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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ATTENDS CONTACT GROUP MEETING ON LIBYA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa left for the Republic of Congo on Wednesday, 11 March 2020, to attend a meeting by the Contact Group on Libya that seeks to find a solution to the Libyan crisis. |
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The Inaugural Meeting of the Contact Group on Libya took place from 11 to 12 March 2020 in Oyo, Republic of Congo.
President of Congo Denis Sassou N'Guesso invited President Ramaphosa to attend the meeting as the African Union (AU) Chair.
The 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, which took place in February 2020, where President Ramaphosa assumed AU Chairship for 2020, expressed concern over the situation in Libya.
In his capacity as the AU Chairperson for the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Libya, President N'Guesso briefed the AU regarding the military confrontations between Libyan parties and continuous external political and military interference, which created a dangerous situation not only for Libya but the region and the continent at large.
The assembly decided to establish a contact group, chaired by the Republic of Congo and which includes members of the AU HLC to provide political leadership and promote coordination of international efforts in the search for a solution to the Libyan crisis.
The AU stressed the need for an inclusive process of dialogue among all Libyan parties to the conflict.
Other heads of state and government who attend the meeting included Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune; Chad President Idriss Déby Itno; and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stephanie Williams, also attended.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor; Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; and State Security Minister, Ayanda Dlodlo, formed part of the President's delegation to the meeting.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TEAM LEAVES TO COLLECT SA CITIZENS QUARANTINED IN WUHAN |
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| A flight left OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday night, 10 March 2020, and will return with 122 South Africans quarantined in Wuhan, China, amid the global Coronavirus outbreak, the Inter-Ministerial Task Team handling the repatriation process has confirmed. |
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They are expected back in the country on Friday.
"On board the flight, will be the flight crew from the aircraft company and a total of 15 officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Defence (Military Health)," the task team said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"After [a] stop-over in the Philippines, the aircraft will fly to Wuhan City. Upon arrival, the team will work with our Chinese counterparts but also the staff of our Embassy in China, screening our repatriates and checking required travel documents.
"The flight will leave Wuhan City in the early hours of the morning and land back in South Africa on [Friday]. In due course, announcements will be made about the arrival of the South Africans."
The group is made up of teachers and other professionals currently working in Wuhan where the deadly virus originated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday hailed the South African team travelling to Wuhan, China, on a repatriation mission, as heroes who carry the pride and hope of the nation.
“This is an important mission for the country. We are so proud of your commitment. We thank you for doing it for the country. I want you to go out there knowing that you are carrying the whole country,” President Ramaphosa said.
He told the excited team that they are not going alone, but they are travelling with God.
President Ramaphosa used the opportunity to allay the fears of South Africans, saying that the people that the team was going to repatriate, were not sick.
“This team is going to fetch people who are well. We will keep screening them to check if we cannot find someone who got an infection, if there are, we will take them out for treatment,” President Ramaphosa said.
Prior to bidding farewell to the team, President Ramaphosa, accompanied by Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize and Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, conducted a walkabout at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The walkabout showed the President the state of readiness at the airport in case of any arrivals from Coronavirus countries. The President was also shown a clinic at the airport where patients are treated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last month that the Government was planning to repatriate them after they expressed a desire to return, News24 reported.
At a briefing on 1 March, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize outlined South Africa's plan to evacuate them.
He said those who were returning home had not tested positive for Covid-19 and would be quarantined for a further 21 days upon their arrival.
According to the task team, this would be extended should any person display symptoms thereafter.
"After the mandated quarantined period, those citizens who are cleared will be reintegrated to the communities and reunited with their families.
"We urge South Africans to welcome these fellow citizens with warm hands as they begin to rebuild their lives in the country after what has been a very trying time for most repatriates."
– Source: www.news24.co.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HOSTS PRIME MINISTER FAYEZ AL SARRAJ OF LIBYA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj of the Government of National Accord of the State of Libya for deliberations on the conflict in the Maghreb state. |
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The meeting took place on Tuesday, 10 March 2020, at the request of the Libyan Prime Minister. Discussions took place at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, President Ramaphosa’s official residence in Pretoria.
The Prime Minister had sought an opportunity to brief President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the African Union (AU), on political and security developments in the State of Libya.
The engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leader of the internationally recognised Libyan Government formed part of President Ramaphosa’s preparation for a meeting of the AU Contact Group on Libya, in Oyo, Republic of Congo, on 11 and 12 March 2020.
