SA AND SINGAPORE STRENGTHEN LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP

“Prime Minister Lee and I have just concluded productive discussions during his first Official Visit to South Africa … I would like to thank Prime Minister Lee for very productive deliberations and for his commitment to building stronger ties between our countries,” he said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Republic of Singapore as partners who work together closely in multinational fora.

South Africa's economic relations with Singapore are focussed on trade, investment, tourism promotion and skills transfer.

The President said he believed there was significant potential to further develop the two countries' economic partnership.

“This is evident in the business delegation that accompanied Prime Minister Lee, comprising representatives of a number of sectors, including ports, logistics, healthcare and biomedical, food manufacturing and engineering.

“Our two countries share a common interest in promoting economic growth, social development and prosperity for our citizens. It is in this spirit that we have worked together to strengthen our ties,” he said.

During the official talks, President Ramaphosa and his counterpart agreed to deepen the two countries' cooperation on science and innovation.

He said the visit provided South Africa and Singapore an opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation that are firmly focussed on the future.

This includes cooperation in the fields of digitalisation, communications and technology, water and sanitation, and skills development, among others.

The President said the visit was also an opportunity to express appreciation to the Government of Singapore for their support over the years in training South African civil servants.

Among other issues, the two heads of state discussed South Africa’s application to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The global role of the ASEAN region has been growing over the last five decades, creating the sixth-largest market in the world.

“Further deepening the cooperation between South Africa and ASEAN would open up opportunities in various fields, such trade, infrastructure development, technology transfer, education, science, innovation and tourism,” the President said.

The President added that the visit further provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

These include developments on the African continent, in particular the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the potential it offers for both domestic and international investors.

“We discussed the current instability in international relations and the global economy. We agreed on the need for all countries to work together to develop inclusive, just and sustainable solutions to conflict, climate change, pandemics and other challenges,” he said.

President Ramaphosa shared that he had an opportunity to brief Prime Minister Lee on South Africa’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said over the weekend he presented an African leaders peace mission to President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during separate telephone calls.

“Principal to our discussions are efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict in the Ukraine, its cost in human lives and impact on the African continent.

“In this regard, I presented the initiative on behalf of African heads of state from Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa,” he said.

He said that the two leaders agreed to receive the mission and the African heads of state, in both Moscow and Kyiv.

“I agreed with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy to commence with preparations for engagements with the African heads of state. The Secretary-General of the United Nations was briefed and welcomed the initiative,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said he was grateful that the two heads of state had an opportunity to discuss these and other issues of importance to their countries and to the broader global community.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA REITERATES SOUTH AFRICA'S POSITION ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT

This after the United States (US) Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, said that South Africa supplied weapons to Russia after a Russian vessel, known as Lady R, docked in South Africa in December last year.

“Consistent with our stance on conflicts in other parts of the world, South Africa’s view is that the international community needs to work together to urgently achieve a cessation of hostilities and to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians in Ukraine. It needs to support meaningful dialogue towards lasting peace, which ensures the security and stability of all nations.

“As a country, we are committed to the articles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. We support the principle that members should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states.

“Our position seeks to contribute to the creation of conditions that make the achievement of a durable resolution of the conflict possible. The reality is that the Russia-Ukraine conflict – and the tensions that underlie it – will not be resolved through military means. It needs to be resolved politically,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President emphasised that government’s stance of non-alignment did not “favour Russia above other countries". “Nor do we accept that it should imperil our relations with other countries.”

He explained that as President, he has met with US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reiterate this position of non-alignment and called for peaceful resolution of the Eastern European conflict.

“In all our interactions with these countries, we restate our belief that the United Nations remains the only viable mechanism through which the global community can strive for peace and common development.

“Yet, the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the weaknesses in the structure and practices of the United Nations. The composition of the UN Security Council, in particular, does not reflect the realities of the current global landscape. It needs to be overhauled so that there is equitable representation and a more inclusive mechanism for resolving international disputes.

