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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PARTICIPATES IN INFORMAL UN75 LEADERS MEETING WITH UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, 9 March 2021, participated virtually in an informal leaders’ network meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres. |
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The meeting formed part of the UN programme marking the 75th anniversary of the intergovernmental organisation.
The UN Secretary-General has been requested to follow up on implementation of the Declaration on the 75th anniversary of the UN and to report on his findings before the end of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2021.
The declaration was adopted on 21 September 2020 on the eve of the General Debate of the 75th Session of the UNGA.
Tuesday’s session was at the invitation of President Pedro Sánchez of Spain and Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén of Sweden and was a follow-up to the Leaders’ Network, held in Madrid on 10 November 2020.
The meeting afforded the Secretary-General an opportunity to share his assessment of current global challenges and opportunities and to set out priorities for the way forward.
It also provided for an informal exchange of views among the UN75 Leaders’ Network and the Secretary-General on how to deal with the most critical global challenges.
The meeting was expected to identify how the network could support the Secretary-General in the implementation of the UN75 Declaration.
The meeting followed International Women’s Day and discussed the importance of accelerating gender equality, women’s participation and the empowerment of women and girls in all domains as stipulated in the UN75 Declaration.
The meeting also discussed how to show leadership on climate change through actions that support the UN’s efforts for climate change on the road to the COP26 UN Climate Summit; the role of international cooperation to tackle rising inequalities within and between countries; initiatives on global health and to strengthen resilience to future pandemics, including ensuring global access to vaccines; and how, at 75, the UN could strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based international order for the coming 75 years. |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SALUTES WOMEN |
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| Women have played a pivotal role in South Africa’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. |
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“We salute the resilience and bravery of women frontline workers who worked to fight the pandemic as nurses, doctors, emergency personnel, police and soldiers,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday, 8 March 2021.
In his weekly newsletter, celebrating International Women’s Day, President Ramaphosa thanked all the women leading civil-society organisations who worked and continue to work with the Ministerial Advisory Committee in driving a holistic approach to managing the pandemic.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was: ”Women’s Leadership and Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”.
President Ramaphosa said there could be no meaningful progress for women if society continued to relegate women to “traditional” professions, occupations or roles, while it is mainly men who sit on decision-making structures.
“We salute women like Nandi Msezane, who helped raise funds for food support in affected communities, and helped to provide access to mental health support for the LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) community during the lockdown.
“The dedication of the nation’s educators has ensured that our young people were able to receive an education despite the disruption caused by the pandemic. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many women who have worked as teachers, principals, lecturers and as administrators at institutions of higher learning.
“Women doctors, researchers and scientists have played and continue to play an important role in our epidemiological response,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said women and children affected by violence during the lockdown were helped, thanks to the efforts of numerous non-governmental organisations led by and staffed by women.
President Ramaphosa said research performed by academics on economic vulnerability and poverty trends in South Africa helped drive an informed relief response.
“Last year, we lost one of the country’s foremost experts on rural poverty, Dr Vuyo Mahlati. At the time, she was studying the impact of the pandemic on food security in vulnerable communities, especially small-scale farmers,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa also recognised the role of women in government whose efforts often go unacknowledged.
“It is women who lead the many government departments at the forefront of the national relief response.
“Our experience of this pandemic has once more demonstrated women’s capacity to organise, collaborate, lead and achieve. Through their actions, they have demonstrated there is no such thing as ‘a woman’s place’”, President Ramaphosa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR VISITS SCHOOLS IN STELLENBOSCH AS PART OF DIRCO’S “BACK TO SCHOOL” CAMPAIGN |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on Friday, 5 March 2021, visited two schools in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, as part of her department’s “Back to School” Campaign. |
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Minister Pandor was accompanied by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa, Ambassador Tariq Ali Faraq. The Embassy of Qatar has donated computers to the schools.
Minister Pandor and the Ambassador officially handed over the computers and interacted with the learners and other school stakeholders at Makupula Secondary School and Luckhoff Secondary School. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA OBSERVES COMMONWEALTH DAY |
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| On 8 March 2021, countries of the Commonwealth commemorated Commonwealth Day, which is annually observed on the second Monday of March. |
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The theme for this year’s celebrations was: “Delivering a Common Future”; and, for the first time, took place virtually due to travel restrictions and efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus.
This year’s Commonwealth Day celebrations highlighted how the members of the Commonwealth are “innovating, connecting and transforming” to help achieve its goals, in relation to climate change, promotion of good governance and boosting trade.
The day also coincided with International Women’s Day, with the theme: “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”. South Africa’s Constitution, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, enshrines the rights of all people, including women, and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.
This year’s Commonwealth Day thus provided an opportunity to recognise women leaders across the Commonwealth and beyond. As a community, more inclusive collaboration should be encouraged to support women’s meaningful participation in and contribution to the socio-economic development of societies.
The Commonwealth represents 54 countries, on six different continents counting about 2.4 billion people from the developed and developing world. All members are joined together, pursuing their common goals to promote a fairer, prosperous, sustainable and secure future.
South Africa cooperates with the Commonwealth family of nations to create a better life for its citizens through economic transformation and collaboration in the fields of education and skills development, women and youth empowerment, technology and innovation, the blue economy, as well as trade and investment.
South Africa is continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth, contributing financially and in terms of capacity and expertise to the work of the organisation.
