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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ADDRESSES VIRTUAL COVID-19 CONFERENCE |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa and World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, addressed a virtual national conference on COVID-19 on Friday, 31 July 2020. |
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Hosted by the Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, and Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, respectively, the conference brought together scientists, governments, business and civil society from all over the world in an open discussion towards a greater understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on society and the economy.
The conference focussed on health innovations, technologies, and social and economic sustainability during and after the pandemic.
The platform came as COVID-19 cases increase rapidly across the globe.
There is also growing pressure to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment regimes, while the burden on health resources and economies remains high.
The conference comprised three panel discussions. The panel on health research discussed health innovation in support of COVID-19 (therapeutics, diagnostics, testing and tracking). It also considered research experiences and research collaboration in managing COVID-19 and pandemics in general.
The two other panels focussed on data modelling and analysis in managing COVID-19, and on the socio-economic impact of the disease and possibilities for economic recovery.
Panellists included the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 Chairperson, Professor Salim Abdool Karim; and African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, Professor Sarah Agbor, among others.
The conference took place under the theme: "Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation in Response to COVID-19: A National and International Effort”.
Processes to finalise a R25-million investment to boost pan-African vaccine manufacturing is currently underway, said President Ramaphosa.
This announcement was made during the virtual National COVID-19 Conference.
In the address, the President said the international community was unanimous in that services, supplies, products and technologies for prevention, treatment and care of COVID-19 must be available to all.
No country must be left behind, he said.
In addition, resource constraints pose a very real barrier to the ability of vulnerable countries to manage the pandemic.
“Science, technology and innovation have proven to be an important tool for generating valuable insights and for the delivery of effective solutions. A platform such as this one enables scientists, governments, business and civil society to engage in open discussion, to share experiences and best practice, and to chart the way ahead.”
While behavioural change is a key element in fighting the pandemic, the President also spoke of the need to develop technological solutions.
“We know that every strategy to manage COVID-19 must focus on behavioural change, and that social distancing and proper hygiene are our safest and best bets at this time. By equal measure, we must continue to work tirelessly to develop technological solutions that meet our most pressing challenge, and that is resource scarcity,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President also announced that the country would soon witness the very first ventilators produced by the South African National Ventilator Project coming off the assembly line at a factory in Cape Town.
“These locally-produced ventilators will complement existing stock in the public and private health system and those purchased from or donated by other countries,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa also noted that a number of South African innovators had taken up the challenge of addressing the need for COVID-19 solutions.
These included the bulk-production of hand sanitisers, developing self-screening assessment tools in local languages and pioneering contact-tracing applications.
Investing in Africa
President Ramaphosa reiterated that the COVID-19 pandemic must be a clarion call for African nations to invest in what was already a vibrant pan-African science and innovation ecosystem.
The President said investment in research and innovation had enabled South Africa to respond effectively to the pandemic.
“We have been able to support the national COVID-19 response in critical areas, including the development and provision of diagnostic tools, ventilators and personal protective equipment, and in epidemiological modelling and data analytics.”
Research and innovation
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, South Africa has been able to harness innovations like telemedicine to protect patients and healthcare workers from exposure to the virus.
“The introduction of COVID Connect has enabled over six million citizens and healthcare workers to access information on the pandemic through mobile messaging platforms. South African researchers are working in collaboration with international vaccine developers around a potential COVID-19 vaccine.
“The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Department of Science and Innovation have provided R10-million funding for the first South African COVID-19 vaccine trial. Our researchers and scientists have the expertise to develop human vaccines, having been involved in the development of several other vaccines,” said the President.
However, the President said, it was not just in the research space that the country had demonstrated its capability.
“We also have important laboratory infrastructure. The National Health Laboratory Service has contracted with a number of universities and government-funded platforms to assist with additional capacity to conduct COVID-19 testing. We have also developed a pathway for the potential production of COVID-19 vaccines locally.