In their discussion, the two leaders expressed the need for a political resolution to the challenges facing Libya and an end to external influence and military action. |
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| EMPOWERING WOMEN KEY TO EMANCIPATION |
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| In commemorating International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa punted the importance of empowering women to ensure their economic and financial independence. |
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“Providing women with the necessary support to enable them to become financially independent is critical. Not just because their economic inclusion is central to any country’s development, but also because economic marginalisation and economic dependency leaves women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse,” said the President.
The President made the remarks during the International Women’s Day celebrations at Tweeling Stadium in the Free State, where he delivered the keynote address. International Women's Day is celebrated globally, every year on 8 March, to honour the achievements of women in various fields.
This year marks a number of milestones in the continental and global fight for gender justice.
Firstly, it is the end of the Decade of African Women (2010 – 2020), whose purpose was to reinvigorate commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Secondly, it is the 20th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, which acknowledges the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, and affirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace-building and in post-conflict reconstruction.
It is also 25 years since 17 000 delegates, representing 189 countries, met in the Chinese capital, Beijing, at the landmark Fourth UN World Conference on Women.
Last year, government achieved 50/50 parity in Cabinet for the first time, and 47% of MPs are women.
As Chair of the African Union (AU), South Africa has committed to use its Chairship to bring women into the mainstream of economic activity and to drive a concerted programme of action to stamp out gender-based violence across the continent.
“We will urge all AU member states to devote adequate budgetary allocations for women’s empowerment; to set aside at least 30% of all government procurement for women-owned businesses; to reduce barriers to financial services for women-owned businesses; and to pass legislation that ensures equal work for equal pay,” said the President.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area set to come into effect this year, President Ramaphosa said the continent would use ambitions towards the industrialisation and digitisation of Africa under the pact to benefit women.
“In South Africa, we continue to work to broaden the participation of women in our economy.
“We have introduced the SheTradesZA platform to assist women-owned businesses to participate in global value chains and markets,” said the President.
Over the next five years, the Industrial Development Corporation has set a target of providing R10 billion of government and partner funding for women-empowered businesses.
To create a larger market for small businesses, government also plans to designate 1 000 locally produced products that must be procured from small, medium and micro-enterprises.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT FAURÉ ESSOZIMNA ON HIS RE-ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF TOGO |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President-elect, His Excellency Mr Fauré Essozimna Gnassingbé, on his re-election as the President of the Republic of Togo during the Presidential Elections held on 22 February 2020. |
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President Ramaphosa also congratulated the people of Togo for conducting peaceful elections. In this regard, he stated that the peaceful environment under which these elections were conducted signified yet another positive step towards the deepening of democracy on the African continent.
President Ramaphosa concluded by assuring the President-elect of his commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Togo and underscored the need for the two countries to work together to advance continental integration. |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MEETS UNAIDS DELEGATION |
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| On 4 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with a delegation from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), led by the agency’s Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. |
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The meeting at Tuynhuys, Cape Town, was directed at strengthening the long and productive collaboration between government and UNAIDS in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The meeting also served to re-introduce Ms Byanyima in her new capacity as Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the UN. Ms Byanyima also invited the President to provide support to her in the performance of her new functions.
During the discussions, Ms Byanyima commended South Africa for designating HIV/AIDS as a strategic priority and an essential element of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Executive Director assured the President that UNAIDS and the UN system would continue to support South Africa in addressing the pandemic, noting the country’s determination to expand the HIV treatment to at least 6.1 million people by 2020.
The delegation used the opportunity to congratulate the President on his assumption of the Chair of the African Union (AU) and expressed their gratitude for and endorsement of the recommendations of the AIDS Watch Africa, signalling a renewed commitment of heads of state to ending the AIDS pandemic a public health threat by 2030.
Ms Byanyima also express her support to the President on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and undertook to find ways to support the President in his capacity as Chair of the AU and in his advancement of gender equality in the year of Beijing+25, which marks a quarter century since the UN Conference on Women was held in the People’s Republic of China.
President Ramaphosa shared with UNAIDS that South Africa and the AU were striving equally for an end to GBV and for an HIV/AIDS-free generation.
The President has prioritised gender empowerment during his AU Chairship and committed to supporting the issue of protecting and promoting the rights of the adolescent girls and young women on the African commitment.
The President welcomed UNAIDS’ stated commitment to support South Africa’s efforts and those of the continent as a whole to end GBV, address HIV/AIDS and ensure that young women remain in school and are given opportunities to develop themselves, their communities and their countries.
