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PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PARTICIPATES IN THE NEW GLOBAL FINANCING PACT SUMMIT IN PARIS

 
President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the New Global Financing Pact Summit, held in Paris, France, from 22 – 23 June 2023 at the invitation of his counterpart, the President of the Republic of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron.

Under the theme, “Towards More Commitments to Meet the 2030 Agenda?”, the summit aimed to build a new contract between the North and the South to facilitate access to financing by vulnerable countries.

It built on previous and ongoing work, which includes the Review of the Capital Adequacy Frameworks of the Multilateral Development Banks; the Bridgetown Initiative; the World Bank Evolution Roadmap; and the Vulnerable 20 (V20) Accra to Marrakech Agenda

The summit aimed to bring together several agendas: (climate, development and debt) and proposed innovative solutions to address these issues. This was unpacked into the following objectives of the summit:

  • increasing fiscal space and mobilising liquidity
  • unlocking finance for the private sector in low-income countries
  • scaling up investment in green infrastructure
  • designing innovative financial solutions for climate vulnerability.

The summit also set a new shared agenda, which was outlined in a Heads of State and Government Vision Statement on a New Global Financing Pact as well as delivered a set of new commitments and concrete results.

The summit also catalysed an ambitious agenda for upcoming 2023 international events with the aim to push for concrete results on these occasions.

Although not aligned with the existing multilateral processes, the Paris Summit provided a selected group of countries with a platform to reach agreements on issues that can be used to influence the outcomes of the discussions in other international and multilateral platforms, such as the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, G20 Summit, World Bank/International Monitory Fund Annual Meetings and the 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, among others.

More than 30 heads of state and government attended the Paris Summit.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor,  and Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, as well as senior government officials.

 
 

CONDOLENCES FOR STRUGGLE ACTIVIST SALLY MOTLANA

 
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent condolences to the Motlana and Maunye families following the passing of veteran anti-apartheid activist, Sally Motlana, on Saturday, 24 June 2023.
 
Motlana was awarded the Esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab for her contribution to women’s empowerment and the realisation of a non-racial and democratic South Africa.
 

 

“We are mourning the loss of a stalwart, whose extended lifetime is a canvas of the history of our struggle. Mam Sally Motlana was a fearless and resolute opponent of oppression, and a deeply spiritual and empathetic builder and organiser of communities who suffered under apartheid,” the President said.

Motlana was detained by apartheid police several times and served as Secretary of the African National Congress Youth League in 1951.

“Mam Sally endured arrests and harassment from a system that reserved the greatest disadvantage and dehumanisation for black women but remained steadfast in her belief that apartheid would be overcome.

“Today, as we continue to confront the legacy of the system she fought against, we should emulate Mam Motlana’s dedication to building self-sustaining and caring communities,” President Ramaphosa said.

The Presidency reflected on Motlana’s life.

“She studied at Fort Hare University and worked as a teacher until 1954 when she resigned from her post as part of the Defiance Campaign’s rejection of the newly introduced Bantu Education.

“She was instrumental in the South African Council of Churches’ adoption of a public stand against apartheid and went on to serve as President of the Black Housewives League for 20 years.

“Under Mam Motlana’s leadership, the league undertook a number of development projects in education and food security in communities around Limpopo and Soweto,” The Presidency said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT CRITICAL FOR SUCCESS OF AFCFTA

 
 
Paul Mashatile says the success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) depends on investment in infrastructure in the areas of electricity generation, transportation, as well as freight and logistics distribution.
 
“This is because Africa's trade integration has been hampered for decades by the ageing infrastructure and too many regulations which require reforms,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Addressing the All Africa Business Leaders Awards on Friday, 23 June 2023, the Deputy President said investing in infrastructure was crucial to unlocking the potential for Africa to experience growth at faster rates but more importantly, to ensure inclusive diversification.

“In this regard, we welcome the launch by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) of the Africa Trade Gateway, a suite of five digital platforms providing critical services to support and promote African trade and the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“We must surely invest in infrastructure because it is a critical driver of success across Africa. It makes a substantial contribution to human development and poverty alleviation,” he said.

The Deputy President said Africa was on the right path of development and towards one African market.

“As it stands, the AfCFTA Agreement has effectively created the largest free trade area in the world, measured by the number of countries participating. The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries, with a combined gross domestic product valued at US$3.4 trillion.

