“The total South African trade with other BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries reached R830 billion in 2022, which represents an increase of more than 70% from R487 billion in 2017,” the President said on Tuesday, 5 September 2023, in Cape Town.

Participating in a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa explained that BRICS was an important source of foreign direct investment in key areas such as mining, automotive, transportation, clean energy, financial services and information technology.

These investments and projects lead to significant job creation.

“South Africa has experienced significant benefits through its membership as well as its association with the BRICS grouping of countries. South Africa uses its BRICS membership to improve investment, trade, tourism, as well as capacity-building, and it also flows into skills acquisition and technological capabilities that we see this relationship yielding for our country.

“Strengthening economic as well as financial ties between BRICS member countries is one of the key pillars of this cooperation that we have forged with all these countries,” the President said.

In 2020, the countries adopted the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership to increase access to each other’s markets, promote mutual trade and investment and create a business-friendly environment for investors in all BRICS countries.

“Furthermore, the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Alliance bring together important commercial networks that promote trade and investment partnerships among BRICS countries. In 2015, BRICS countries launched the New Development Bank (NDB) to finance and largely support infrastructure and sustainable development projects,” President Ramaphosa said.

To date, the NDB has provided funding to 12 projects in South Africa to the value of over R100 billion.

“Our membership of BRICS makes a valuable contribution to the implementation of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). For example, growing the tourism industry is one of the priorities of the plan. The BRICS countries are becoming increasingly important tourism markets for South Africa.

“In terms of supporting energy security in South Africa, another pillar of our recovery plan, BRICS countries have the expertise and technologies to support energy cooperation. In 2020, BRICS adopted a Road Map for BRICS Energy Cooperation up to 2025 aimed at building a strategic partnership in energy cooperation,” the President said.

On infrastructure investment, which is another pillar of the recovery plan, South Africa will continue to access funding from the NDB for energy, transport and water.

“The inclusion of Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members of the group will strengthen beneficial cooperation with South Africa in political, economic and financial matters.

“These countries will enhance economic partnership in key sectors such as oil and energy, telecommunications and information technology, agriculture, textile, logistics, air transportation and tourism and medicine,” the President said.

Last month’s three-day BRICS Summit concluded with several successful outcomes, including the expansion of the six aforementioned countries to become full members of BRICS, effective from January 2024.

South Africa hosted the XV BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August in Johannesburg. This year’s summit took place under the theme, BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.

The President said South Africa expected that its trade links and investments participation with all the additional countries would increase.

This addition is also expected to contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry.

“In economic terms, all these new additional countries are big players and on the horizon are a number of other countries that have indicated their willingness to be part of BRICS and they too will be considered in the next phase.

“We will obviously look at the economic value in terms of participation for all of us as BRICS members. These additional countries will be boosting our ERRP and we expect great benefits from all this.

“The benefits for our countries have been very clear right from the beginning. It has led to enhanced activity among ourselves and all these countries. Being a BRICS member does contribute a great deal to economic growth as well,” the President said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation on Sunday evening, 3 September 2023.

“It was a historic summit that heralded a new chapter for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

“The summit was attended by the five BRICS member countries along with representatives of 61 other countries. Forty-six of the countries that attended were from our continent, Africa. This included 20 heads of state and government. We were also honoured by the attendance of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres.

“The success of the summit is a credit to our country and its people. It is another demonstration of our ability to host major international gatherings that have a significant impact on the conduct of international affairs far beyond our borders. Overall, many people have said that this was a most successful BRICS Summit,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President honed in on key decisions and outcomes that were taken during the summit, including the call for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council.

“This was a most significant decision in view of the fact that it was supported by two BRICS members who are permanent members of the UN Security Council. The reform of the UN is important for South Africa and our continent Africa because we stand to benefit from a world that is more fair and from international institutions that are more democratic and more representative.

“In taking this position, the BRICS leaders recognised the desire of many other countries to contribute to redefining the terms of international relations,” the President said.

On the second key outcome of the summit – which was to expand BRICS membership, invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – President Ramaphosa said: “Through an expanded BRICS, we will be able to better align the voices of those countries that seek a fairer global governance, financial, investment and trading system based on clear rules that apply equally to all countries.

