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| SADC TO DEPLOY REGIONAL STANDBY FORCE TO MOZAMBIQUE |
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| The Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, on 23 June 2021, has approved the mandate to deploy the regional standby force to Mozambique. |
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The country, which hosted the meeting – is battling terrorism and insurgents in the northern region of Cabo Delgado.
The 16-member bloc has been grappling with how to respond to the conflict in which thousands have been killed since 2017.
After months of deliberations on what would be the best response to the instability and terrorism in the region, a decision to deploy forces has finally been reached.
The standby force is part of a regional defence pact that allows military intervention to prevent the spread of conflict.
The summit also urged Mozambique to continue working with humanitarian aid agencies to assist the nearly 800 000 internally displaced people. |
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Executive Secretary, Stergomena Tax, said: “The bloc aims to become a middle to high-income region by 2050. This is part of the strategic direction: SADC Vision 2050.”
She said the goal was to ensure that citizens of member states enjoyed economic sustainability by mid-century.
The summit was a follow-up to the Extraordinary SADC Double Troika Summit that took place in Mozambique, on 27 May 2021.
The summit was preceded by a meeting of ministers on Tuesday, 22 June 2021.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the Minister of State Security, Ayanda Dlodlo.
– Read more
– Source: www.sabcnews.com |
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| MRNA HUB WILL CHANGE AFRICA’S IMAGE AND PROMOTE SELF-RELIANCE: PRES RAMAPHOSA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa believes the hub will lay the foundation for health security in African countries. |
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President Ramaphosa says the selection of South Africa by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to establish the first mRNA technology transfer hub will help change the continent’s image and promote self-reliance.
The hub will boost vaccine-manufacturing abilities in the region, as Africa continues to struggle with vaccine procurement. It will be established through a partnership consisting of South Africa’s Biovac Institute, Afrigen, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and universities.
The WHO says it could see South Africa producing vaccines in the next nine to 12 months.
Addressing a joint press conference with French President, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday night, 21 June 2021, President Ramaphosa said the hub would lay the foundation for health security in African countries.
“Today marks an important move towards the achievement of one of the critical objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Africa we want. The ability to manufacture vaccines, medicines and other health-related commodities will help put Africa on a path to self-determination.
“Through this initiative and others, we will change the narrative of an Africa that is a centre of disease and poor development. We will create a narrative that celebrates our successes in reducing the burden of disease and advancing self-reliance, also advancing sustainable development,” added the South African President.
More than 50 proposals were submitted to the WHO by companies offering to transfer technology, knowledge and skills for the mRNA hubs.
The global body says it will work with the ACDC to set up the guidelines and guidance for the project aimed at increasing vaccine manufacturing capacity.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said COVID-19 had highlighted the importance of local production to address health emergencies.
– Source: www.sabc.com |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA HAILS LATE ZAMBIAN LEADER KENNETH KAUNDA |
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the passing of former Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda, as a “deep, sad loss”. |
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“KK”, as he was affectionately known, passed away on Thursday, 17 June 2021, at a military hospital in Lusaka after being admitted on Monday for an undisclosed illness.
The 97-year-old was also regarded as the country’s founding father after he became the nation’s first democratically elected President, after Zambia gained its independence in 1964.
"We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family, and the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia.
“President Kaunda dedicated his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President hailed “KK” for having devoted himself and the Zambian people to, and supporting liberation movements around our region in their quest for independence and freedom.
“Steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state, he offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) in exile. Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth,” he said.
President Kaunda stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of their greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of their freedom.
It was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African Government bestowed on President Kaunda the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in 2002.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has expressed sadness at Kaunda’s passing, saying the Zambian leader first met former President Nelson Mandela in 1962 during his travels through Africa to secure support for a nascent armed struggle in South Africa.
“He next saw him soon after his release from prison in February 1990, when he visited Lusaka at the start of another tour of the African continent. The two leaders then maintained a friendship, which would endure until Madiba’s passing in 2013,” it said.
In a statement, the foundation said the 1990 visit to Lusaka was emblematic of the role Zambia played in South Africa’s liberation struggle under Kaunda’s leadership, as the ANC headquarters were located in Lusaka for many years.
It said that Zambia paid a heavy price for its support, with the country suffering systematic destabilisation by the apartheid state.