“South Africa is part of a traditional medicine panel set up in partnership with the WHO to assist in developing protocols for various aspects of traditional medicine usage. The MRC has also brought together a number of government, academic and industry partners to support the development and local production of diagnostic kits and reagents for COVID-19,” he said.
The President emphasised that harnessing the potential of science, technology and innovation for vaccine production and other manufacturing was not just about security of supply, but it was also about boosting local capabilities, supporting local industries and creating jobs.
He said strategic partnerships in science, technology and innovation would also play an important role in South Africa’s economic recovery.
He said opportunities in sectors like low-carbon energy and circular and green economies should be explored, as countries strived to rebuild their economies.
“There is immense potential for kick-starting economic growth in the uptake of innovation and in driving technological solutions for the delivery of services. It is crucial that we maintain the momentum of international cooperation and solidarity to ensure inclusivity not just in the provision of life-saving therapeutics for COVID-19, but also in sustainable economic recovery.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION TO FAST-TRACK PROJECTS VALUED AT R340 BILLION |
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| Government will in the coming months expedite the implementation of at least 50 infrastructure projects with a total investment value of more than R340 billion. |
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The fast-tracking of the projects forms part of the reconstruction and recovery of the South African economy.
This was the key outcome of the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Council of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) on Thursday, 30 July 2020.
President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the meeting, which brought together ministers, premiers, mayors and the South African Local Government Association to ensure the effective integration of the country’s substantial infrastructure programme.
President Ramaphosa said the focus of this administration was to consolidate infrastructure under one roof to ensure effective implementation.
“Our experience has been that infrastructure can only be sustainable if there is cooperation and partnership between all three spheres of government and if there is a common intent,” he said.
In terms of the Infrastructure Development Act of 2014, the PICC acts through its council.
The council coordinates the development, maintenance, implementation and monitoring of the National Infrastructure Plan; coordinates the determination of priorities for infrastructure development; designates strategic integrated projects (SIPS) and ensures that infrastructure development, in respect of any SIP, is given priority in planning, approval and implementation.
The council also coordinates the identification of strategic partners with which to conclude agreements that seek to promote the objects of infrastructure development.
The council must ensure that infrastructure projects promote economic equality, social cohesion, decent employment opportunities and skills development.
In keeping with this mandate, the council agreed to expedite the implementation of projects in prioritised sectors such as human settlements, transport, energy, water and sanitation, agriculture and agro-processing, and digital infrastructure.
The council confirmed a new approach to infrastructure build, including:
- preventing corruption through transparent tender processes and stronger due diligence
- greater involvement of communities in design and implementation
- emphasis on local employment and procurement, and targeted involvement of SMEs
- blended financing through the Infrastructure Fund to mobilise more resources from the private sector, multilateral development banks and development finance institutions.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the vital importance of infrastructure development in responding to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring growth and creating jobs.
“Extraordinary measures are required to return us to a path of sustainable growth. Central to this effort is infrastructure construction and maintenance, which is the flywheel for economic growth and large-scale job creation,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR THANKS THE IAEA FOR THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO SOUTH AFRICA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has on behalf of the South African Government expressed appreciation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), based in Vienna, Austria, for the assistance that the agency is providing to South Africa in the form of test-kit packages aimed at hastening the country’s detection and testing capabilities for COVID-19. |
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During late March 2020, the IAEA, through its Director-General, Ambassador Rafael Grossi, contacted Permanent Representatives of Member States of the IAEA, offering the assistance of the agency. South Africa accepted this offer of assistance, and the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) was designated as the nodal point.
The NHLS decided that the packages, comprising real-time PCR equipment and utilising nuclear techniques, would be used to establish two regional laboratories that will feed into the NHLS, thus increasing the number of laboratories nationwide. This fits into the broader strategy of the national health system to expand the number of health laboratories in the country.
