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SOUTHERN AFRICA CUSTOMS UNION PIVOTAL TO REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

President Cyril Ramaphosa says it is pivotal that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) achieves its mandate if southern Africa’s economies are to withstand the “seismic shifts” that the global economy is now going through.

The President was speaking at the Eighth SACU Heads of State and Government Summit, held in the Kingdom of Eswatini on Thursday, 29 June 2023.

“As the UN Conference on Trade and Development noted earlier this year, food and energy crises, surging inflation, debt tightening and the climate emergency are all contributing to one of the lowest rates of global economic growth in decades.

“As the Southern African Customs Union, it is critical that we fulfil our mandate if we are to withstand these global shocks and mitigate their impact on our respective countries,” he said.

President Ramaphosa outlined the tools the customs union could utilise to ensure the development of the five member states’ economies.

“South Africa believes that spatial development initiatives, industrialisation, exports and investment promotion and regional manufacturing linkages will enable our countries to diversify our economies. It will also enable us to take advantage of opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“For this to happen, we should prioritise economic infrastructure, especially scaling up renewable energy capacity, roads and railways, ports and airports, telecommunications and water infrastructure,” he said.

The President emphasised that the countries were equipped to take advantage of opportunities in the market and raise the continent’s global trade share.

“We are well positioned to use our collective revenues to support industrial capacity and infrastructure development within the union. We cannot be content that Africa’s share in global trade is a mere 3%.

“This customs union should contribute to substantially increase African trade in goods and services. We will achieve this if we have clearly articulated programmes and initiatives.

“We can live up to this if, as SACU, we continue to serve as an important instrument for deepening African economic integration as we strive to develop our economies as well as advance mutual prosperity and leave no one behind in our region,” he said.

Established in 1910, SACU is the oldest customs union in the world.

President Ramaphosa led a delegation comprising the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza; Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana; and the South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za


 

BMW TO INVEST R4.2 BILLION INTO ITS TSHWANE PLANT

 
Automotive giant, BMW, has announced that it will invest some R4.2 billion to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane to build the next generation BMW X3 hybrid plug-in vehicle.
 
Production of the car is expected to begin in 2024 with some 300 employees at the plant to undergo specialist training.

On Wednesday, 28 June 2023, at an event marking 50 years since the automotive manufacturer entered South African shores, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the investment was a vote of confidence in the country as an investment destination.
 

“What BMW has done through this investment shows that South Africa is open for business. What [they] have done through this investment is to give confidence to say South Africa … is an excellent investment choice and of course, we are a gateway to Africa.

“We are aware through your R4.2 billion investment in electrification and digitisation, you have secured the future of the BMW Group plant in Rosslyn for another 50 years,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile said government had implemented several measures to make South Africa even more attractive to investors.

“One of the things that we are doing is establishing special economic zones … where we are offering tax breaks, custom duty exemptions and infrastructure development subsidies. Those are the things that we think will help grow businesses together with yourselves and employ more people.

“Secondly, we are investing more in skills development and training programmes to upskill the South African workforce – particularly those in manufacturing – and also in infrastructure,” he said.

The Deputy President said the Rosslyn Plant had played a significant role in South Africa’s automotive sector.

“Even more noteworthy, over these past 50 years, this facility has played a significant role in creating jobs. For us, that is very important. We want that as we bring in investments. We want those investments that are going to create jobs.

“Additionally, we appreciate your contribution to the advancement of technology and the high standards that you have set for responsible business practices in accordance with our Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).

“Through the APDP, we aim to promote production volumes … and promoting added value in the automotive components industry, thus creating employment through the value chain,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 

MINISTER PANDOR CALLS FOR REAL CHANGE AS SA, DRC FORGE STRONGER TIES

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has told her Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart that her desire is to see tangible change in the lives of citizens as the two countries forge stronger ties.