“An expanded BRICS also means that we will be able to export more of our products to major markets and, as a result, we will be able to produce more and create more jobs. While an expanded BRICS will be an important champion for the global South, South Africa stands to benefit from its relationship with these countries.”

International relations

President Ramaphosa also used his address to reaffirm South Africa’s non-aligned stance in international relations.

“South Africa’s participation in BRICS and its support for the expansion of BRICS does not detract from the good and strategic relations we have with many other countries around the world.

“From the advent of our democracy, we have always sought to develop ties of friendship, cooperation and respect with all nations. We have never aligned ourselves with any one global power or bloc of countries. Our non-aligned approach has enabled us to pursue an independent foreign policy and to forge our own developmental path.

“We have consistently advanced the articles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means,” he said.

The President emphasised the importance of South Africa’s relations with our other countries and reflected on its impact on ordinary South Africans.

“[Our] country’s relations with other countries and the conduct of our foreign policy affect our lives as South Africans in many ways, such as in trade and investment, sport, peace and security, technology, education and many other areas. As we have said before, our international work cannot be separated from our efforts to end poverty, create jobs and reduce inequality in South Africa.

“Through stronger investment and trade relations with other countries, we are able to grow our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and reduce unemployment. By supporting peace and stability on our continent and by promoting Africa’s development, we are able to improve social cohesion in our own country.

“By encouraging greater cooperation between countries in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, fighting terrorism, climate change and vaccine production, we are able to strengthen our efforts to tackle these challenges in our own country,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The purpose of the visit was to assess the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Challenges to the peace process as well as solutions were discussed with all stakeholders.

“A second, but critical objective of the Deputy President’s visit was to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan,” the Deputy President’s Office said.

During his visit, the Deputy President, as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

“President Salva Kiir raised concern regarding the implications that the ongoing conflict may have in neighbouring countries and the region at large.”

He outlined the challenges hindering the implementation of the R-ARCSS and re-emphasised the need for South Africa to be more involved in the peace process by assisting the various parties to resolve their disputes.

Deputy President Mashatile also held talks with four of South Sudan’s five vice presidents.

“In the main, the vice presidents acknowledged remaining gaps and challenges to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS, including lack of required financial resources, the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on the Government of South Sudan by the United Nations (UN).”

Despite this, the vice presidents also appreciated that notable milestones had been achieved on the road to lasting peace.

“A key milestone to the achievement of peace in South Sudan is the holding of the country’s first democratic elections since its independence in 2011.

Deputy President Mashatile also held extensive consultations with regional and global multilateral formations with a role to play in resolving the conflict in the country.

The Deputy President had engagements with various ministers in charge of critical portfolios and also spoke to Cabinet Affairs and the High-Level Standing Committee for the Implementation of the R-ARCSS.

The country’s second-in-command also held extensive consultations with regional and global multilateral formations with a role to play in resolving the conflict in the country.

Among these were the African Diplomatic Corps in Juba; the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-East Africa Regional Economic Community; Troika Ambassadors of the United States of America, United Kingdom and Norway; the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission; and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan.

“Deputy President Mashatile commended South Sudan on the progress made thus far and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU).”

Additionally, he called on strengthened commitment by the RTGoNU and all other relevant parties to the R-ARCSS to implement its outstanding provisions, particularly the security arrangements.

These included community disarmament, demobilisation of ex-combatants and their reintegration into peaceful civilian life and the integration of remaining combatant forces into a national force with a single command structure.

“Failure to find common ground on these and other contentious points will keep South Sudan in limbo and its economic development as well as the development of its people will be stillborn.”

During his three-day stay, the Deputy President also took time to lay a wreath at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum in honour of South Sudan’s founding leader and bestowed medals on the South African Police Service contingent stationed in the country as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission.

The Deputy President also paid a courtesy call on two of South Sudan’s elders and veterans of liberation.

“In conclusion, Deputy President Mashatile called on all parties to adhere to the revised deadlines of the road map to a peaceful and democratic end to the current transitional period and the holding of national elections by December 2024 as envisaged.”

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the two ministers would assess the status of the bilateral relations between South Africa and the Comoros.