The Executive Director was accompanied by Aeneas Chuma, Director: UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa; and Dr Mbulawa Mugabe, UNAIDS Country Director for South Africa. |
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| CORONAVIRUS: SADC HEALTH MINISTERS STRATEGISE |
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| Health ministers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged member states to mobilise domestic resources and invest in public health systems to ensure resilience and health security. |
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The ministers met on Monday, 9 March 2020, to discuss the Coronavirus and how the region should respond.
The meeting, held at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was attended by Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The purpose of the meeting was to share existing knowledge and information on the COVID-19 outbreak, which has had devastating global impacts since its outbreak in December 2019, and agree on how to harmonise and coordinate the preparedness and response to COVID-19 in the SADC region.
The member states were urged to put in place national preparedness and response plans, as well as contingency and emergency funds to address gaps in prevention, impact mitigation and other interventions.
The ministers encouraged member states to promote preventive measures such as handwashing and sanitisation of surfaces in workplaces and domestic settings.
At the meeting, China, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention were commended for the efforts being made towards addressing COVID-19. The ministers pledged SADC’s continued solidarity towards China and other countries affected by the virus.
The meeting also noted that COVID-19 had been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO on 30 January 2020, with potential significant impacts.
The member states agreed to establish coherent mechanisms of sharing information on issues of transboundary public health concern.
They agreed to re-establish and expand the terms of reference of the Technical Committee for Coordinating and Monitoring the Implementation of the SADC Protocol on Health. The team comprises directors of public health and directors of medical services.
The meeting also received a presentation by the WHO and the Chinese Government on measures being taken at global level.
The meeting recommended a temporary suspension of SADC regional face-to-face meetings and encouraged the use of video conferences, webinars and Skype calls for holding such meetings, until such a time when the situation has been contained.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SALDANHA BAY INDUSTRIAL HUB CLINCHES R300M IN NEW INVESTMENT DEALS |
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| The Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has signed three new investment deals worth R300 million, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, said in a statement. |
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The total number of signed investments now stands at 11, and the IDZ has also launched several new development projects expected to boost the economy and create jobs in the region.
In November 2019, steel manufacturer Arcelor Mittal announced plans to wind down its operations in Saldanha Bay due to financial losses. At the time the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, said that the resulting retrenchments of close to 1 000, would be a harsh blow to industrialisation in the country, Fin24 previously reported.
However, the construction of new investment projects and the projects themselves are expected to create job opportunities, Maynier said. "As these projects open their doors, there will be more opportunities for jobs in the oil and gas, maritime fabrication and repair industries and related support services industries."
Construction on the first investment project has already started – for a specialised corrosion protection facility. Building plans have also been submitted for two additional investment projects. There are also job opportunities in the area of partial assembly or manufacturing of components imported into South Africa, Maynier said.
"Several private investors have undertaken, at their own cost, bankable feasibility studies that demonstrate demand for repair, maintenance and equipment servicing facilities linked to the oil and gas and marine services sectors, and we look forward to announcing these investments very soon," Maynier said.
The IDZ has also started construction of a commercial office building known as the Access Complex Building, due to be completed next month. An existing project leasing facility has been assisting with government energy projects. It accommodates projects which can be completed in less than 24 months. These facilities particularly assist Transnet National Ports Authority with storage space and the space is used to support renewable energy independent power producer programme (REIPPP). Maynier said that more REIPPP projects and oil and gas projects were expected to be accommodated by these facilities.
- Source: www.fin24.com |
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| FORBES WOMAN AFRICA AWARDS 2020 WINNERS ANNOUNCED |
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| The continent's most influential women in business, sports, science, entertainment and leadership received recognition at the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Awards inaugural gala dinner, held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex in Durban on Friday, 6 March 2020. |
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The glamorous event was held directly after the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, which was hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Government and presented by Mastercard.
“I’d like to extend congratulations to all the 2020 award winners for truly embodying this year’s summit theme, ‘The Ceiling Crashers 2.0: Power with Purpose’,” said Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Woman Africa. “It was the perfect end to a day of enlightening of panel discussions and ‘In the Spotlight’ talks that showcased the strides being made by women everywhere. We hope these well-deserved awards serve to highlight the impact being made by these women and provide inspiration for our future leaders.”
Rakesh Wahi, founder the ABN Group, welcomed this year’s attendants to the glamorous awards’ ceremony. The opening address was given by KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube; followed by the keynote address by KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala. Following these engaging talks, the 2020 winners were announced.
