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AFRICAN LEADERS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR MOZAMBIQUE |
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| The Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its solidarity with Mozambique, and its continued efforts in addressing terrorism and ensuring lasting peace and security. |
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The summit, which was held in Maputo, Mozambique, on Thursday, 27 May 2021, received a report of the Chairperson of the Organ on the security situation in the Cabo Delgado Province, in the northern part of Mozambique.
“The summit noted the progress in finding a lasting solution to terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado Province, and considered the proposed regional response in support of the Republic of Mozambique,” the statement from the summit said.
The summit agreed to convene an extra-ordinary summit by 20 June 2021 in Mozambique.
The summit noted progress towards the establishment and operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre, which will enhance regional capabilities in risk and disaster management, and commended Mozambique for her commitment to host the centre.
The summit commended the initiative of Mozambique to organise a business forum on the margins of the SADC Summit and invite member states to participate.
“The summit expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo following the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption in Goma, which caused the destruction of property, loss of life and displacement of people.
“The summit commended President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, for spearheading the work of the organ,” the statement said.
The summit also commended the President of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, for his leadership in coordinating the regional integration agenda, and in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The leaders thanked President Nyusi for hosting the Double Troika Summit.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, FRANCE COMMIT TO STRENGTHENING RELATIONS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa and his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, have committed to strengthening relations between the two nations following bilateral talks at the Union Buildings on Friday, 28 May 2021. |
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President Ramaphosa, who hosted President Macron for a State Visit in Tshwane, said discussions spanned a number of issues, including the COVID-19 response, climate change, global peace and security and their relationship.
“It is on COVID-19 that we’re feeling France’s keen support and solidary, in that they’re prepared to take the lead in advocating Africa’s case. President Macron would like to see the whole continent succeed,” he said.
It is for this reason, he said, that South Africa was willing to cooperate with France on a number of forums on multilateral levels around the world.
South Africa and France have a shared interest in ensuring that multilateral efforts are effective in ending the pandemic, resuming international travel and commerce, accelerating economic recovery and strengthening public health systems.
“This pandemic has shown that disasters of this scale respect no borders and that no one is safe until all of us are safe.
“It is for this reason, that we must accelerate our collective efforts to ensure that vaccines become a global public good and are made accessible to all countries in the shortest possible time,” said President Ramaphosa.
As part of these efforts, Africa is working to develop its own vaccine production capabilities and capacity to ensure security of supply.
“While funding is key, it needs to be complemented by the transfer of technology and a commitment by international procurement agencies to buy vaccines made in Africa,” said the President.
The two leaders share a commitment to make the knowledge related to COVID-19 health technologies and products a global public good. They agreed to work towards expanding research, innovation and production beyond COVID-19 to promote public health security in Africa.
Trade, climate change
During the meeting, the presidents reaffirmed the importance of bilateral trade and investment relationships. They will therefore continue working together to remove obstacles to bilateral and regional trade and investment.
Both countries, said President Ramaphosa, further agreed to work together towards the implementation of the European Union-Southern African Development Community Partnership Agreement and the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We look forward to France’s continued involvement in the Square Kilometre Array intergovernmental radio telescope project, and its related fields of research and development.
“We recognise that the climate change threat, the loss of biological diversity and other global environmental challenges must be addressed with urgency and ambition,” President Ramaphosa said.
The presidents said their nations were fully committed to the progressive development of a multilateral response to global environmental challenges, guided by science and the principles of fairness and equality.
They also agreed to continue working together towards a prosperous, secure and peaceful future for the African continent.
“We reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries, and we look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our peoples, our countries, our respective regions and the world,” said President Ramaphosa.
President Macron, who thanked President Ramaphosa for hosting him, said he was convinced that France’s commitment to assist Africa succeed, especially its youth, was a huge opportunity for the continent, while strengthening relations between the continent and Europe.
South Africa and France reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between the two countries and look forward to continued engagement that would benefit their peoples, countries and respective regions and the world.
The two heads of state also visited to the Vaccine Production Support Initiative for Africa at the University of Pretoria, where they led a high-level seminar on manufacturing vaccines in Africa.