“It has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and 68 million Africans from moderate poverty. The creation of the vast AfCFTA regional market is a major opportunity to help African countries diversify their exports, accelerate growth and attract foreign direct investment,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

He said Africa was brimming with opportunities and the continent had what it takes to be great.

“We must dig into our continent's riches and turn difficulties into possibilities. Africa has a lot of natural resources, which is good news for building value chains. Agriculture and the extraction industries are important parts of value chains at the national, regional and worldwide levels.

“Africa has 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. It makes up 13% of the world's oil. At least half of the world's diamond riches are also in Africa. Cobalt, nickel, lithium, manganese, uranium and rare earth metals, which are important for clean energy and the future, are mostly found in Africa,” the Deputy President said.

The Democratic Republic of Congo produces 58% of the world's cobalt, which is used to make electronics, and South Africa produces 69.6% of the world's platinum.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

MINISTER PANDOR ATTENDS FEMALE FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING IN ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to attend a two-day Female Foreign Ministers Meeting from 29 to 30 June 2023.

Held for the first time in Mongolia, the meeting will not only provide an opportunity for the female ministers to discuss current issues facing international relations but also to seek possible solutions.

The meeting will discuss three specific topics, namely:

  • the role of women in promoting peace and security
  • climate change
  • food security.

Other ministers confirmed to participate are from Burkina Faso, Eswatini, France, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Liechtenstein. Austria is represented by its Ambassador at Large on Gender Equality.

Also invited are international organisations, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Green Climate Fund and the International Trade Centre.

In addition to participating in all the panel discussions, Minister Pandor will moderate the Food and Security panel discussion and present a statement on the way forward.

Minister Pandor will also use the opportunity of her visit to Mongolia to have bilateral meetings with some of her counterparts.

 
 

SA, GERMANY STRENGTHEN TIES AT 11TH BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION

 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa’s relationship with Germany is one of the most crucial and strategic, with the European country being a major investor and an important development partner.

The Minister was speaking during the 11th Meeting of South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on Tuesday, 28 June 2023, where she hosted her counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Minister Pandor said the South Africa-Germany BNC was one of the most substantive the country had. 

Highlighting the importance and closeness of relations between the two countries,  Minister Pandor said South Africa was Germany’s largest trading partner in Africa.

“At the same time, Germany is the third-largest export market for South African products, most of which are value-added. The German economy is export-focussed and yet we have a healthy trade surplus. Your country is a major investor in South Africa and an important development partner,” Minister Pandor told her counterpart.

The Minister said Germany was the third-largest source of overseas tourists to South Africa.

Before the pandemic, the country received about 350 000 German tourists a year. This dropped to only 44 000 in 2021, but is already back above the 200 000 mark currently.

“COVID-19 illustrated the importance of international cooperation to deal with international problems. We differed strongly on issues of vaccine equity during the pandemic, but Germany is today an important partner in the establishment of the mRNA vaccine transfer hub in South Africa.

“Climate change is a matter of concern to all of us and will impact on all of us. Again, we can count on Germany as a valuable partner in our Just Energy Transition journey,” Minister Pandor said.

Referring to the Agreed Report of the BNC, which is almost 50 pages in total, Minister Pandor said it was clear that the two countries' relationship was “very substantial, very diverse and it benefits our people in various ways”.

South Africa and Germany share many common values on matters of peace and security, human rights, climate change and sustainability, and economic development.

In order to pursue these values more effectively, Minister Pandor said both South Africa and Germany believed in the need to reform the United Nations.

The Minister told her counterpart that she remained keen to have a discussion on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and to find ways in which South Africa and Germany could cooperate to improve the lives of women in places such as Afghanistan and Palestine.

Turning to various challenges facing the country, Minister Pandor told her counterpart that these challenges also brought great opportunities.

“You will be aware of our energy challenges, which can mostly be ascribed to our aging coal-fired power stations, which can no longer function at optimum level. However, at the same time, the development of alternative energy sources, be they renewable such as solar or wind, or green hydrogen, have grown exponentially.

“Our government will publish its strategy for electric vehicles in a few months, and we hope that the German automotive companies that are here already will utilise this opportunity to expand their capacity and produce electric vehicles in the same quantity and quality as they do internal combustion engine vehicles at the moment,” Minister Pandor said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

MINISTER PANDOR UNDERTAKES WORKING VISIT TO ANGOLA

 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, undertook a Working Visit to the Republic of Angola for diplomatic and political consultations with her counterpart, Ambassador Tete António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, on Sunday, 25 June 2023.