2020 Forbes Woman Africa Gala Dinner results:
- Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award: Dr Aisha Pandor, co-founder of SweepSouth, South Africa
- Forbes Woman Africa Gen Y Award: Nthabiseng Mosia, founder of Easy Solar, Sierra Leone
- Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award: DJ Zinhle, South Africa
- Forbes Woman Africa Entrepreneur Award: Olajumoke Adenowo, founder of Ad Consulting, Nigeria
- Forbes Woman Africa Male Gender Advocate Award: Bafana Khumalo, co-founder of Sonke Gender Justice, South Africa
- Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award: Charmaine Mabuza, co-founder of Zamani Holdings, South Africa
- Forbes Woman Africa Pioneer Award: Irene Charnley, founder and Deputy Chairperson of Smile Telecoms Holdings
- Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award: Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria
- Forbes Woman Africa Legacy Award: Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa.
– Source: www.bizzcommunity.com |
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| SA RESTAURANT MAKES WORLD’S MOST-BEAUTIFUL LIST |
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| The renowned, award-winning restaurant Wolfgat in Paternoster has made headlines once again by featuring on CNTraveller‘s list of the Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World. |
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The restaurant offers a unique experience with its foraged beach vegetation menu dished up by chef Kobus van der Merwe. The restaurant can only accommodate 20 visitors at a time.
This gem of a restaurant is only located two hours outside of Cape Town in a little fishing village called Paternoster.
“‘Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its dramatic seasonal transformation, Kobus van der Merwe’s signature Strandveld food menu comprises a series of tasting dishes presented in seven courses. Sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison, and seasonal veldkos is featured, enhanced by wild herbs, seaweeds from the local rock pools, and pickings from the garden,” reads their website.
– Source: www.getaway.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN CHEF RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL AWARD |
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| Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient Private Hotel is South Africa’s finest destination restaurant and private hotel. Award-winning South African Chef Chantel Dartnall is known for presenting the art of nature on her plates through her botanical cuisine to take you on a culinary tour of pure indulgence. |
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Chef Chantel recently announced her nomination for the Best Chefs Top 100 in Rotterdam 2020.
“The Best Chef Awards has officially announced the Top 100 new candidates for their 2020 awards, as well as their plans for this year’s event, and I am incredibly proud to have been selected among this year’s 200 nominees from across the globe.
“This year’s event will take place in September, in the stunning city of Rotterdam, Netherlands – a beautiful destination, which I am so looking forward to enjoying! Voting will start from the 1st of April, and in the last stage of the voting procedure, social media followers can vote for their favourite chef, awarding them with The Best Chef fol-LOVERS award.
“Of course, I would greatly appreciate your support and votes this year, as we look to once again fly the South African flag high on this international stage!” – Chantel Dartnall.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SA’S PANORAMA ROUTE MAKES TOP 50 MOST SCENIC DRIVES IN THE WORLD LIST |
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| The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is an incredibly beautiful stretch of South Africa and it is getting the praise it deserves. |
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Big 7 Travel has named the 50 Most Scenic Drives in the world and the Panorama Route made the cut.
Big 7 Travel compiles different lists to help people looking to travel, find the destinations they will fall in love with. They release new lists all the time. In the past, they selected 50 destinations which were ranked according to their popularity on Instagram. South Africa is ranked as 15th on the list this year after Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and Indonesia which all took the top spots once again.
The lists are voted for by Big 7 Travel’s social media audience, made up of 1.5 million followers. They select the top 50 of any given list by voting in surveys.
The followers voted for the top 50 most scenic drives and the Panorama Route came in 47th. Chapman’s Peak Drive landed 40th on the list.
“Densely wooded forests and breathtaking canyons are just a couple of sights you’ll encounter on South Africa’s Panorama Route. This awe-inspiring route links many of the countries cultural points and natural wonders. Be sure to stop off to admire the world’s third-largest canyon – Blyde River Canyon.”
They called Chapman’s Peak one of the most stunning views in the world.
“Serving as a gateway between Cape Town and the South Peninsula, Chapman’s Peak offers up some of the most stunning views on the planet. Wind along the cliffs and take in the wide-open ocean and far off mountains. This winding road features 114 twists and turns meaning a beautiful view the entire way.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SA FILMMAKER HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD WITH AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY |
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| “Tin Soldiers” is an award-winning documentary film detailing the rare disease FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva) and it is heading to Hollywood. |
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Odette Schwegler, a former Carte Blanche producer, is being praised for her work on a new documentary that is winning international awards.
She has even been nominated in the category “Best Director – Documentary”.
