Both sides stressed the importance of the AfCFTA, having the potential to transform and positively impact upon all sectors of African economies once fully operationalised. The Chinese side committed to promote Africa’s regional economic integration by strengthening and integrating intra-Africa trade, promoting investment, facilitating the development of value chains and boosting mutual capacity to produce and export value-added manufactured products.

President Ramaphosa said Thursday evening’s deliberations had been robust, giving all a sense of the challenges facing Africa and the opportunities for progress.

“The discussions highlight the importance of effective regional coordination to enhance and support continental integration,” President Ramaphosa said at the session held at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

This as South Africa hosted the XV BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit as well as President Xi who was on his fourth State Visit to South Africa.

President Xi also participated in the three-day summit, which wrapped up on Thursday last week.

President Ramaphosa said that with the support of China and others, regional development and integration would support the diversification of Africa economies. He added that it would enable African countries to shift away from the export of raw materials to the export of high-quality manufactured goods and services.

“We conclude these deliberations with a clear understanding that the AfCFTA is the engine for African economic and regional integration. We have discussed that investment in infrastructure in Africa will need to be significantly scaled up.”

The President said sustained engagement with China as one of the principal supporters of strategic infrastructure development projects was critical.

In addition, obstacles in the way of regional integration such as inadequate financial resources, poor infrastructure networks, increasing violence, terrorism, political instability and others have been identified.

“At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have worsened public finances and increased the debt burden of many African countries. This has reduced infrastructure investment in Africa,” said President Ramaphosa.

BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues

Meanwhile, the Chinese side expressed its full support for South Africa’s BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues, which provides a platform for the African continent to play an even greater role in global governance and international affairs.

China expressed its strong support for the African Union (AU) to become a full member of the Group of 20 (G20) forum. The African side commended China for introducing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, in support of strengthening multilateralism and trusted that China and Africa’s development would bring more opportunities for peace and development in the world.

In a joint statement, the two sides agreed that since its inception in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had proved to be an effective platform for south-south cooperation, focused on achieving common prosperity and sustainable development of all the people of Africa and China.

“We have acknowledged the importance of FOCAC as means of deepening collaboration in the cause of development.

"The adoption of our joint statement a few minutes ago will further solidify our resolve and commitment to enhancing China-Africa relations.”

The President added that it was now incumbent upon us all to translate these intentions into concrete regional actions that are time-bound and results orientated.

“We should use all necessary regional and continental tools, through our regional economic communities and the African Union, to realise our commitment to an integrated, dynamic and prosperous Africa,” said President Ramaphosa.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday, 24 August 2023, that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would join BRICS at the start of 2024.

This is after over 20 countries formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the bloc.

“As the five BRICS countries, we have reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and further phases will follow,” President Ramaphosa, who is also Chair of BRICS, announced.

The heads of state took to the podium last Thursday to talk about the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg, and welcomed the new members. 

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased that the summit had many positive outcomes.

“On the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken an important decision to expand it,” he said, adding that India has always supported the expansion of the bloc’s membership.

India, the Prime Minister said, had always been of the view that the addition of new members will further strengthen the organisation and will bring a new stimulus.

“This will also strengthen the belief of many countries of the world in a multipolar world order.”

He expressed his satisfaction that the team agreed on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedure of the expansion.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the leaders and people of the six new nations.

“I am confident that together with these countries, we will be able to infuse new momentum and energy into our cooperation.

“India has had very deep and historic relations with all of these countries and with the help of BRICS, new dimensions will be added to our bilateral cooperation.”

He also had a message to the countries who have also expressed interest and said India would contribute towards building a consensus for them to be a part of BRICS.

“The expansion and modernisation of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to hold themselves according to changing times.

“This can be an example for reforms and other global institutions that were established in the 20th century,” he stressed. 

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping described the BRICS countries as nations with influence and important responsibility for world peace and development.

“During the summit, we’ve reached broad consensus, adopted a declaration and achieved fruitful outcomes.”