The event took the form of a hybrid media conference and a high-level dialogue between presidents Ramaphosa and Macron, in conversation with scientists and industry leaders.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES PITSO MOSIMANE ON AL AHLY CONTINENTAL CUP VICTORY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Pitso Mosimane on leading the continent’s top football club, Al Ahly, to victory in the African Super Cup on Friday, 28 May 2021. |
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Al Ahly’s win over Renaissance of Morocco earned the former Mamelodi Sundowns manager his fourth title with Al Ahly since joining the club six months ago.
President Ramaphosa said: “Pitso Mosimane is an outstanding flag-bearer for our country and for football.
“His outstanding performance and that of his club shows what is possible when talent moves freely around our continent to unite people from diverse backgrounds and national origin and inspire them to achieve extraordinary things.” |
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| MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE BRICS MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS/INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, participated in a virtual meeting of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations, on Tuesday, 1 June 2021. |
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The virtual meeting was hosted by India as Chair of BRICS for 2021. The meeting served as a platform to exchange views on the response to the pandemic, sustainable development and intra-BRICS cooperation. The meeting also discussed global and regional peace and security, as well as countering terrorism.
The Ministerial Meeting adopted a media statement as well as a stand-alone Joint Statement on Strengthening and Reforming the Multilateral System. This joint statement sends a clear message on the shared values and common purpose of the BRICS countries to see a more fair, just, inclusive, equitable and representative multipolar international system.
The ministers reviewed progress in intra-BRICS cooperation and collaboration and exchanged views on major international and regional issues in the political, security, economic, trade, financial and sustainable development spheres.
Noting that 2021 marks the 15th anniversary of BRICS, they expressed support for strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation in areas of mutual interest in its three pillars: political and security, economy and finance, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
The ministers expressed grave concern over the continuing public health, societal and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic globally. They expressed condolences for lives lost and pledged solidarity with the affected families. The ministers emphasised the value of bilateral and multilateral cooperation among states to combat the pandemic and its impacts effectively. They called for better international preparedness to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and other current and future health challenges, including through mobilisation of political support, necessary financial resources, strengthening of local production, transfer of technology, equitable and affordable access to medicines, vaccines, medical products and equipment, diagnostics and therapeutics and strengthening the resolve of citizens.Furthermore, they called for the timely establishment and effective operationalisation of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre and stressed the need for further work on the proposal for BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for Preventing Mass Infectious Diseases Risks consisten t with international health regulations in line with previous leaders’ declarations. They supported the effort to hold a BRICS Symposium on Vaccine Cooperation.
Among others, the ministers issued a Joint Statement on Strengthening and Reforming the Multilateral System. The ministers expressed support for continued cooperation of BRICS countries in areas of mutual interest, including through regular exchanges among their permanent missions to the United Nations and in other international fora.
Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa extended their full support to India in hosting the 13th BRICS Summit in September 2021 and committed themselves to work together for its fruitful outcomes.
– Read more |
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| SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES THE ADOPTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION |
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| The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the adoption of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution on Ensuring Respect for International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, on 27 May 2021. |
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The resolution decides to urgently establish an independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel, for the period leading up to and since 13 April 2021, as well as make recommendations on accountable measures.
The resolution was adopted following a debate at the 30th Special Session of the HRC on the grave human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Addressing the Special Session, South Africa lamented the disproportionate tragic loss of so many lives, especially those of children, as a result of recent vicious attacks against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in East Jerusalem. South Africa also affirmed that “the protracted Israeli-Palestine conflict is one of an unbalanced power equation, between a nuclear state, as the occupying power, and a people with no military power resisting occupation, while striving for the right to self-determination and exercising their basic human rights”. South Africa called on the HRC to hold Israel accountable for its violations of human rights and impunity, adding that “the continued discriminatory Israeli occupation and annexation policy entrench the balkanisation of the Palestinian territory as an apartheid-style Bantustan, denying the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, and impeding peace and a viable two-state solution”.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the 47 countries of the Africa Group, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organisations in Geneva, reiterated South Africa and the Africa Group’s support to the historic struggle of the Palestinian people’s quest for an independent and sovereign state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasised the importance of a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the existence of two states so as to resolve the longest conflict in recent history and to put an end to the suffering of millions of Palestinians living under occupation. |
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| VIETNAM HANDS OVER RHINO HORN DNA SAMPLES TO SOUTH AFRICA |
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| The Vietnam CITES Management Authority and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources handed over 56 rhino horn DNA samples to the South African Embassy in Vietnam on Tuesday, 1 June 2021. |
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This was the fifth time Vietnam had handed over such samples to South Africa, which were seized by local authorities in illegal wildlife trafficking cases.