The official international premier of Tin Soldiers will take place at the First Glance Film Festival in North Hollywood.
The film has been highly successful, but for Odette – success is not about the film – it is all about the message it can spread.
The film tells the story of a crippling disease called FOP – a condition so rare, it usually goes undiagnosed. This documentary may change that. A South African film crew trekked across four continents to big cities, small towns, affluent suburbs and townships to follow FOP patients, their families and doctors. A journey that has taken the story from Gugulethu to São Paulo, Manhattan to Windsor. In just four months, Tin Soldiers has been screened to audiences across South Africa, the United States, Spain and Sweden.
FOP is an ultra-rare medical condition, turning muscle, ligament and tissue into bone. Those born with it are referred to as living statues, or “Tin Soldiers”. While the movie focusses on FOP, its purpose is to raise awareness and acceptance of rare diseases across the spectrum – ending isolation and promoting access to improved medical care for thousands of rare disease patients and their families around the world.
– Sources: Odette Schwegler / www.goodthunhgsguy.com |
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| “THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL” CONCERT COMES TO JOZI |
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| The critically-acclaimed live tribute concert honouring the late Whitney Houston, her music and journey, will finally make its way to Johannesburg, with South Africa’s very own Belinda Davids as the lead. |
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Titled The Greatest Love of All, Davids will perform the special orchestral concerts in June following a successful debut run in Cape Town last November.
The star, who hails from Port Elizabeth, has toured with the production since its inception in 2013, travelling between the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and is excited to bring the production back home once again.
According to Davids, not only has the show’s success been an honour but also getting to portray her icon, with whom she has been obsessed since childhood, has been a dream for her.
“My earliest memories of Whitney Houston were when I was five-years-old when my older brother had a Teddy Pendergrass LP on which she (Whitney) performed a duet on a song called Hold Me. That was the first time I heard her, and immediately, I fell in love with her voice,” said Davids.
Davids was selected from 15 000 contestants who auditioned in 12 countries. Emerging as the front-runner, boosted her musical career which had been struggling for years.
At the age of 20, Davids relocated to Dubai so she could support her family. She moved to Hong Kong, and later to Los Angeles where she lived for 10 years and met musician Keyshia Cole who took her on tour, enabling Davids to make a living.
Throughout the struggles and tribulations, she never gave up on her dream, until she landed this coveted role that propelled her career.
– Source: The Sunday Independent |
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| SA COSPLAYER CROWNED WORLD CHAMPION AFTER TAKING HOME GOLD AT COMIC CON AFRICA |
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| South African cosplayer Kelsey Atkins has scooped first place at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) – the "largest and most prestigious cosplay competition in the world", according to a press statement by Comic Con Africa. |
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Kelsey, known as "JinxKittie", was announced Cosplay Champion at Comic Con Africa 2019. As part of her prize, she was sent to Chicago to compete at C2E2 against cosplayers from all around the world.
"JinxKittie stood out in her intricate Priestess Bathory Cosplay. Over 600 hours of design, hand stitching, embroidering and 3D printing went into this incredible Cosplay, making JinxKittie the champion of the 2019 C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay (sic)," the statement reads.
– Source: www.channel24.co.za |
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| LOCAL STARS CELEBRATE AFRICA'S FIRST SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES, “QUEEN SONO” |
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| Africa's first script-to-screen Netflix Original series, Queen Sono, celebrated the first-ever South African premiere at the Johannesburg Theatre on Thursday, 27 February 2020. |
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Cast members Pearl Thusi, Vuyo Dabula, Sechaba Morojele, Chi Mhende, Loyiso Madinga, Rob Van Vuuren, Kate Liquorish, Khathu Ramabulana, Enhle Maphumulo, Abigail Kubeka, Connie Chiume, Otto Nobela, Vaneshran Arumugam and James Ngcobo were joined by directors Tebogo Malope and Kagiso Lediga as well as executive producer Tamsin Andersson.
The six-part action-packed series follows Queen Sono, the highly trained top spy in a South African agency whose purpose is to better the lives of African citizens. While taking on her most dangerous mission yet, she must also face changing relationships in her personal life.
The series is directed by Kagiso Lediga and Tebogo Malope, with both directing three episodes each with the leadership of executive producer Tamsin Andersson.
Queen Sono premiered globally in 190 countries on 28 February 2020.