Minister Pandor and Minister António utilised the occasion of the consultative meeting to prepare for the upcoming State Visit to South Africa by the President of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, scheduled to take place during July 2023.

The ministers also discussed the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanged views on regional, continental and international issues of mutual interest. Angola is the incoming Chair of the Southern African Development Community and will assume this role from August 2023.

While in Luanda, the Minister also met representatives of South African businesses operating in Angola.

Relations between South Africa and Angola are historic and fraternal. The two countries signed an agreement on the mutual establishment of representative offices in January 1992, with full diplomatic relations established in May 1994.

South Africa and Angola conduct their relations through a Bi-National Commission, which is co-chaired by the presidents of the two countries.

 
 

MINISTER PANDOR CONGRATULATES ADV TLAKULA ON HER RE-ELECTION TO SERVE ON CERD

 
 
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has congratulated Advocate Pansy Tlakula on her re-election to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). Advocate Tlakula was re-elected to the committee to serve for the term 2024 to 2028.

Advocate Tlakula was re-elected during the 13th Meeting of States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which took place in New York on 22 June 2023. A total number of 181 state parties voted for 13 candidates who contested for the nine available seats.

The role of the CERD to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has become increasingly critical globally due to the growing contemporary manifestations of racism and racial discrimination.

Advocate Tlakula’s track record in the committee and her expertise across wide-ranging areas dealing with elimination of racism internationally and continentally cannot be doubted and will continue to assist the committee to achieve its objectives.

The re-election of Advocate Tlakula to the Committee is not only a vote of confidence on her expertise but a recognition of South Africa’s commitment to the ideals of the Durban Declaration of the World Conference against Racism held on 31 August to 08 September 2001 and Programme of Action.

Minister Pandor wishes Advocate Tlakula a successful tenure.

 
 

MINISTER PANDOR OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN IN DIPLOMACY

 
Saturday, 24 June 2023, was International Day of Women in Diplomacy. At the United Nations’ (UN) General Assembly’s 76th Session, the General Assembly by consensus declared the 24th of June each year as International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
 
By Resolution (A/RES/76/269), the assembly invited all member states, UN organisations, non-governmental groups, academic institutions and associations of women diplomats, wherever they are, to observe the day in a manner that each considers most appropriate, including through education and public awareness-raising.

Minister Naledi Pandor used the opportunity to convey a special message to women in diplomacy all over the world.
 
 

SOUTH AFRICA, GERMANY SIGN DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR GREEN HYDROGEN

 
The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, have signed a joint declaration of intent to establish the South African German Hydrogen Task Force.
 
The green hydrogen economy has been billed as a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low-carbon emissions with a global potential of about US$300 billion in exports.
 

The country holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals and 40% of the world’s platinum and palladium supplies, which are key components in the production of hydrogen – making South Africa potentially a key player in the future of the market.

The cooperation between the two countries aims to link South African developers in the green hydrogen market with off takers in Germany looking at additional funding for projects and cooperation in creating projects in South Africa that are commercially viable that can meet international green hydrogen demand and supply.

Business-to-business opportunities between South African companies and their German counterparts will also be created through the task force.
The key outputs of the declaration are the creation of the task force, which will look at how the green hydrogen market will be created, how it will develop and grow.

Government has already drawn up plans for a Hydrogen Valley, which is expected to run from Limpopo, through Johannesburg to Durban.

The valley will establish opportunities for projects, which will kick-start hydrogen initiatives in hubs with the aim of boosting economic growth and job creation.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

BRICS ROADSHOW IN NORTH WEST

 
 
On Monday, 26 June 2023, the JB Marks Local Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and the North West Provincial Government in partnership with stakeholders hosted the BRICS Roadshow and Sawubona Afrika Trade and Investment Conference.
 
South Africa’s BRICS Sous Sherpa, Ben Joubert, delivered remarks on prioritising the African Agenda in the BRICS bloc, during the event.
 
 

CABINET WELCOMES SA-MOZAMBIQUE ELECTRICITY AGREEMENT

 
Cabinet has welcomed the signing of an agreement that will see Mozambique supply South Africa with 100 megawatts of electricity within the next three months upon the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement.
 