Phạm Văn Điển, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, said the sample handover was part of Vietnam’s implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including Resolution Conf.9.14 (Rev. CoP15) on the Conservation of and trade in African and Asian rhinoceroses.
It also showed the close cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa in fighting illegal wildlife trafficking, he said.
South African Ambassador to Vietnam, Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro, said the handing over of the rhino horn samples to the CITES Management Authority of South Africa was a practical manifestation of the commitment of the two countries to fighting wildlife trafficking and also contributed to protecting the animals.
The rhino horn DNA samples are expected to help agencies determine their origin and identify those responsible for poaching and illegally trafficking the wildlife.
– Source: https://vietnamnews.vn |
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| SIGN LANGUAGE ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING 12TH OFFICIAL LANGUAGE |
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| The process to make Sign Language one of South Africa’s official languages is underway as people from the deaf community contribute to the process. |
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Two years ago, South Africans rejoiced when South African Sign Language (SASL) was recognised as a home language and included in the National Senior Certificate curriculum as one of the examinable subjects. Now, SASL is one step closer to becoming an official South African language.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, was asked where the process stood to date, and he confirmed that it was already underway.
The minister explained that a constitutional review committee had recommended that a section of the Constitution be amended to include SASL. This will make it the 12th official South African language.
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services took steps to start the constitutional amendment process.
To date, various stakeholders from the deaf community have been consulted to ensure that South Africans who use SASL have all their needs met.
“In the meantime, the Pan South African Language Board is workshopping stakeholders on the SASL Charter, which sets out key obligations to improve access to quality services and effective protection of the linguistic rights of deaf people,” the Minister said.
This is a step in the right direction for the deaf community.
– Source: www.goodthings.guy.com |
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| RARE HONOURS AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR UCT RESEARCH MANAGERS |
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| Sidney Engelbrecht and Natalie Le Roux are the first of four South Africans to receive Research Management Professional (RMP) status from the International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC). |
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University of Cape Town (UCT) staff members Natalie Le Roux (Senior Research Manager in the Research Office) and Sidney Engelbrecht (Manager: Research Ethics and Compliance in the Faculty of Health Sciences) both obtained RMP status. The two received this honour during the first opportunity afforded to Africa’s research managers to receive this recognition.
They are among the first four South Africans to be awarded RMP status by the IPRC. Joining them are Barbara Herweg, a project manager at the University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wits) Wits Enterprise; and Anita Edwards, a research manager at the Africa Health Research Institute.
The IPRC was established in 2017 as an autonomous body that awards professional recognition to staff working in the research management and administration function. Staff are recognised through peer review of a portfolio based on evidence of the applicant’s prior learning and experience.
Le Roux and Engelbrecht are both also members of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), an organisation that brings together research and innovation management practitioners across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Heeding the open call for professional recognition of research managers from across Africa, the two UCT research managers took the opportunity to submit their portfolios in 2019. Their applications were supported by colleagues and management in UCT’s Research Office. Their recognition is valid for five years and is renewable. During this period, they are required to maintain and improve their status by continued membership of SARIMA, and accumulation of 60 training points through further professional development training activities such as workshops, webinars and courses.
“I hope this inspires my colleagues in SADC to take the opportunity to apply for formal RMP recognition,” said Engelbrecht.
In addition to receiving this rare honour of becoming two of the first recognised research management professionals in Africa, Engelbrecht and Le Roux have now been invited by the IPRC to participate in the organisation’s new STARS programme. The programme gets its name from its aim: for research managers, as (t)ested and (a)ffirmed professionals, to (r)each out and (s)hare their experience with others.