On Commonwealth Day, South Africa again renewed its pledge to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth. |
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| HIGH COMMISSIONER MAHLANGU PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT UHURU KENYATTA |
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| On 3 March 2021, HE Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, High Commissioner of South Africa to the Republic of Kenya, presented his credentials to President Uhuru Kenyatta. |
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High Commissioner Mahlangu also handed over letters of withdrawal for his predecessor, HE Ms Koleka Mqulwana.
In his statement, High Commissioner Mahlangu said that our nations had yet again demonstrated unity and Pan-Africanism as we stood together to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in ways not seen since the early days of our democracy.
“It is that same spirit that drives our resolve to carry on growing our economies and building a better, more just society.
“Allow me, Your Excellency, to assure you of my government's continued support to Kenya as the non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2021/22, which it assumed on 1 January 2021. We remain committed to realising peace and security in Africa, as recently articulated during our tenure serving as members of the Bureau of the African Union.
“Within the ambit of the AfCFTA, wherein trade commenced on 1 January 2021, South Africa expresses its readiness to collaborate with Kenya to ensure accelerated intra-African trade as yet another vehicle for the realisation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“South Africa stands ready to invest in the current and future projects that Kenya has profiled, particularly the LAPSSET Programme. This we believe, signals the country's strong commitment to Africa's economic growth through investment-led trade.
“Your Excellency, in advancing our engagement in the multilateral system, allow me to express my government’s commitment towards aligning the work of UNHABITAT and UNEP in Nairobi with that of the relevant structures in the African Union and finding ways to galvanise financial and substantive support to the programmes with the aim of strengthening the only UN Headquarter in the developing world, and Africa. The recent successful conclusion of the virtual Environment Assembly is a clear sign of our commitment to the environment agenda. Allow me, Your Excellency, to congratulate you on launching the commemoration of UNEP@50; we look forward to further engagements on the outreach activities following the launch and the successful commemorative event in 2022.
“As I conclude, Your Excellency, I have a clear mandate from President Ramaphosa to build on the solid foundation laid by my predecessors, namely: to take our bilateral relations to greater heights. In this regard, we will endeavour to actualise the Joint Commission for Cooperation in the coming months and redouble efforts to organise the pending State Visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta to South Africa in the course of the year 2021.”
On 11 March 2021, the Director-General of the United Nations (UN) in Nairobi, Ms Zainab Hawa Bangura, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, received letters of credence for High Commissioner Mahlangu as the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN Office in Nairobi. |
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| VACCINATION ROLL-OUT PROGRAMME TO BE SPED UP: MINISTER MKHIZE |
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| Government is hoping that the rate of inoculation will increase from April as more vaccination doses are expected to arrive in the country this month. |
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Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said South Africa was expecting an extra 500 000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines between now and the end of March.
Also, about three million doses will arrive between April and June, while the remaining jabs will follow in the next two quarters of the year.
According to the Minister, the country is also anticipating about 600 000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to land in South Africa before the end of March.
“Between five and seven million are expected to arrive in April to June and after that, we should get more,” he told the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday, 5 March 2021.
“Again, with Pfizer, we still need to sign the first agreement and confirm the second agreement,” he said, adding that the country had obtained 20 million from the pharmaceutical company.
In addition, he announced that the COVAX facility would also be shipping about 600 000 jabs to the country.
Meanwhile, government is still finalising discussions with Russia’s Sputnik V, which is currently undergoing the process of registration locally and China’s Sinopharm.
In the meantime, he said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had demonstrated to have the most effective action against the 501Y.V2 variant, first discovered in South Africa.
“The others such as Pfizer and Moderna have also demonstrated some degree of activity. However, that was demonstrated in a lab setting and not a clinical trial, so in the process are some of the considerations that we take into account as we go through the selection of vaccines.”
He has assured South Africans that the two vaccines, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, are the best to deal with 501Y.V2.
Oxford-AstraZeneca
Meanwhile, he said the Oxford-AstraZeneca that was ordered from the Serum Institute of India (SII) was almost ready to be transported to the African Union (AU) countries.
South Africa suspended the roll-out of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after new studies released showing that it is less effective against the mutated 501Y.V2.
“Discussions have happened and the AU will buy it at the same cost South Africa bought the doses from SII.”
He said the legal team was finalising an agreement to be released to various countries on the continent.
“We haven’t used any of it and will not use any immediately until we get clear guidance from our scientists about what is the best way of utilising AstraZeneca. The number of these countries don’t have this variant and are free to utilise the AstraZeneca and it is still effective in a number of countries."
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH |
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| Transforming the country’s heritage landscape is part of government’s efforts to restore human rights, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa. |
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“The transformation of the heritage landscape is part of the process of restoring human rights to our people. The renaming of the East London Airport to King Phalo Airport is part of those efforts,” Minister Mthethwa said on Friday, 5 March 2021.
He was addressing the launch of Human Rights Month at the Moses Tswede Community Hall in Dimbaza, East London, in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister launched Human Rights Month with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, under the theme: “The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: Promoting Human Rights in the Age of COVID-19”.
This year’s theme pays tribute to the 150th anniversary of the liberation struggle heroin and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Maxeke.
“She witnessed in her lifetime events that had an impact on her live, the lives of others and Africans across the globe. It is these events which made Maxeke a heroine we celebrate today,” the Minister said.