He said the heads of state had unanimously agreed to invite the other countries as official members.

“China congratulates these states and highly appreciates the efforts made by our Chair South Africa and President Ramaphosa.”

He described the expansion as historic and said it showed the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.

“The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation.”

President Xi believes it will also bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development.

“I’m confident that as long as we work with a common purpose, there’s a lot that BRICS cooperation can achieve and the future will be bright for BRICS countries.

“Let’s work together to write a new chapter of emerging market countries and developing countries working together in unity for development.”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also welcomed the new members. He noted the BRICS’ gross domestic product (GDP) would shoot up to 37% of the world’s GDP in terms of purchasing power and 47% of the global population.

“BRICS will continue to be open to new members,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also welcomed the new members. 

“Let me assure all the colleagues that we will keep up with the work we have launched to expand BRICS influence in the world.”

He said the BRICS heads of state would proceed with the smooth work they had done and look at ways to best coordinate the expansion.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Other activities that the Deputy President embarked on included the laying of a wreath at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum and delivering official remarks at the South African Police Contingent Medal Parade in Juba.

“The visit by Deputy President Mashatile was aimed at taking stock of the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, to monitor preparations for the national elections, to recommit South Africa’s support for the transition in South Sudan and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries,” The Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa has a long-standing relationship with South Sudan, which predates its independence in 2011.

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, South Africa has been involved in post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan and the wider region.

South Africa has committed to and supports reconciliation, reconstruction, nation-building and economic development for the people of South Sudan.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“We all agreed on a mutual beneficial relationship in our economic relations. We all agree on the need for our countries to be treated with respect in our international relations.

“Let us move forward united in our effort to address our common global challenges. The geopolitical and economic shift taking place across the world means that we must be intentional about how we move forward.

“We have always been clear that BRICS should champion the core interest of the global South, especially in overcoming economic, financial and political marginalisation,” the Deputy President said.

He said there was broad consensus on the need for reform of the architecture of global relations.

“Without that reform, the vision we set out will not be realised. We need to increase the representation of Africa and the South in all in all global structures.”

The three-day BRICS summit was wrapped up with successful outcomes, including the expansion of six countries to become full members of BRICS, effective from January 2024.

The Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become full members.

This year’s summit took place under the theme: BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In a statement on Monday, 28 August 2023, The Presidency said that South Africa was conscious that the “elections took place under a difficult economic environment due to the burdening sanctions, which the people of Zimbabwe continue to unjustly endure.”

In addition, South Africa has taken note of the preliminary pronouncements by the invited international observer missions, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community observer missions.

“South Africa calls on all the parties in Zimbabwe to work in unison in sustaining peace and work towards development and shared prosperity in the country.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“[History] has shown time and again that multipolarity without strong multilateral institutions is no guarantee for stability; it might even become a catalyst for chaos. We must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism. This requires the courage to compromise for the common good,” Secretary-General Guterres said on Thursday, 24 August 2023.

The UNSC, considered one of the world body’s most powerful groups, is made up of 15 permanent and non-permanent members. The five permanent members are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.

Africa is represented on the council by three non-permanent seats currently held by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique.

Driving home his point further, Guterres added that reforms in powerful global institutions required “a special focus on Africa”.

“The Security Council, the Bretton Woods system and other international organisations reflect the world of 1945 when many African countries were still part of European empires. To this day, the continent is underrepresented in the global financial architecture just as it lacks a permanent seat on the Security Council.

“The world has changed and so, global governments must change with it. It must represent today’s power and economic relations and not the power and economic relations of 1945,” he said.

He further emphasised that these reforms must transverse institutions “at every level” and also bear greater inclusion of long marginalised groups such as women and youth.

“My message to the leaders assembled here was clear. Our world is in dire straits. We face existential challenges from the worsening climate emergency and escalating conflicts to the global cost of living crisis, soaring inequalities and dramatic technological disruptions. So, this is the time to come together and work together,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

By sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices, both regions can leverage their respective strengths to foster economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.