Minister Pandor said she was pleased that the package arrived in Johannesburg on 20 July 2020 and was collected by the NHLS on 22 July 2020. “I want to thank the IAEA for this very timely intervention. As President Cyril Ramaphosa has been saying, the fight against COVID-19 calls for a well-coordinated global response. The IAEA is playing its part in this regard”. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES VISITS KAROO AND SOUTHERN CAPE |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, visited the Karoo (Prince Albert) and the Southern Cape from 2 to 5 August 2020. |
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The visit was in response to the Cabinet Meeting of 27 May 2020, which allocated ministers and deputy ministers to become district champions for specific districts and metros. The intention is to strengthen efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance the response to gender-based violence.
The role of district champions is to assist the President and Deputy President to manage the implementation of the District Development Model in order to enhance the capacity of the State where it matters most.
During this visit, the Deputy Minister met community and policing forums, as well as local municipalities. These efforts were in line with the Risk Adjusted Strategy and in keeping with measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. |
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| WHO SURGE TEAM IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| The first team of experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), who will assist South Africa in its fight against the Coronavirus, arrived in the country on Wednesday, 5 August 2020. |
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A total of 43 senior experts from across the globe, including renowned specialists, Dr David Heymann (a seasoned infectious disease epidemiologist and public health expert) and Dr Mike Ryan, are among the team that will assist the country to refine its efforts against the pandemic.
“Dr Mike Ryan will lead the team from Geneva and will ... provide us with constant advice while analysing our strategies, including the decisions we have taken as the Department of Health in our COVID-19 response,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
The Minister made the announcement during a virtual briefing on Wednesday where he provided an update on government’s efforts to fight the Coronavirus.
The arrival of the team of experts comes as South Africa ranks in the top five globally in terms of the number of infections.
Making the announcement, Minister Mkhize thanked WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for his continuous support and counsel.
“We see this as a great opportunity not only to improve our health strategies during this pandemic, but also to accelerate our path towards healthcare reform,” said the Minister.
The first 17 experts touched down on South African soil on Wednesday, 5 August 2020, and will complete a period of quarantine and initiation before being deployed within the department and across various provinces.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| VALIDITY PERIOD OF VISAS EXTENDED |
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| Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, has issued directions in line with the National State of Disaster Regulations to extend the validity period of legally issued visas, which expired during the lockdown period, to 31 October 2020. |
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The directions extend the initial validity period from 31 July 2020 to 31 October 2020.
This means that lawfully issued visas, which expired from 15 February and during the period of the lockdown, are deemed to be valid until the end of October 2020.
Holders of such visas are permitted to remain in the country under the conditions of their visas until 31 October 2020.
Those wishing to be repatriated to their countries within this period can depart without being declared undesirable persons.
The refugee reception offices throughout the country remain closed. VFS offices are open only by appointment for collection of outcomes on applications which were made before the lockdown.
Call for written submissions
Minister Motsoaledi has also invited the public and stakeholders to make written comments on the South African Citizenship Act Draft Amendment Regulations, published on 24 July 2020 in the Gazette.
The Draft Regulations relate to Sections 4 (3) and 5 (1) of the South African Citizenship Act. The Amendment Sections were passed by Parliament in 2010 and came into operation on 1 January 2013.
Written submissions can be sent to the Legal Services Division on or before 30 August 2020 to Tsietsi.Sebelemetja@dha.gov.za.
Enquiries on the Draft Regulations can be directed to Adv Tsietsi Sebelemetja at 012 406 4271.
The Directions and Draft Regulations can be accessed via the following links: https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-measures-prevent-and-combat-spread-coronavirus-covid-19-home
https://www.gov.za/documents/south-african-citizenship-act-regulations-draft-comments-invited-24-jul-2020-0000.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| NEW LEISURE TRAVEL REGULATIONS |
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| Cabinet has agreed to ease restrictions around leisure travel, paving the way for citizens to travel within their provinces of residence. |
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“After the release of the new regulations, individuals will be permitted to leave their homes for leisure purposes within the province where they currently live.
“It’s only for intra-provincial travel, not inter-provincial. If you’re in Gauteng, you’re allowed to travel within Gauteng. You can’t go to KwaZulu-Natal,” Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said on Thursday, 31 July 2020.