“South Africa is a sovereign state, governed by a democratic Constitution and committed to the consistent application of international law. We will continue to fulfil our obligations in terms of the various international agreements and treaties to which we are signatories,” he said.

Foreign policy and Lady R

The President explained that South Africa had pursued an independent foreign policy since the advent of democracy and that it had come under “extraordinary pressure … to abandon its non-aligned position and take sides in what is in effect a contest between Russia and the West” since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out.

“One of the most impressive features of the international anti-apartheid movement was that it drew support from countries and citizens from across continental and ideological divides. The struggle to end apartheid was taken up in capitals from Africa to Europe, from the Americas to Asia. Our leaders worked hard to gain the support of governments, lawmakers and citizens across the divisions of the Cold War.

“That experience – of reaching out across political divides and building relations with very different countries – has helped to shape our foreign policy. This has been coupled with a firm belief in the value of an inclusive multilateral world order and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue,” he said.

Turning to the issue of the docking of the Russian vessel, the President said an independent inquiry headed by a retired judge would establish the facts of the matter.

“South Africa’s position on this issue was well explained by my envoy, Prof. Sydney Mufamadi, and his delegation who recently travelled to Washington DC for discussions with representatives of the US Government.

“We are determined, in both word and action, to maintain our position on the peaceful resolution of conflict. Guided by the lessons of our history, we will continue to resist calls, from whatever quarter, to abandon our independent and non-aligned foreign policy,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

BULGARIAN PRESIDENT RADEV VISITS SOUTH AFRICA TO STRENGTHEN TIES

During the visit, President Radev and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the strengthening of political and trade ties between the two nations. The two leaders also explored the possibility of cultural exchanges that will deepen the understanding of the people of South Africa and Bulgaria.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the visit by President Radev and expressed his commitment to strengthening ties between South Africa and Bulgaria. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, tourism, education and culture.

“We are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Bulgaria and exploring new opportunities for cooperation. We believe that this visit will open up new avenues for trade and investment and create opportunities for the people of South Africa and Bulgaria to learn from each other and share their experiences,” said President Ramaphosa.

The visit by President Radev is seen as a significant milestone in the relations between South Africa and Bulgaria.

– Source: https://diplomaticwatch.com/

SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN COLOMBIA'S PEACE PROCESS

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has promised his Colombian counterpart, Francia Elena Márquez, that South Africa will participate in that country’s peace process to end the ongoing armed conflict.

“South Africa further welcomes your commitment to contributing to the success of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, as our continent is advancing peace, security and development in Africa and in particular, achieving the goal of an African continent free from war and conflict,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

The Deputy President on Friday, 12 May 2023, hosted Vice President Márquez and her delegation during an Official Visit to South Africa.

Deputy President Mashatile described Friday’s meeting as “historical”, as there has not been this kind of high-level engagement between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“Even more so, for us, to host the first Afro-descendent and female Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, indeed, we are very honoured, Your Excellency, and welcome this progress in our endeavour to have more women leaders,” the Deputy President said.

Cooperation

The engagement, according to Deputy President Mashatile, also represents a significant milestone to lay the foundation and roadmap for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

He said both nations shared values of democracy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, sustainable development, the rule of law and the reform of multilateral institutions.

“These shared values provided a good basis for building strong, results-oriented and mutually beneficial relations that will contribute to addressing our national development priorities.”

The Deputy President said the discussions to achieve a pragmatic roadmap for bilateral cooperation focussed on various areas, including agribusiness; defence; environment; mining; energy; science and innovation; sports, arts and culture; trade and economic relations; tourism; and transport.

“We consider your visit significant in many ways, especially as we begin to reactivate our bilateral relations following the election of the administration of His Excellency, President Gustav Francisco Petro, in Colombia in 2022.”

Deputy President Mashatile also offered his congratulations and best wishes to President Petro and his government.