“Our main goal and vision are to see real changes in our people's livelihoods. We want to see our youth educated and trained to become responsible future leaders of our nations. We want to bring women in the fold so that they have full participation in our economies. We want to create sustainable jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities that ensure that our people are independent, self-sustained, enabled and empowered to take charge of their own future and destiny. Until the above is achieved, we will continue to put shoulder on the wheel, one Bi-National Council (BNC) at a time,” she said.

Minister Pandor was speaking on Tuesday, 4 July 2023, in Kinshasa during the Ministerial Meeting of the 12th Session of the BNC between South Africa and the DRC.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to join the South African delegations where he will co-chair the 12th session of the DRC-South Africa BNC with President Félix Tshisekedi, due to take place on Thursday, 6 July 2023.

The two nations, according to the Minister, share strong relations based on historic bonds.

“These are the bonds that keep us together during difficult and pleasant times. We represent people who have the shared vision of peace and prosperity,” she said, adding that the bonds are also inspired by Pan-African ideals and solidarity. 

“South Africa and the DRC have featured prominently in each other’s growth path. As South Africa, we see strategic and mutual value in the bilateral relations that must always be guarded and promoted.”

The BNC is an opportune time to assess the status of implementation of agreed programmes, evaluate the state of legal instruments, identify new areas of cooperation and enhance the implementation of all agreements signed between the two countries. 

The nations currently have 38 agreements and memoranda of understanding between them, of which several are at various stages of completion and will soon be signed and implemented.

The scope of agreements, she said, was wide and continued to increase, particularly in the fields of agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, defence and security, economy and finance, trade and investments as well as social and humanitarian affairs.

Meanwhile, the Minister told the delegates that she was pleased that the session also created a platform for businesspeople to engage in a formal manner through convening a business forum.

She called on business to leverage the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ‒ an agreement that will create the largest free trade area encompassing most countries on the continent.

Minister Pandor believes that the AfCFTA will thrust the states towards the pursuit of beneficial economic integration in the continent.

“The beneficiation of our natural resources within the shores of our continent will ensure that full benefit is derived from the value chain and our people realise the much-needed opportunities. It is only by working together that we can bring forth the change we want. I look forward to our fruitful deliberations and the report prepared by our senior officials.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

 
 
DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES LEADS SOUTH AFRICA’S DELEGATION TO THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU (COB) IN AZERBAIJAN
 

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, is leading the South African delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM CoB being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 5 and 6 July 2023 under the theme: “NAM, United and Steadfast in Confronting Emerging Challenges”.

The meeting is considering preparations for the upcoming 19th Summit Conference of the NAM Heads of State and Government to be held in Kampala, Uganda, from 15 to 20 January 2024. The meeting is reviewing the movement’s principled positions on global issues pertaining to development, human rights, peace and security and the promotion and preservation of multilateralism, in line with the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the Bandung Founding Principles of the NAM.

Inspired by its founding principles, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movement has proven itself to be one of the most united and efficient multilateral platforms.

A meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine will also be convened during the NAM Ministerial Meeting of the CoB. South Africa is a member of the NAM Committee on Palestine, which has the mandate to coordinate the NAM's activities in support of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

The Ministerial Meeting will conclude with the adoption of the outcome documents of the meeting, including the Baku Political Declaration and the Political Declaration of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine.

With its 120 member states, the NAM is the largest grouping of countries outside of the UN, making it an important role player in global and multilateral affairs, especially in the current global context where geo-political divisions are negatively impacting the interest of developing countries. Since its inception in 1961, the movement has played a crucial and highly visible political role in representing the interests of developing countries, particularly in the eradication of colonialism, supporting struggles for liberation and self-determination, the pursuit of world peace and the search for a more equitable and just global order.

 
 

MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR WATER IN SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA AND THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO MEET TO STRENGTHEN TRANSBOUNDARY RELATIONS

 
Minister Senzo Mchunu will host his counterparts from Botswana, Namibia and the Kingdom of Lesotho during the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Forum of Parties on Thursday, 6 July 2023, in Pretoria.
 
The meeting of ministers responsible for water in the four member states aims to discuss ways in which to strengthen the already existing transboundary relations and reflect on some of the achievements attained since the ORASECOM was established.
 