– Source: UCT |
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| CAPE FLATS CHEF COOKS THE WAY TO THE TOP |
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| Cape Town-born chef Shannon Peters helped his mother in the kitchen when he wanted to be a chef at an early age. |
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During his 14-year career, he has already cooked for internationally renowned figures and pop stars such as UB40, Macy Gray, Usher, Serena, Venus Williams, Roger Federer, and even former President Jacob Zuma.
Peters says his humble beginning paved the way for his culinary career.
Originally from Strandfontein, Peters is the youngest of a family of four.
He told News24 that his brother and relatives made fun of him as the only boy in the kitchen, and other boys would do more “manly” jobs such as car work, tiling and soccer.
“At that time, there were only women in the kitchen,” he laughed.
At the age of 15, he started job shadowing at The Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town. There he learned the rhythm of working in the kitchen.
His passion and enthusiasm for learning impressed the chef at the time, so he was offered a regular job, but still unpaid.
It cost his family financially because he had to fork out to get to and from work.
After completing his enrolment in Muizenberg in 2008, he secured an internship at Claremont’s famous Vineyard Hotel and began working there on 1 December that year.
During his internship, he received his diploma from Capsicum Culinary Studio in 2011 and a professional patisserie qualification from the Chef Academy in South Africa.
Peters has always aimed to work as a chef in Dubai and has continued to apply for various hotels and restaurants.
His dream came true when a Dubai hotel chef called him on a day off after reading his résumé.
“After a five-minute call, the rest is history, and in August 2012, I was on a plane to Dubai,” he said.
He was there for four years, spending most of his time at the Irish Village Restaurant and the Grand Hyatt Hotel, cooking for various celebrities such as UB40, Macy Gray, Usher, tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer and more.
“It was amazing just to be the same as these celebrities, I was completely struck by the stars,” exclaimed Peters.
After four years in Dubai, Peters returned to South Africa, where he joined the Italian restaurant Sotto Sopra in Johannesburg, cooking for local celebrities.
– Source: https://eminetra.co.za/ |
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| SIXTH SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN CONQUERS MOUNT EVEREST |
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| Marlette de Jager has become the sixth South African woman to conquer Mount Everest. |
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The 41-year-old South African reached the summit of Everest recently.
She had tried to summit two times before, but each failure seemed to be a boost for her.
In her latest courageous trek, she has now made history by climbing Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak above sea level.
Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibetan, is situated in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The international boundary between Nepal and China goes across its peak.
“We left the base camp on the morning of 8 May. We summited 08:20 on 12 May,” De Jager said to goodthingsguy.com.
“We returned to the base camp on the 14th day of May.”
During her first try in 2015, De Jager had earlier escaped an avalanche that swept across the Everest base camp in Nepal due to an earthquake. At least 22 climbers were killed in the April 2015 avalanche. This, however, did not put an end to her hopes. De Jager claims that she first believed that the avalanche would never return to Everest. She was encouraged, though, when her medicine climber Wilmien van der Merwe summited Everest in 2017 after surviving the horrific earthquake and avalanche.
She ultimately reached her goal earlier after climbing 8 850 metres together with Irish mountaineer Noel Hanna, living in South Africa. De Jager is a Johannesburg-based alpinist and motivational speaker.
De Jager has now climbed six of the world’s highest summits, often known as the “Seven Summits”.
Kilimanjaro (Africa) in 2000, Mount Elbrus (Europe) in 2010, Aconcagua (South America) and Mount Denali (North America) in 2014, and the Carstensz Pyramid (Australasia) in 2019 are among her accomplishments.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S SILO HOTEL LISTED AS THIRD-BEST POOL IN THE WORLD |
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| The Silo Hotel in Cape Town has landed a Top Tree spot among the best swimming pools globally; the proudly South African hotel shares the podium with Italy and Western Australia. |
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The Silo Hotel at the V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s newest highlights in travel. The hotel is built into an old grain silo, and the architecture is unbelievable. The hotel is starting to earn accolades around the world, and the latest is for the third-best pool in the world as voted by Big 7 Travel.