“We will not forget Kaunda’s contributions to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and the lessons his life holds for reflection on how democracy should be measured and how it can be deepened,” said the foundation.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PARTICIPATES IN VIRTUAL QATAR ECONOMIC FORUM |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa on 21 June 2021 participated in the opening session of the virtual Qatar Economic Forum. |
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The forum ended on Wednesday, 23 June 2021, and was held under the theme: “Reimagining the World”.
At the invitation of the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, President Ramaphosa joined several heads of state and government as well as eminent economists and leaders in the fields of technology, finance and business.
The leaders sought to identify new, efficient means of addressing the social, economic and political changes that are expected in a post-COVID-19 world.
In “Reimagining the World,” the three-day forum discussed responsible artificial intelligence, climate change, global productivity, investment, energy and technology as the world recovers and responds to the pandemic.
The President’s participation at the virtual opening session was held in the form of a recorded interview, with the forum’s media partner.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES CONCLUDES WORKING VISIT TO TURKEY |
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| The Deputy of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, has concluded his Working Visit to Turkey, where he attended the inaugural Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) from 18 to 20 June 2021. |
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Deputy Minister Botes said the ADF presented an excellent platform for regional and global actors from the spheres of diplomacy, policy and business to exchange ideas and address international challenges.
The Deputy Minister participated in a panel discussion on Turkey-Africa economic cooperation, hosted by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey. The panel explored mutual opportunities for trade and investment. Common issues raised by the participants included possibilities of joint projects between Africa and Turkey.
The Deputy Minister also had political consultations on the margins of the ADF with his Turkish counterpart, Sedat Onal, during which they discussed economic and political cooperation.
Turkey and South Africa are strategic partners and have elevated the structured engagement between the two countries into a Bi-National Commission at Deputy President’s level.
The Deputy Minister also met with other foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers from various countries, including the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Raid Malki; and the Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy of the Dominican Republic, José Julio Gòmez. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA PARTICIPATES IN 8TH EDITION OF AFRICA PUBLIC SERVICE DAY |
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Public Service and Administration Minister, Senzo Mchunu, led the South African delegation at the eighth annual Africa Public Service Day (APSD) Conference, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 21 to 23 June 2021. |
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During the three-day conference, the Minister shared developments in the country’s state of public service, development and governance practices.
This year’s APSD celebrations were held at the Victoria Falls Conference Centre in Harare under the theme: “Building the Africa we Want through Embracing an Ethical Culture that Underpins Purpose-Driven Leadership in the Context of a Crisis”.
The conference saw ministers of some of the 55 African Union member states responsible for labour, public and civil service, in their respective countries, converging to discuss the state of public service on the continent, governance issues, best practices and innovative ways on how to improve the effectiveness of the Public Service, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discussions at the three-day conference were phased along the following sub-themes:
- Celebrating the Contribution of the Public Servant: A story of Courage and Resilience in the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Embracing Cultural Diversity as a Lever to Strengthen Institutions for a Responsive and Ethical Public Administration
- Deploying Technology to Sustain and Enhance Service Delivery in the Face of this Challenging COVID-19 Pandemic Climate
- Achieve Inclusivity through Harnessing Arts and Culture, as Instruments to Inform Markets and Build Demand-Side Capacity for Effective and Efficient Service Delivery.
The APSD programme is also being observed in various countries as a week-long programme from 21 to 25 June 2021, consisting of various activities, with the three-day continental celebration being the kick-off event.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| HEALTHY FINE DINING RESTAURANT OPENS IN DURBAN |
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| On Tuesday, 15 June 2021, Small Business Development Minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, officially opened the Green Lounge in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. |
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The Green Lounge is a 100% female and black-owned restaurant. It is a healthy fine dining restaurant, which will contribute to the economy of the province.
The restaurant boasts a number of offerings such as meetings venue and event facilities.
Minister Ntshavheni was the main guest of honour and delivered the keynote address.
In her address, she touched on a variety of interventions and priorities by government to support new business ventures.
Hospitality has been one of the most affected industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MAHLALELA ATTENDS UN WORLD TOURISM MEETING FOR AFRICA IN NAMIBIA |
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| South African Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, participated in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Conference for Africa, taking place in Windhoek from 14 to 16 June 2021. |
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Addressing the high-level ministerial panel on the theme, “Strengthening Brand Africa for the Swift Recovery of the Tourism Sector”, the Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of rebuilding the continental brand through actions that dispel negative perceptions about the business environment on the continent.