She witnessed the 1878 – 1879 last Frontier war, the battle of Isandlwana in 1879, the battle of Adwa in Ethiopia, 1896, the Pan-African Congress and the Bhambatha Rebellion of 1906.
“These battles and many others left us with a heritage whose spirit of no surrender, of sacrifice and discipline, inspires and guides the African determination in the battles to come, a heritage which is a challenge to all of us.
“The struggles of Maxeke have left us a legacy of never allow your circumstances to determine your destiny. Throughout her life, she has fought for the restoration of human rights to Africans both at home and across the globe. She understood the nexus of race, class and gender in our struggles both at home and elsewhere in the world,” the Minister said.
He said when there was no government for the people, Maxeke and others were able to fight for human rights.
“She is an important historical figure in that she seemed well ahead of her generation. She is the first woman of African descent to be conferred with a degree for science from the United States.
"Celebrating Maxeke is also part of our liberation heritage transformation agenda, noting that the narrative remains patriarchal and male- dominated. Therefore, this honour is in sync with our transformation agenda, thereby ensuring that the liberation heritage narrative is all inclusive and that women who have earned their titles become front and centre of this narrative,” Minister Mthethwa said.
Minister Lamola said the nation needed to work together to fight any form of racism, tribalism and xenophobia.
“It is within our collective responsibility to do so that we can build a better future for our children, for one nation united in our diversity.
"In our democracy, there are still rogue elements hell-bent on undermining the struggles of Maxeke and her heroic generations. These acts are done through acts of domestic violence and femicide … of violating the rights of women and children,” Minister Lamola said.
Minister Lamola also spoke of the need to defeat domestic violence and femicide.
“As we launch Human Rights Month 2021, let every citizen be concerned about entrenching human rights in the country. Let each of us say as long there are still those rights that are violated and undermined, the struggle continues,” Minister Lamola said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| HOME AFFAIRS SIGNS AGREEMENT TO DEAL WITH BACKLOG OF ASYLUM SEEKERS |
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| Over 153 000 asylum seekers who have been waiting for many years for a decision on their applications for asylum will have their cases heard and decided, thanks to a new agreement signed on Monday, 8 March 2021, by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency and the Department of Home Affairs. |
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The agreement sets in motion a project to eliminate delays and the backlog in asylum decisions in a bid to revamp the refugee management system by 2024.
For many years, South Africa has been known for championing human rights and has been a generous host to people fleeing conflict and persecution from across the African continent and beyond. |
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Speaking at the signing ceremony of a partnership with the UNHCR to eliminate a backlog in the Asylum Seeker System in Johannesburg, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said South Africa was committed to offering protection to people who genuinely need it as they seek refuge from persecution in their home countries.
“I am happy that the UNHCR is partnering with the Government and people of South Africa in eliminating the backlog in the Asylum Seeker System.
“We are firmly on the path of modernising our immigration laws, focussing on strengthening the system and improving our processes,” Minister Motsoaledi said.
Minister Motsoaledi said as of the 2019/20 financial year, the Refugee Appeal Authority of SA (RAASA), an independent statutory administrative tribunal tasked with ensuring that appeal cases are dealt with efficiently, effectively and in an unbiased manner, said the backlog stood at more than 153 000.
He said the partnership they were launching brought in financial and technical support to help RAASA eliminate the backlog and establish a robust asylum appeals management programme going into the future.
“Over the next four years, the UNHCR will make available US$9.6 million or around R147 million to RAASA and technical support to eliminate this backlog.
“This money will help to employ 36 RAASA members who will be appointed and trained over the next six months,” Minister Motsoaledi said. He said a portion of the money had been set assist to acquire IT tools the team would need to undertake the task.
Problems in the asylum system led to some claims being stuck for over a decade waiting to be heard.
Of the 266 694 refugees and asylum-seekers in South Africa, two-thirds of them do not have access to the full rights and privileges of refugee status.
Under the Asylum Decisions Backlog Elimination Project, 153 391 cases will be processed over the next four years.
Once their claims are processed, those who will be recognised as refugees will be free not only to access national services on a par with the South African citizens, but will also become valuable contributors to South African society and the development of the country.
“We welcome the Government’s determination to revamp the asylum system in South Africa and their openness to working with the UNHCR on eliminating the backlog,” said the UNHCR’s Representative in South Africa, Leonard Zulu.
“Changes to policy and strengthening administrative procedures are vital for a fair and effective asylum system and for the public to have trust in the architecture of refugee management and the institution of asylum.
“The work we have started will also ensure that those who are in need of international protection have their refugee status recognised as quickly as possible. This project also supports efforts to maintain social cohesion between refugee and host communities,” Zulu said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GENDER EQUALITY REMAINS CRITICAL TOWARDS ACHIEVING 2030 SDGS |
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| The Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has urged the country not to allow COVID-19 to keep it from reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality. |
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Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said COVID-19 had already impacted the lives of women and girls, and exposed the fault lines of inequalities and patriarchy that continue to persist.
“Gender equality remains critical towards achieving the 2030 SDGs. We have only nine years to reach this goal.
“COVID-19 has exacerbated these inequalities and negative social norms for women and girls, not least of which is growing poverty and joblessness among women, and the continuing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said.
The Minister made these remarks at a national stakeholder consultation ahead of the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), which will take place from 15 to 26 March 2021.
The meeting brought to the fore the voices and experiences of women on the ground to ensure that lived experiences are always at the forefront of gender equality efforts on a global scale.