The ORASECOM Forum of Parties Meeting takes place annually on a rotational basis among the four member states, with the Republic of South Africa hosting this year, where ministers responsible for water in the Orange-Senqu River Basin meet on matters related to the development, use and conservation of water resources in the basin.

The discussions will include recommendations on, among others, water availability, the equitable and reasonable use of water, the development of the river systems, stakeholder participation, the harmonisation of policies and a standard form of collection, processing and dissemination of data and information.

ORASECOM was established in 2000 through an agreement among Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The commission began its work soon after the signing of the Revised Southern African Development Community Protocol on Shared Watercourses. The Permanent Secretariat was established in 2007 and is based in Centurion, South Africa.

The meeting will also see the ministers discussing ways in which to establish innovative ways to enhance water sustainability in the river basin, while working collaboratively to reinforce operations between the respective states.

 
 

CAPE TOWN FILM INDUSTRY BOOMS, NEARLY 4 000 FILMING PERMITS ISSUED IN 2022

 
 
Looks like Cape Town isn’t only a holidaymaker’s dream, but a filmmaker’s dream too! With so many stunning locations to choose from, it’s no surprise the film industry is doing well.
 
The 2022/23 financial year is being tallied up and the City of Cape Town’s Film Permit Office (FPO) had a booming year. They showed the highest numbers recorded post the COVID-19 pandemic.

The office issued more than 3 900 permits within the financial year, including projects for feature films, commercials, TV series, stills photography, documentary films, short films, student projects and music videos. Most of the permits were for commercials but 100 large feature film productions and 499 TV series were included in that tally too.

American Monsters, Blood and Water’s Fourth Season, Come Dine with Me Cape Town and Fear Factor India were among some of the local and international productions filmed in Cape Town over the last 12 months.

“This past season, we have seen a number of international feature film and TV series productions heading to our shores as we steadily recover from the impact of the pandemic. The local film industry has also done an incredible job in attracting international brands to film their commercials here in Cape Town. The uptake in filming the past year is made possible by Cape Town’s reputation of a world-class local film industry, by having a competent and efficient Film Office and the fact that we have some of the best locations in the world within a few kilometres of the city centre,” said Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

The film industry has proven itself a catalyst for economic growth, A study commissioned by the city shows that the film industry contributes approximately R5 billion to the local economy annually and has created more than 35 000 jobs.

So, next time you spot Cape Town in the background of an advert, series or movie, feel that extra bit of joy in knowing it absolutely did some good for South Africa.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

DR KAMINI GOVENDER REPRESENTS SOUTH AFRICA AT LINDAU NOBEL LAUREATE MEETING

 
 
Dr Kamini Govender was one of only nine young African scientists joining more than 600 international delegates at the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, which took place in Germany recently.
 
The meeting brought together scientists from across the globe to exchange information, studies and ideas. The Lindau Nobel Laureate meetings were founded in 1951 and have been a highlight on the scientific community calendar each year.

“The annual meetings provide an opportunity for an exchange between different generations, cultures and disciplines. Once every year, around 30 to 40 Nobel laureates convene in Lindau to meet the next generation of leading scientists: 600 undergraduates, PhD students and post-doc researchers from all over the world.”

Dr Govender was honoured to be selected to participate. She credits her mother for inspiring her journey into science. As a University of KwaZulu-Natal Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr Govender holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

“I am very honoured to be nominated as one of nine outstanding young scientists to participate from Africa and also to be among the 40 Nobel laureates and the other pioneering young scientists attending,” said Govender.

“My mother, who was a Natural Science teacher, inspired me to strive to be my best. During my studies, I came across many renowned scientists in literature and was always fascinated by Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie.”

Not only did Dr Govender’s mother inspire her journey into the sciences. Being born with a visual impairment, she was curious about DNA and in high school, really started on her path to where she is today.

“I was born with a visual impairment, which was discovered in my schooling career. In high school, I was fascinated by science after learning about DNA.