Accommodation establishments are now permitted to operate for leisure intra-provincially.
However, no more than two people may share a room, except for a nuclear family, parents and their children.
“Establishments are already legally obliged to require and keep a copy of proof of identity,” the Minister said, adding that short-term home rental or sharing remained closed.
Speaking at a briefing on the new regulations affecting the travel and leisure sector, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said tour operators would be allowed to conduct guided tours in open safari vehicles, subject to directions, including the provision for both social distancing and maximum ventilation.
Restaurants to close at 10pm
Diners will now be able to enjoy meals at restaurants until 10pm. The curfew was previously 9pm. However, alcohol is still off the menu.
The Minister believes that extending operating hours will go a long way in helping to increase the eateries’ revenue.
“The impact of the pandemic has been devastating for the sector. Many businesses are at risk and many jobs have already been lost. However, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the impact is minimised,” she said.
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said the changes would come into effect as soon as the new regulations were gazetted.
Relief measures
In supporting the tourism sector in this crisis period, the Department of Tourism redirected R200 million through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).
Of the 7 284 valid applications submitted, the department could only assist 4 000 businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
“Allocation of funds was conducted in line with government policies and ensured that there was an equitable share of resources across all regions of the country, including rural areas and small towns or dorpies,” Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said.
However, 3 284 applications were not funded due to depletion of resources, even though some qualified.
“Reasons for non-approval ranged from enterprises with an annual turnover of R5 million and above, non-tourism enterprises, enterprises not covered under the TRF guidelines like franchise restaurants, applications with the outstanding mandatory document such as a valid tax certificate, and those without supporting documents."
The Minister said letters detailing the reasons for unfavourable considerations were being prepared and would be issued to all unfunded applicants soon.
Support for tour guides
The department said the announced R30-million financial relief for freelance tourist guides, over two to three months, was underway.
However, the processing of payments has taken longer due to some provincial offices closing down after they had positive COVID-19 cases.
The department has received a list of 9 380 tourist guides from the provinces. However, some are registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
“To avoid double-dipping, we have initiated a verification process to ensure that only those who are not receiving income benefits [get aid],” the department said.
The first batch of payments to 1 378 verified, eligible beneficiaries has been made and the second group will be paid once the verification process is completed.
“In addition, we welcome the decision by the Minister of Finance to review and change the qualifying criteria for the R200-billion COVID-19 Loan Guarantee Scheme, so that more businesses can gain access to the funds. We encourage businesses in our sector to [take] this opportunity,” Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said.
She has also welcomed the announcement by Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, to extend the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme until 15 August 2020.
“This will go a long way for many businesses and employees,” she said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA HAS CUT RHINO POACHING BY HALF |
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| The number of South African rhinos killed by poachers fell by half in the first six months of the year, but 166 were slaughtered nonetheless, Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, said on Friday, 31 July 2020 |
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And the number of incidences had begun to edge higher again as Coronavirus lockdown measures eased, she added in a statement.
"During the first six months of 2019, 316 rhino had been poached in South Africa," said Minister Creecy.
The figure represents a drop of nearly 53%.
"We have been able to arrest the escalation of rhino losses," she said.
The country has for years battled a scourge of rhino poaching fuelled by the insatiable demand for rhino horns in Asia.
Most of the demand emanates from China and Vietnam, where the horn is coveted as a traditional medicine, an aphrodisiac or a status symbol.
The department attributed its success in slowing the rate of poaching to a decade of various strategies and supply chain disruptions that stemmed from national travel restrictions during the lockdown.
The famed Kruger National Park reported 88 rhino were killed during the first six months of 2020.
But Minister Creecy warned that since the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions and with game parks reopening, so too had rhino poaching slowly increased.
In the three months from when the lockdown was implemented on 27 March until the end of June, 46 rhino were killed across the country, she said.
Rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same substance as human fingernails.