This year’s theme aligns closely with the outcomes of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBV, which highlights economic empowerment as a key area of concern that must be addressed.
Lack of women representation
The Minister emphasised the need for 50-50 representation at local government level.
“We want women leaders at this level to make a difference for the ordinary women on the ground through policy and intervention measures. In this way, women’s access to basic services, water, electricity and sanitation can be prioritised.
“We want women leaders to promote women’s employment as well as opportunities to entrepreneurship and access 40% of the procurement spend,” Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said.
Among the issues raised by participants were the lack of women representation in leadership and decision-making bodies, the lack of young women representation in various labour sectors and the need for increased funding for programmes that address national concerns like patriarchal attitudes and toxic masculinity.
Participants were also vocal about the need for increased funding to NGOs working to localise the District Development Model and drive change on the ground, through community work and stakeholder participation.
About the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
The CSW is a global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The commission is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
This year’s CSW65 will held under the theme,” Women's Full and Effective Participation and Decision-Making in Public Life, as well as the Elimination of Violence for Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of all Women and Girls”.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| CONDOLENCES FOR PETER MATLARE |
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| Acting Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has paid tribute to Peter Matlare for his contribution to the economic development of South Africa as he held various roles both in the public and private sector. |
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Matlare passed away on Sunday, 7 March 2021, due to COVID-19-related complications.
“His passing is a great loss to South Africa when the nation is confronted with the task of rebuilding an inclusive post-COVID-19 economy that requires seasoned and experienced leaders across the society. He has held senior executive roles across a diverse range of economic sectors and thus giving testament that he was an executive par excellence,” the Minister said on Monday.
At the time of his passing, he was the Deputy CEO of Absa Group.
He has held several executive positions over the years at various organisations such as Group Chief Executive Officer at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Executive Director at Vodacom and CEO of Tiger Brands and Primedia, among others.
Matlare was also the founding Director of the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, held executive positions in the Chamber of Mines and served as the Chairperson at the National Association of Broadcasters.
He also served as an instrumental member of the task team, which worked on the Green Paper for the Broadcasting Act.
“While we mourn his untimely death, we must also celebrate this remarkable person, who made an immense contribution to growing South Africa and the African continent. He has left behind a solid foundation for us to build on in our pursuit of economic development,” Minister Ntshavheni said.
Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matlare.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| CONDOLENCES FOR VETERAN JOURNALIST KARIMA BROWN |
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| Acting Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has paid tribute to veteran journalist and political analyst Karima Brown for her contribution to the South African media industry. |
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“Brown had an unwavering commitment to journalism and was never afraid to ask difficult questions and speak her mind. Her patriotism saw her pushing the boundaries of complacency and exposing wrong doing wherever she came across it,” the Minister said.
Brown, who was also an anchor of eNCA's weekly show The Fix, passed away on Thursday, 4 March 2021, from COVID-19-related complications.
She has held various editorial positions in both print and broadcast media over the years.
“Her journalistic instinct contributed significantly to the vibrant and diversified media in South Africa. Indeed, South Africa and the media industry are poorer without her”, Minister Ntshavheni said.
Brown was also an activist who in her early years contributed to the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
She played a critical role in the Cape Youth Congress and the building of the South African Youth Congress.
“Her fiery approach to the pursuit of truth and justice has left an indelible mark in South African journalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” said the Minister.
Government has conveyed its deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the media fraternity.
Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) also conveyed its condolences.
“Brown was a controversial media figure. Before taking up her job at eNCA as the anchor of the much talked about The Fix, Brown lodged a complaint accusing her former employers at Talk Radio 702 of censorship and editorial interference. This followed the station not renewing her contract,” said SANEF.
The forum described Brown as a mentor to many young journalists.
“However, to many young upcoming journalists, Brown was a mentor. Many of them have taken to social media platforms thanking her for her role in the development of their careers. SANEF extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues,” it said in a statement.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| COVID-19 CROWNED NEWSMAKER OF 2020 |
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| The National Press Club (NPC) has named COVID-19 as the Newsmaker of the Year for 2020. |
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This came a year since the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed the first case of Coronavirus in South Africa on 5 March 2020.
The annual award, made possible by the NPC since 1980, honours a newsmaker in a calendar year based on the amount of media coverage received as well as the impact thereof.
The NPC Chairperson, Val Boje, said no story dominated the news in the past 365 days as COVID-19 did.
“From that first case through the five levels of lockdown; the 'family meetings' and vigorous debates around the regulations; the need for personal protective equipment and the demands made on the healthcare services; working from home and job losses; the socio-economic impact; and the need for vaccines,” Boje said on Thursday night, 4 March 2021.
Boje also dedicated the award to all those in this country and beyond who have spent the past year fighting the virus, especially doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
She also made a special mention of scientists and others who have provided advice and worked on treatments and vaccines.
Minister Mkhize has described the past year as “tumultuous”.
“I believe this award is for all the South Africans out there, fighting COVID-19, the health workers and all those who have had to endure the difficulties of the pandemic. We accept it on the basis that we all understand that those are the people that this award is honouring," said the Minister.
The press club also took a moment to remember the 50 000 people who have lost their lives to the infectious disease.