“It is imperative that South Africa and Colombia, as progressive countries of the South and other like-minded partners, should strengthen our resolve to advance the development agenda of the South and global governance reforms, with a view of renewing and pursuing our collective global commitment to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Meanwhile, he said he was pleased with the Government of Colombia’s policy to reactivate relations with Africa.

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Colombia were formally established in 1994, with Colombia opening its Embassy in Pretoria in 1995.

Since the establishment of the South African Embassy in Venezuela in 1998, the South African residential Ambassador in Venezuela is accredited as the non-residential Ambassador of South Africa to Colombia.

Colombia is also the sixth-largest trade partner of South Africa in Latin America after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru.

There is a steady growth of Colombian investors in the food, beverages and confectionery industries, and South African investments in Colombia in mining and agribusiness.

There is also a keenness to revitalise tourism and address the issues of visas in both countries.

“Colombia is very interested in us sharing our expertise in rugby. They believe that we should bring many rugby players to Colombia and we're going to look into that, and see how we can promote sporting activities, including rugby,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

CONDOLENCES FOR AMBASSADOR MASETLHA

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said South Africa had lost an experienced and dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of Pan-Africanism.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Masetlha,” said the Minister.

DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI ADDRESSES OPENING SESSION OF THE SIXTH PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT

SOUTH AFRICA, BULGARIA BOLSTER BUSINESS TIES

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, said bilateral trade between Bulgaria and South Africa had grown significantly overtime, specifically last year, when a sharp rise was recorded.

“Imports from Bulgaria to South Africa amounted to R4 billion and exports from South Africa sat at R2 billion," Minister Patel said.

He said due to South Africa's commitment to addressing issues of climate change, the green energy trajectory was unlocking new opportunities. In this regard, government would like to see more joint ventures and greater collaboration with Bulgarian business counterparts.

“As the South African Government, we would like to forge partnership with Bulgaria,” he said.

Minister Patel said trade numbers were still modest, leaving enormous opportunity to expand.

“This requires that we find ways of exporting more products to the growing market in Bulgaria."

The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister, Hristo Alexiev, said Bulgaria’s automotive sector was very strong and currently contributing 11% to the gross domestic product.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexiev said Bulgaria would like to explore joint ventures with South Africa.

"Bulgaria considers South Africa as a gateway to the rest of the African continental market due to its strategic position, therefore, cooperation with South Africa is critical for us in Bulgaria," he said.

The Business Forum took place on the sidelines of the official two-day visit to South Africa by the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

MAPISA-NQAKULA LEADS SA DELEGATION TO SPECIAL SITTING IN PARLIAMENT OF AZERBAIJAN

The session celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, who was the National Leader of the Azerbaijan people and the founder of the independent State of Azerbaijan.

Aliyev, who led the people of Azerbaijan from October 1993 to October 2003, is credited for ably leading the State and the nation of Azerbaijan through hard and strict tests of history.

He created the independent country of Azerbaijan and its present realities and laid a reliable foundation for its bright future.

His name is associated with the rebirth of the Azerbaijani people in all spheres of public life, including politics, the economy and culture.

For his leadership and political activism, he was awarded the former USSR Lenin Order five times, Order of Red Star and numerous medals. He received the title of the Hero of the Socialistic Labor twice, as well as high awards from different countries, and honorary titles from prestigious universities worldwide.

In Azerbaijan, 2023 has been declared “The Year of Heydar Aliyev”.

Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said South Africa’s participation in the celebration was an effort to strengthen cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy between the two sister parliaments.

“As the head of delegation, the Speaker will address the special sitting alongside other invited heads of Parliaments in the Plenary Hall [on] 16 May 2023. The delegation will also participate in break-away sessions, as well as bilateral meetings arranged on the sidelines of the special sitting,” Mothapo said.

The South African delegation included National Council of Provinces Deputy Chairperson, Sylvia Lucas; and United Democratic Front Member of Parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.

