The objective of the summit is to generate renewed momentum for advancing social justice at national, regional and global levels.

Furthermore, the summit is playing an instrumental role in forging a Global Coalition for Social Justice that will seek to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the many challenges facing the world today, including stagflation, climate change, poverty, unemployment and inequalities.

South Africa's participation in the summit contributes to shaping the coalition and ensuring the interests and aspirations of developing countries are considered.

Over the course of two days, the summit is featuring addresses by heads of state and government, the United Nations Secretary-General, DG Houngbo, and other high-level representatives of employers' and workers' organisations.

In this regard, it is envisaged that the summit is:

• highlighting the key role of social justice in creating a more sustainable and equitable world and discussing strategies for increased and better-aligned joint action to advance social justice and ensure policy coherence
• providing a forum for participants to share their vision of, and priorities for, social justice; as well as showcasing the actions they are taking and the actions they commit to taking to advance social justice
• contributing to informing discussions in other multilateral fora regarding the centrality of social justice and strategies for achieving greater social justice.

“Clive Barker contributed immensely to South African football and its development. He was behind our proudest and unforgettable moments as a nation as the only coach to lead South Africa to victory during the African Cup of Nations in 1996 by famously defeating Tunisia at the old FNB Stadium.”

The leaders also discussed their cooperation in BRICS and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit. They both committed to work towards a successful summit.

South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Through its Chairship, South Africa will work with its BRICS partners to advance the African Agenda for growth, development and integration and to advocate for the needs and concerns of the global South.

President Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments, while updating Parliament on the State’s capability for economic recovery and the fight against crime on Thursday, 8 June 2023, in Cape Town.

The President was responding to a question on what strategic focus areas will South Africa advance during its tenure as chair of BRICS.

South Africa is chairing the BRICS group of countries in 2023 under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.

The BRICS group brings together some 3.2 billion people. After the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS is among the largest bloc of countries by total population.

The President recently told members of Parliament that there were great opportunities for BRICS countries to participate in infrastructure development and the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services activities on the continent and partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs.

– Sources: SAnews.gov.za

The continuous acts of aggression by the Israeli defence force since the start of 2023, have resulted in the killing of at least 156 defenceless Palestinians across Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. The civilian population, including more than 20 children, have been the casualties of the brutal acts of aggression sponsored by the Israeli Government.

The three-year-old Mohammed is the latest victim of spiralling bloodshed under the illegal and unjust Israeli continuous occupation of Palestine that has prompted fears of a return to full-scale fighting.

Israeli occupation force’s action should be seen as criminal and a violation of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 6, which stipulate that:

"(i) States Parties recognise that every child has the inherent right to life; (ii) States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child."

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is unambiguous on its articulation that every child should be recognised, respected and protected as a rights holder and as a unique and valuable human being.

Israel’s acts of aggression aggravate the already tense situation and its impunity encourages it to openly demonstrate that it has no intention to negotiate a two-state solution on bona fide terms. It further encourages the continuous occupation of Palestine and the Israeli army persecutions, massacres, raids and other violations of human rights go against international law.

Sadly, Israel’s callous and unjust killing of Muhammad Tamimi took place a day after the Child Protection Week in South Africa. It is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005). Child Protection Week in South Africa serves as a platform to raise awareness about the rights, needs and vulnerabilities of children. It is an opportunity to educate individuals, families, communities and institutions about the crucial role they play in safeguarding children’s well-being. This year’s theme is “Let us Protect Children during COVID-19 and Beyond”.

South Africa remains unequivocally committed to an end to the occupation of Palestine and calls for concrete action concerning ending the apartheid system in Israel and Palestine. South Africa values efforts aimed at reviving a political process, leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in compliance with all relevant UN resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters.

The Minister also officially opened the one-of-a-kind vessel to the public from 12 to 20 June, free of charge.

The Energy Observer has been described as the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions vessel, which is self-sufficient and capable of drawing its energy from nature, while aiming to preserve it.

The Energy Observer has been sailing around the world since leaving its home port of Saint-Malo, France, in 2017, and has docked in over 40 countries across the globe.

The French vessel aims to raise awareness about the ecological transition issues and explore solutions to demonstrate alternative energy for the future.

“I believe that the presence of the Energy Observer in South Africa will go a long way in creating awareness on the potential of a hydrogen economy,” Minister Nzimande said on Monday, 13 June 2023.

He also welcomed efforts by Air Liquide, a French multinational company that supplies industrial gases and services, and the Energy Observer initiative that aims to highlight the need to transition to a carbon-free environment.