“We urge everyone to continue taking the required precautions such as wearing a mask in public and regular hand and surface sanitising,” it said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| HYPERCAR BUILDER KOENIGSEGG NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL PRESENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| Swedish hypercar specialist Koenigsegg now has an official presence in South Africa following the appointment of Daytona as its official representative in the country. |
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Daytona, which is also the sole importer of Pagani, McLaren, Rolls Royce, Lotus and Aston Martin, will sell the Koenigsegg products at a dealership in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The facility boasts client lounges, a coffee bar, private meeting rooms and a 400m² state-of-the-art workshop.
"Koenigsegg represents the pinnacle of performance megacars, which is why being selected at the dealer of choice in southern Africa is such a huge honour,” says Daytona CEO, Justin Divaris. “We strongly believe that our clients will be excited to have this brand represented in South Africa, and have no doubt that the partnership will grow from strength to strength under our portfolio”.
“We are delighted to welcome Daytona to the Koenigsegg family,” said Koenigsegg Sales Director Andreas Petré.
“Our philosophy is one focussed on performance, not only in terms of power and speed, but in every deliverable and this extends to the selection of our representatives around the world. We believe we share a common view on the importance of a personal, professional and dynamic approach to service necessary in this segment.”
– Source: IOL Motoring |
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| CSIR UNVEILS SOUTH AFRICA’S PHOTONICS PROTOTYPING FACILITY |
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| South Africa’s Photonics Prototyping Facility, which is aimed at bolstering the country’s photonics industry, was launched at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Pretoria Campus on Friday, 5 March 2021. |
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The facility, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, aims to fast-track the product development of photonics technologies and devices in line with market needs to stimulate growth and competitiveness of the South African photonics industry. It will address the current lack of commercialised photonics products in South Africa by providing world-class specialised photonics facilities, technical support, scarce skills as well as networks needed to facilitate the development of prototypes.
Photonics applications are pervasive in all branches of 21st-century science and engineering and everyday life, including fibre optic information and communications networks and systems, cameras, sensors and imaging systems, illumination systems and displays, applications in the energy sector such as photovoltaic materials and systems, and applications in manufacturing where photonics plays an increasing important part as a tool that support advanced manufacturing technology such as 3D printing. |
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| ETHEKWINI GEARS UP TO REBUILD TOURISM INDUSTRY |
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| eThekwini Municipality is taking the reins in getting its tourism sector back on track after being derailed by COVID-19 restrictions. |
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On Wednesday, 3 March 2021, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, hosted a virtual Durban Tourism Imbizo, which was expected to come up with ideas to rebuild the country’s tourism sector during COVID-19 and beyond.
The imbizo followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of adjusting the country to Level 1 lockdown, and permitting visitors from any country, provided they follow health and safety guidelines.
The tourism sector has welcomed the announcement of easing international travel restrictions under Level 1, and expects to see an increase in business.
Spokesperson for Mayor Kaunda, Mluleki Mntungwa, said as the tourism sector sought to recuperate from the devastating effects of COVID-19, the imbizo would bring under one roof all tourism role-players to collectively deliberate on steering the sector towards recovery and growth in 2021.
“The imbizo will also reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on the sector through data from the 2020 Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Annual Report.
“The municipality will further use the platform to update industry players on milestones achieved to date on the city's Economic Recovery Plan, under which tourism is reflected as pillar number three,” Mntungwa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SUN CITY'S VALLEY OF WAVES REOPENS FOR DAY VISITORS |
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| If you are yearning for a summer escape where you can splash about and soak up the sun, then Sun City's Valley of Waves should be on your bucket list. |
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The beloved attraction has reopened for day visitors from Monday to Friday on 8 March. No tickets will be sold at the Sun City Resort gate and can be booked online.
Due to the pandemic, daily visitor numbers will be restricted.
Day visitors can enjoy getting lost in the Maze of the Lost City, go on the infamous Tarantula and Scorpion slides or the Viper and the Mamba tube rides.
If brave, go on the Roaring Lagoon at the Valley of Waves, where every 90 seconds, bender waves rise 2m in the air.
Children will appreciate the Chimp & Zee Rope Adventure Park course.
Rates start from R290 a child and R395 an adult. Tickets include entry to Sun City, entry to the Valley of Waves and an R80 meal voucher.
Sun City has introduced staff awareness programmes and appropriate education campaigns to ensure their staff are up to date with the new developments regarding the pandemic.
In addition to its ongoing cleaning schedules, Sun City will implement other enhanced protocols. All visitors, outsourced workers, suppliers and employees will be required to accept the COVID-19 Entry to Premises Terms and Conditions, undergo a temperature check and complete a medical screening questionnaire before they are allowed to enter the premise.
Sun International has been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Stamp of Approval, verifying that their COVID-19 health and safety protocols exceed international benchmarks.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| “NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC” LAUNCHES PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| South Africans are being encouraged to capture the epic in every day, in a competition open to amateur photographers from 7 March to 3 April. |
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National Geographic has announced its “Explore With Nat Geo” Photo Competition 2021 brought to you by Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and in collaboration with The Sunday Times.
Themed “Find the Epic in Every Day”, the competition invites all South Africans to capture unique and remarkable moments, experiences or aspects of everyday life around them, with entries open from 7 March to 3 April 2021.
All it takes is a new perspective to rediscover our breathtaking world. Capturing these epic moments through a single image could lead to a share in prizes worth R70 000. The first prize is a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G smartphone plus accessories, with a Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, and a Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as the second and third prizes respectively. In addition, the finalists’ photos and the winning three will be published in the Sunday Times Lifestyle and online at TimesLIVE.