The next three to 12 months will see South Africa importing up to 1 000 megawatts of electricity from Mozambique.

Cabinet further welcomed continuous improvement in Eskom’s generation capacity, which has ensured the utility registers over 60% Energy Availability Factor.
 

“Cabinet extends its appreciation to South Africans for their contribution in lowering the demand for electricity, which has contributed to Eskom being able to maintain lower stages of load shedding.

“Saving electricity is a shared responsibility and an action from which all of us benefits,” Cabinet said in a statement.

Cabinet has also expressed appreciation for a donation to South Africa by the People’s Republic of China of emergency and small-scale generation equipment, valued at R167 million.

“A deployment plan is being developed to ensure the donated equipment is installed in public facilities, which will, as a result, be isolated from load shedding. A formal handover ceremony will take place as soon as the goods are cleared by South African customs authorities,” Cabinet said.


– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

SOUTH AFRICA NAMED TOP SPOT FOR DIGITAL NOMADS IN AFRICA

 
 
One of the most impactful silver linings of the pandemic was the massive shift that took place in traditional office culture. What started as a necessity became a different way of doing things entirely and for many, a happier way. Soon, working from home became remote work, and remote work became the origin story for digital nomads everywhere.
 
During this movement, South Africa saw a lot of new faces. In 2021, Cape Town was named one of the best cities in the whole world for digital nomads. Now, South Africa has been dubbed a hotspot for the digital explorer, beating out every other African country.

According to data collected by resume.io, “travelpreneurs” and digital nomads from all over the world are making a beeline straight for South Africa.

Using social media, they investigated just how many #digitalnomads had ventured South via Instagram, and soon it was discovered that there were plenty of thousands.

According to the data, Cape Town is the digital nomad capital not just of South Africa, but of Africa entirely, which is a wealth of good news for two main reasons.

1. The Tourism Factor

Last year, the Department of Tourism revealed that tourism contributed more than agriculture to South Africa’s gross domestic product. And, because digital nomads are likely to stay longer than a holiday, this helps boost our economy.

2. The Cultural Exploration Factor

There are few better ways to break stigmas and change narratives about a place than by actually visiting and getting to know them. As more digital nomads explore South Africa, the room to share our culture and break misconceptions becomes even bigger.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

AYANDA THABETHE JETS OFF TO POLAND TO REPRESENT SOUTH AFRICA AT MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2023

 
 
Miss SA runner-up, Ayanda Thabethe, travelled to Poland on Monday, 26 June 2023, where she will represent South Africa in the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant.
 
"And in what feels like a blink of an eye, today I start writing my Miss Supranational 2023 journey on my blank page, and one thing it will be is extraordinary!" she wrote on social media.

Title holder and former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane will crown her successor at the Miss Supranational finale on 14 July 2023.

"Poland, here I come ..." said Thabethe as she boarded a flight to Poland on Monday.

Thabethe will represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant, culminating with a glitzy final in the Malopolska region of Poland on 14 July.

"And in what feels like a blink of an eye, today I start writing my Miss Supranational 2023 journey on my blank page, and one thing it will be is extraordinary!" reads the caption to photos shared on social media.

"Thank you so much for all the heartfelt messages, the beautiful comments, words of encouragement, and unfiltered love ‒ this is the most important thing I carry with me to Poland. Iso liwela umfula ugcwele ‒ when the heart is willing, it can find a way where there seemed to be no way. Your desire to do something can't be stopped by anyone except yourself."

The Miss SA Organisation wished the 2022 runner-up luck in a message alongside a reel of her departure, saying: "From South Africa to a global stage! In Ayanda Thabethe's own words - we wish you love and light. We know that you will make the nation proud."

Thabethe is part of 68 contestants that will be whittled down to a Top 12 to compete for the crown at the 14 July finale, where title holder and former Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, will crown her successor.

 
 

TREVOR NOAH AND SPOTIFY ANNOUNCE NEW DEAL

 
Spotify has announced a new original podcast with comedian Trevor Noah.
 
The weekly podcast will blend Noah’s signature humour and razor-sharp wit with his global perspective to deliver a unique take on the hottest and most captivating topics of the moment.

Launching later this year, the series will also feature in-depth and freewheeling conversations between Noah and some of the most influential and interesting figures around the world.
 