“As part of a national drive to create a clean, affordable and sustainable energy future for South Africa, the South African Government, through my department, developed the Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM) in 2021. Not only will green hydrogen valleys ensure the move away from fossil fuels, but it will create jobs, attract investment and bring development to rural provinces," the Minister said.

Through the HSRM, he said the department was also ensuring that hydrogen could be utilised as a lever for social justice in the context of South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Minister Nzimande said the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) emphasises the core themes of inclusivity, transformation and partnerships within the National System of Innovation.

“We are implementing our White Paper through our Decadal Plan, which serves as a government-wide roadmap fostering interdepartmental collaboration and driving STI policy and programmes over the next 10 years.

“The Decadal Plan has specific areas of focus and development, seeking to address a number of the challenges facing South Africa, from the current energy crisis to how we respond to natural disasters and prepare for future pandemics.”

He stressed the importance of the establishment of partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Through the Just Energy Transition, Minister Nzimande believes South Africa can rebrand itself as a destination for sustainable investment that incorporates environmental, societal and good governance principles.

He said the country’s journey towards the hydrogen economy was a culmination of a long-standing investment by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) for advancing national development and global competitiveness.

The Minister described the DSI-led Platinum Valley Initiative, South Africa’s version of a Hydrogen Valley, as one of the initiatives that are expected to spur the country’s move towards a hydrogen economy and the implementation of the HSRM.

A feasibility study on the Hydrogen Valley, which was completed in partnership with Anglo American Platinum, Bambili Energy and Engie Energy Services SA, was officially launched on 8 October 2021.

The project, which will cost about US$1.2 billion to implement, is said to contribute between US$3.9 billion and US$8.8 billion to gross domestic product by 2050, and create approximately 14 000 to 30 000 jobs per year by 2030.

“Some of the potential collaboration projects along the Hydrogen Valley corridor, which could serve as low-hanging fruits, are the heavy duty and mining trucks conversion with refuelling stations,” Minister Nzimande said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The three-city tour to Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai was characterised by engagements with various key safety and security role players of China.

China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, hosted Minister Cele and the South African delegation on 8 June 2023.

High on the agenda of the fruitful engagement was the establishment of a formal and rigorous policing exchange programme of personnel capabilities and training between the two countries.

The two ministers also reflected on security preparations for the 15th BRICS summit to be hosted in Johannesburg in August 2023, where President Xi Jinping will join other heads of state.

Transnational and environmental crimes, the collaboration to deal with violent crimes in South Africa, through technological interventions and the safety of nationals residing in both countries also featured high on the agenda.

Minister Cele said they had no doubt that the fruitful security and safety discussions on this trip would be cemented and put into action in the shortest possible time.

“While we share a rich history with China and have had cooperation with our law enforcements over the years, we are encouraged by the new avenues being explored to boost South African techniques in law enforcement with our Chinese counterparts.

“The first price for both our countries is a revived policing partnership that will translate to the safety of citizens and the improvement of policing through technology, specialised skills and a modernised South African police service that is people-orientated,” Minister Cele said.

Engagements with the management and senior officials from the Chinese Department of Public Safety and the China People’s Public Security University, ranked the most elite police academy in China, also formed part of the five-day Official Visit.

Members from SAPS specialised units, including the National Intervention Unit and Special Task Force recently received combat and educational training and graduated from the university.

Minister Cele and the South African delegation also visited police stations in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.

The delegation noted the country’s police station models, which serve as one-stop service centre points for residents, promoting transparency and an open-door policy between police and the communities they serve.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“We are proud of the fact that South Africa is again able to assist Canadian firefighting teams in their battle to bring the wildfires under control.  The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta,” the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Monday, 12 June 2023.

The deployment of both teams came in response to an urgent request from the Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Canada and South Africa.

“Alberta has already experienced more than 550 wildfires this season, resulting in significant damage to property and infrastructure, and displacing thousands of people. Evacuation orders have been put in place in many areas,” the department said.

The MoU, signed in 2019, provides for the exchange of wildland fire management resources between the South Africa and Canada. It was put in place following two earlier deployments to Canada to suppress wildfires in Alberta and Manitoba.

“The 2023 deployment is the fifth collaboration between South Africa and Canada, in terms of the exchange of personnel. The 2023 Canadian deployment teams comprise highly qualified firefighters, with a minimum of three years of firefighting experience, and are trained in Canadian pump operation techniques,” the department said.

The teams also include members with previous international firefighting experience, which enhances their expertise in tackling complex fire situations.