 – Source: SAnews.gov.za

SUDAN PEACE TALKS WELCOMED BY CABINET

SOUTH AFRICA AND NORWAY JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN COMMEMORATING THE KILLING OF AL JAZEERA JOURNALIST, SHIREEN ABU AKLEH, IN THE OCCUPIED WEST BANK

"Ms Akleh was shot while on assignment during an Israeli Defence Force military operation in Jenin in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Another Al Jazeera journalist, Ali Samoudi, was wounded. We call again for those responsible to be held accountable.

"South Africa and Norway stressed the importance of protecting journalists and freedom of the press. The ability of journalists to cover events as they take place is essential, and attacks against members of the media cannot be allowed to continue with impunity.

"Journalists operating in conflict zones are, like other civilians, entitled to protection against the effects of warfare, according to international humanitarian law. According to these rules, directing attacks against civilians is prohibited, as is conducting an attack not in keeping with the Principle of Distinction and other obligations of international humanitarian law.

"The South African and Norwegian governments remain unequivocally committed to and values efforts aimed at reviving a political process, leading to a negotiated two-state solution, with two states, Israel and Palestine, existing side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders, based on the 1967 lines, relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters."

SA AGRI PRODUCTS GAIN FOOTHOLD ABROAD

In August last year, South Africa also successfully negotiated the lifting of a ban on South Africa’s wool and other cloven-hoofed animals’ skin products with China.

“There were several inspections in favour of South African animal and plant products in export markets such as Saudi Arabia. On 4 May 2023, a total of 54 million tons of maize for feed from South Africa docked in the port of Dongguan, China.

“This import of maize was captioned in China, as it is reported that it has injected long-term impetus into food security, strengthening agricultural cooperation between China and South Africa, and promoting the interconnection of industrial supply chains between the two countries,” Minister Didiza said.

She stressed that support to black producers in agriculture and agro-processing was an important vehicle to bring about transformation in the sector.

In this regard, the department continues to strengthen the Blended Finance Model to increase access to affordable finance.

“To broaden the scope of support even further, the department is in the process of concluding agreements to extend the Blended Finance Model to commercial banks in the 2023/24 financial year, and I will soon make an announcement in that regard,” Minister Didiza said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

CAPE TOWN ACHIEVES RECORD HIGH 2022/23 CRUISE TOURISM SEASON

In total, the 2022/23 season welcomed 75 ships with 41 turnaround visits ‒ this is double the number of ship calls when compared to the last complete season in 2019/20, which saw 39 ship visits with an estimated 42 000 arriving passengers.

With the Cruise Cape Town initiative, which is powered by Wesgro, dedicated to developing itinerary offerings to entice more international cruise partners, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal enjoyed the arrival of five new ships to the port this season. Adding to the many firsts celebrated by the local industry, the port also saw three ships conduct a turnaround visit on the same day for the very first time, and did so successfully on five separate occasions this season.

Turnaround visits are particularly attractive to the destination, as they arrive at a port at the end of one cruise and prepare for the start of another. During the turnaround, the ship undergoes a complete cleaning and restocking process – creating an opportunity for local products to be boarded onto the ship, further contributing to the destination’s economy.

Disembarking passengers traditionally take post-cruise tours, with new passengers seizing the opportunity to explore the destination pre-boarding the ship.

"The success of the past Cape Town cruise season speaks to the untapped potential held by this lucrative tourism sector, significantly boosting visitor numbers to the destination. The Cruise Cape Town initiative is currently conducting a comprehensive economic impact study, which is expected to be finalised in the coming months. We are confident the results will demonstrate the significant economic impact and job creation potential of the sector.

"Together with our partners, we look forward to continuing to support the cruise industry," comments Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and the official spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town.

Western Cape grows as popular tourism destination

David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, says: "The return of a full cruise season to the city has been a remarkable success and testament to the hard work all of the role-players involved in Cruise Cape Town. It’s been exciting to welcome back local and international cruise, including the iconic world cruises such as the Queen Mary 2, highlighting the value of our destination to the choice of global traveller experiences.

