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| PRESIDENT, HEALTH MINISTER JOIN HEALTH WORKERS TO GET FIRST VACCINE |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was pleased with the start of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which started in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, on Wednesday, 17 February 2021. |
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“To demonstrate our confidence in this vaccine and help allay any fears that people may have, the Minister of Health and I will join the first healthcare workers to receive the vaccine in Khayelitsha,” he said ahead of the programme.
President Ramaphosa and Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, witnessed the first healthcare workers receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The vaccine, which has been approved by the South African Health Products Authority, arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng on Tuesday night.
The first batch of 80 000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being prepared for distribution across South Africa with immediate effect.
President Ramaphosa on Wednesday said he was pleased that the country was able to begin vaccination by mid-February, as announced.
“This is despite the fact that the AstraZeneca vaccine that we had procured for this purpose showed little efficacy against the 501Y.V2 variant, which is currently dominant in South Africa.
“I would like to congratulate the Vaccine Inter-Ministerial Committee, the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Vaccines, Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and his team, and the Medical Research Council for responding so rapidly and effectively to this challenge,” President Ramaphosa said.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been shown in extensive trials to be safe and efficacious, and will protect healthcare workers from illness and death from COVID-19.
“We have called on leaders in various sectors and parts of the country to lead by example and get inoculated publicly. We will therefore witness some premiers, MECs and leaders from civil society, religious formations and traditional leadership being vaccinated in all provinces.
“We have chosen vaccination and we call on all South Africans to choose vaccination and protect one another,” the President said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| AfCFTA: ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES |
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| The South African Government says it will maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into operation on 1 January 2021, following the adoption of the Johannesburg Declaration by the African Union. |
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The AfCFTA is set to create a massive market and demand for locally-produced machinery, clothes and food; provide a platform for South African businesses to expand into markets across the continent; and for South Africa to position itself as a gateway to the continent.
Delivering the 2021 State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 11 February 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa was already at work to reindustrialise the economy.
This, the President said, was being done through initiatives such as the Ford Motor Company’s investment in the economy. The company recently announced a R16-billion investment in the South African market, which is expected to majorly bump up jobs and local production.
“Last week, the Ford Motor Company announced a R16-billion investment to expand their manufacturing facility in Tshwane for the next generation Ford Ranger bakkie.
“This investment will support the growth of around 12 small and medium enterprises in automotive component manufacturing,” the President said.
Nearly half of the procurement spend on construction of the bulk earthworks and top structure at the Tshwane Special Economic Zone during this phase is expected to be allocated to small, medium and micro enterprises; an amount equal to R1.7 billion in procurement opportunities.
Furthermore, the President reiterated Toyota's investment in its KwaZulu-Natal facility to start production of the first generation of hybrid electric vehicles to come off a South African assembly line.
“This follows investment announcements by Nissan, Mercedes Benz and Isuzu in expanded production facilities, all of which cement South Africa’s position as a global player in auto manufacturing.
“This year, our focus will be on getting the industry back to full production, implementing the Black Industrialists Fund and working on a new platform for expanded auto trade with the rest of the continent.
“This will be part of our concerted effort to boost the manufacturing sector,” the President said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN BEARS FRUIT |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined progress made since the announcement of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). |
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Delivering the 2021 State of the Nation Address on Thursday night, 11 February 2021, the President said since the launch of the plan on 15 October 2020, the country’s infrastructure investment project pipeline worth R340 billion in network industries such as energy, water, transport and telecommunications had been developed.
“Construction has started and progress is being made on a number of projects,” he said, adding that government has since the launch focussed on four priority interventions:
- a massive roll-out of infrastructure throughout the country
- a massive increase in local production
- an employment stimulus to create jobs and support livelihoods
- the rapid expansion of energy generation capacity.
Since the announcement of the plan, two major human settlements projects that will provide homes to almost 68 000 households in Gauteng have been launched.