“Therefore, after matriculating, I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology. My enthusiasm for science led me to continue studying towards a BSc Honours and Master’s degree in Biochemistry. I thereafter joined the Fourth Industrial Revolution in drug discovery and did a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, whereby I produced academic excellence and successfully cloned human insulin and purified it using innovative sub/supercritical fluid chromatography.”

In her career, Dr Govender has published results of her research in seven peer-reviewed papers in high-impact factor journals. She has presented at nine conferences both locally and internationally and won best poster in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)/South African Chemical Institute Young Chemists’ Symposium-2020. She has also served as a reviewer in Frontiers in Endocrinology (Impact factor of 6.055).

She is a member of four renowned scientific bodies. She has research expertise in multidisciplinary fields, encompassing Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry. This was her first time attending an international meeting.

“I would like to thank ASSAF, the National Research Foundation and DSI for the opportunity and also Professor Anil Chuturgoon for hosting me as a post-doctoral fellow and believing in me.

“I commend the camaraderie at the Medical Biochemistry Department. It was inspiring to work with other female scientists such as Dr Rene Khan and Dr Terisha Ghazi. They provided a wonderful and conducive research environment.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

CYCLIST TREKS FROM THE UK TO SA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE BLACK MAMBAS

 

Last week was World Female Ranger Week, but for the United Kingdom’s Paul Edkins, celebrating incredible women like the Black Mambas who protect wild animals wasn’t enough. Edkins has set out on a mission to raise funds for them to keep doing the brave work they do, and he is trekking all the way to South Africa on a bicycle to turn the wheels of change.

While he might not be cycling the entire distance to South Africa, the feat is still a big one. At the heart of it are the Black Mambas ‒ the all-female anti-poaching unit.

These brave heroines have been awarded for their resilience in the past; operating within the Balule Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. They’re also the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit.

These women are heroes not just for the wildlife they protect, but to the communities who look up to them ‒ many of whom hail from underprivileged communities.

Their goal is simple: conserve, educate others and protect the wildlife in South Africa ‒ something the team has been doing proudly since 2013.

Edkins has already set the cycle for his journey, and is en route to France per his most recent update.

You can keep up with his trek via his social media pages.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

GABRIELLA NEL BECOMES THE YOUNGEST SOUTH AFRICAN TO SUMMIT EVEREST

Dr Gabriella Nicola Nel successfully summited Mount Everest in May this year, becoming the youngest South African to ever accomplish this feat.
 
The St Andrew’s School for Girls took to Facebook recently to offer praise to Gabriella Nicola Nel, who became the youngest South African to summit Everest. Gabriella is a former student at the school and currently working as a medical doctor in Australia.

Her summit to the peak at 8 848 m, took place on 1 May 2023, just shortly after her 25th birthday. This accomplishment means she is now the youngest South African woman to summit the iconic mountain as well as the youngest medical doctor.

“Well done to Old Girl, Gabriella Nel (2016), who became the youngest South African and youngest medical doctor in the world to summit Everest. Gabriella successfully reached the 8848-m peak at 09:35 on 17th of May, just 9 days after her 25th birthday. What an incredible achievement.”
 

Gabriella shared her journey with Makalu Adventures. She explained that they had a few hiccups along the way and she was affected by frostbite on her descent. The team arranged a medical rescue for her from camp three and she credits them for saving her life.

The frostbite affected both her hands and feet, with her right hand being classed as grade four and her left-hand grades one and two.

Not deterred by how her adventure ended, Gabriella is committed to doing the climb again someday.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF UNDERWATER SUPERHEROES AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S ANNUAL “SHARKFEST” THIS JULY

 
“Sharkfest” swims up to a massive month-long event with all-new content this July on National Geographic Wild. It features ground-breaking shark behaviour captured off the coast of South Africa.
 
If you are looking for the most authentic and comprehensive shark-viewing experience ever, look no further than National Geographic’s Sharkfest. Sink your teeth into 72 hours of Sharkfest programming, which kicked off on 2 July on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, Starsat 221). The go-to destinations for science-first shark content will take viewers up close and personal with the ocean’s apex predator.