“We need to understand the current perceptions about Africa’s ability and what informs such perceptions, and as we do that, we need to answer as to what we as African governments are doing to eliminate those negative perceptions about ‘being African’, and not over time, but urgently.”
The Deputy Minister called for the development partners to drive initiatives to change the narrative about Africa. “This is Africa’s moment to reclaim its positioning globally. As the world reopens, Africa has the youngest youth population of all continents in the world. If Africa is to become the economic and social superpower that it is meant to be, then Brand Africa must leverage the youth mindset, creativity and innovation in whatever positioning it adopts,” he added.
“To position Africa – we need to show the best of who we are – and position us as an active and sustainable continent; we need to highlight our best features and tourism adventures, and in addition, we need to further position Africa within the minds of consumers and travellers; we need to listen and see what they want.”
The Deputy Minister also acknowledged that air connectivity was a key driver for outbound travel for business tourism within Africa, as he reassured partners of commitments to support intra-Africa travel.
“As we discuss Brand Africa, we need to answer as governments on how we are contributing to making the continent more attractive to established professionals and business leaders in the Diaspora, those who are ready to contribute in developing and re-positioning our continent as a prime destination for investment, work and leisure.
“Collectively, we must create a conducive environment to drive growth in our tourism markets, by providing policy that will drive collaboration in the areas of product development, regional routes, air access and data-sharing,” said Deputy Minister Mahlalela.
The Deputy Minister utilised the occasion of the Working Visit to explore further collaboration with other African delegations attending the meeting as well bilateral discussions with his Namibian counterpart, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Heather Sibungo. South Africa and Namibia have close economic cooperation ties with a bilateral agreement in the field of tourism currently under consideration. |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADOR HONOURED |
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| South Africa’s Ambassador to Cuba, Thaninga Shope, was recently presented with a Cuban Medal of Friendship on the occasion of the completion of her tour of duty in the country. |
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Following South Africa’s democratic transition, South Africa and Cuba established formal diplomatic relations on 15 May 1994 and opened resident embassies in Pretoria (1994) and Havana (1995), respectively.
South Africa-Cuba relations serve as a successful and exemplary model of South-South cooperation in the areas of health training and services, human settlements technical exchange, public works technical assistance, cooperation on water resource management and water supply and on professional services in the field of basic education. |
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| NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER APPOINTED AS SARPCCO CHAIRPERSON |
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South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, General Khehla John Sitole, will assume the Chairship of the Southern African Regional Police Chief’s Cooperation (SARPCCO) from August. |
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SARPCCO, which was established in 1995 for police forces, combines resources and expertise in fighting transnational crime across borders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The appointment was marked by a ceremonial handing over of the Sword of Honour during the 26th General Meeting of SARPCCO, which was held through video conferencing on Wednesday, 16 June 2021.
General Sitole takes over the role from Botswana’s Keabetswe Makgophe, whose 12 months in office comes to an end.
South Africa will be assuming the Chairship for the seventh time, having done so in 1997, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015.
In his acceptance speech, General Sitole expressed gratitude to Makgophe for his resolve in leading the organisation during a time of uncertainty.
“The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which unfortunately has continued to claim the lives of many of our citizens, including gallant men and women of our police services/forces, has led us to change the way we conduct our policing business,” said General Sitole.
Given this prevailing situation, he said Commissioner Makgophe was dynamic enough to adapt to the new philosophy of policing, responsive to the current terrain now referred to as the new normal, where almost every regional engagement had to be done virtually.
“This is evident from the Tenure of Office Report that the outgoing Chairperson just shared with us this morning,” he said.
The incoming Chairperson also acknowledged the role played by other member countries in ensuring stability and cooperation on safety and security-related matters within the region. The challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to policing were also brought to the fore and discussed by General Sitole.
He has committed to ensure greater cooperation within the region and also outlined his plans to devise new ways of combatting international organised crime syndicates, as well as cross-border crimes through the introduction of the Policing Nomics Concept: a study of policing methodologies and practice through the lens of modern economics, innovation and creativity.
Since its inception, the body has been able to establish a comprehensive approach in terms of regional policing through cooperative engagement of member countries such as joint cross-border operations, joint training, harmonisation of legislation, and the sharing of good practices to contribute to the grand economic strategy for each country.