To enter, fans are encouraged to post their photo on Instagram, tagging @NatGeo_Africa @SamsungMobileSA, adding #ExploreWithNatGeo #GalaxyS21 and #withGalaxy hashtags.
“Visual storytelling is at the heart of National Geographic and we receive hundreds of photographs from our followers on social media every year,” said Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Every picture tells a story, every day has an epic moment and we are excited to see what vibrant tales South Africans have to tell.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| A 12-YEAR-OLD FROM JOHANNESBURG JUST HAD AN AIRCRAFT NAMED AFTER HIM! |
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| The 12-year-old South African was selected following a tradition that started in 1973 when the very first FedEx Express plane was named “Wendy”, honouring the daughter of Frederick W Smith, founder, Chairperson and CEO of FedEx. |
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FedEx Express Aircraft N273FE (“Liam”) is taking to the skies and is also the first FedEx plane named after a South African.
The aircraft was named after Liam Perumal, the 12-year-old son of team members based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Liam was selected following a tradition that started in 1973, when the very first FedEx Express plane, a Dassault Falcon 20, was named “Wendy”, honouring the daughter of Frederick W Smith, founder, Chairperson and CEO of FedEx. And for more than 30 years, every trunk plane in the FedEx fleet has been named after an employee’s child via drawing and the child’s name is painted prominently on the front of each aircraft.
“Thank you, FedEx, for this wonderful surprise. I would like to encourage all the youth of our country to never give up on their dreams, stay on the path, and you will be smiling at the end of the race,” said Liam.
From the first night of operations, when 14 aircraft took to the skies, FedEx Express now has more than 680 aircraft in its fleet, with Liam being the first plane to be named after a team member’s child based in Africa.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SHO MADJOZI IS SHINING ON A BILLBOARD IN TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK |
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| The “John Cena” hitmaker, Sho Madjozi, and her dance crew can be seen on a YouTube Music's Black Voices billboard in Times Square, New York. |
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The vibey singer-songwriter – real name Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif – popularly known as Sho Madjozi is the most recent South African to grace a billboard in Times Square, New York.
Madjozi, who was nominated for a BET Award last year in the category of Best International Artist, took to Twitter to share the news saying she is a “village girl in Times Square”.
A village girl in Time Square #WhatALife ✨����pic.twitter.com/fDT7bTMGDH
— What a Life (@ShoMadjozi) March 3, 2021
Many of her fans on Twitter expressed their joy at seeing a South African on a billboard in Times Square.
According to ZAlebs, her feature in Times Square comes after she recently made the list as one of the 21 artists joining the YouTube Black Voices Class of 2021.
As part of their packages, the selected artists will receive support from YouTube as well as seed funding invested into the development of their channels and participate in training and networking programmes focussed on production, fan engagement and well-being.
“I made the YouTube Black Voices Class of 2021! Along with some super incredible artists from all around the world! What an honour”, she expressed her joy at the time. “Whether it’s asserting my independence, whether it’s talking about love or lost love, I want to be remembered as someone who made it cool to be African and cool to be yourself.”
At the end of 2019, after two videos of WWE veteran wrestler, John Cena dancing to a track by Madjozi on the Ellen de Generes Show and him surprising her on Kelly Clarkson’s programme went viral, Madjozi’s influence had begun to quickly infiltrate pop culture and closer to home, her hairstyle became the most requested of 2019.
“Braids were always a natural option for me because they allow me to do the things that I love doing. I can swim and play sport, these are things that my followers know I love doing. I want to create a hairstyle that young black girls can have that is affordable and let’s them live their best life,” she told Top Billing.
With a combined following of one million on social media, Madjozi said she had a small team behind her that was quietly and effectively building her brand.
According to Times Live, other South African celebs have had their faces featured on an international billboard. Earlier this year, DJ Black Coffee had his face lighting city centres in New York and Toronto merely hours after the release of his now-hit album Subconsciously.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| THEBE MAGUGU UNVEILS NEW COLLECTION IN “SPECTACULAR FASHION” AT PARIS FASHION WEEK |
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| Thebe Magugu unveiled his autumn/winter 2021 presentation in spectacular fashion during the digital Paris Fashion Week. |
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Thebe Magugu, the designer behind the contemporary South African fashion brand primarily operating within the field of women’s ready-to-wear, recently released its AW21 short film, titled: Banyoloyi A Bosigo (Ultimate Midnite Angels) in the hopes of telling a “visceral story of African spirituality”.
Magugu, who is a young Johannesburg designer and winner of the 2019 LVMH Prize, went on to unveil his autumn/winter 2021 presentation in spectacular fashion during the digital Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, 2 March.
According to British Vogue, Magugu interviewed and underwent sessions with traditional healers to inform pieces that explore the changing face of South African spirituality for this collection titled, Alchemy.
“It’s quite a niche phenomenon,” the designer told the publication, “but one that is gaining a huge amount of public visibility.” Last season, Magugu drew on the lives of others – his counterintelligence-themed short film for spring/summer 2021 built on previous work inspired by the women of the Black Sash, a non-violent, anti-apartheid resistance movement. In contrast, “this season circled back to me in a more personal way”.
And so, Magugu embraced the world of healers – an experience that’s reflected in patterns created by pounding merino wool with healing mphepho or cannabis plants; and 3D knitted fabrics that mimic tribal scarification.