These partnerships will not only deepen economic ties but also contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.

The Africa-Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) was launched in 2010 and is the premier platform for business exchange and fostering trade and investment between Africa and Asia. South Africa was invited as one of the 10 sub-Saharan African countries to the inaugural event.

As an integral part of its policy of promoting the overseas growth for Singapore-based companies and international trade, the Singaporean Government is focussing on Africa as a source for new markets through initiatives such as the biennial ASBF and the Singapore-Sub-Saharan High-Level Ministerial Exchange Visit. Since its inauguration in 2010, ASBF has brought together over 5 000 delegates, including top policy makers and business leaders from Africa and Asia.

The ASBF 2023 featured insights from business practitioners across high growth sectors in Africa, including digital technology, sustainable urban development, consumer sector as well as manufacturing.

South Africa and Singapore have maintained cordial bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1993. The two countries have signed numerous agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, skills transfer and defence.

South Africa and Singapore have enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations in various areas. Both countries have a shared commitment to promoting economic growth and regional stability, which has led to increased collaboration in trade, investment, education and defence.

“We are laying the foundation for a more sustainable path to ensure that our developmental goals as a country stay on track. This agreement is also a sign of our commitment as government to create an enabling environment for our SOCs. They are a critical lever to drive service delivery and economic opportunity to improve the lives of millions of South Africans,” the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, said.

He added that the agreement would open new paths for SOCs.

“This agreement is a culmination of the discussions and engagements that we conducted with the CDB during our visit to Beijing in May this year. The DPE is confident that this agreement will allow us to better position our SOCs for future growth as we leverage the exchange of expertise, technical skills and other strategic catalysts that this collaboration framework agreement makes possible,” Minister Gordhan added.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the XV BRICS Summit and is one of the key initiatives to deepen China-South Africa relations following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to Pretoria on Tuesday, 23 August 2023.

CBD Vice Chairman and President, Tan Jiong, said: “We view this agreement as one more step in our efforts to enhance cooperation across a range of key strategic sectors to enable further development that is underpinned by a strong relationship between our two countries".

“The CDB already has a close relationship with Transnet and Eskom, but now we also have the opportunity to work with the DPE in other areas of mutual interest, including mining and forestry.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Addressing the TVET Curriculum Transformation and Innovation Summit, which took place at Vodaworld Dome in Midrand, Minister Nzimande noted that BRICS had committed to strengthen collaboration in TVET among BRICS member states through the hosting of a seminar to provide an overview of the TVET education systems and foster closer collaboration.

“BRICS emphasised that the TVET programmes and projects should be coordinated by relevant BRICS senior TVET officials and focal points assigned by their respective ministries. This places TVET education at the centre of the developmental agenda of governments, supporting initiatives and interventions to revive and enhance the economy.

“As a result, TVET curriculum transformation is a crucial step towards unlocking skills development for the modern economy. As industries evolve and technology advances at an unprecedented rate, it becomes essential for TVET institutions to adapt their curricula to meet the changing needs of the job market,” Minister Nzimande said.

The Minister argued that the traditional approach to TVET education, which focussed solely on providing students with specific trade skills, was no longer sufficient in today's dynamic and globalised economy.

Therefore, he said, to bridge the skills gap and equip individuals with the competencies required for the modern workforce, a comprehensive curriculum transformation was necessary.

“This transformation involves a shift from a narrow focus on technical skills to 21st century skills, which advocate for a broader emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability.

“By integrating these 21st century skills into TVET curricula, students will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern economy, where job roles are constantly evolving and cross-disciplinary expertise is highly valued,” Minister Nzimande said.

He said the inclusion of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and data analytics in TVET curricula, would further equip students with the necessary digital skills.

Having regular curriculum reviews of TVET programmes and qualifications aligned with the current needs of industry and society, was among the resolutions taken at the TVET Imbizo held in 2017.

Minister Nzimande emphasised that the focus was on updating the content of current programmes, by introducing modern delivery methods, integrating digital skills and rationalising outdated programmes that no longer serve their intended purposes.

