year globally.
It is a day to commemorate the many rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. It is also a day to celebrate the work they do to protect the world's natural and cultural treasures.
This year, SANParks showcased the work done by marine rangers in the national parks at the Darlington Dam section of Addo Elephant National Park. The display showed how marine and terrestrial rangers worked together to protect natural heritage.
South Africa is battling threats to its wildlife on many fronts and elephants and rhinos are not the only animals at risk of being poached. Species such as abalone are illegally harvested and sea turtles are snared, while illegal fishing and dumping of waste into the oceans is rife.
Sharks are caught for their fins, while whales and other ocean species are dying because of overfishing and the amount of plastic and other waste dumped into the oceans.
“As a result, much of the ranger corps' duties are being focused on anti-poaching operations. SANParks rangers undergo extensive training, supported by canine units, small air wing aircraft, as well as sophisticated technology as part of its anti-poaching operations.
“Our rangers are facing daily hardships in their efforts to protect many of our species, such as the elephant, rhino, cycad, pangolin and abalone from poachers.
“Our country’s natural heritage, derived from our enormous biodiversity, is a key income generator for tourism and thus an important contributor to our economy through job creation and tourism,” Deputy Minister Thomson said.
She thanked SANParks for its significant role in providing the rangers with the necessary support in terms of specialised training and equipment to enable them to respond effectively to incidents.
Deputy Minister Thomson said if it were not for these excellent individuals who risk their lives to protect the species, many species would face extinction.
She expressed sadness and condemned the killing of rangers, particularly in the Kruger National Park, which is mostly the target of poaching activities.
“I would like to pay a special tribute to our departed rangers for dedicating their lives while protecting our wildlife,” she said.
As part of World Ranger Day activities, 27 elephants were moved from the main Addo game viewing area to roam in the Darlington section of the park.
By expanding the range of the elephants, the pressure on the environment and on the herds roaming in the Addo region will be alleviated.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| SOUTH AFRICAN FILM WINS AWARD AHEAD OF WORLD PREMIERE AT US FESTIVAL |
|
| |
| The film, titled “Stroop, Journey into the Rhino Horn War”, has been awarded the 2018 Green Tenacity Award by the judges of the Eighth Annual San Francisco Green Film Festival. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
It’s an incredible achievement for the film which tells the shocking, outrageous … and touching story of the relentless poaching of the rhinoceros, the ruthless trade in its coveted horn … and the incredible people who fight to protect the rhino.
The Green Tenacity Award comes ahead of the film’s world premiere at the festival, which will run from Thursday, 6 September, to Friday, 14 September.
Stroop is one of only 26 films that were selected from 350 submissions, and one of only five to receive an award.
The Green Tenacity Award is given to filmmakers “who show great tenacity in exploring crucial environmental issues in their work”.
South Africans will have to wait until February 2019 for Stroop’s South African premiere, after its played the film festivals overseas.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| BBC RENEWS “COME DINE WITH ME SA” FOR 5TH SEASON |
|
| |
 |
|
| BBC Studios has renewed "Come Dine with Me South Africa" for a fifth season on BBC Brit (DStv 120). |
|
|
| |
Producers are looking for contestants for the 12 episodes of the new season, which will air in 2019.
South Africans interested in entering for the chance to host dinner parties and be judged by the other contestants have until Wednesday 29 August, to enter at www.bbcsouthafrica.com.
Production company Rapid Blue continues to produce the ITV Studios Global Entertainment format for BBC Studios, with the South African version that also features the voice-over narration of Dave Lamb.
The upcoming fifth season of Come Dine with Me SA will film in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
"The popularity of the latest season of Come Dine with Me South Africa is testament to the fact that the local audience enjoys some home-grown entertainment and South African hosting antics," says Joel Churcher, general manager and vice president of BBC Studios in Africa.
"We had a break between seasons three and four and were overwhelmed not only by the return of the shows’ very loyal fans but also by how many new audiences the show attracted too."
"BBC Brit is excited to once again partner with Rapid Blue to offer a distinctly South African take on a hugely popular international format. We look forward to discovering some new vibrant, entertaining personalities to take part in the latest season and surprise and delight audiences across South Africa."
– Source: www.channel24.co.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| AWARD-WINNING ACTOR AND COMEDIAN CHRIS TUCKER COMING TO SA |
|
| |
| Big Concerts confirmed recently that Chris Tucker, best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in “Rush Hour”, will be bringing his comedy tour to South Africa. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
He will be performing in three cities:
- Cape Town on 7 November 2018 at Grand Arena, GrandWest
- Durban on 9 November 2018 at the Durban ICC
- Johannesburg on 10 November 2018 at the Ticketpro Dome.
Tucker became a favourite on Russell Simmons' HBO Def Comedy Jam in the 1990s and came to prominence in his first starring role, the 1995 film cult classic Friday starring alongside Ice Cube which also celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015.
Tucker co-starred in the 2013 Oscar nominated film Silver Linings Playbook with Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. In 2015, his first stand-up film, Chris Tucker Live was released exclusively on Netflix. He is currently on a successful United States and international 2017 comedy tour, receiving rave reviews from all over the world.