The new original series will be available on numerous platforms and sees Noah’s joining Spotify in partnership with many of the most popular podcast creators in the world, including Alex Cooper, Louis Theroux, Emma Chamberlain, Dax Shepard, Markiplier, Drew Afualo, Lena Situations and more.

This news comes after Noah retired from the successful American talk show, The Daily Show.

Noah adds: “It’s really exciting to be joining Spotify on a fun new adventure where we’ll engage in interesting and meaningful conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating people. We’ll also probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode.”

Spotify is the ultimate audio destination, and partnering with Trevor Noah, one of the world’s most brilliant and distinctive voices, will make for captivating storytelling that will delight our more than 100 million podcast listeners around the world. We are excited to collaborate with Trevor to create an original podcast that seamlessly combines his unique humour, insightful commentary, and consummate interview skills on a global scale,” says Julie McNamara, VP, Head of Global Podcast Studios.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

 
 

FYN RESTAURANT IN CAPE TOWN NAMED BEST SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD

 
FYN Restaurant has been acclaimed as the world’s most sustainable restaurant after being awarded the prestigious Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony held in Valencia, Spain.
 
The coveted award aims to recognise restaurants that achieve the highest environmental and social responsibility ratings, determined by its audit partner, the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

FYN Restaurant, which opened in late 2018, was placed 37 on last year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and won two stars at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards last year.

Headed by chef Peter Tempelhoff and his partners, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé, FYN has been commended for its far-reaching philosophy that holds sustainability at the helm.

Heralded as an '‘ethical celebration of South African ingredients’' by The world’s 50 Best Restaurants, FYN’s cuisine is a fusion of South African ingredients and Japanese cooking techniques with local sourcing at its core.

The kaiseki-style menu, consisting of five waves of courses, pays tribute to the native ingredients found along the Western Cape and is intrinsic to the principles of sustainability employed by the renowned restaurant.

All suppliers are carefully selected according to criteria of eco-friendly practices and range from ABALOBI, South Africa’s first community-supported fishery, to the regenerative-principled Meuse Farm for vegetables, Cape Wagyu for free-range, pasture-reared cattle, and responsibly harvested dune spinach, sea lettuce and kelp.

“FYN is about balancing authenticity and innovation. Through our cuisine, we’re straddling the fine line between time-honoured techniques and creating something quite new,” says Tempelhoff.

 “We’re paying homage to the past by working with ingredients foraged some 150 000 years ago on the Western Cape coastline and in the fynbos. We’re representing our local ancestry in our menus and talking about culinary ingredients originating from the dawn of mankind. This journey of exploring regional ingredients is one that we’re enjoying and celebrating with the Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award.”

– Source: www.news24.com

 
 

TWO SOUTH AFRICAN RESTAURANTS MADE WORLD’S TOP 100 LIST

 
Holding down the fort, two South African restaurants have made it onto the World’s Top 100 restaurants list again!
 
Fyn and La Colombe have held down the fort for South Africa yet again by making sure a little South Africa flair had its place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants full list. The Top 100 List, which annually showcases the world’s finest restaurants, has been going for over 20 years,; plating the best culinary experiences around the world and where to find them.
 

Some 1080 International restaurant industry experts are part of the voting process. The gender split is 50/50 and judging panels are split into several regions around the world. Together, food writers, restaurateurs and critics cast their votes and the big list is eventually compiled.

Fyn

This is the second time Cape Town’s Fyn has earned a seat at the table after the Japanese-Inspired restaurant made its 50 Best Debuts in 2022. This year, Fyn sits at 75 on the World’s Top 100 list, recognised once again as Africa’s top restaurant.

Fyn is known for its locally sourced goodness, creating and plating delicious delicacies like tare tonkatsu and Cape fish assortments that marry African and Japanese treasures of taste.

You can find Fyn on 37 Parliament Street in Cape Town.

La Colombe

Following Fyn, La Colombe also served up consistency through excellence. La Colombe took the 94th spot this year, holding a place on the Top 100 list since 2021.

La Colombe is easily one of South Africa’s most iconic establishments, known for its French fusion and fresh seasonal produce served with an award-winning wine list.

You can find La Colombe at Silvermist organic wine estate atop Constantia Nek.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

SOUTH AFRICAN START-UP NAMED ON TIME100 MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPANIES

 
Lexie Hearing, a market leader in the United States (US) hearing healthcare and the developer of the award-winning Lexie B2 Hearing Aids Powered by Bose, has been named on TIME’s third-annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.
 