SARPCCO countries include South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Mauritius, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRETORIA FOURTH-MOST “INSTAGRAMMABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD” IN THE WORLD |
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| Travel-Lust released a list of the most popular and most tagged Instagrammable neighbourhoods in the world. |
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Travel-Lust compiled a list of 50 neighbourhoods from around the world based on the number of hashtags the areas garnered on Instagram – and Pretoria has made the Top 10.
Instagram has over the years turned into a key driver when it comes to travel trends, with more than a third of the platform’s users choosing to visit a destination after seeing it on the app.
While travel is still curbed in most parts of the world, Travel-Lust, in partnership with Stokemont, “wanted to find out which neighbourhoods around the world we typically lust over most”.
The teams at Travel-Lust and Stokemont collected hundreds of the coolest most picturesque places before narrowing it down to a comprehensive list of 50.
Then, the various neighbourhoods, cities and locations were searched on Instagram to find out how many hashtags each place had.
Pretoria was tagged more than 1.4 million times on Instagram, preceded only by Wynwood in Miami, Shinjuku in Tokyo, and Astoria in New York.
Other cities and neighbourhoods to make it on the Top 10 list include Silver Lake in Los Angeles, Hongdae in Seoul, Champs-Elysees in Paris, Chefchaouen in Northwest Morocco and Surrey Hills in Sydney.
While Pretoria came fourth, it was no match for Wynwood in Miami, Florida, which had more than 3.8 million photos tagged. Wynwood is famous for its trendy street art and graffiti.
– Source: https://citizen.co.za/ |
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| WITS ARCHAEOLOGIST NAMED 2021 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER |
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| Archaeologist and biological anthropologist, Keneiloe Molopyane, is recognised as a trailblazer by the prestigious National Geographic Society. |
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Keneiloe Molopyane was announced as part of the National Geographic Society’s 2021 Emerging Explorer cohort recently. “The Emerging Explorer cohort comprises individuals breaking through in their respective fields with big ideas,” a statement from the National Geographic Society explains. “They are nominated by the National Geographic Society to become a part of the global National Geographic Explorer community of changemakers.”
“It’s been overwhelming,” said Molopyane about the honour of being named a National Geographic Explorer. “Since I found out, I’ve had little time to sit back and realise what it all means. I think it’s still sinking in!”
“Keneiloe was selected as a member of this cohort because she exemplifies what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer,” said Alex Moen, Chief Explorer Engagement Officer at the National Geographic Society. “Through her work as an archaeologist and biological anthropologist, and her focus on inspiring the next generation, Keneiloe is advancing our understanding of the world and all that's in it.”
As an explorer, Molopyane has the opportunity to work with National Geographic to pursue new projects, collaborate with other explorers, amplify her work to National Geographic audiences, and do educational outreach through the society. She will also participate in public speaking and media training.
Molopyane joined the Rising Star Cave research team in 2018 as a junior underground astronaut. She completed her PhD in biological anthropology at Wits in 2020, and then became involved in the UW105 Cave excavations, where she took on a leadership role in the expedition. Molopyane has since become the first postdoctoral research fellow at the Wits Centre for Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, which is headed up by fellow Witsie and National Geographic Explorer at Large, Professor Lee Berger. Molopyane’s postdoctoral research will entail deep exploration of the famous Gladysvale Cave system, which is located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
Molopyane joins a group of 14 other scientists, educators, and storytellers in the 2021 Emerging Explorer cohort – a group of people whose fields of expertise are as diverse as culinary history and marine biogeochemistry. “They’re amazing people, phenomenal!” said Molopyane of her cohort. “I feel proud to represent Africa, and hope to see more Africans receiving the same recognition in the coming years.” Molopyane has met her cohort via Zoom, but hopes for the opportunity to soon be together in the same room with them.
Molopyane will graduate with her PhD at Wits in the July graduations this year, and joins the ranks of more than five other Witsies that hold the title of National Geographic Explorer. “I’ve been telling people for a long time that I am an explorer, but now the title is official! (and with a capital E),” says Molopyane.