“African spirituality I can imagine sounds extremely general when heard by a foreign audience, but it is such a critical part of the local black experience, and I am no exception,” Magugu says. “Although a large part of my upbringing was Christian, we did subscribe to certain parts of African spirituality. Every few years, my family and I must have a ritualistic ceremony as a celebration, and in thanksgiving to our ancestors,” the designer goes on. “This year, we missed it – all hell broke loose.”
To complete the collection, he enlisted textile makers in South Africa, Japan and the Netherlands, but, according to the publication, the most intriguing of all is that the look was created in collaboration with traditional spiritual healer Noentla Khumalo, who uses bones as her means of communication.
“Posing the question, ‘What now?’ to the ancestors, Noentla threw bones onto a straw mat which I then photographed, abstracted, and printed onto wool suiting,” says Magugu, who describes the result – his favourite piece from the collection – as a “joint effort of fashion and spirituality” that is “up for interpretation by the wearer”.
Magugu said further that he wanted to inform people on South Africa.
"People don’t know about South Africa and I want to – in my own way – contribute to the knowledge-sharing,” he says. “I think exploring the parts of our nation often left to history’s margins – like the women of the Black Sash movement – not only is it [a form of] documentation, it’s also an education for anyone who might not have known about it otherwise.”
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| MAKING WAVES IN THE US: NOMZAMO MBATHA APPEARS ON “THE REAL” |
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| “IsiBaya” actress Nomzamo Mbatha, tipped to be the film industry's “next big thing”, appeared on United States (US) talk show “The Real” recently. |
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South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha joined Loni Love, Jeannie Mai and the other big-name presenters on the hit talk show The Real on Wednesday, 3 March 2021.
On 28 February, the talk show announced their guests for the week through a short promotional clip on Twitter.
The actress was cast among A-list actors in the upcoming film Coming 2 America. She appeared on The Real alongside her co-star, Jermaine Fowler.
She has also been featured on BBC Africa.
The actress is flying the South African flag high in the US with The Hollywood Reporter naming her the “next big thing” a few days ago.
– Source: www.thesouthafrcan.co.za |
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| BAVUMA: “I APPRECIATE SIGNIFICANCE OF CAPTAINCY” |
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| Newly appointed Proteas captain for the limited-overs formats, Temba Bavuma, is ready to embrace the opportunity of being the country’s first permanent black African captain. |
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Bavuma was confirmed as the new leader in the shorter formats by Cricket South Africa recently, along with Dean Elgar, who will captain the Test outfit.
Both positions will replace Quinton de Kock, who took over the reigns when Faf du Plessis stepped down last year.
But, Bavuma’s role carries large significance and represents a historic and special day for South African cricket.
“I understand the deeply rooted significance of it all,” Bavuma told the media.
“In being the first black African (cricket) captain in our country – you don’t have to look too far in our history and our political situation in our country – so I can completely understand why people in our country would celebrate it for what it is.
“I’d be lying if I said it does not make me think of where everything started for me, and how I’ve been able to go through a journey and get to this point. But combined with being known as the first black African captain, I’d also like to be known as someone who led the team very well and created a legacy for himself.”
Bavuma announced himself back in 2016 when he became the first black cricketer to hit a Test century for the Proteas.
He has since gone on to play 44 Test matches for the Proteas, while he has six ODI and eight T20I caps to his name.
The right-hander, though, established himself in white-ball cricket over the past 12 months and will lead the team into the upcoming world cups.
“I was offered the position as captain and it came to me as a surprise, but it was a no-brainer. I don’t think a lot of people would turn down this type of honour and privilege.
“Obviously, there’s anxiety about not knowing what to expect but a lot of comfort comes from the fact that I know my players and the people who have entrusted me with the decision, I draw a lot of confidence from that because those are people of stature.
– Source: www.sacricketmag.com |
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| PROTEAS WOMEN BEAT INDIA BY EIGHT WICKETS IN FIRST ODI |
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| The Proteas beat India by eight wickets in the first One Day International in Lucknow on Sunday, 7 March 2021. |
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The Proteas Women got their tour of India off to a flying start as they hauled in a modest India total to win the first ODI in Lucknow by eight wickets.
India skipper Mithali Raj had downplayed the rustiness of her squad ahead of the match but it was clear that the Proteas were sharper out of the blocks.
The Proteas bowlers got on top early and India struggled to get any sort of momentum into their innings.
Raj (50) and vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur (40) looked to have put India on course to at least break 200 with their 62-run fourth wicket partnership. Raj put on a further 52 with Deepti Sharma but when the India skipper became the second of the three scalps claimed by Proteas quick Shabnim Ismail (3/28), the home side suffered another batting collapse.
The Proteas were sharp in the field with wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty on her toes to secure the first wicket. A delivery from Ayabonga kept low as Smriti Mandhana shaped to cut but succeeded only in collecting a bottom edge, Chetty dived forward to glove an excellent catch. From 16 for 1, India slipped to 40 for 3 as Marizanne Kapp an Ismail got in on the wickets.
After some middle order resistance, the lower order managed to occupy the crease for the full 50 overs but the score of 177 for 9 looked modest.
When the Proteas openers got going it was clear this contest wasn’t going to be close.
The pair were deliberate on a surface that was challenging but kept the Proteas well ahead of the required rate.
India’s bowlers offered the pair a few too many easy releases of pressure with the odd errant delivery well put away by Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt.