– Source: www.channel24.co.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| SA'S NEW ENDURO SUPERSTAR WAYDE YOUNG WINS ROMANIACS 2018 |
|
| |
 |
|
| South African Wayde Young rode himself into the record books when he became the youngest winner of the Red Bull Romaniacs in Round 4 of the World Enduro Super Series, RedBull.com reported. |
|
|
|
| |
The 22-year-old, who was born in KwaZulu-Natal, also became the first South African to bag first prize. The Sherco rider told RedBull.com: "I seem to enjoy the long days and tough riding."
"All the best hard enduro riders have won here, so to get my name on that winner's list means a lot.
The Red Bull Romaniacs is a grueling enduro off-road motorcycle race that takes place in Romania every year. Riders from over 40 countries compete in the four-day offroad race in the Sibiu area of the Eastern European country.
Young wrote on Instagram: "Don’t even know where to begin! The toughest Romaniacs I have done but definitely the best! A big thank you to @franckboulisset and my team for all the support this weekend and to everyone back home for all the positive support and messages throughout the race!"
– Source: www.wheels24.co.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN SIYA KOLISI WINS INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY SPORTS COMPETITION |
|
| |
 |
|
| Thousands of sports fans around the world have voted South African rugby player Siya Kolisi as winner of the July Laureus Sporting Moment of the Month Competition. This means he will be a contender for the annual award. |
|
|
| |
Kolisi’s "moment" came when he stepped onto the field in Johannesburg in June 2018, as the first black African player to captain the Springboks. He was leading the team against England in what he said was a “huge privilege and an honour”.
Laureus said: “Siya’s appointment as captain was historic moment for the unity of the once divided country".
Kolisi, who grew up in poverty but still made it to the top, said: “I can’t stand here and say I represent this one group. I represent the whole of South Africa.”
What made Kolisi’s moment even more special was that, as he ran onto that field – he was wearing the iconic No. 6 jersey … just like that worn by the first Patron of Laureus – former President Nelson Mandela – at the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, which was at the same venue.
The Laureus Sporting Moment Award is about qualities such as fair play, sportsmanship, drama and dedication – those inspiring, emotional moments that symbolise the true value of sport and how it has the power to change the world.
Other nominees in this year’s Laureus Sporting Moment of the Year include ski jumping legends Sven Hannawald and Kamil Stoch, Doddie Weir, Rochdale football star Joe Thompson, and Chinese double-amputee, Xia Boyu, who climbed Mt Everest.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| HENDRICKS BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH RECORD TON |
|
| |
 |
|
| Reeza Hendricks' century against Sri Lanka on Sunday, 5 August 2018, was the fastest-ever recorded by a batsman on ODI debut. |
|
|
|
| |
While the 28-year-old became the 14th player in the history of ODI cricket to get to three figures on debut, nobody has done it faster.
Hendricks brought up his ton in just 88 deliveries, while he also became just the third South African to score a century on ODI debut.
The others are Colin Ingram (124 v Zimbabwe, 2010) and Temba Bavuma (113 v Ireland, 2016).
Hendricks' ton gave South Africa the record of being the only country to have three centurions on debut.
"It's the start hopefully of many more. I was quite fortunate to get the opportunity today and contribute to the team. Going forward, hopefully I get a few more opportunities," Hendricks said after the match.
"It's something I never thought of ... to get over the three-figure mark is an unexplainable feeling. I was over the moon.
"Walking in there and batting with Hashim Amla ... that calming influence he has made me relax and feel comfortable at the crease and it allowed me to play my natural game."
The Proteas, meanwhile, have taken unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series against Sri Lanka.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| SEMENYA BREAKS 25-YEAR-OLD 800-M AFRICAN RECORD |
|
| |
 |
|
| World champion Caster Semenya led from the front again as South Africa continued their fine form on the final day of the 21st African Athletics Championships in Asaba. |
|
|
| |
Semenya took her second gold medal in Nigeria, this time in the women's 800-m final on Sunday, 5 August 2018.
The two-time Olympic champion stopped the clock in a time of 1:56.06 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Semenya broke the African record held by her idol Maria Mutola – the Mozambican icon set her record at the 1993 African Championships in Durban (1:56.36).
On Friday, Semenya smashed a 18-year-old national record previously held by Heide Seyerling in the women's 400-m final, becoming the first South African woman to dip under 50 seconds.
South African sprinter, Ncincilili Titi, romped to gold in the men's 200-m final, crossing the finish line in 20.46 seconds as fellow countryman Luxolo Adams claimed bronze in 20.60 seconds.
Cornel Fredericks took silver in the men's 400-m hurdles in a time of 49.40 seconds behind gold medallist Abdelmalik Lahoulou of Algeria (48.47).
Wenda Nel grabbed a bronze medal in the women's 400-m hurdles final in 57:04 behind gold medallist Glory Nathaniel of Nigeria (55:53) and silver medallist Moroccan Lamiae Lhabz (56:66).
Kenya finished with 11 gold medals, six silver and two bronze with South Africa on nine gold, 13 silver and eight bronze.
Nigeria, the hosts of the championships staged in the southern city of Asaba, was third with nine gold, five silver and five bronze.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