– Source: www.wits.ac.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SOPRANO WINS SONG PRIZE AT CARDIFF SINGER OF THE WORLD COMPETITION |
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| Fabulous South African soprano – Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha – has won the Song Prize at the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021. |
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The 27-year-old rose to victory – against finalists from Madagascar, Wales, South Korea and Austria – with a mix of popular “Lieder”, South African song (in Xhosa) and spirituals.
“Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha performed with such assured technique and emotional power that the jury was unanimous in naming her the winner,” said John Gilhooly, Wigmore Hall’s Artistic and Executive Director, and Chair of the Judges.
The South African singer’s prize is £10,000, as well as many fantastic opportunities to perform across the United Kingdom and internationally.
Rangwanasha impressed the judging panel with her diverse performances of Schubert’s “Gretchen am Spinnrade” – D118; BPJ Tyamzashe’s song in Xhosa “Isithandwa Sam”; Lizst’s “Die Lorelei” – S273; and Betty Jackson King’s “Ride Up In The Chariot”.
“I wanted to show the audience that they can enjoy both worlds: spirituals, the more standard Lieder repertoire and also my traditional South African Lieder,” she said.
The Song Prize competition showcased the voices of 14 of the BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2021 contestants in performances of Lieder and art songs – partnered by internationally-renowned pianists; and took place over four rounds.
The event took place at St David’s Hall in the Welsh capital, without an audience in attendance, and in strict compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
According to a BBC press statement, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha started singing at school and church at an early age. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Cape Town, studying with Virginia Davids, and took a BTech in Vocal Art (Performance) with Kiewiet Pali at Tshwane University of Technology.
In London, she was a member of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme in the 2019/20 Season. Competition successes include the Audience Prize and two special prizes in the 2019 Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition; winner of the UNISA Competition; First Prize in the Phillip H Moore Music Competition, and First Prize and Best South African Song (final 2017, semi-final 2018) in the ATKV Singing Competition.
In 2019, she sang soprano solo in Verdi‘s “Requiem” with the Oude Libertas choir in Stellenbosch, and was nominated Best Singer in the Opera Category for Woordfees 2019.
She was awarded second prize in Muzicanto in Cape Town, an award from the Schock Philips Foundation at the University of Cape Town.
In a few months’ time, she will join the ensemble of Bern Staatsoper for two years.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| THESE TWO SOUTH AFRICAN STREETS WERE JUST NAMED AMONG THE COOLEST IN THE WORLD |
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| The 30 coolest streets have been revealed, and 7th Street in Melville, Johannesburg, and Main Road in Kalk Bay are among the hippest. |
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The 30 coolest streets in the world have been named by the “Time Out” guide … And 7th Street, Melville, Johannesburg, has been awarded the number 12 spot and Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, number 22.
As part of their “Time Out Index 2021” survey, the publication asked more than 27 000 city-dwellers around the world about the best, most overrated and most undervalued neighbourhoods in their home town.
Then, armed with their opinions, they went to the experts – "Time Out" editors and contributing writers who know the city like nobody else – and asked them to pinpoint the one neighbourhood in their city with the biggest buzz about it right now. |
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This is the second time that the "Time Out Index" has lauded 7th Street for its abundance of pubs, clubs and restaurants, as well as its strong sense of community.
“There’s always a discernible buzz. And that’s probably because pretty much the entire street is filled with restaurants, pubs and clubs,” the guide said.
“The main road in suburban Kalk Bay is just magical. Head past all the historic sea-facing homes, just beyond the train station, and you’ll find the dream spot for an afternoon mooch in the sun. On a warm day, it’s habitual to start with a swim at Dalebrook tidal pool, where locals and visitors lay out towels on the rocks.”
Topping the list is Smith Street that’s located in Melbourne, Australia.
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Number two on the list is Barcelona’s Passeig de Sant Joan.
South Bank, London, best known for its buzzing Thameside pathway, is the bronze medalist.
– Sources: Time Out and www.goodthngsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN DOCUMENTARY “DISTRICT SIX RISING FROM THE DUST” WINS BIG INTERNATIONALLY |
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| The South African documentary “District Six Rising From The Dust” has won an international film festival award for Best Documentary. |
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Weaam Williams’ documentary, “District Six Rising From The Dust”, is a personal tale of her family and how they lost their homes during the worst times in South Africa. The documentary has a powerful message and is making waves internationally.