The renowned list highlights companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations from its global network of contributors and correspondents as well as from outside experts. Then TIME editors evaluated each on key factors, including impact, innovation, ambition and success.
 

The result is a diverse group of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward.

“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised by TIME, next to some of the world’s most iconic brands. At Lexie, we work every day to create accessible hearing care for everyone, everywhere, and we’re thankful to TIME for recognising our positive global impact,” said Nic Klopper, Lexie Hearing Founder and CEO.

In late 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of non-prescription hearing aids over the counter (OTC) at retail and pharmacy stores.

Today, Lexie’s OTC hearing aids help make hearing care more affordable and accessible for the 37.5 million Americans who need it. Available in more than 12 000 stores nationwide for a fraction of the cost of prescription hearing aids, the devices are helping people take control of their hearing and shaping the future of hearing health.

“For too long, proper hearing care was under-prioritised and difficult to access. Hearing aids were exorbitantly expensive and required ongoing consultations,” said Klopper. “Lexie is changing that. We have changed an industry by offering more affordable solutions with high-powered technology, providing a clinically-proven hearing experience for a much smaller cost than prescription hearing aids. Our over-the-counter hearing aids and award-winning customer support are life-changing for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who can now get Lexie hearing aids at the click of a button, and once again hear the people and life they love.”

TIME editors solicited nominations for the list from companies across a range of sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, technology and design.

–Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

FROM LIMPOPO TO A LOUIS VUITTON RUNWAY! MODEL BRINGS LOCAL HEAT

 
At just 18 and a long way from Limpopo, Lebo Malope is making his mark on the global runway. Recently, he walked for none other than Louis Vuitton.
 
After turning 18 recently, Malope has already made moves that define a career in modelling. Hailing from Elandskraal in Limpopo, the young South African has come a long way from home, having recently walked a historic runway for Louis Vuitton.

After the passing of Virgil Abloh ‒ the ''designer of progress'' who redefined what black creativity in fashion meant as Louis Vuitton’s first black creative director ‒ all eyes and ears were on the ground as to who would step into his legacy.

Pharrell Williams was eventually given the challenge, debuting his first collection for LV recently at the Men’s Spring/Summer SS 24.

Malope was given the opportunity to walk the runway for this iconic passing of the baton, making for a proud fashion-loving community in South Africa.

This isn’t Malope’s first time walking iconic runways either, having strutted for other luxury brands like FENDI and Valentino.

Malope follows in his brother Denetric’s footsteps, who is a handful of years older than his little brother and has also walked numerous iconic stages. Together, the two made South Africa enormously proud earlier this year at Milan’s Spring Fashion Week.

Of the South African brothers stepping into fashion’s global eye together, Denetric shared with GQ:

“Walking side by side with my little brother was my ultimate dream … we couldn’t believe what we’d talked about in our living room was happening on one of the world’s biggest stages. It was just so beautiful.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

SOWETO CHOIR GIVES PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL IN FRANCE

The Soweto Choir is on tour in Europe and recently put on a quick performance for the public, outside the Strasbourg Cathedral.
 
To the delight of tourists and passersby, the Soweto Choir assembled outside the Strasbourg Cathedral in France to give a quick show to the public at large.

The choir is currently on tour in Europe and while they have many exciting performances booked, they hoped to give the general public a chance to see what they can do. Armed with some drums, beautiful outfits and some amazing traditional dance moves, they quickly drew a crowd outside the cathedral.

While on tour, the choir has been showcasing their full repertoire to the audience, including a show dedicated to gumboot dancing.
 

The talented choir seems to be having a great time on tour, and when they are not putting on a show, they are soaking in the sights and sounds of Europe. A marvellous opportunity indeed! They have been touring since mid-April, visiting countries like Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and France. They will head home at the end on the tour in early July.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

KINGSLEY HOLGATE SETS OFF ON LEGENDARY 41ST EXPEDITION

 
 
Africa’s renowned explorer Kingsley Holgate and his expedition team set off on a challenging new humanitarian and geographic odyssey on Wednesday, 21 June; this time, to reach some of the wildest and most isolated regions on the African continent.