Smart cities
Similar human settlements projects are planned in other provinces while the President’s dream to build smart cities that break from the apartheid special development is becoming a reality.
“New post-apartheid cities are being conceptualised in a number of places in our country. The Lanseria Smart City, the first new city to be built in a democratic South Africa, is now a reality in the making.”
The draft masterplan for the smart city – which will become home to between 350 000 to 500 000 people within the next decade – was completed in November 2020 and is now out for public comment.
On major water infrastructure projects, progress is being, including Phase 2A of the Mokolo and Crocodile River Project and the uMkhomazi Water Project.
The Infrastructure Investment Plan identifies roads projects worth R19 billion, covering the spine of the South African road network.
Work is underway to finalise project finance structuring for these projects. In addition, resources have been committed from the fiscus to support the construction and rehabilitation of the major N1, N2 and N3 highways.
Reviving infrastructure
The President is of the belief that these infrastructure projects will lead to the revival of the construction industry and the creation of much-needed jobs.
Unveiling the plan in October, President Ramaphosa said the Infrastructure Fund would provide R100 billion in catalytic finance over the next decade, leveraging as much as R1 trillion in new investment for strategic infrastructure projects.
On Thursday, he announced that the fund, which would blend resources from the fiscus with financing from the private sector and development institutions, was in full operation.
Its approved project pipeline for 2021 is varied and includes the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme, which aims to provide 300 000 student beds.
Another approved project is SA Connect, a programme to roll out broadband to schools, hospitals, police stations and other government facilities.
Supporting local production
The second priority intervention of the ERRP is to support a massive increase in local production and to make South African exports globally competitive.
Key to this plan is a renewed commitment from government, business and organised labour to buy local, which will lead to increased local production, which will lead to the revival of the manufacturing industry.
In turn, all social partners who participated in the development of the plan, as part of a social compact, have agreed to work together to reduce the reliance on imports by 20% over the next five years.
A total of 42 products – ranging from edible oils to furniture, fruit concentrates, personal protective equipment and steel products – have been identified as those than can be sourced locally.
“If we achieve our target, we will significantly expand our productive economy, potentially returning more than R200 billion to the country’s annual output.”
On supporting SMMEs, the departments of small business development and trade, industry and competition are supporting SMMEs to access larger domestic and international markets.
The country is firmly on path with its industrialisation plans, which are underpinned by sector master plans to rejuvenate and grow key industries such as the poultry master plan.
Government has also worked closely with the auto sector to help it weather the pandemic.
By the end of the year, the sector had recovered around 70% of its normal annual production, in difficult circumstances.
Employment stimulus
The third priority intervention is an employment stimulus to create jobs and support livelihoods.
The largest numbers of jobs said the President, would be created by the private sector in a number of industries as the economy recovers.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Employment Stimulus is one of the most significant expansions of public and social employment in South Africa’s history.
By the end of January 2021, over 430 000 opportunities had been supported through the stimulus.
Expanding energy generation
The fourth priority intervention of the Recovery Plan is to rapidly expand energy generation capacity.
The President said restoring Eskom to operational and financial health and accelerating its restructuring process was central to this objective.
“This will lay the foundations for an efficient, modern and competitive energy system,” he said, adding that the power utility is making substantial progress with its intensive maintenance and operational excellence programmes to improve the reliability of its coal fleet.
“We are working closely with Eskom on proposals to improve its financial position, manage its debt and reduce its dependence on the fiscus,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA LOOKS TO ASIAN MARKETS TO REVIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH |
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| International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says government has created a significant footprint in Asian markets as part of efforts to return the country to pre-COVID-19 economic growth. |
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The Minister said this when she participated in the debate on the State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, 17 February 2021.
“We will identify new opportunities and expand those that have benefit for South Africa. In pursuit of this objective, South Africa has created a significant footprint in Asia, which is the continent showing the most promise of a speedy return to pre-COVID-19 levels of economic growth.