“They shared information and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

“The two ministers also signed a General Cooperation Agreement, meant, among other objectives, to establish a Joint Commission at  Senior Officials’ level.”

Minister Pandor also used the opportunity of her visit to pay a courtesy call on Comoros President, Azali Assoumani, the current Chair of the African Union.

In addition, the Minister had an engagement with the Comorian business community, women leaders and youth entrepreneurs.

The meeting focussed on women and youth as active African Continental Free Trade Area participants.

The engagement was hosted by the Governor of Ngazidja, Madam Sitti Faroutta, and attended by the Comorian Minister of Economy and Investment, Ahmed Ali Bazi, and other dignitaries.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The development of the Draft Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Africa was mandated by the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) during its General Assembly, held in Mozambique in November 2022, and was led by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), working closely with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AAEA.

The IEC is supported by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation through the African Renaissance Fund.

The Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa are aimed at addressing the lacuna in the existing legal, regulatory and institutional architecture governing elections in Africa, which include the 2002 Organisation of African Unity/AU Declaration of Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance by specifically incorporating issues of digital and social media in elections.

Furthermore, the Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Election in Africa aim to create awareness among election management bodies and other stakeholders on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity, as well as to foster policy development on digital and social media in elections by election management bodies, regional economic communities and member states.

The Validation Workshop, which was hosted by the AUC’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, constituted a technical review of the principles and guidelines and brought together 80 participants comprising the following stakeholders: AUC, electoral management bodies, AAEA members from the five African regional networks, representatives from AU member states, representatives of civil society, traditional and new media as well as representatives of partner organisations; namely, the  United Nations (UN) Development Programme, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and other relevant UN agencies resident in Addis Ababa.

It is envisaged that following the Validation Workshop, the Principles, and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa will be adopted by the AAEA General Assembly, alongside the Annual Election Management Bodies Forum to be organised by the AU Commission in Cotonou, Benin, in November 2023.

Addressing the Africa Climate Summit on Monday, 4 September, Minister Creecy said climate change impacts would be genuinely felt during the life span of the planned and future infrastructure within the coming decade.

“Planning new infrastructure for climate resilience and adapting existing infrastructure to reduce risks should be a priority as there is a high probability that climate change will offset or reduce the economic and developmental benefits of these investments.”

Minister Creecy noted the continued decline in the delivery of public climate finance in real terms for developing nations.

“Developed countries have not met the US$100 billion per year mobilisation goal by 2020 and have indicated that this goal may potentially be met later this year (2023). The goal of doubling adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 is an undertaking in paper only.

“With an estimated annual infrastructure financing requirement in the range from US$130 to US$ 170 billion according to the African Development Bank, implementing urgent measures to improve the resilience of Africa’s infrastructure investments must become the main occupation for us as decision-makers,” the Minister said.

The Global Commission on Adaptation estimates that climate change will lead to an equivalent of 2% to 4% annual loss in gross domestic product (GDP) on the continent by 2040.

The Stern/Songwe High Level Expert Report, commissioned by the COP27 President, found that while “estimates for future loss and damage are subject to great uncertainty, but recent events suggest they could be as high as US$150 to US$300 billion by 2030 to cope with immediate impacts and for subsequent reconstruction.”

“Various other reports demonstrate the enormous climate change needs of developing countries and how present public climate finance flows are unforthcoming, inadequate and lack in quality. In addition, the current financial architecture features an unfortunate reality where developing countries, those that have least contributed to the climate problem, continue to shoulder climate costs albeit their very limited fiscal space and constrained economies,” the Minister said.

Financing

Minister Creecy said that African countries needed a new suite of financing instruments, with a set of favourable terms and conditions that were not merely debt generators.

“Local currency lending is an imperative to support climate action in Africa. In this regard, recent efforts by the Green Climate Fund and the New Development Bank offer rays of hope. We need to urgently address the need for liquidity in fiscally constrained African countries.

“We further need to address the form of the finance available to developing countries and, in particular, put in place measures that climate finance dos not lead to the increased debt burden of African and other developing countries. Credit-enhancement approaches are readily available to the private sector, but the urgent reforms are needed in the public sector.