With cutting-edge technology and industry-leading experts, Sharkfest will entertain viewers with four weeks of explosive, hair-raising and celebratory shark programming that will showcase the captivating science, power and beauty of these magnificent animals.

This year, Sharkfest starts at home with a special filmed off the coast of South Africa. Around the world, reports of shark-on-shark attacks are on the rise. Now, off the country’s dramatic southern coast, a new hotspot has emerged – in Mossel Bay. Off the coast near Seal Island where great white sharks are known to chase and capture the furry mammals with breach-the-surface aeronautics, scientists have come upon a new theory as to what makes up most of the great white shark’s diet, and it’s not seals.

Sharkfest also explores the waters across the United States in Cape Cod, Florida, Hawaii, New York, South Carolina and around the world in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and more for a global underwater adventure.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

 
 

LELETI KHUMALO ANNOUNCES “SARAFINA!” HEADING TO THE CINEMA

Legendary actress Leleti Khumalo has announced that “SARAFINA!” is heading to the cinemas.
 
Taking to her socials, she shared that the iconic film, which was digitally remastered and new scenes added, would be available for viewing in Women's Month.

“The classic film SARAFINA! will be released in cinemas in South Africa on 11 August 2023, paying homage to the remarkable women who shaped the struggle. A captivating new poster which depicts the powerful female characters in the film has been designed especially for this release,” she posted.

Khumalo mentioned that all the women in the cast made the film what it is today.

“These characters vividly portray the vital role women played as the backbone of the struggle. This timely release during Women’s Month serves as a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of these brave women. A compelling new trailer has also been created to promote the film.”

In May, the film was selected for the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in France. The festival announced SARAFINA! for the 2023 Official Selection Cannes Classics.
 
 
 

THIS CAPE TOWN RESTAURANT OFFICIALLY HAS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST WINE LISTS

 
ëlgr restaurant in Cape Town’s Kloof Street was among the winners at this year’s Star Wine List of the Year awards, announced at a ceremony in Stockholm recently.
 
The local eatery received top honours in the category of Best Sustainable Wine List, an achievement shared with Michelin star restaurant Haoma in Bangkok, Thailand, while Alchemist in Copenhagen, Denmark, scooped the Grand Prix Award for the Best Large Wine List.

“We were elated with the news!” said sommelier Le Roi van de Vyver after learning about the win. “It is such an honour to be globally recognised.”

But what exactly went into this award, TimesLIVE wanted to know?

“Sustainability is a buzz word these days and I think everyone defines it differently to the same end goal. [It is] something I feel most sommeliers, winemakers and the wine industry in general aspire to ‒ the way we work towards a better future is all we want.

“A sustainable wine list is one that supports producers that care for their land and people and everyone involved in such a way that the future of those vineyards and people are bettered. [It is] a wine list that is dynamic in the way it supports small producers, organic and natural producers but does not use that as the only means to support growth. Looking into what larger-scale farms are doing and showing that on your list while keeping quality as the number one principal is what makes the list work,” De Vyver explained.

ëlgr’s wine list features mostly local wines ‒ and they will always be in the majority, De Vyver says. “I don't want to say the phrase local is lekker ... but it really is. We have some of the best wines in the world and we under-appreciate that.” He does, however, have plans to add more international wines after learning about sustainability efforts global producers are undertaking.

The food and wine lists at ëlgr change monthly or as De Vyver and head chef Jesper Nilsson see fit. “If we find something great, we want people to try or if something is out of season and isn't its best, we opt for something new.

“Wines also need to change to match the food, so if someone revisits the restaurant after a month, they can have a fresher experience, even if it's just because we're feeling extra happy that day.”

– Source: www.timeslive.co.za

 
 

CELEBRITY CHEF LORNA MASEKO BRINGS A TASTE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO HOLLYWOOD

 
South African culinary greats continue to hoist the foodie flag high. Following two South African restaurants named among the world’s Top 100 and cookbook authors winning international awards, it is safe to say South African food is climbing to the top of many global menus. Now, local celebrity chef Lorna Maseko is bringing more South African flavours to the world after opening up her first pop-up shop in Hollywood.
 