Less than a year after completing the gruelling 35 000-kilometre, 30-country Hot Cape – Cold Cape transcontinental journey from Cape Agulhas on the southern tip of Africa to Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle, the 77-year-old explorer is still not ready to hang up his expedition boots. Instead, he and his team are on a quest to highlight the importance of conserving Africa’s iconic wildlife and remaining natural landscapes and draw attention to the needs of local communities living alongside these remote protected areas.

“During 40 expeditions to all 55 countries in Africa over the past 30 years, we’ve grown to deeply appreciate Africa’s unique biodiversity and iconic wildlife, which are now under immense threat,” said Kingsley. “The continent-wide decimation of endangered animals such as elephant and rhino and the destruction of vast tracts of pristine forests, wetlands and grasslands that are home to thousands of other wildlife species don’t make the headlines anymore; it’s become too much doom and gloom.

“For many years, we’ve been asking the question: where can one find hope for Africa’s critically needed wild spaces and irreplaceable fauna and flora, as well as the communities that depend on them? Thankfully, there are powerful and positive stories emerging from across the African continent – uplifting narratives that need to be told. Through this new expedition, we hope to draw attention to the incredible work that’s being done.”

In a unique collaboration with the conservation NGO African Parks, Afrika Odyssey – the 41st Kingsley Holgate geographic and humanitarian expedition – is a legacy journey-of-purpose with a “conservation, culture and community” theme. Estimated to take 18 months, the expedition will follow an adventure-filled, chapter-by-chapter route on a challenging journey into the wild heart of 12 diverse African countries.

Departing from South Africa on 21 June after a vibrant African send-off from the Lesedi Cultural Village in the Cradle of Humankind, the Afrika Odyssey expedition aims to showcase the inspiring revival of 22 national parks under the management of African Parks and encompassing 20 million hectares under protected area status, which form the backbone of the continent’s biodiversity and benefits many thousands of people.

“This expedition is going to be one of our most challenging journeys ever attempted,” said Ross Holgate, Kingsley’s son and the expedition’s leader, who has also explored every country in Africa and beyond, including a round-the-world expedition to track the Tropic of Capricorn and a world-first journey from Cape Town to Kathmandu in Nepal across the deserts and high Himalayan mountain ranges of Asia.

Starting in the ancient Namib desert of Iona National Park in the south-west corner of Angola, the journey will encompass Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo , the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, South Sudan and Chad in north Africa, and conclude in Benin, West Africa.

The Afrika Odyssey expedition will document ancient indigenous cultures, traditions and historic places of interest on its continent-wide journey. And, in the words of often unheard indigenous communities who depend on the survival of Africa’s natural landscapes, the expedition will record authentic and powerful stories of hope to create an enduring archive of positive, grassroots narratives in support of conservation from across Africa.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

TEAM SOUTH AFRICA WINS AT THE GOLDEN SHEARS IN EDINBURGH

 
On 25 June 2023, the final day of the Golden Shears Shearing and Woolhandling World Championships 2023, Bonile Rabela and Zwelamoakhosi Mbuweni won in their division, bringing home gold and silver.
 
The Golden Shears Championship saw competitors from all over the world coming together to showcase their skills and shearing styles.

Representatives from 29 countries went head-to-head to compete for the winning titles. Two of South Africa’s team earned gold and silver at the competition.
 

The Protea Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Team was made up of seven talented individuals, including the team manager, Izak Klooper.

Mbuweni and Rabela earned the winning title in their division as a team and then individual wins as well. Bonile earned the individual gold and Zwelamakhosi earned the individual silver.

“The last (2019) World Championship saw SA reluctantly relinquish its World Blade Shearing title – one it had held steadfastly since 1996 – by taking silver and bronze in the division.

Today, Team SA reclaimed their title by winning gold in the Blade Shearing Team Division, and gold and silver in the Individual Blade Shearing Division, with Bonile Rabela claiming his first World Champion title.” – South African Sheep Shearing Federation

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES: TEAM SA MEDAL TALLY AT 49

 
 
Team South Africa will need the country to help them carry their treasures as they continue to collect medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.
 
By 25 June 2023, Special Olympics athletes had collected 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals across the following sporting codes: swimming, athletics, boccie, golf, table tennis, soccer, basketball, ten-pin bowling and equestrian.

At the 2019 games in the United Arab Emirates, Team South Africa brought home 35 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals.

This year, South Africa competed against 7 000 athletes from across 180 countries.