“Last year, South Africa acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to take up significant trade and development opportunities available in this region. We will also benefit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership of these countries. This partnership created the world’s biggest trading bloc, estimated to account for about US$26 trillion or 30% of global gross domestic product, and 28% of global trade,” Minister Pandor said.
The Minister said in response to the President’s call of intensifying efforts to stimulate growth, government was working tirelessly to raise South Africa’s global visibility by also “promoting [South Africa] as the best place to be, to do business, to visit, to work, to study and to live”.
“We are also responding to new opportunities and harnessing the collective capabilities of DIRCO’s resources both at home and abroad,” Minister Pandor said.
South Africa, the Minister said, would leverage engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to enhance mutually beneficial trade, investment and tourism ties, and to support skills development and training for South Africans.
Minister Pandor said South Africa secured significant beef export opportunities to the Malaysian market as of November 2020.
“Market access was also obtained for fruits to Thailand. Product protocols are being negotiated in the region and are at an advanced stage. These include table grapes to Vietnam and South Korea, avocadoes to India and Japan, and pears to China and India.
“Total two-way trade with Asia and the Middle East (inclusive of Oceania) breached the important milestone of R1 trillion, for the first time, in 2019 and is set to grow further.”
Many companies from the Asian region have made significant investment pledges during the President’s investment summits and state visits.
Companies such as Toyota, Isuzu, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Motherson Sumi have expanded their investments in the country.
China has pledged to invest US$14 billion, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates US$10 billion each.
“We aim to build on these successes by ensuring growing global trade, which is one of the best ways to fight poverty, inequality and unemployment in our country and our continent,” said Minister Pandor.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CONDEMNS DRONE ATTACKS DIRECTED AT VARIOUS TARGETS IN SAUDI ARABIA |
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| The South African Government has noted, with concern, the increase in drone attacks directed at various targets throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, the most recent being the drone attack directed towards Abha Airport on 10 February 2021. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed her concerns that such attacks only serve to destabilise regional security, including that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Of particular concern is the fact that the attacks are targeting civilian areas. Furthermore, these continued attacks have the potential to derail the United Nations’ (UN) mediation efforts in Yemen.
The Minister added that, although it was fortunate that this recent attack had no casualties, it should not detract from the negative impact these attacks could have on the broader goal of peace in Yemen and the broader Middle East region. South Africa continues to maintain that an UN-mediated and Yemeni-led peace process is the only means to realise lasting peace and regional stability.
The Minister added that the Republic of South Africa urged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to continue to exhibit restraint in pursuit of the mediation process, despite these acts of provocation within its territory. |
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| 20 BORDERS FULLY REOPENED, 30 REMAIN CLOSED |
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| South Africa’s 20 land borders, which have only been partially operational for the past month, are now fully open, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has announced. |
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However, the 30 land borders, which were closed, will remain so. The closure of the land border posts was introduced last month as the country was seized by a rise in COVID-19 infections.
The list of the borders scheduled to reopen can be accessed on: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/corona-virus-information.
The department said travelling to and from South Africa was allowed subject to regulations.
“Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend or teach at schools in the Republic, and who are allowed entry into and exit from the Republic are subject to compliance with health protocols relating to screening for COVID-19. This includes quarantine or isolation where necessary, wearing of masks, transportation, sanitation and social distancing and all relevant health protocols on safety and prevention of COVID-19,” reads the statement.
Turning its attention to air travel, the department said this was restricted to the OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town international airports.
“All international travellers arriving at the airports listed above must provide a valid certificate of negative COVID-19 test recognised by the World Health Organisation obtained not more than 72 hours before travel,” reads the statement.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SAIIA CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO SERVE ON HIGH-LEVEL UN ADVISORY BOARD |
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| The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) recently announced that its Chief Executive, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, has been appointed to serve a two-year term on the United Nations (UN) High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs (HLAB-II). |
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In a world grappling with the devastating fall-out from COVID-19, the board aims to provide focussed guidance and recommendations to respond to current and future challenges in overcoming the pandemic in an inclusive manner. Its priorities include addressing inequalities, improving digital cooperation, ensuring sustainable financing and boosting partnerships.