“I would like to extend my best wishes to the team as you embark on your deployment to Canada to help put out the fires raging in Alberta.  You go to Canada to raise the South African flag and share your expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces to save lives, homes, businesses and large swathes of vegetation,” Minister Creecy said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) collaborated with the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) to host the event.

It was one of several workshops that the department is conducting across the country from May to July 2023. The purpose of the workshops is to consult and interact with businesses regarding the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Chief Executive Officer of AmiSkin, which produces skincare products, Amelia Ramphadi, expressed her satisfaction about the information she obtained during the workshop.

She said the information would be valuable to her plans to take advantage of the new market opportunities derived from the AfCFTA.

She plans to export her products to other African countries, especially Ghana and Angola, where she says there has been an interest in her products following her participation in a trade mission with LEDA. 

Ramphadi currently exports her products produced from moringa and carrots to Zimbabwe and Namibia. 

“I attended the workshop with the intention of getting more information about these new export markets and the broader export value chains. I am pleased with the outcome and the information shared on how to take advantage of this agreement,” Ramphadi said.

Lele Sithole of Chumelele Poultry also shared her satisfaction with the information shared at the workshop and expressed appreciation for clarity she gathered on the export value chains across Africa.

“I was particularly pleased with the engagements with other businesspeople and the dtic officials. In addition to the benefits and opportunities of the AfCFTA, I am grateful to have gathered more information on the offerings of various government departments and agencies with regards to issues of compliance, quality, as well as food import and export standards.

“I will be knocking on their doors. As small businesses, we are hungry for growth and we want to emerge and flourish as exporters of proudly South African products,” said Sithole.

 “The benefits and opportunities that the AfCFTA is bringing to the South African companies are truly remarkable. We will expand our market access, enabling our businesses to reach over 1.3 billion consumers across Africa.

“This is expected to spark a surge in trade, allowing our enterprises to explore new markets, boost exports and increase revenue. The implementation of the AfCFTA is a milestone in our journey towards economic integration and prosperity in Africa,” said the Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations at the dtic, Calvin Phume.

He added that the AfCFTA represented a remarkable achievement, symbolising the collective commitment to harnessing the potential of trade to drive growth, create jobs and uplift the lives of millions of people across the continent.

With the establishment of this continental free trade area, he said, the continent had embarked on a transformative path towards increased intra-African trade and enhanced economic cooperation.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“The facility will conduct advanced research and training capacity, as well as increase the production capacity for radioisotopes, including new-generation novel radioisotopes. In addition, SAIF has acquired a dedicated cyclotron with associated infrastructure for producing radioisotopes, thus freeing the existing separated sector cyclotron for full-time research and training,” said Minister Nzimande.

Radioisotope therapy is used in treating cancer by targeting cancerous cells, while causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells.

IThemba LABS has produced radioisotopes for the local and international nuclear medicine and research fraternity for more than 30 years.

It is one of only a few places in South Africa where the complete manufacturing process to produce medicine takes place. It includes production facilities, chemical processing, quality assurance and control, filling and packaging under sterile conditions, and end-to-end logistics, marketing and sales.

“The research facility also supplies certain medical isotopes for South African nuclear medicine clinics, which cannot be supplied by anyone else or even imported now,” said the Minister.

Currently, about 5 000 South African patients a year benefit from the supply, and it is expected that these numbers could increase by a factor of five to seven with the increase in production capacity through SAIF and the availability of a new cohort of isotopes.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“We’re thrilled to expand on the offering at Qwabi Private Game Reserve, with Babohi now catering to a discerning market of local and international safari travellers,” says Neil Markovitz, Newmark Hotels and Reserves CEO.

Despite this approach, the lodge is large by typical safari standards. There are 25 rooms and suites across four categories at Babohi.

Entry-level deluxe rooms are anything but simplistic. They sleep two and come with various features, like a private patio, a television with satellite channels and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and indoor shower.

Premium rooms are much the same size but have fireplaces, an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool.

Suites at Babohi come in two guises, standard and luxury. These double-story units are between 80 and 150 square metres, feature private balconies and patios and have additional space for separate lounges and dining areas. Some suites also have wood-fired hot tubs.

A 150-square metre presidential suite sleeps two adults and four younger adults ‒ or guests can use the additional room for a butler. Along with features found in other suites, it also offers a bar and an eight-seater dining room table for private meals.

Researched and narrated by Mpume Mthombeni from Empatheatre and directed by the talented Marc Moynihan from Shells & Spells, along with Dr Dylan McGarry from Empatheatre/Rhodes University, this film aims to breathe life into intangible ocean heritages.