“In line with this objective, over 70 subjects in the National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Report 191 programmes have been reviewed since 2018. Additionally, in January this year, we introduced a new National Certificate Vocational programme in Information Technology and Computer Science focussing on Programming and Robotics.

“Ten of our TVET colleges are currently offering this programme and more of our colleges are planning to offer this programme from 2024. As a department, we are collaborating with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations in reconstructing curricula for Engineering Studies to align with the rapidly changing industry needs and professional standards,” Minister Nzimande highlighted.

He added that the prioritised fields currently undergoing reconstruction, included Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering.

The Minister also announced that the NATED N1 to N3 programmes would be phased out from January 2024.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The conference saw the signing of several partnership agreements worth billions of rand, which the Premier commended as strategic catalysts for economic development.

Premier Dube-Ncube said, in the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment played an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order.

She said the deals were worth over R48.4 billion and over 120 000 jobs would be created across these projects.

“This marks a pioneering moment in our shared journey as women,” the Premier said.

Among the strategic partnership agreements that were signed during the conference was the Russia-South Africa Mobility Centre on BRICS, with a projected investment value of R47 million, which represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the United Immigration Centre (Russia) and Africans Do Travel Pty Ltd (South Africa).

This partnership aims to establish a physical centre in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, with a central goal of facilitating smooth cross-border mobility for education, work and tourism.

“This initiative underscores the significant influence of population mobility in advancing global sustainable development and economic stability,” Premier Dube-Ncube said.

In the sphere of infrastructure, the R1.96-billion Innovation and Building Technologies Centre of Excellence is set to be established through the private-public partnership between Afuraka IBT Consortium and Russia's Federal Autonomous Institution, RosKapStroy.

The centre aims to empower micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the construction sector to foster innovation, knowledge exchange and skill enhancement for MSMEs, facilitating technologies transfer partnerships while promoting sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly technologies.

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement also set on a dynamic agriculture and energy venture between China and South Africa.

This innovative multidimensional project envisions the integration of a marigold plantation and processing facility with an advanced 1GW solar production plant and beef production operation. With a value exceeding R45 billion, this venture is set to span an extensive 3 000-hectare land parcel.

The Premier said the project would be established on a vast 3 000-hectare land parcel.

Regarding the medical and digital economy, a strategic joint venture emerged as the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, uniting Meridian Medical Network Corporation, EtaData and Human Insights (Pty) Ltd.

The innovative partnership capitalises on expertise from China and South Africa, harnessing Artificial Intelligence, big data and traditional medicine knowledge to shape the future of healthcare.

Premier Dube-Ncube noted this collaboration aimed to revolutionise African traditional medicine by creating a bridge to modern healthcare through the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, fostering economic growth, knowledge exchange and healthcare accessibility.

“The project will commence with a pilot phase in South Africa, with an initial investment cost of R281.6 million, before expanding to other countries across the African continent,” the Premier explained.

The conference also witnessed the revolutionary IntelliBiz KZN portal geared towards pulsating business intelligence for economic advancement and progress.

The Premier said the groundbreaking initiative was led by a prominent Chinese tech firm and a leading South African enterprise, aimed at shaping the digital economy.

“This innovative collaboration aims to provide the KwaZulu-Natal Government with valuable insights into a diverse business community across sectors and an estimated investment of over R846 million over three years, creating 61 600 new jobs.

“Aligned with KwaZulu-Natal Government's growth agenda, this venture seeks to develop a state-of-the-art KZN smart business cloud platform that will empower enterprises, entrepreneurs, government entities and other stakeholders through corporate and data resources serving as a catalyst of economic development in KwaZulu-Natal,” Premier Dube-Ncube highlighted.

Building upon this foundation, she said, the goal is to foster robust collaboration between the South African Government and society, culminating in the establishment of a harmonious business ecological model that facilitates efficient and collaborative development across government and enterprise sectors.