The board’s expertise “will play a crucial role in supporting these efforts by providing effective guidance to the Secretary-General and spearheading the research and policy analysis work of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs,” according to the department’s Under-Secretary-General, Liu Zhenmin.
Sidiropoulos said that it was a great honour to be serving on the HLAB-II at this crucial time for sustainable development across the world: “The COVID-19 pandemic has set back many developing countries in their path to attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It has exacerbated inequalities and illustrated the negative developmental impact of ‘digital exclusion’. This has made it even more urgent that the world works together to achieve Agenda 2030. Political commitment, innovation and cooperation will be key”. |
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| THREE SOUTH AFRICAN HOTELS MAKE GLOBAL TOP 50 “MOST ROMANTIC” LIST |
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| Three stunning South African hotels have been featured on the Top 50 list of “Most Romantic Hotels” as voted for by an audience of 1.6 million international travellers. |
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From the sexiest accent in the world to the most festive cities globally, Big 7 Travel has a list for everything and South Africa is often featured on their Top 50 lists. Cape Town was even voted onto one of the best destinations of the decade!
Some 1.5 million people from 60 countries take surveys and vote for the best travel accolades around the world. Big 7 Media shares several lists, which promote global travel.
Big 7 Travel asked their followers to vote for the 50 most romantic hotels globally, and South African destinations featured three times on the list:
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – Mpumalanga
“Ivory Lodge thinks of everything – from your champagne of choice in the maxibar to unique dining under the stars. Guests staying at Ivory Lodge can also spend a night or two in a luxury treehouse.
“The Kingston Treehouse is built on boulders, across a small drawbridge, with lanterns to light the way.”
La Residence – Franschhoek
“Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30-acre estate, La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards. One of the world’s most romantic hotels.
“A romantic and indulgent paradise that’s filled with rich fabrics, wonderful artwork and antique furniture. Guests dine either in their suite or the central Terrace Room, beside a fire or the stunning double rim-flow pool.”
Londolozi – Kruger National Park
“Londolozi is right on the Sand River, in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within the famous Greater Kruger National Park.
“Each of the five camps has a uniquely different vibe, yet all are beautiful. Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites feature outdoor bathtubs where you can watch elephants play in the river.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN YOUNG SCIENTIST SCOOPS AWARD AT TAIWAN SCIENCE FAIR |
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| 18-year-old Thabo Maliea captivated judges with his ingenuity, depth of knowledge and mastery of inquiry methodology displayed in his scientific research project, “Sunprints in the Sky”. |
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A teenage scientist from Botshabelo in the Free State, with dreams of being an astrophysicist, has made South Africa proud by winning one of the prestigious awards at the 2021 Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF).
Thabo Maliea, who competed virtually in the fair via Eskom Expo, captivated judges with his ingenuity, depth of knowledge and mastery of inquiry methodology displayed in his scientific research project, “Sunprints in the Sky”. The project investigates the track that the sun makes in comparison with three specific stars over a period of five months, using a homemade observational apparatus instead of expensive equipment.
Maliea, who was accepted to study Astrophysics at Wits University and is on the University of Cape Town’s waiting list, was awarded the third award in the Astrophysics Category, winning a prize of R1055,35 cash, a medal and a certificate.
“I have mixed emotions about winning an award, to be honest. I actually didn’t expect to win a prize at the TISF because of how tough it is to compete in and the high international standards. Overall, I’m very happy and excited,” said Maliea.
“I have always wanted to do an astronomy project and participate with it in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, but I had only one set back: I couldn’t afford to buy myself a useful observational apparatus. So, then I decided to use a homemade one, because it is more affordable, and it was my best alternative,” added Maliea.