"The Waterfront, as the operator of the terminal, continues to invest in an improved traveller experience at the terminal to surpass the regular as well as a new generation of vacationers to the city."

Western Cape Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, says: "The confirmation that the 2022/23 cruise tourism season reached record highs is fantastic news and is yet another indicator that tourism is truly back in the Western Cape. Cruise tourism contributes significantly to our economy and the knock-on effect of cruise ships, not only through passenger spend but across the whole value chain, cannot be understated.

"Going forward, I look forward to working with all stakeholders to attract even more cruise ships to the province so we can help this sector contribute even more to our economy and to create many more jobs for our residents."

– Source: www.bizzcommunity.com

NEWS24'S “SILENCED” SERIES NAMED FINALIST FOR GLOBAL INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AWARD

The Silenced investigation stood out from more than 400 applications from 84 countries and was named one of six finalists for the coveted award in the category for large news outlets.

Silenced follows the 2021 murder of Gauteng health department financial accounting chief, Babita Deokaran.

During the year-long project, Wicks traced a string of suspicious transactions first flagged by Deokaran shortly before her murder and uncovered a complex tender scheme comprising shell company networks and politically connected figures who made millions in dubious hospital deals while top Gauteng health officials turned a blind eye.

Wicks faced threats and intimidation while producing the series that exposed massive corruption and led to the suspension of executives and the launch of various investigations.

The judging panel for the 2023 Global Shining Light Awards mentioned they were struck by how Wicks and other journalists were able to develop "comprehensive sets of sources largely on their own, at great personal risk".

One judge remarked Wicks' courageous work was on display through "a really thorough and exhaustive investigation".

"I'm beyond proud that our News24 investigation into the assassination of Babita Deokaran has made the shortlist. I hope that it honours Babita's sacrifice in some small way," said Wicks on the shortlist announcement.

This 2023 Global Shining Light Awards Ceremony will be held in September at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Global Investigative Journalism Network hosts the awards every two years to honour fearless investigative journalism in developing or transitioning countries carried out under threat, or in high-risk situations.

– Source: www.news24.com

SOUTH AFRICAN OLIVE OIL WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD, A WORLD-FIRST

Ninety-seven points set South Africa’s De Rustica Olive Estate a point above some of the world’s greatest olive oil producers.

The only South African olive oil to be in the competition, the local estate beat out the likes of Italy, Portugal, Spain and Brazil to be named the world’s best olive oil at the 2023 International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality Awards – EVOOLEUM Awards.

The EVOOLEUM Awards are a Spanish competition promoted by Mercacei magazine and AEMO (Spanish Association of Olive Tree Municipalities). The estate entered their Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) for the eighth edition of the awards and this time was the charm! Its olive oil, made from the Coratina variety, earned a total of 97 out of 100.

The EVOOLEUM Top 100 chooses the very best in the world. They pride themselves on strict competitive parameters to ensure fairness and quality. The competition jury is made up of 26 tasters from 10 different countries who, this year, evaluated almost 1 000 blind samples from all corners of the planet before selecting the 100 best EVOOs in the world.

“This is a unique contest and the most rigorous in terms of quality and promotion of olive juice. A most exclusive and prestigious group of expert tasters worldwide is responsible for assessing the organoleptic quality of the samples presented, from which comes the exclusive TOP100 of the best extra virgins in the world in each campaign, as well as the best in their different categories, varieties and countries.”

The team not only got the highest score, they won the overall competition, beyond all categories and can now be called “the absolute best”.

The olive oil also won the title for “Best Monovarietal”, “Best Mixture of Green and Mature Fruit”, “Best of South Africa” and “Best Coratina”.

“We are so proud of this exceptional and outstanding achievement!” – Rob Still, De Rustica Estates

De Rustica Estates is situated in the Swartberg mountains of the Western Cape near the town of De Rust. The estate farms Dohne Merino sheep and olives. The olives are planted over some 140 hectares at altitudes ranging from 400-650m and enjoys cold winters, pure mountain water and Cape sunshine.