The conference further witnessed multilateral collaboration between Apollo Hospitals Group, the Health Accelerator and Zayna Africa Holdings.

Premier Dube-Ncube noted that the Health Precinct initiative held the potential to transform healthcare standards and spur economic growth across India and South Africa.

With Apollo Hospitals Group's extensive medical expertise, she said the initiative aims to revolutionise healthcare across Africa, beginning in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Focussed on health infrastructure development, medical education, combatting various disease burdens, public health initiatives, technological innovation, research, telemedicine, medical tourism and more, this partnership aims to create comprehensive healthcare solutions.

“By addressing critical aspects of healthcare delivery and accessibility, from education to technology, this project aspires to enhance healthcare across borders and contribute to global advancements in the field,” Premier Dube-Ncube said.

“In the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order,” she said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In 2021, Triggerfish partnered with Netflix on a Pan-African Story Artist Lab, led by veteran Pixar story artist Nathan Stanton. In 2022, they partnered with The Walt Disney Company and The American Film Showcase on a masterclass series, giving a comprehensive overview of the animation pipeline to 41 creatives from eight African countries.

These partnerships are now seeing positives in the way of creating jobs for African creatives. Not only jobs though, but these big projects also ignite dreams in young minds and allow hopeful animators on the African continent to believe their works can end up on major streaming sites. One of the positives is that Triggerfish has now launched a free Triggerfish Academy training platform and sponsored bursaries to The Animation School, school outreach programmes and multiple competitions aimed at getting Africans to make their first animation, often in partnership with the likes of the German-funded Employment for Skills and Development in Africa (E4D) Programme, GIZ, the Goethe-Institute and Wacom.

This isn’t just philanthropy: to keep up with demand, finding new talent has become a business imperative. In 2015, when they launched the Triggerfish Story Lab, they had just been named Western Cape Business of the Year at the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards, where they also took home the prize for the Business With Global Reach.

At the time, they had released two animated films, Adventures in Zambia and Khumba, which had generated over R1 billion at the international box office and they employed around 85 people. In 2020, Triggerfish opened an office in Galway, Ireland, to make it easier to attract global talent and access the attractive rebates there. Last year, on Kizazi Moto alone, Triggerfish contracted over 1 300 people from almost every continent. The growth has been exponential.

“Parents in South Africa often treat the idea of making a career out of iPopeye [South African slang for animation] with scepticism, but animation is a growing, labour-intensive industry, which is struggling to keep up with the global demand for talent,” says Silverston.

“Even outside the traditional film industry, there’s demand for animation talent within fields like advertising, app and web design, architecture, engineering, gaming, industrial design, medicine and the motor industry, not to mention growth sectors like augmented reality and virtual reality. So, in a country like South Africa, with a 32.9% unemployment figure for the first quarter of 2023, animation can make a big impact.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The two-week trip comes courtesy of Marine Inspirations, a maritime mentoring initiative based in the island’s capital city, Palma. Founded in 2014, the initiative has successfully empowered over 50 students from across South Africa through its partnership with Lawhill and others.

The superyacht industry, often viewed as high-profile and exclusive, has historically been out of reach for the majority of South African youth, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For nearly 10 years, Marine Inspirations’ Palma trips have helped connect hard-working youth from these backgrounds to the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar superyacht industry, through the education and experience offered.

While in Palma, the students will have the opportunity to meet various industry professionals, such as those operating in yacht construction, design and technological development, as well as hone their practical sailing skills on the Mediterranean Sea.

Marine Inspirations co-founder Phil Wade, a retired superyacht captain, commented,

“I believe in ‘paying it forward’. It is crucial to the continued success of the industry. Marine Inspirations does exactly that.”

All the students are involved in sailing programmes in Cape Town, with the trip offering an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a new, unfamiliar environment.

“This type of exposure is crucial to their future success in the international maritime industry. However, we wouldn’t be able to offer this opportunity if it weren’t for the fantastic work being done by Lawhill and the Royal Cape Yacht Club who work hard to educate and equip our young sailors to make the most of this opportunity,” commented Wade.