Eskom General Manager of Risk and Sustainability, Andrew Etzinger, said: “Eskom is extremely proud of our learners for their fantastic achievements, especially Thabo, whose fascination with the sun has gained him global recognition. Eskom’s investment in this national initiative, Expo for Young Scientists, is part of our broader strategy of skills development for the country. It is logical to invest in STEM at school-level, in order to support the learners at a key inflection point”.
Talhah Patelia, Grade 11 at Reddam House Private School in Gauteng, also competed in the fair. Patelia’s project, “Agribot – Robotic Solution to Food Sustainability”, entails a multi-purpose exploration, archaeology, as well as graphic design, architecture and medicine science.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty said: “Eskom Expo carries an additional challenge of being the only official science fair representing South Africa, and during lockdown, we had to work twice as hard to provide our young scientists with a platform to pursue their passion. We are very proud that Thabo, who has competed with some of the best in the world, has brought home an award for South Africa, thereby reaffirming our confidence in our future innovators”.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SOLO ROWER GRANT BLAKEWAY COMPLETES WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW |
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| Melktert and a long-awaited reunion at the finish line as eco-warrior, Grant Blakeway, triumphed against the odds to conquer the World’s Toughest Row. |
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Grant Blakeway could hardly stand when he stepped ashore in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, on Saturday 6 February 2021. He had just finished the World’s Toughest Row in a time of 56 days, 3 hours, and 29 minutes – and he was utterly exhausted.
The 59-year-old Durban businessman set off from San Sebastian de La Gomera on 12 December last year to row across the Atlantic Ocean in the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, alongside 20 other teams from around the world. He was the only South African among them, and one of eight solo competitors in the 2020 fleet.
The premier event on the global ocean-rowing calendar is sponsored by Talisker Single Malt Whisky and organised by Atlantic Campaigns. The race involves a 3000-mile (approximately 4800km) unassisted row from the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda. Race teams compete solo or in groups of up to five people, and carry everything they need on their boats.
The journey from San Sebastian de La Gomera to English Harbour was physically and mentally challenging from the get-go, confessed Blakeway.
“This race is difficult enough when you’re in a group, but when you’re a solo rower, everything becomes harder. You’re the human engine, the navigator, the radio operator, the repairman, the medic and the cook,” he says. “When something breaks, you have to fix it. When something goes wrong, you have to make a new plan. One way or another, you find out what you’re made of during this race. The mighty Atlantic Ocean gives so much, and takes so much, too.”
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge has been a life-changing event,” concluded Blakeway. “I’m so grateful to my family, my friends, my supporters, and to everybody who cheered me on from their corner of the world. When you receive messages from people you’ve never met, it’s incredibly humbling. All I can say is ‘thank you’. From the bottom of my heart… Thank you. You carried me through.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY WINE RESEARCHER RECEIVES FRENCH KNIGHTHOOD IN AGRICULTURE |
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| The French Government has bestowed a ceremonial knighthood on an associate professor from Stellenbosch University. |
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Professor Benoit Divol is a part of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology and the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch University.
He received the Chevalier dans l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Knight in the Order of Agricultural Merit) for his scientific contributions as well as his endeavours to enhance research cooperation between France and South Africa, particularly in the fields of viticulture and oenology.
“Even though the knighthood is only ceremonial by nature, I feel honoured by this token of appreciation of my work, especially because it acknowledges my endeavours to form academic links between France and South Africa.
“On a personal level, it obviously makes me happy to create bridges between France and South Africa. I also sincerely believe that it provides great professional and personal opportunities for my students and that it contributes positively to the international standing of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology and the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute,” he said.
Divol, a Parisian by birth, has been working at Stellenbosch University since 2005, where he joined the then Institute for Wine Biotechnology as a postdoctoral researcher.
Since then, he has, among others, led the Department of Viticulture and Oenology as Chair and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017.
– Source: https://thewc.co.za |
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| PRETORIA VETS DO GROUNDBREAKING HEART SURGERY ON TWO DOGS |
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| University of Pretoria veterinarians Dr Adrian Keatshoff and Dr Ross Elliott saved the lives of two dogs using groundbreaking technology. |
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Veterinarians at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital have performed groundbreaking surgery on the hearts of two dogs. The surgeries paved the way for the establishment of a hospital centre of excellence in minimally invasive surgery and cardiology.