Some 1.5 million people from 60 countries take surveys for Big 7 Travel and vote for the best travel accolades worldwide.
The Silo hotel pool boasts some incredible views, which is why the pool has earned a top-three spot.
“Located in Cape Town on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Silo Hotel occupies the grain elevator portion of a historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The hotel bills itself as ‘a celebration of art, style, architecture and design’. Its spectacular rooftop pool has glass sides and unrivalled views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head as well as the Atlantic Ocean and city skyline. Sunsets from here are mesmerising and memorable.” – Big 7 Travel.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| RARE 19TH CENTURY SOUTH AFRICAN WINE MEANT FOR NAPOLEON FETCHES R420 000 AT AUCTION |
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| An uncommon bottle of Grand Constance 1821 reached a record-breaking R420 000 at the Cape High Quality & Uncommon Wine Public sale. |
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The bottle is certainly one of roughly 12 recognised to exist globally, from an allocation initially destined for the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It was acquired by a United Kingdom-based consumer of public sale home Christie’s.
The public sale was held in affiliation with Christie’s and live-streamed from the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch.
On completion of the public sale, the unaudited whole outcomes stood at R2 219 200.
“Following a year that has impacted the South African wine trade like no different, the Cape High Quality & Uncommon Wine Public sale grew to become a beacon of resilience, showcasing the tenacious spirit of the nation’s wine-makers – and the large favour they carry with wine fans globally,” Cape High Quality Uncommon Wine Public sale director, Niël Groenewald, commented in a press release.
“What an unimaginable expertise to honour the standard of South Africa’s wines at a time when the trade desperately wants it. It has by no means been extra essential to shine a lightweight on the spirit of South Africa’s wines, and the Cape High Quality & Uncommon Wine Public sale did precisely that.”
Since its inception in 1975, the public sale has supported philanthropic initiatives within the Cape winelands by means of its community of bidders and patrons. This year, more than R130 000 was raised for the Pinotage Youth Academy, centred on making ready and growing youth for significant employment within the wine sector and associated industries.
– Source: https://africanspan.com/ |
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| CAPE TOWN’S GREAT AFRICAN SEA FOREST IS A “NEW WORLD WONDER” |
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| Cape Town’s Great African Sea Forest has just been crowned as one of “World’s new Wonders”. |
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Prepare for immediate readjustment of your bucket lists.
This after seven “new” wonders of the world have been chosen by Bloomberg and the underwater enchanted Kelp Forest, 16 kilometres south of Cape Town, ranks among them.
The Kelp Forest is also known as the Great African Sea Forest. The forest’s profile was raised after its feature in the Academy Award Winning Documentary, My Octopus Teacher.
My Octopus Teacher reached global plaudits after its release on Netflix in the year 2020. It tells the heartwarming story of how filmmaker Craig Foster finds solace in the Kelp Forest and befriends an octopus where the two form a unique bond.
Here are the full “seven new wonders of the world” listed in reverse order:
- Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- San Agustin, Colombia
- Kelp Forests, South Africa
- Top End Rock Art, Australia
- Nahanni, Canada
- Baalbek, Lebanon
- Antequera Dolmens, Spain.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| ENDANGERED AFRICAN WILD DOGS ON THE INCREASE IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK |
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| It has been revealed that, thanks to conservation efforts, the number of wild dogs in the Kruger has increased from 120 in 2009 to around 300 to 350 now. |
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According to Grant Beverley from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), this good news story is thanks in large part to the crucial use of technology.
The African Wild Dog is one of southern Africa’s most endangered carnivores, and the Kruger National Park has the single largest population of wild dogs on the continent.
To protect the species, one adult female in each group has been fitted with a radio collar. Beverley says each has a GPS unit, connected to a satellite, so they can remotely track the wild dogs, which is particularly important when they venture into a high-risk area.
With the Kruger as the first viable population group, Beverley says the “Wild Dog range expansion project and WAG, which is the Wild Dog Advisory group, established a second population of wild dogs outside of Kruger by introducing them into provincial protected areas and smaller reserves across the country”. This group too has seen an increase in the number of wild dogs, so much so that now they’re ready to relocate some of the wild dogs to parks in other countries, with Mozambique being the first focus group.