Lawhill Maritime Centre’s Programme Administrator, Faye Kula, said,

“This trip is an opportunity for these students to apply the maritime knowledge they have gained at school and to benefit from the mentoring and expertise of highly skilled professionals such as Phil Wade. The value of this cannot be understated and holds incredible significance in the students’ lives.”

The students will have the opportunity to meet four of the initiative’s alumni – Lutho Thomas from Motherwell outside Gqeberha, Sylvino October from Oudtshoorn and Janoel Meyer and Abdul Shukri Kaffoor from Mitchells Plain in the Western Cape – who used the expertise, connections and experience they learned to pursue various international careers at sea.

Marine Inspirations celebrates its 10th anniversary next year, marking a milestone in its vision for international collaboration and youth empowerment through job creation.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Embarking on a journey of exploration with a team of marine conservationists, divemaster, Thandeka Hlongwa, and marine cinematographer, Steve Benjamin, take viewers along the coastline of South Africa, unveiling the vital sanctuaries that serve as havens for sharks and rays. Their adventure begins within Table Mountain National Park, a revered Marine Protected Area (MPA) nestled in the Western Cape and ends in the warmer waters of Aliwal Shoal MPA in KwaZulu-Natal. Their goal was to search for as many shark and ray species they could find, with a focus on locating threatened and endemic species that are only found in South Africa’s Ocean.

“Beyond South Africa’s shores and beneath the waves lies a series of protected marine reserves, bursting with life,” says Benjamin. “It’s a world unseen to most, but a critical part of our national pride and heritage.”

Hlongwa and Benjamin’s shared passion for the ocean is infectious as they dip below the surface and marvel at all the shark and ray species that cross their path. South Africa is home to approximately 200 different species of sharks and rays, however, sharks and rays are one of the most threatened species on the planet.

“Going into this journey, I was hopeful to experience one or two species of sharks and rays,” says Hlongwa. “After seeing first-hand the robust life that lies beneath the surface, I am incredibly excited to be back on land to share my personal experience of these animals.”

The ON THE BRINK Campaign aims to effectively raise awareness around the vulnerability of sharks and rays and to shed light on the considerable advantages that stem from increasing marine protection and sanctuary spaces for sharks and rays within the expanse of South Africa’s oceans – including the positive impact that it has on ensuring their populations thrive. Shark and ray sanctuary areas are clear demarcations within existing MPAs, which serve a purpose of preserving their habitats and shielding their populations against threats such as overfishing.

The release of this short film is particularly timely, as South Africa recently pledged its full support for a “30×30 target”, a global goal aimed at reaching 30% protection of the world’s land and sea by 2030. This ultimately means increased marine protection for threatened species, including sharks and rays.

The urgent need for increased protection for sharks and rays in South Africa’s oceans is underscored by the latest findings from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List Assessment. The report highlights a stark reality ‒ 42% of the shark and ray species present within South Africa’s oceans are threatened, with the conservation status of these species ranging from Vulnerable to Endangered and Critically Endangered

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The menu has been curated with South African palates in mind, with offerings such as steaks and grills alongside the brand’s first-ever pizza bar, which will offer a range of wood-fired pizzas.

In addition, and staying true to its roots, the café will offer its iconic range of pastries such as the Dulce de Leche cake and more.

With an interior design ethos rooted in “pink to perfection”, the newest branch features a bespoke tree light chandelier that lights up the pink blossom floral and neon slogan designs.

– Source: www.eatout.co.za

The Springboks scored five tries to one – flyhalf Manie Libbok converting all of them – to head for France with momentum maintained and the milestone of having eclipsed the previous heaviest defeat (21 points) suffered by New Zealand – a 28-7 reverse in Sydney in 1999.

The Springboks’ intensity, lineout efficiency and scrum dominance were too much for New Zealand who lost lock Scott Barrett to a red card late in the first half but that was as much a symptom of the All Blacks’ panic as it was of anything else.