Through mesmerizing animation and thought-provoking public dialogues, it seeks to reintroduce the sacred into our conversations about ocean well-being.

During the film’s grand unveiling at the United Nations in New York on 8 June, 2023, Empatheatre co-director Mpume Mthombeni delivered a powerful message. She emphasised that storytelling was the sacred medicine, the umuthi, that ocean governance desperately needs. With this film, she addresses the critical oversight in ocean governance by exploring the inclusion of spiritual and cultural heritages in decision-making and marine spatial planning.

This awe-inspiring production came to life through a collaboration with Shells & Spells animation studios, in association with Triggerfish. It all began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Empatheatre transformed their production Lalela uLwandle into a digital storytelling experience. They ingeniously used animation as an alternative to their traditional theatre methodology, providing a unique opportunity to bridge Indigenous customary lore with other worldviews and practices surrounding ocean valuation.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Just Wing It Studios’ dancing troupe exercised rhythm and professional groove at its finest during their showcase in Croatia where they tapped their way to the podium as a group and for some, individually.

As a troupe, they scored first place for the junior leg of the competition. For the duo stints, two dancing pairs earned first place in both the A and B leagues each.

As for the individuals, Chelsea Wedderburn scooped first place for the Senior Acro Solo B League and Dineo Du Toit took first prize for the A League’s Children Tap Solo.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Peter Gabriel is known around the world as an artist to rely on for a little strength-through-music during the tough times. So, teaming up with the Soweto Gospel Choir (renowned for their joyous voices) could only create a melting pot of hopeful melodies.

The former Genesis lead singer ‒ who forged his own solo path in the wide world of music ‒ has been working on a new LP, I/O. Of the album’s direction, he shared that it had a lot to do with finding the way back to ourselves and our senses.

In apt Peter Gabriel fashion, songs have been released on each full moon. The latest is Road to Joy (Bright-Side Mix), which featured the Soweto Gospel Choir in subtle force.

Speaking about South Africa’s beloved voices who Gabriel has worked with before, the artist shared:

“They’re such gifted musicians … wonderful group and it’s a real pleasure. And you can just feel that energy whenever they sing, on this record or on the song I did for Wall-E, it’s just joyous, it hits you in the heart.”

The Soweto Gospel Choir features on another song from the album too, Live and Let Live.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The tour, scheduled to run in Women's Month from 10 to 14 August 2023, will be led by Marin Alsop, the first woman conductor to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the United States, United Kingdom, South America and Austria.

She will be joined by soloist Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, the award-winning Limpopo-born soprano who is the current BBC Radio 3 New Generation artist, winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World, and Daily Maverick's Artist of the Year runner-up for 2022.

The August dates follow the acclaimed orchestra's three-city inaugural tour, which played to sold-out houses in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town in December 2022.

Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, says: "Our audiences will be delighted to hear that Marin Alsop will return for this year's tour, following her sensational appearances last year. We are thrilled that the highly accomplished South African dramatic soprano, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, will be our soloist for 2023; Cecilia has a special talent coupled with a warm heart and personality."

The repertoire to be performed in all three centres includes an operatic first half, featuring beautiful and dramatic arias followed, after the intermission, by Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 5.

"Following our successful tour last year, I'm very excited to return to South Africa, a country rich in culture and heritage," says Alsop.

"It is a joy to work with musicians who are committed to excellence and to perform for enthusiastic audiences from diverse backgrounds. This country demonstrates music's unique power to unite people, and I love the way Mzansi Philharmonic embodies this quality."

The Mzansi Philharmonic was launched in 2022 as part of an initiative of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to broaden the orchestral experience of the country, transform the orchestral sector and to brand South Africa positively around the world. The orchestra comprises up to 110 non-permanent musicians drawn from regional orchestras, universities and freelance musicians.

"We are excited to celebrate Women's Month in South Africa with this national tour. The Mzansi Philharmonic is rapidly earning a reputation for its diversity on every level: our programmes feature artists and musicians who are representative of our rainbow nation, showing music's unique ability to bring people together across gender, age, race and class," said the Mzansi Philharmonic's Chairperson, Justice Leona Theron.

The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2023 National Tour tickets are now on sale from Quicket.

– Source: www.news24.com

It’s a proud moment for tennis fans, disability activists and South Africans everywhere, especially those who followed both the newly anointed Grand Slam Champions Montjane and Ramphadi’s stories of determination.