Unfortunately, Africa’s wild dogs are still under threat, mainly from human animal conflict … in which they get caught in snares laid by bush-meat poachers for other animals. But their future is looking brighter.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| FIVE LION CUBS FROM UKRAINE SAFELY RELOCATED TO HOME IN OUDTSHOORN |
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| The final leg of the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary’s relocation has been completed, and the five lion cubs from Ukraine got to explore their new enclosure together. |
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An appeal for help with five neglected lion cubs in Ukraine was answered by the Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels back in 2019. Now they are settling into their forever home in the Western Cape.
In November 2019, Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels helped to relocate five lion cubs, rescued from captivity in appalling conditions in Ukraine, to the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in the North West. Founder Jurg Olsen has been taking in captive wildlife for some time, and the sanctuary was home to seven lions and two tigers.
Sadly, that home couldn’t be the forever home of the cubs. Good Morning Angels donated the funds needed to relocate the five cubs and their other sanctuary mates to a new location in the Western Cape. All has gone well and the animals are settling in well.
It was Ubuntu in action to move the 12 lions and two tigers of the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary from Groot Marico in the North West province to their new sanctuary premises on the border of Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The prepping of camps and planning for this epic move started months ago when the Ubuntu team got word that the landowners they had leased from in Groot Marico intended to resume their hunting business.
A wildlife and Ubuntu-supporter, André De Goede, heard of this and acquired the 1 650 hectares of land, bordering two nature reserves – to provide a permanent, safe home for the big cats, all saved from captivity all over the world.
The Ubuntu family will grow soon, with four more tigers from Argentina on their way. In addition, the construction of a new rhino orphanage will start soon.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| “SHINE YOUR LIGHT”: MASTER KG, DAVID GUETTA AND AKON DELIVER ON FEEL-GOOD FACTOR |
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“Jerusalema” hitmaker Master KG has “tuned up” with industry big names David Guetta and Akon on his brand- new track, “Shine Your Light”. |
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Kgaogelo Moagi, popularly known by his stage name Master KG, collaborated with French DJ David Guetta and American singer Akon on his latest song, Shine Your Light, which was released on 28 May.
On Shine Your Light, Master KG and David Guetta spins a blend of uplifting lyrics, Afro-house rhythms and feel-good vibes that made Master KG’s Jerusalema a global hit sensation.
Master KG announced the collaboration on Africa Day, 25 May 2021, on his social media accounts.
In an interview with Sowetan Live, Master KG admitted working with Akon and David Guetta was a bit stressful as they had previously created the hit Sexy Chick together back in 2009.
The award-winning musician also reflected on his humble beginnings of listening to Akon in taverns to now working with him.
“Coming from a small Limpopo village, I didn’t know many big international stars, but I knew Akon. He was even played in taverns. It’s crazy that today I have him on my song,” said Master KG to Sowetan Live.
On Thursday, 27 May 2021, Master KG took to Instagram to share that hit single Jerusalema that features Nomcebo Zikode has reached 400 million views on YouTube.
Master KG added that the success of Jerusalema made him want to make more music.
“Only God knows how the magic of Jerusalema came about. It is beyond me,” the star continued to Sowetan Live.
“It’s been such a blessing. I just want to make more music. What it has taught me is to never be afraid to dream big,” he continued.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| “MADE BY AFRICA, LOVED BY THE WORLD” SHORT FILMS FEATURE SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNER LADUMA NGXOKOLO |
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| Facebook is highlighting creatives in Africa as part of the global celebrations for Africa Month, and a South African designer has been featured in the short films. |
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As part of its celebration around Africa Day and Month, Facebook launched a global campaign titled: “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” – a series of short films unveiling the stories of eight phenomenal creatives and small business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world.
South African fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo is featured. His clothing brand, “MaXhosa”, has been worn by global names such as Beyonce and Alicia Keys, and most recently had his designs featured in the film Coming to America 2.
Available to view on a dedicated “Made by Africa, Loved by the World” microsite and the official Facebook Africa page, the films provide a glimpse into the global successes of African creatives and businesses hailing from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon. The series aims to showcase, hero’ing and honouring the people who are impacting the continent and the world through their music, arts and crafts.