– Source:: www. bizzcommunity.com |
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| CARINA BRUWER MAKES HISTORY IN EXTREME SOLO SWIM |
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| Carina Bruwer became the first woman to cross Nelson Mandela Bay in gruelling and extreme solo charity swim |
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Capetonian marathon swimmer, musician and mother of three, Carina Bruwer has become the first woman to swim across Nelson Mandela Bay (Algoa Bay) in Port Elizabeth.
The swim was in support of Muzukidz, an organisation that offers underprivileged children the opportunity to learn the violin. Bruwer completed the gruelling 19-km crossing from Pollok Beach in Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth to Bluewater Bay on the Coega side of the bay in a time of 05:08.
A group of children from the local Muzukidz project saw her off with music and support at Pollock Beach, where she embarked on the swim at 07:50.
The water was choppy for most of the swim and there were periods of light rain. Dolphins and whales were swimming within 200 metres of the swimmer, and the crew also spotted a hammerhead shark during the first half of the swim, but it posed no threat.
Over the past 20 years, three male swimmers have crossed the bay. Port Elizabeth swimmer/adventurer Kyle Main did the 20-km crossing from Hobie Beach to Coega on two occasions (the first in 2000), and Chris Malan completed a 15-km crossing of the bay in 2003 at the age of 15, a route which internationally renowned Lewis Pugh also followed in 2006, she said.
Local sports company Adventure Swims ZA took care of all the planning and permissions pertaining to the crossing, and provided support in the form of two boats, one from Raggy Charters and one private vessel, and a team consisting of pilots, a power/rescue swimmer and a medic.
Bruwer is an International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame nominee who was also ranked as one of the World Open Water Swimming Association’s top 50 most “daring, courageous and audacious” open water swimmers in the world in 2015 and 2018.
“No swim is simple. This was extra intricate due to the complexity of passing shipping lanes, harbours and the high shark population. I could not have dreamed of doing it without all the groundwork and assistance provided by Adventure Swims ZA, and the support of the people of PE has been simply heartwarming. It truly is the Friendly City and I would love to swim here again soon.
“I’m elated about the success of the fundraising – we have exceeded the R25 000 mark and going strong; in fact I have increased the target and I know we can make this huge. Each additional R1 000 buys another violin, which literally changes at least one life,” Bruwer said.
Bruwer is also a well-known musician who performs with the internationally renowned instrumental group Sterling EQ. She founded Swim For Hope in 2014 as a fundraising platform through which open water swimmers can dedicate a solo or group swim to a worthy South African cause. Since its inception, Swim For Hope has raised over R600 000 for different charities in addition to media coverage to the value of more than R1 million.
The project’s current beneficiary is Muzukidz, which, after five years working exclusively in Cape Town, has now also opened a branch in Port Elizabeth. Operating from Settlers Park Primary School in Walmer, Muzukidz has one teacher in Port Elizabeth who has taken 50 young children from townships in and around the city under her wing.
– Source: African News Agency (ANA) |
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| GARY PLAYER AWARDED US PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM |
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| Following his US Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, South Africa’s greatest-ever golfer Gary Player said it was the highest honour he had achieved. |
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Together with Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam, Player will receive the medal from US President, Donald Trump, on 23 March 2020, becoming the first two international athletes to receive the prestigious award.
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be recognised in this way,” said Player, “For Annika and I to join Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnie [Arnold Palmer], Charlie Sifford and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to have been awarded this honour is really very special.”
Player went on to say that to be honoured, not only for his success as a golfer, but also as a philanthropist who works tirelessly in the United States and around the world to raise funds for children’s education and other causes, is overwhelming: “I have been fortunate to have had much success in golf and to be a worldwide ambassador for the game, but it is my love of fellow humans that has inspired me to keep travelling and doing what I can to unite people and raise funds for those desperately in need.
“While remaining a proud South African, I have always been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received from the American people. As an international athlete, to receive the highest honour awarded to civilians in the United States is humbling indeed and I will cherish this award from the President.”
Known as the International Ambassador of Golf, Gary Player has won 24 times on the PGA Tour and 19 times on the Champions Tour, including nine majors and nine senior majors, and is one of only five golfers to have achieved the career Grand Slam by winning all four of golf’s majors.
– Source: African News Agency (ANA) |
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| SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST 2022 WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP |
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| The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that South Africa will host the Women's T20 World Cup in 2022. |
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This will be the first time South Africa will host a senior ICC event since the 2007 Men's T20 World Cup.
The Proteas women will automatically qualify for the tournament as hosts while the seven highest-ranked countries in the ICC Women's T20 team rankings – as of 30 November, 2021 – will also automatically qualify.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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