Established in 2006, the estate has regularly and consistently won multiple awards in both South Africa and internationally for the quality of its EVOOs.

In an international market that is dominated by the Mediterranean, this achievement yet again showcases the quality of South African EVOOs.

‒  Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA FILM “THE VOICE BEHIND THE WALL” WINS 2023 CANNES AWARD FOR BEST AFRICAN FILM

SOUTH AFRICA’S “SARAFINA!” CHOSEN FOR CANNES FILM CLASSICS 2023

Leleti starred in the Darrel Roodt-directed film alongside the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and John Kani (Black Panther, Murder Mystery 1 and 2, and The Lion King), and the film was produced by Anant Singh.

Of its relevance all these years later, Whoopi Goldberg shared:

“Keep talking to the kids because they are going to fix it, they are going make it happen, they are going to make change happen. They are not polite, they are not going to bend when they see something wrong and that’s what happened in the film, they just got tired and said no more.”

The Cannes Film Festival takes place from 16 to 27 May, and we couldn’t be more proud that Sarafina! will continue to be a force in future generations’ lives across the global stage.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA’S GERT-JOHAN COETZEE BEHIND “LITTLE MERMAID” PREMIERE’S GLOWING GOWN

Gert-Johan shared that the gown was custom-made from the GERT Following the Sun Collection, adding this look to the designer’s ever-growing list of stars dressed in his proudly South African couture.

Beyond queen Chloe, Coetzee has dressed everyone from pageant sweethearts to reality stars, singers and even Oprah Winfrey.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

BRILLIANT BINDER FINISHES SECOND IN FRENCH MOTOGP SPRINT RACE

Six-time world champion Marc Marquez came in fifth on his comeback after injury requiring surgery in the season-opening race in Portugal.

For Martin, this was a return to the top of the podium for the first time since his one and only MotoGP win in 2021.

Setting off in fifth on the grid, the Spaniard got a dream start to go second before hitting the front and holding off Binder's KTM comfortably to pick up the 12 points.

"I'm super proud, coming back to be first after a long time, even if it's 'only' in the sprint but it's good for energy and for tomorrow" said the Ducati-Pramac rider.

"Maintaining that gap with Brad wasn't easy," he added after finally claiming the win following two podium placed-finishes in the dash that is a feature of every MotoGP weekend this year.

For Binder this was another profitable sprint performance after winning the dash in Spain last time out and Argentina.

"I knew the start was everything, I knew I could bring it home in a decent spot," said Binder, who came through from only qualifying 10th on the grid.

– Source: www.news24.com

TWO SOUTH AFRICANS SELECTED TO ASSIST AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP THIS YEAR

A total of 26 Emirates Match Officials (12 referees, seven assistant referees and seven TMOs, representing nine nations with more than 630 test appearances between them, will take charge of the 48 tournament matches. The selection has been made on merit.”

According to World Rugby, Peyper holds the record of matches refereed in Super Rugby, having passed the 100 mark in 2019, and he is the third South African after Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert to handle 50 tests. He started his career in 2011, refereeing Kenya 21-26 Zimbabwe.

He has refereed at two World Cups so far, including 2015 and 2019. This year will be his third, which is an incredible accomplishment for his career.

Marius Jonker is a former referee turned TMO. He refereed the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. In 2019, he became a TMO where he worked at the World Cup in the same year.

Jonker was the TMO during the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2021.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

SA’S AKANI SIMBINE IS ONE OF FOUR AFRICANS ON DIAMOND LEAGUE START LIST

The five remaining spots belong to Jamaican superstar Yohan Blake, Canada’s six-time Olympic medallist Andre de Grasse, Italy’s 2020 Olympic 100-m champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs and two Americans in Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell.

The Rabat Diamond League gets underway on 28 May.

‒ Source: www.sapeople.com