The Springboks made a blistering start and dominated the opening half-hour, although the points advantage their play deserved, did not materialise until the end of a brutal first quarter.

The New Zealand defence was battered, bruised, bent but unyielding against wave after wave of green-shirted attackers breaking like an angry ocean on New Zealand’s shores.

Scorers:

South Africa 35 (14) – Tries: Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Kwagga Smith. Conversions: Manie Libbok (5).
New Zealand 7 (0) – Try: Cam Roigard. Conversion: Richie Mo’unga.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The Santa Cruz Syndicate rider, competing in the Men's Elite Downhill Category, qualified 13th, six seconds down on Loic Bruni's 2:46.720. However, the South African turned it around in the race, missing out on the top spot by mere fractions, crossing the finish line in 2:46.576 – just 0.121 seconds behind winner Thibaut Daprela.

Minnaar's achievement is more impressive because he is showing grit and spirit at the ripe age of 41. Throughout his career, Minnaar has racked up 22 victories.

‒ Source: www.news24.com

Here, swimmers spanned generations and nationalities, uniting in their love of competitive waters. “The Worlds” as the Championships are affectionately known, are as much about putting your best dive forward in an elite atmosphere and competing for titles as they are about breaking age barriers in sport ‒ a huge part of the Championships’ charm.

Over a week in early August, South African swimmers ranging from their 40s to their 70s pulled out all the stops; breaking records and bringing a bounty of medals homeward.

World Record:

50m Butterfly Age Group 45-49: Marc Allan

Gold Medals:

200m Backstroke Age Group 75-79: Geraldine Janssens
3km Openwater, 800m Free, 400m Free, 200m Free Age Group 60-64: Ingrid Trusler
100m Butterfly Age Group 45-49: Marc Allan

Silver Medals:

100m Backstroke Age Group 30-34: Jacques van Wyk
100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle Age Group 45-49: Marc Allan

Top 10 Finishes:

100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle Age Group 30-34: Jacques van Wyk
100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke, 100m Freestyle Age Group 40-44: Matthew Tyson
100m Freestyle Age Group 60-64: Ingrid Trusler
100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke Age Group 45-49: Melanie van Wyk
50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke Age Group 50-54: Wendy Cook

Speaking on the opportunity to participate in the World Aquatics Champs, two Masters’ competitors relished in reflection:

“I wish I was a WR holder or a Gold Medal Winner. But, I’ll certainly settle for being in the elite performance atmosphere, though. An event for all, where all can work towards their own goal, knowing the facilities around them will give them the very best chance.” ‒ Matthew Tyson.

Melanie van Wyk adds:

“I’m on the same page as Tyson. This is what Worlds is all about for me too. It’s a chance to soak up world-class facilities, push ourselves based on our individual efforts and being supportive of others in their quest to be the best they can be at that stage. Sure, winning a medal would be incredible, but for most, it’s honestly about just showing up and being a part of it all.

“At our stage in life, fitting swimming into an already packed schedule of parenting, work, entrepreneurial ventures and relationships is no small feat. So, imagine jetting off to a distant country, somehow managing time off from work, and having our family’s unwavering support for those long hours of training – that’s where the real magic happens.”

‒ Source: www.goodthings.guy.com

The World Championships, at one of the oldest and most famous European sprint canoeing venues, is the first chance for paddlers to secure Olympic qualification places. Over 1 000 competitors from 90 nations will be competing for world titles and the chance to compete in Paris 2024.

Esti Olivier, who has been in strong form in 2023, will lead the South African charge as she eyes Olympic qualification in the women’s 200m K1 event. Olivier’s form on the international stage has been building with a B Final win in the 200m K1 World Cup event in Szeged proving Paris 2024 is a possibility.

There are three male paddlers in the South African team with Nick Weeks, Henry van der Walt and Callam Davis making up the rest of the team.

Weeks will be racing in the K1 500m event and then aiming for Olympic qualification when he joins Van der Walt in the K2 500m, while Van der Walt will also be competing in the K1 200m sprint.