Specialist surgeons, Dr Keatshoff and Dr Elliott, saved the lives of seven-month-old French Bulldog Daisy and six-month-old Cocker Spaniel Talen at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, the university said.
“This procedure is limited to hospitals abroad with surgeons or therapists who are particularly interested in cardiology. Only hospitals that have the equipment can perform surgery."
For the two canines, the groundbreaking process involved using a balloon to widen the heart valve orifice.
Using fluorography (real-time X-rays), the balloon was passed through two chambers of the heart and through a small hole in the valve. After inflating the balloon, the hole was stretched (balloon valvuloplasty),” they said.
Possibility of “centre of excellence”
The university said successful surgeries had allowed hospitals to help pets in such delicate situations.
“This means we can offer a service not previously offered by Onderstepoort Veterinary Hospital. It also gives us the opportunity to extend the life of special pets like these.
“This groundbreaking surgery also creates the opportunity to create a hospital centre of excellence in minimally invasive surgery and cardiology, and offers more advanced surgeries such as valve replacement and heart transplantation.”
– Source: www.varietyinfo.com |
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| CAPE TOWN HOSTS SPECTACULAR STREET ART FESTIVAL, AFRICA’S LARGEST |
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| Visitors to the 2021 International Public Art Festival (IPAF), which took place in Cape Town recently, were blown away by the spectacular street art displayed on some of the buildings in Cape Town’s oldest suburb, Salt River. |
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With COVID-19 safety measures in place, this outdoor creative festival proved to be super popular.
“This year, the festival will be accompanied by interactive and COVID-friendly biking and walking street art tours through Salt River as well as central Cape Town,” said organiser, Baz-Art.
Twenty international and local street artists painted large-scale murals across the neighbourhood of Salt River during the festival. There were also 26 magnificent murals from previous editions. This, the fifth instalment of the festival, which is always held in the second week of February, was themed “100% Sustainable”.
Street art in Salt River has been transforming the community, changing how locals see their neighbourhood, and providing an attraction to encourage visitors to the area. Famous international and local artists have been creating large format art works and artistic graffiti in Woodstock and Salt River for years. There are apparently now more than 100 works in the area.
IPAF Festival SA says: “In collaboration with our sponsors, we worked extremely hard this year to create work opportunities for local tour guides, who have been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic. From an economic perspective, we all need to rethink tourism and supporting LOCAL tourism can be one way to approach the challenge our tourism industry faces right now. It’s been great to see THAT IT’S POSSIBLE if we team up and work together!!”
Sponsors included the City of Cape Town, Embassy of Switzerland, the Presidential Stimulus Programme, Loopcolors, Sterling Access, Viva Con Agua South Africa, Instituto Italiano Di Cultura and Eazi Access.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| CONGRATULATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA'S “ADDRESS UNKNOWN” FILMMAKERS |
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| The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has congratulated South African filmmakers of the short film “Address Unknown” for being selected to participate in the 2021 Pan- African Film Festival (PAFF) taking place in Los Angeles in the United States. |
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This is America’s largest and most prestigious black film festival. It was co-founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover, the late Ja’Net DuBois and Executive Director Ayuko Babu.
“It is with the utmost honour [we] receive the news of this significant milestone in South African film. Congratulations to the producers at Green Leaf Films as well as the directors, scriptwriters, actors and production crew who feature a strong line-up of female creatives in most departments,” the Minister said on Monday, 15 January 2021.
The film, which is dedicated to the people of District Six, was funded by, among others, the National Film and Video Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. They began the production process in 2019 and completed filming in July 2020.
“We celebrate your contribution in taking our stories to the world, as the custodians of our history and our heritage. It is equally significant that the announcement of the PAFF Official Selection of “Address Unknown” comes just days after the 55th anniversary of District Six being declared a white group area on 11 February 1966.