It is normally sold in powdered form and touted as a cure for cancer and other diseases.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR MOVES INTO PPE SPACE |
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| The South African automotive sector has stepped up to produce personal protective equipment (PPE), which is high in demand as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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“The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) identified an area of opportunity for a number of their manufacturers to produce one of the items that the COVID-19 pandemic demands in order to keep us safe and protected from the virus, namely face shields and visors,” Proudly South African said on Thursday, 30 August 2020.
Together with Business for South Africa, NAACAM did their research and will use existing capacity, machinery, raw materials and the sector’s engineering skills to mass produce face shields, which could compete in terms of price and quality with imported versions.
The sector is manufacturing face shields that strictly adhere to the recommended guidelines drafted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Health and the South African Bureau of Standards.
“Of the 14 companies that were initially identified as being able to respond immediately to the production switch, many are 51% or more black-owned, putting the economic benefits of this new production line back into communities,” Proudly South African said, noting that the demand for visors was expected to rise significantly, as face shields are seen as a secondary barrier to infection in the health sector and in non-healthcare spaces.
The manufactures of the PPE will be listed on the Proudly South African portal.
“Listing manufacturers on this new portal allows buyers to source locally made face shields and visors. The site is non-transactional and so no one but the manufacturer benefits.
“All sales are made directly – we are simply the host for the information, which includes prices, technical specification and contact details of the suppliers. We urge anyone looking to purchase these items to use the portal to ensure they are supporting local, and are getting high quality and competitively priced items,” Proudly South African CEO, Eustace Mashimbye, said.
More information on this project can be found on the COVID-19 portal on www.proudlysa.co.za.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| 2020 RHINO CONSERVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED |
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| On World Ranger Day, the winners of the prestigious Rhino Conservation Awards were officially announced during an online event to celebrate the people and organisations who work constantly to reduce the threats and increase the sustainability of conservation efforts in Africa. |
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This year, the Rhino Conservation Awards broadened their focus to include those working in endangered species conservation. The primary objective of the awards is to give recognition to the leading role players in endangered species conservation and in doing so bring their crucial work to the world’s attention.
“What better way to celebrate World Ranger Day than recognising the incredible efforts of these rangers and those who support them. Well done to those nominated, the finalists and of course the winners. You all continue to inspire us!” Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Game Rangers Association of Africa.
Every finalist is a deserved winner and the judges’ task is not an enviable one. Each individual and organisation nominated deserves recognition and acknowledgement for the incredible work they do to save Africa’s natural heritage. The Rhino Conservation Awards provide the platform to celebrate these committed, selfless and courageous individuals and organisations who are making a difference.
The winners, selected by evaluation of the work done over the last 12 months, starting in July 2019, were announced as follows:
Best field ranger
Winner: Samuel Loware of Uganda Wildlife Authority. Because of his effective monitoring and data collection skills, Samuel has made a significant impact on the increase of both giraffe and lion populations in the Kidepo Valley National Park. He is now conducting habitat assessments for the reintroduction of rhino into Kidepo, and other translocations of wildlife to ensure the conservation of these key species.
1st runner-up: Julius Kaputo of Conservation Lower Zambezi, Zambia.
2nd runner-up: Losas Lanamunyi of Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya.
Best game ranger
Winner: Don English of South African National Parks (SANParks) for his outstanding leadership in the Kruger National Park (KNP) where against all odds, through sheer tenacity and persistence and with the support of his ranger teams, he has managed to lower rhino poaching activities year on year in the Intensive Protection Zone (IEZ).
1st runner-up: Benson Kanyembo of Conservation South Luangwa, Zambia.
2nd runner-up: Albert Smith SANParks, South Africa.
Best conservation practitioner
Winner: SANParks KNP Airwing – This dedicated team of committed professionals work tirelessly to support rangers, veterinarians and researchers in protecting, saving, conserving and monitoring endangered species within the KNP and neighbouring protected areas. These pilots and their support staff are instrumental in many of the counter-poaching successes in the area.