Davis will be racing the longer events with entries into the men’s Olympic distance K1 1000m and the K1 5000m races.

“It’s a small but enthusiastic team that we have in Duisburg for the World Championships and with Olympic qualification on the line there is a lot more at stake,” said Canoeing South African president Kim Pople.

“This group of paddlers have been working incredibly hard in the lead-up to the World Championships and we wish them all the very best.

“As we continue to try and raise the profile of sprint paddling in South Africa, we hope that strong performances here on the international stage will boost our sport for the future.”

Team South Africa

Esti Olivier – K1 200m
Nick Weeks – K1 500m K2 200m
Henry van der Walt – K1 200m K2 200m
Callam Davis – K1 1000m K1 5000m.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

"As the Proteas women embark on these critical tours, CSA wishes Laura and the entire team the very best. The challenges ahead are immense, but with Laura's leadership and the team's collective efforts, they are well-poised to deliver outstanding performances on the field," Nkwe concluded.

Proteas Women squad to tour Pakistan:

Anneke Bosch (Titans), Tazmin Brits (Garden Route Badgers), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Mieke de Ridder* (Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (Lions), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Lions), Masabata Klaas Titans), Suné Luus Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Dolphins), Delmi Tucker (Western Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Titans)

Wolvaardt, 24, made her international debut at the age of 16 in an ODI against England in Benoni in 2016. In seven years of being a mainstay in the Proteas team, she has risen to third on the all-time ODI runs scorer's list for the Proteas Women, amassing 3 193 runs at an average of 45.61, including 29 fifties and three centuries in 80 matches.

The Proteas kick off their 2023/24 season with a first-ever tour to Pakistan between 1 and 14 September, with a three-match T20 International and a three-match ODI series. All contests will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi. 

The ODI series will resume South Africa's ICC Women's Championship qualification pathway to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, with the Proteas on six points with three wins in three.

– Source: www.news24.com

According to New World Wealth, despite the popularity of golf dipping over the past decade among centi-millionaires – those worth US$100 million (R1.8 billion), it is still the most popular for ultra-wealthy, followed by art and cycling.

Some 54% of the world’s 25 490 centi-millionaires play golf, compared to the 28% who collect art and the 20% who cycle.

New World Wealth has thus ranked the best golf courses in Africa based on the following criteria:

• appeal to wealthy golfers
• location, views, nature and scenery
• memorability of the course
• condition and maintenance of the course
• clubhouse, change rooms and halfway house facilities.

From this, New World Wealth has stated the 10 best golf courses are as follows (listed in alphabetical order):

• Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge – Kenya
• Fancourt Links – South Africa
• Heritage Golf Club – Mauritius
• Highland Gate – South Africa
• Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club – Mauritius
• Lemuria Golf Course – Seychelles
• Leopard Creek – South Africa
• Steyn City – South Africa
• Tazegzout – Morocco
• Zimbali – South Africa.

Globally, the most popular golf courses for centi-millionaires are Cypress Point in the United States, St Andrews in Scotland, Tara Iti in New Zealand, Royal Melbourne in Australia, and Hirono in Japan.

– Source: businesstech.co.za

Turning 16 in October 2023, this year is the last time Rudi will be eligible to take part in this division of the Rookie Cup as it aims at karting racers from 14 to 16 years old. The hope is to enter and win the Volkswagen Rookie Cup, which will earn him a fully paid spot at the Polo Cup in 2024, which will be a huge step up in his career.

“This is an exceptional opportunity as the sponsored seat in the Polo Cup is a very big prize and not one that is easily obtainable. Our hope is for Rudi to win this competition and therefore moving up in his motorsport journey where he wants to be a professional racing driver.” – Grethe Doubell Schüssler.

Most professional racers start within the go-karting industry and work their way through the motorsport ranks in competitive racing events worldwide. This is one of Rudi’s dreams and one he is determined to achieve. Having started racing in 2021, he is showing that he can out-race his fellow competitors and work towards that coveted podium place.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com