The men’s football team won a gold medal in Division 1 male football and the basketball team won a silver medal.

"I am happy that my boys are just so free and happy to represent SA by flying our flag, and we are following the dream of Nelson Mandela, saying let's go out there and compete, and also to build up our rainbow nation, and that is the best way,” said Special Olympics South Africa basketball coach, Harry Nakeng.

The Special Olympics World Games are the world's largest inclusive sports event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports.

“The fundamental difference between Special Olympics competitions and those of other sports organisations is that athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to participate, and every athlete is recognised for his/her performance.

Competitions are structured so that athletes compete with other athletes of similar ability in equitable divisions,” said Special Olympics South Africa CEO, Ancilla Smith, to Eyewitness News.

– Source: www.ewn.co.za

 
 

WELL WISHES FOR BANYANA BANYANA FOR 2023 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Banyana’s presence at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup sends a powerful message that women can achieve anything they set their minds on, says the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
 
“I want to commend Banyana Banyana for the indomitable spirit they have displayed throughout their careers. Their courage, talent and commitment has made us all proud. May they continue to rise above all obstacles, may they continue to break barriers and redefine what is possible,” the Minister said on Friday, 23 June 2023, in Pretoria.

He made these remarks during the announcement of the final 23-woman squad to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
 

The reigning African champions, South Africa, together with Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia, are the four African teams set to represent the continent at the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia from 20 July to 20 August 2023.

“South Africa is with you every step of the way. As a country, we do not only hope you only come back with a trophy but we also hope that you come back with experience and knowledge that you can share with all of us.

“I encourage you to embrace every moment, and never lose sight of the power you hold to inspire the future generations.

“I wish you all the success, happiness and fulfilment in your upcoming endeavours. Go forth Banyana Banyana and continue to shine your light in the world,” Minister Kodwa said.

He expressed his deepest gratitude to each member of the coaching staff, who have nurtured and guided the team.

“Your expertise, dedication and commitment have played a vital role in shaping these talented athletes into the formidable force that we have today. Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed and we are immensely grateful for the impact that you have made on the lives of these athletes,” the Minister said.

Banyana Banyana Captain, Refiloe Jane, said being selected as the captain of the team and representing the country at the World Cup was an honour and privilege.

“I also want to give credit to the players who have been selected to go to the World Cup. We know what lies ahead. It is not going to be easy but we have put in the work. We have showcased what we are capable of. Going into the World Cup, we will leave no stone unturned,” Jane said.

Head coach of Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, announced the squad to represent South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Kebotseng Moletsane

Defenders:

Karabo Dhlamini
Fikile Magama
Lebohang Ramalepe
Tiiseto Makhubela
Noko Matlou
Bambanani Mbane
Bongeka Gamede

Midfielders:

Kholosa Biyana
Refiloe Jane
Sibulele Holweni
Linda Motlhalo
Nomvula Kgoale
Robyn Moodalay

Forwards:

Gabriela Salgado
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Noxolo Cesane
Melinda Kgadiete
Wendy Shongwe
Hildah Magaia
Thembi Kgatlana

Standby:

Ntabiseng Majiya
Amogelang Motau
Regirl Ngobeni

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

SA GOLFER LAWRENCE EMULATES “HERO” ELS WITH EMOTIONAL WIN IN MUNICH: “IT'S SPECIAL"

 
 
South African golfer Thriston Lawrence held his nerve for an emotional win at the BMW International Championship.
 
Lawrence secured his fourth DP World Tour title in Munich this past weekend with a one-shot win.

Lawrence's heroics replicated Ernie Els' 2013 triumph and he became only the second South African to win in Germany.

It was a rollercoaster of a final day for Lawrence as he carded eight birdies and five bogeys on his way to a three-under par 69.

Lawrence, who is the reigning South African Open Championship winner, snatched the title and recorded his second win of the DP World Tour season.

"This game is not easy. It was a real push today and I really gave it my all. I feel sorry for Joost. I know how tough this game is," said the South African.

Lawrence became just the second South African to win the trophy after the great Ernie Els.

The win for Lawrence was on the 10-year anniversary of Els' win in Germany.

"It's special. I seem to win a lot of events that Ernie has won. It's special, he's obviously the ultimate hero for me," said Lawrence.

"I grew up in that era where he was on top of the world and it's very special to get my name alongside him."

– Source: www.news24.com

 
 
 
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