Earlier this year, the documentary won the “Best Original Story” at the Florence Film Awards in Italy. This past week it has also won the award for Best Documentary at the Beyond the Curve International Film Festival. This is a massive achievement for Weaam Williams and her team at Tribal Alchemy Productions. The documentary has graced the screens of film festivals around the world.
Weaam and Tribal Alchemy Productions worked on the award-winning documentary for six years. Throughout that time, it has been the story of District Six and the atrocities of the Group Areas Act that pushed Weaam to continue. Her family’s story is like many others, but by adding her personal tale into the documentary, it elevated the film to another level.
The documentary is a compilation of Weaam’s personal story, interviews, archival footage and traditional cultural events.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| MZANSI CELEBRATES THUSO MBEDU'S INTERNATIONAL NOD AT BLACK REEL AWARDS |
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| South African-born actress Thuso Mbedu’s performance in “The Underground Railroad” has earned her a nomination in the Outstanding Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series Category at the upcoming Black Reel TV Awards. |
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Mzansi has been beaming with pride as they watched the world marvel at Thuso's talent since her Hollywood debut in May. The star showed the world what she's made off as Cora in Barry Jenkins' “The Underground Railroad”.
Thuso, who plays the lead role of Cora Randall in the series, will be going head-to-head with Nicole Beharie, Michaela Coel, Cynthia Erivo and Tessa Thompson.
– Source: www.timeslive.co.za |
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| MESMERIC MAHARAJ'S HAT-TRICK SEALS SA'S 158-RUN WIN AND FIRST AWAY TEST SERIES SUCCESS SINCE 2017 |
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| Keshav Maharaj's Test hat-trick was the bedrock of South Africa's 158-run win over the West Indies in the second Test in St Lucia. |
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Chasing 324, the West Indies were bowled out for 165 while Maharaj's sixth Test five-wicket haul and South Africa's first Test hat-trick since Geoff Griffin's effort against England at Lord's on 24 June 1960 accelerated the rare overseas Test series win.
The triumph meant South Africa recorded their first Test series win on the road since their 1-0 success against New Zealand in 2017, something that Maharaj also had a hand in.
Maharaj (5/36) prised out Kieran Powell (51), Jason Holder (0) and Joshua Da Silva (0) in consecutive balls of the 37th over.
Maharaj's magic, aided by some brainless West Indian batting, saw the hosts fall from 107/3 to 107/6.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN ROCKETS UP RANKINGS AFTER US OPEN RUNNER-UP FINISH |
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| Louis Oosthuizen came agonisingly close to winning a second major title at the 121st US Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday, 20 June 2021, but ultimately had to settle for second. |
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Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 Open Championship, finished on 5-under par for the tournament, one shot adrift of Spain’s Jon Rahm who won his first major.
Rahm holed spectacular birdie putts on both the 71st and 72nd holes to close out his victory.
Oosthuizen, 38, boasts a “grand slam” of runner-up finishes at the four majors.
His second place finish was, however, enough to see his world ranking jump from 18th to 12th as he closes in on the top 10 where a player of calibre should certainly be a permanent fixture.
Following the US Open, South Africa has no fewer than 10 golfers in the world’s top 100.
After Louis Oosthuizen comes Garrick Higgo who despite missing the cut at the US Open moved up one place to 38th while Christian Bezuidenhout remained at 46th.
Branden Grace jumped from 71st to 60th following his T7th finish.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| NIC DLAMINI BECOMES FIRST BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN TO COMPETE AT TOUR DE FRANCE |
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Nic Dlamini has made South African history by becoming the first black South African to compete at Tour de France. He is part of Team Qhubeka ASSOS. |
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Team Qhubeka ASSOS will make its seventh appearance at the Tour de France, having first competed in 2015 (MTN-Qhubeka). Over that period, the team has won seven stages; and worn the yellow, green and polka dot jerseys, respectively.
Dlamini’s selection is a landmark moment for the South African-registered team as he becomes the latest rider to progress from our development team and onto the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Tour, and subsequently, earn his selection to compete in the world’s biggest cycling race.
The 25-year-old, who grew up in an informal settlement in Cape Town, first caught the eye as a runner before moving into cycling, where his talents saw him move to the UCI’s World Cycling Centre Africa in Potchefstroom, South Africa. It is from here that he first earned a spot in our UCI Continental outfit – Team Qhubeka – based in Lucca, Italy.