“In the absence of such stories, our children and the generations to follow would never know the truth. Lest we forget,” Minister Mthethwa said.
The PAFF is scheduled to be held from 28 February to 14 March 2021.
As a result of the COVID-19 restrictions in place across the world, the PAFF screening of “Address Unknown” will be an online event for viewers in South Africa and abroad.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN DOCCIE “MY OCTOPUS TEACHER” MAKES OSCARS SHORTLIST |
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| The 2020 Netflix Original documentary film, “My Octopus Teacher”, has made the Oscars shortlist for Documentary Feature. |
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“My Octopus Teacher”, which also nabbed eight nominations at the Jackson Wild Media Awards and went on to win the Grand Teton Award, will hopefully be one of the documentaries that will compete at the Academy Awards when the ceremony takes place later this year. The documentary is one of 15 that was selected out of 238 films eligible films.
Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, 15 March.
The documentary, that was produced by Craig Foster and directed by Pippa Ehrlich and award-winning filmmaker James Reed, tells the story of Foster, suffering from a loss of purpose, who begins a daily diving regimen in the freezing kelp forests at the tip of Africa in order to re-energise himself.
“What he discovers below the water’s surface is a totally alien motivation in the form of an unusually curious octopus. This beautiful record of an animal’s entire life – something seldom achieved in the wild, let alone underwater – was shot over a full year and explores the habits and personality of a strange, undulating creature that most of us have only ever eaten.”
And so, after nearly four years of editing, and 10 years of diving in the forest, Foster released the doccie in 2020.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| MI CASA’S “MAMELA” VIDEO REACHES 1 MILLION VIEWS |
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| Only released 13 weeks ago, the video for Mi Casa’s single “Mamela”, hailed as the ultimate 2020 wedding song for its depiction of a perfect love story, has reached one million views on YouTube. |
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The single received great reviews and support from all the media platforms. Upon the release of the visual instalment, “Mamela” reached even greater heights within the South African media and beyond.
Written about the simple need to take a vacation with the woman he loves, J’Something hits all the right notes and heartstrings with what has been cited as one of the best tracks from their new album ‘We Made It’.
Now signed to Afroforce1 Records through Universal Music South Africa, the band has just celebrated 10 years of being top of their game in the music industry. With an international deal, a brand new album and a serious imprint being made into Europe despite lockdown worldwide, ‘We Made It’ sees Mi Casa at their most honest, completely re-energised and ready for world dominance.
Originally known as one of the country’s leading house acts, the band has spread its wings sonically and incorporated fresh sounds and production value, while still managing to maintain that hit-making, feel-good Mi Casa vibe that has made them one of South Africa’s most beloved bands.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA'S KGOTHATSO MONTJANE IN AUSTRALIAN OPEN DOUBLES FINAL |
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Kgothatso Montjane, South Africa's No1 wheelchair tennis player, lost her Australian Open women's doubles final in Melbourne on Tuesday, 16 February 2021. |
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Montjane and her British partner, Lucy Shuker, lost to Dutch top seeds Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot 6-4, 6-1.
In the semi-finals, Montjane and Shuker eased past Angelica Bernal of Colombia and Chilean Macarena Cabriliana 6-1, 6-4.
That victory for Montjane gave her some recompense for her narrow women's singles semi-final loss to Japanese world number 2 Yui Kamiji.
The world No 6 reached her second singles semi-final in Melbourne after producing a faultless display to thrash Colombian Angelica Bernal 6-1, 6-2.
Montjane then put up a fine effort against Kamiji but the world No 2 held on to win 6-1 5-7 6-0.
"It was a great outing and journey to the first Australian Open doubles final with Lucy and we look forward to more finals and definitely some titles," said the elated Montjane.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be back playing again during this difficult time.
"Thanks to everyone who showed me love and Support. To my great team, thank you for making it all possible for me," said Montjane.
– Source: News24 |
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