1st runner-up: SANParks Marula South (IPZ) Rangers, South Africa.
2nd runner-up: Eastern Cape DEDEAT Green Scorpions, South Africa.
Best conservation supporter
Winner: Lynne Taylor – The Tashinga Initiative. Lynne’s targeted initiatives ensuring rangers receive the support necessary to perform optimally have transformed the well-being and operational capabilities of the rangers in the Zambezi Valley. This enables them to function effectively and supports their extraordinary work in conservation and ongoing protection of threatened species in Zimbabwe.
1st runner-up: SANParks Environmental Crime Investigators, South Africa.
2nd runner-up: WWF South Africa – Wildlife Programme, Southern Africa.
This year, the Rhino Conservation Awards will be sponsoring over 250 rangers with Ranger Protect insurance cover. This vital policy provides rangers with the necessary protection they need to comfortably and confidently perform their duties in the field and ensures the well-being of Africa’s rangers and their families is improved through the provision of adequate insurance cover in the event of injury or death.
These awards are hosted annually in collaboration with the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa and are made possible with the generous support of sponsors ZEISS and Chinese New Enterprise Investment and are endorsed by the Department of Environmental Affairs. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his foundation, is the Patron of the Rhino Conservation Awards.
“I’d like to say how deeply grateful I am to all these men and women. And I would also like to say that your work goes beyond the individual animals you protect and save. You are defending the rights of nature faced with humanities destructive and irresponsible greed.” – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
– Sources: Rhino Conservation Awards l Love Africa Marketing Supplied l www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| THESE ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW – INCLUDING ONE IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| TripAdvisor has published its traveller’s choice awards for 2020, detailing the best restaurants in the world in 2020 |
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Winners are calculated based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in 2019 from diners around the world. The awards take into account the quality and quantity of TripAdvisor reviews and ratings specific to each award category.
The hallmark of winners continued to be remarkable service and quality experiences for travellers and diners, TripAdvisor said.
The list was dominated by European restaurants, with the Auberge du Vieux Puits in France taking home the grand prize. Notably, La Colombe in Constantia, Cape Town, also made it into the final list at 13th – the only African restaurant to do so.
La Colombe has won both international and local awards for its dishes – most recently, the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.
However, even the best restaurant in the country has not been able to dodge the impact of the Coronavirus lockdown.
“We’re having to rethink the way we do a few things to be able to offer the same standard of food and service. It’s different for us, but hopefully still an exceptional experience for our guests,” chef James Gaag told Eat Out at the start of July.
“Everyone is made to feel very comfortable and safe and allowed to just enjoy the experience. The feedback we’ve gotten is very positive and I think people are also just glad to be getting out and back to some sort of normality and allowed to enjoy the finer things again.”
– Source: www.businesstech.co.za |
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| UK SUPERMARKET SUPPORTS SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY WITH LIMITED |
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| Waitrose, a high-end supermarket in the United Kingdom (UK), has taken up the cause to support the South African wine industry. They have put together a selection of our local wines and are selling them as mixed cases. The opportunity for UK residents to fall in love with South Africa’s wines and re-order them at a later stage is right there. |
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The Waitrose Cellar launched the limited edition South African case recently to help boost sales. Priced at £62 (R1 338,17) for six bottles and £125 (R2 697,93) for 12, the case features wines from several South African winemakers.
Inside the case, you’ll find Springfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019; Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2019; Rustenberg Chardonnay 2019; Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2017; Journey’s End Sir Lowry Cab Sauvignon 2017; and Waitrose No.1 Cederberg Syrah 2018.
“It’s been really hard to see our fantastic winemakers in South Africa struggle with the domestic sales ban, some of whom we have worked with for over 20 years,” said Waitrose’s South African wine buyer, Victoria Mason.
“We have such a brilliant range of South African wines and we wanted to help in whatever way we could. By putting these wines together in a special case at a great price, we hope our customers will order one and help support the industry,” Mason added.
– Sources: The Drink Business I www.goodthingsguy.com |
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