Taking to Instagram, the two-times Gourmand World Cookbook Award Winner and BBC Homeground Tastes host shared:

“This week I hosted my first pop-up in Los Angeles, California, celebrating South African food and showcasing my beautiful country and heritage.”
She added:
 

“It’s always been my goal and vision to take South African food to the world ‒what an amazing evening & incredible crowd of people to have in one room, definitely one for the books and a very proud moment!”

Dubbed a “Taste of South Africa with Lorna Maseko”, the menu hosted an array of proudly South African dishes, including magwinya, gemere sorbet (South African ginger beer), picked fish broth, 7 colours (one of the most traditional South African meals around) and of course milktart.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

H&M COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL DESIGNER RICH MNISI IN NEW COLLECTION

 
 
H&M South Africa recently announced its collaboration with local fashion designer Rich Mnisi in its print collection, which will be available from 27 July.
 
The Rich Mnisi and H&M collection will feature the designer’s original streetwear designs with Mnisi’s iconic illustrations. It will also feature high-quality basics with relaxed and oversized fits in six seasonal colours.

Customers can get various sizes from the gender-neutral collection, ranging from XS to XL, and will come in an autumnal pallet of warm shades of brown, orange, beige and black and grey mélange.

"We wanted to extend the accessibility of our designs to more people who have been so vocally supportive of my team and I as well as the work we do with this brand," said Mnisi.

"I am so grateful for everything we have and the people who have helped us make that happen, and this collection with H&M helps us show love to them."

Mnisi is one of the most prolific creatives on the African continent. The creative director and fashion designer have always been obsessed with pop culture, even when he was growing up.

He recently partnered with Adidas in its Pride 2023 Campaign, featuring the designer’s signature bold prints on a wide range of lifestyle and performance apparel.

Mnisi’s work has been greatly influenced by his strong cultural roots in the Tsonga tribe, led by a family of strong matriarchs.

This background has served as an essential inspiration in his contemporary work, from fashion collections worn by formidable stars, including Beyoncé, Ciara and Naomi Campbell, to a furniture design collection exhibited internationally.

"The … collaboration is a project initiated to promote the local design industry within South Africa. H&M’s history of designer collaborations is legendary and pioneering," said country manager at H&M South Africa, Caroline Nelson.

"For nearly two decades, H&M has been democratising high-fashion by offering customers the chance to own special pieces of high-end designers and we are thrilled to partner with Rich Mnisi on the next collection."

According to the global giant retailer, the collection will be available at selected H&M stores in South Africa and Superbalist.com from 27 July.

– Source: www.news24.com

 
 

KENDRICK LAMAR IS HEADING TO SOUTH AFRICA’S PURPLE CITY

 
Kendrick Lamar and other globally loved artists almost broke the South African Internet recently after it was announced that the multi-Grammy and Pulitzer Prized artist, along with other music icons, would be making their way to our stretch of the world.
 

Better yet, Lamar’s appearance will not be for a vacation, but a full-on headlining act where he will perform in South Africa for the first time since 2014.

The artist, known and loved for his thought-provoking lines and melodies that declutter complicated experiences from freedom to pride and authenticity, has largely been seated with the legends of lyricism.

Hey Neighbour Fest announced that Lamar would be part of an already impressive line-up (The Chainsmokers, Khalid, Swedish House Mafia and H.E.R) in Pretoria at Legends Adventure Farm from 8 to 10 December.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

VERMEULEN TO LEAD SPRINGBOKS AGAINST WALLABIES

 
 
Duane Vermeulen will lead the Springboks for the third time in their opening Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
 
Vermeulen leads a team featuring a core of Rugby World Cup winners and talented newcomers – who have excelled at vital moments in the past few seasons – and includes a debutant in former Ireland international lock Jean Kleyn, who will earn his first Springbok Test cap.