Lee and Wolvaardt (80) nearly saw the Proteas over the line on their own, Jhulan Goswani would nip out Wolvaardt and skipper Sune Luus (1). However Lee (83*) would get South Africa over the line with Laura Goodall at the non-striker’s end not facing a ball.
The match ended anticlimactically with a wide from Kaur and with nine overs and five balls to spare.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| CAPE TOWN SEVENS IS BACK! POPULAR EVENT WILL CONCLUDE SHORTENED SEASON |
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| The Cape Town Sevens will be the final leg of a revamped and shortened HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021. |
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The Cape Town Sevens will take on a new mantle after World Rugby announced that the popular event in the Mother City would be the final leg of a revamped and shortened HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021.
The South African leg will return to the Cape Town Stadium from 10 to 12 December after a COVID-enforced absence in 2020.
Ticketing details will be announced in due course.
The condensed 2021 World Series includes five women’s and four men’s rounds and kicks off in Paris with back-to-back women’s tournaments on two weekends in May, before the teams set sail for the Olympic Games, scheduled for Tokyo in July.
The World Series will then recommence with men’s events in Singapore (29 – 30 October), followed by joint men’s and women’s events in Hong Kong (5 – 7 November), Dubai (3 – 4 December) and finally in Cape Town (10 – 12 December).
Detailed discussions are continuing with London and Vancouver on the viability of hosting men’s events in the window following the Olympic Games and prior to the HSBC Singapore Sevens in October and further updates to the schedule will be given when available.
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux welcomed the announcement and said that the rugby fraternity had been waiting for confirmation of one of the most anticipated sports events in the country.
“The HSBC Cape Town Sevens has delivered a world-class event for spectators and players alike since we moved the tournament to Cape Town Stadium in 2015,” said Roux.
“We are working very hard to ensure the same high standards and expectations are met this year, given the changed environment and expected pandemic guidelines that will apply.”
Roux said the 2021 season would be a taxing one on players and administrators and applauded World Rugby’s efforts in this regard.
“We have seen the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the last year and it was not easy to get all the moving parts together, especially as the postponed Olympic Games also impacted on the normal planning,” added Roux.
“Credit must go to those involved to make sure that we will not only have a World Series, but also one that could finish on an absolute high here in Cape Town.
“We saw a very good appetite for the dual format of the tournament in 2019 and I am convinced that the same will apply this December. The fact that we will be the final tournament of the series will add to the excitement and drama that is so closely associated with sevens rugby.
“Matches will be played over three days and with some of the world’s best athletes and the unpredictability of sevens, the HSBC Cape Town Sevens will yet again provide our spectators with hours of excellent entertainment.”
– Source: www.thesouthafrcan.co.za |
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| MR PRICE SPORT TO DRESS TEAM SA AT TOKYO OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPICS |
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| SASCOC has announced a multi-year partnership with Mr Price Sport, confirming the retailer as the official apparel sponsor of Team South Africa. |
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The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has announced a multi-year partnership with Mr Price Sport, confirming the retailer as the official apparel sponsor of Team South Africa.
The four-year deal encompasses the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2023 Africa Games in Accra and the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Beginning with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for the first time, the South African Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be wearing locally developed athletic apparel at the Olympics’ and Paralympics opening ceremony, as well as on the podium.
The Olympic Games are the world’s most internationally represented multi-sport event, with 35 sport types and over 200 nations taking part. The Paralympic Games are the largest multi-coded event for athletes with disabilities covering 22 sport types and over 96 nations taking part. These games are typically hosted every four years but were delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks, shared his thoughts on the new partnership.
“It has always been a goal of SASCOC and Team South Africa to partner with a proudly South African brand. We are excited and thrilled to be partnering with Mr Price Sport – this is a momentous occasion in which Team South Africa will participate in the world’s biggest events, kitted and dressed by a South African brand, a first of its kind.”
The rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics are set to take place from 24 July to 8 August, 2021, with the Tokyo Paralympics to follow shortly thereafter from 24 August to 5 September.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| SPRINGBOKS TO PLAY USA IN BRITISH & IRISH LIONS WARM-UP TEST |
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| The Springboks will make their return to international rugby by taking on the United States of America (USA) in a warm-up Test ahead of their series against the British & Irish Lions. |
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The 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks will make their return to international rugby by taking on the USA at home in a warm-up Test ahead of their series against the British & Irish Lions.
That is if the much-anticipated series goes ahead in South Africa.
Should the Springboks v British & Irish Lions series be moved to the United Kingdom (UK) – as is the most likely scenario – the USA will also be the Springboks’ opposition.
Both the Springboks and USA haven’t played a single Test since the World Cup in Japan, which finished 16 months ago.
USA coach Gary Gold confirmed the plans to the Rugbypass website.
Gold said: “I approached the Springboks and they were in a similar position to us without fixtures and they said they could be looking for games. Hopefully, we will fulfil a need for the Springboks by getting some of the rustiness off and also get some game time ourselves.
“The plan is to play the Springboks either down there if the tour takes place in South Africa or if not, we could be coming to the UK. Pretty much we will play them anywhere and I’m very optimistic the tour will go ahead, but the pendulum is slightly going towards being in the UK because of the vaccination roll-out in the UK.”
The Boks and USA have played four previous official Tests – winning every match. The two sides have never met on South African soil.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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