“At Facebook, we’re deeply invested in the creative industry in Africa, and nowhere is it more exciting to witness this vibrant creative scene than here on the continent. These people and businesses are changing the way Africa is seen, not just in Africa, but around the world, and are cementing our position as leaders in innovation and the creative industries. We know that Africa is the future, and in honour of ‘Africa Day’ and the AU’s 2021 celebration of African ‘Arts Culture And Heritage’, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is our way of recognising just some of these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire the world,” says Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN MOVIE MAKES LIST OF WORLD’S TOP 10 ON NETFLIX |
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“I Am All Girls” is a tough subject to bring to life on film, but Hlubi Mboya does the role justice, and the international community is agreeing that this proudly South African film is a must-see. |
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The film follows the story of how a special crimes investigator forms an unlikely bond with a serial killer to bring down a global child sex trafficking syndicate. Some parts loosely based on a real South African story.
After premiering on 14 May, the proudly South African movie moved up the ranks on “What’s on Netflix” to the number two spot before settling in at number nine for the past week.
– Sources: Netflix | Hlubi Mboya | Good Things Guy |
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| BRAD BINDER CLOCKS 362.4 KM/H TO TIE MOTOGP TOP SPEED RECORD |
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South Africa’s Brad Binder equalled the top speed ever recorded in MotoGP in qualifying for the Italian MotoGP at Mugello. |
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The 25-year-old reached a scarcely-believable speed of 362.4 km/h on his KTM.
That mark tied Ducati’s Johann Zarco who set the record in Qatar earlier in the 2021 season.
Brad Binder wound up sixth on the grid and finished the race itself in fifth place.
After six races this season, Binder is in eighth place in the standings with 35 points.
France’s Fabio Quartararo leads the way on 105 points.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| JORDY SMITH TAKES SOUTH AFRICA SURFING TO THE 2021 TOKYO OLYMPICS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME |
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Now that surfing has officially been introduced to the Olympic Games this year, Red Bull athlete and surfer, Jordy Smith will be representing South Africa for the very first time, alongside 18 other athletes at the Tokyo Olympics in July. |
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Despite disruptions from the pandemic over the last year, Smith managed to secure a spot for the Olympics through The World Surf League (WSL) Champion Tour in 2020. As a first-time Olympic competitor, he shares personal and professional insight as to what his game plan is for his upcoming trip to Japan.
The news of the Tokyo Olympic Games delay had been met with some reactions. However, Smith’s response to the delay didn’t seem to impact the surfer much at all. He claims that it’s given him a chance to prepare so that he can give it his best shot.
In his last bit of preparation, he is certain that it’s really all about technique; it’s all about how he manages his opponents, his heats, and making sure s equipment is as good as it can get. The main component he believes in so strongly is that “you’ve got to believe in yourself, to put your best foot forward and give it everything you’ve got”. With that, Smith’s expectations of what’s coming amounts to a lot of experience, and having that experience and knowledge is what he will be taking to Tokyo.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING WOMEN QUALIFY FOR OLYMPICS FOR FIRST TIME IN 29 YEARS |
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Laura Strugnell and Clarissa Johnston came out of retirement to take a shot at the Olympics and made history by qualifying for the Synchronised Swimming Women on behalf of South Africa for the first time in 29 years. |
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They train full-time, six days a week, working with coach Vicky Drinkwater in person and consultant Reem Bossaty via Zoom (herself a two-time synchronised swimming Olympian).
Ahead of training, they amp themselves up with music and focus on the massive trial ahead.
“Synchronised swimming is like doing a relay race,” says Johnston, “but one where you’re passing the baton back and forth all the time, so synchronising your mood and intentions is crucial.”
Discussing the competition in Tokyo, they say for them it’s about breaking the score of 70/100 that South Africa has never surpassed, but also about making South Africa proud and enjoying the moment.
“It’s been a really tough journey,” both agree. “But every minute of pain and shivering in the pool that you endure, every injury and setback that you overcome, is worth it in the end if you can inspire even one young swimmer.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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