Flyhalf Manie Libbok and loose forward Marco van Staden also make their first starts having previously made three and 10 appearances respectively as replacements.

Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, also named 14 players to depart early for New Zealand to acclimatise and maximise the chances of performing well in the first two tests, separated by seven days, and 12 000 km and 10 time zones.

Vermeulen, who captained the Springboks against Argentina and the All Blacks in 2019, takes over the armband from the injured Siya Kolisi, and forms a powerful loose trio against the Wallabies with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Van Staden, while Nienaber selected a front row featuring props Frans Malherbe and Ox Nche, and hooker Bongi Mbonambi. Kleyn partners Marvin Orie at lock.

In the backline, exciting Bulls wingers Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse will play in front of their home fans with experienced fullback Willie le Roux serving as the last line of defence at fullback while Lukhanyo Am returns for the first time since August to renew a former Sharks provincial partnership with Andre Esterhuizen.

Libbok is partnered at halfback by scrumhalf Cobus Reinach – who makes his first start since the final match of the 2021 season.

Nienaber opted for a six-two split in favour of the forwards on the bench with the only two backline players; Grant Williams, who will provide cover at scrumhalf and wing, and Damian Willemse who will cover flyhalf, centre and fullback.

Springbok team:

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Frant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

– Source: www.news24.com

 
 

SOUTH AFRICA SELECTED AS HOST FOR THE 2023 DAVIS CUP AFRICA GROUP III TOURNAMENT

 
South Africa is set to play host for the 2023 Davis Cup Africa Group III Tournament.
 
The event will take place from 7 August 2023 at the University of Pretoria. Teams from Benin, Algeria, Namibia, Senegal, Togo, Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe will join the host nation, South Africa.

According to Tennis South Africa (TSA), the Davis Cup, often referred to as the World Cup of Tennis, is the premier international team event in men’s tennis. It is organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and contested annually in a knockout format between teams from participating countries.

TSA president, Gavin Crookes, shared his thoughts on South Africa being selected as the host country.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to host the 2023 Davis Cup Africa Group III tournament. It is a testament to South Africa’s commitment to tennis and our ability to organise world-class events.
 

“We are confident that this tournament will not only showcase the immense talent in African tennis but also inspire the next generation of players in our region. The tournament will assist TSA’s ambition to regain its position in the World Group stages.

“We invite all tennis enthusiasts to join us in August for a thrilling spectacle of tennis action,”

– Source:  www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 

THREE CAMPS BAY STUDENTS TO REPRESENT SA AT CANOE WORLD CHAMPS

 

Camps Bay High School is celebrating three of its champion students who were recently chosen to represent South Africa at the prestigious ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.

Out of the 10 juniors selected nationwide, an impressive 30% hail from the Atlantic Seaboard high school.

Holly Smith, a talented Grade 11 learner, has been selected to compete in both the Junior K1 and Junior K2 events, showcasing her exceptional skills and versatility on the water. Joining her in the Junior K2 event are two promising Grade 9 learners, Jared Shrimpton and Ryley Smith. These young athletes have proven themselves through their dedication and hard work, making them an invaluable addition to the South African team.

The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships are set to take place in Vejen, Denmark, from 31 August to 1 September 2023. This global event brings together the world’s most talented canoeists to compete in a thrilling display of skill, strength and teamwork. Camps Bay High School shares that it is honoured to have its learners represent South Africa on these esteemed international waters.

Busi Ngcwama, Head of Sport at Camps Bay High School, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of Holly, Jared, and Ryley. She acknowledged their unwavering commitment to their sport, sharing:

“We are incredibly proud of Holly, Jared and Ryley, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance. Their hard work and passion have truly paid off, earning them the opportunity to compete at the highest level of their sport.”

The canoe trio will join other South African junior stars selected for the big championship; Georgia Singe, Zak Jacobs, Luke Salmon, Babette van Rooyen, Neriyah Dill and Bruno Cochrane as shared by Canoeing South Africa.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

 
 
 
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