Montjane, who hails from Limpopo, has seen single-digit rankings for her tennis skills both nationally and internationally and was ranked first in South Africa last year. She made the history books by becoming the first black South African woman to reach a Wimbledon singles final in 2021.

“When the young generation sees someone doing well it inspires them to take up the sport. That is my hope, to keep instilling hope and encouraging the next generation to take it up. I also want them to realise that no matter what challenges you face, as long as you want it you can always get it.” ‒ Kgothatso Montjane.

As for Ramphadi, the tennis icon also comes from Limpopo and made his Wimbledon debut in 2022. He’s a highly ranked quad tennis player and reached his global ranking of no 4 recently.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

"At no point did I think it was mine until it was really confirmed," Buhai said. "I did really well to stay mentally in it, stuck to my processes."

"I didn't get ahead of myself and think of the outcome at all. I just trusted the one thing I was trying to do in my golf swing and hopefully that could take care of it."

While it was Buhai's first LPGA triumph on United States soil, it was her fourth worldwide victory in the past 10 months, including March's South African Women's Open, last December's Women's Australian Open and her major breakthrough last August at Muirfield in Scotland.

"It's definitely the best golf I've ever played in my career," Buhai said. "Experience only comes from experience and I put myself in that position four times in the last eight months. Every time you get a little more comfortable."

China's Liu Yan was third on 202 with Sweden's Daniela Holmqvist and Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen sharing fourth on 203.

Holmqvist began the day with a one-stroke lead over Kim but struggled with three bogeys and three birdies on the front nine.

That opened the door for Buhai, who birdied four of the first five holes to leap into the lead.

– Source: www.news24.com

Tete Dijana won the Comrades Marathon for the second consecutive year, with a record-breaking time of 5 hours, 13 minutes, and 58 seconds.

Dijana, who hails from the North West stripped more than four minutes off David Gatebe’s best time of 5:18:19, in 2019.

Meanwhile, Gerda Steyn won the women’s race of the 96th edition of the marathon, in a time of 5:44:56.

The Two Oceans winner also broke the down-run record, which was previously held by Frith van der Merwe in 1989 at a time of 5:54:43.

This year’s race was a downhill run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with about 17 000 runners taking part in the 87-km race.

The Netherlands’ Piet Wiersma came in second, with Edward Mothibi taking the third spot in the men’s race, while Adele Broodryk came in second in the women’s race, with Carla Monilaro clinching the third spot.

– Source: https://ewn.co.za/

Twenty-six athletes and officials are set to represent South Africa for the champs running from 8 to 17 July, giving South African participants a closer stance to securing slots for the Paris Paralympic Games. Beyond their sporting greatness, the team is also an incredible group of adversity’s fiercest warriors.

This year’s squad sees a mix of talented athletes and stars in the making, many of whom are former Paralympians.

Meet the full team:

• Ntombizanele Situ (Javelin)
• Tezna Abrahams (U/200m)
• Sheryl James (100m/200m/400m)
• Louzanne Coetzee (1500m)
• Liezel Gouws (100m/400m)
• Yane Van Der Merwe (Discus)
• Juane Le Roux (Shot Put)
• Simone Kruger (Discus)
• Ndodomzi Ntutu (100m)
• Mpumelelo Mhlongo (100m/Long Jump)
• Puseletso Mabote (100m/Long Jump)
• Tebogo Mofokeng (100m/400m)
• Refilwe Mosifane (400m)
• Jaco Smit (100m/400m)
• Kerwin Noemdo (Shot Put)
• Tyrone Pillay (Shot Put)
• Brandon Beack (1500m/400m/100m)
• Pieter Du Preez (100m/400m).

“Our team has a proven track record of exceptional performances at national, regional and international Para events. We are confident that the selected team is a strong one that will make us proud at the World Para Athletics Championships.

While the proudly South African rider didn’t earn a spot on the podium this weekend, he smashed the top speed record!

“In the past three years, we have witnessed the fastest speeds ever recorded on MotoGP™ machines. During the 2023 Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, MotoGP™ pushed the limits even further as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) smashed the top speed record with an astonishing 366.1 km/h” – MotoGP

Binder has already improved on his 2022 Championship standing. If he keeps racing as brilliantly as he is, he can definitely make this his best season yet.

2023 MotoGP World Championship standings

1. Francesco Bagniaia ITA Ducati 131 points
2. Marco Bezzecchi ITA Ducati 110
3. Jorge Martin SPA Ducati 107
4. Brad Binder RSA KTM 92
5. Johann Zarco FRA Ducati 88

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com