“Being selected to ride in my first Tour de France is an absolute dream come true for me. It’s always been an absolute childhood dream for me and now that I’m about to live it makes it feel surreal.
“I think it speaks to what the team is about, the Ubuntu spirit, and how we change people’s lives because it is honestly a very special moment: to come from a small township and then to go to the Tour de France.
“Considering where I come from, it would simply have been impossible for me to have the opportunity to ride at the Tour de France if it wasn’t for Team Qhubeka ASSOS. The platform that they’ve provided me, and other riders from Africa, to compete at the highest level in cycling has been critical.”
In his second season with the continental team, Dlamini rode as a stagiaire on the World Tour team and then turned professional in 2018. Since then, he raced across the world, including twice competing at the Vuelta a Espana (2019 and 2020) and has worn the king of the mountains jersey at both the Tour Down Under and the Tour of Britain.
2020 saw his season heavily affected by an arm injury, as well as the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cycling calendar, but 2021 has seen Dlamini selected to represent Team South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and now being called up to our Tour de France squad.
The 2021 Tour de France gets underway in Brest on 26 June and finishes on Paris on 18 July.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN MAN BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST DISTANCE TRAVELLED SOLO ON WING-FOIL |
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| Despite facing several challenges on his journey so far, Chris Bertish has managed to break the world record for the longest distance travelled solo and unsupported on a wing-foil. |
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Chris Bertish, an award-winning waterman and conservationist, has set a world record for the longest distance travelled on a wing-foil, solo and unsupported at 212 miles – the first milestone in his Transpacific Wing Project, a 2 750-mile journey by wing foil across the Pacific Ocean from Half Moon Bay, California, to Oahu, Hawaii, with the goal of giving back to education, the ocean and the planet.
“I’m very happy and proud of what we’ve managed to achieve with the new world record. I had a great opportunity to be able to test all the systems and find solutions to making the craft right so I can leave again once the weather and craft are ready, whenever that may be. We’re looking forward to being able to restart and finish the project soon,” said Bertish.
“With all these adventures you have to be 100% confident in your craft and the integrity of the vessel you’re with, and until that’s in place, the only right and rational decision is to get the craft up to speed before continuing on.”
The Transpacific Wing Project will help raise awareness and funding for charitable organisations and global initiatives, including Sea Shepherd, Conservation International, Ocean Unite and ocean education and sustainability programmes, all through the Chris Bertish Foundation, an organisation established in 2020 with the goal of building awareness, giving back and being a beacon of inspiration and positive change for youth and the world.
To get involved and stay updated as Chris prepares to relaunch his journey, join the adventure at https://chrisbertishfoundation.org/wing-project/.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| VAN NIEKERK REACHES OLYMPICS 400M QUALIFYING TIME |
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| Olympic champion and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk on Saturday, 19 June 2021, achieved the 400m qualifying standard for the Tokyo Olympics at a meeting in Madrid. |
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The 28-year-old finished in a time of 44.56sec, inside the required standard of 44.90sec.
The South African was second in the race behind Colombia's Anthony Jose Zambrano who clocked 44.51sec.
Up until Saturday, Van Niekerk had yet to meet the qualifying mark for the Tokyo Olympics in either the 200m or 400m.
"Qualifying is no worry for myself. I know what I'm capable of and I know what I can do," he said earlier this month.
"I'm sure the next time you see me on the track, it will definitely be a (qualifying time)."
A year after winning 400m gold and breaking the 17-year record of Michael Johnson with a time a 43.03sec at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Van Niekerk injured his knee playing celebrity touch rugby.
Amid a slow recovery that included medical treatment in the United States and Qatar, he tested positive for COVID-19.
The goals of the athlete born in the Western Cape town of Kraaifontein include more Olympic gold medals and breaking the 43-second barrier in the 400m.
“We congratulate Wayde, his coaches and support staff for meeting the qualifying standard to book his ticket to the Olympics,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. “His time may be still way out of his personal best and world record, but for now it was about qualifying.
“All other athletes still have opportunities to qualify before the cut-off date and must not lose hope. We need all our top athletes in Tokyo, especially our 2016 medallists to defend their medals.
“We urge all our athletes still seeking qualification to keep going and not to lose hope, because it’s not over until it’s over. Therefore, make use of all available competitions everywhere you can find them to succeed and prepare like everyone else.”
– Source: www.supersport.com |
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