“We need access to scaled-up new and additional and predictable grants and highly concessional finance, which could be deployed effectively to create enabling environments by beginning to buy down risks and create new asset classes for clean investments that would allow for greater mobilisation and leveraging of public and private finance and hence access the illusive and unseen trillions,” the Minister said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

This session, which took place on 4 September 2023, outlined Africa’s potential for green industrial production and massive untapped green hydrogen production potential, providing the opportunity to meet local, regional and global demand for energy, industrial feedstock and derivative products such as fuels and fertiliser and to drive significant economic growth.

On Tuesday, 5 September 2023, the Minister participated in the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance forum, where he engaged in a panel session on Financing Green Hydrogen in Africa – from Bridgetown to Nairobi.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Hosted in the rich, unique and culturally diverse province of Limpopo, the event featured various sports, arts, language and cultural performances.

Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September and marks the country’s diverse culture and heritage.

The 2023 National Heritage Month will be commemorated under the theme Celebrating our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa.

“This year’s theme puts a spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, which incorporates African, Asian and European cultures and traditions,” said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Minister Kodwa said that music and dancing were an important part of many traditional African societies.

“We do our traditional dances because it gives us our African identity.”

He also touched on the importance of breaking into song and music as Africans.

“Music is our soul. When we cry, [when we are] happy or saddened, we sing music. Those who do not understand us think when we have bereavement or a death in a family and when we dance, they think we are celebrating. But we’re consoling ourselves.

“Many centuries ago, we were not allowed to celebrate what we see here,” he added, pointing to the stage where traditional dancers were performing.

He told attendees that Heritage Day was about “celebrating who we are”.

Minister Kodwa also called on Africans to tell their own stories. “Those books must promote the African culture and diversity of our culture,” he stressed, while adding that traditional leadership is crucial to promoting African culture.

He also urged all mayors to organise cultural events leading up to Heritage Day, which will be celebrated on 24 September.

The event also unveiled publications of Living Human Treasures in honour of the late Koko Meiki Grace Masuku, Themba Patrick Magaisa, Vho Tshimangadzo Esther Sinyengwe, Oom Petros Vaalbooi and Dr Thomas Hasani Chauke.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The Minister explained that by leveraging Airbnb's global reach and understanding of the market, the collaboration sought to create a positive impact on local communities, travellers and the tourism industry as a whole.

“The primary goal of this collaboration is to develop a relationship between the Ministry and Airbnb to harness and drive tourism domestically and internationally.

“As shared in the department’s Green Paper, insufficient information is available about the unregulated short-term rental subsector and this hampers informed policy decision-making. Access to the Airbnb data can only assist in informing better decisions,” Minister de Lille said.

As part of the MoU, the parties will have regular engagements to evaluate opportunities for strategic collaboration on driving inclusive tourism and ensuring fair and proportionate regulation of short-term rentals.

Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead: Middle East Africa at Airbnb, said they looked forward to working with the Department of Tourism to help build a more inclusive and sustainable tourism economy in South Africa.

Corcoran said the Airbnb platform could help anyone, anywhere, to become a tourism entrepreneur and that they hope to continue to break down systemic barriers to entry and enable more South Africans to participate in the sector.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the department to develop a clear, proportionate national framework for the regulation of short-term rentals and see huge power in public- and private-sector collaborations. We also know from our work with the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, that together, we can make a tangible difference and enable more people, in more places, to benefit from tourism,” said Corcoran.

The signing of the MoU is in line with the aims of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, which is key to the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was adopted by Cabinet in March 2021 to facilitate the recovery of the sector to preserve jobs and livelihoods, facilitate new job opportunities, match demand and supply and strengthen transformation.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The remarkable journey towards this initiative began when African Parks acquired the world’s largest private captive rhino breeding operation, Platinum Rhino. Located on a sprawling 7 800-hectare property in the North West province of South Africa, this facility currently houses 2 000 southern white rhinos, representing a significant portion ‒ up to 15% ‒ of the world’s remaining wild population of these majestic creatures.

The fate of these rhinos hung in the balance when, due to financial stress, Platinum Rhino was put up for auction in April 2023.

In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, no bidders came forward, exposing these animals to the dire threats of poaching and fragmentation. However, African Parks, renowned for its expertise in managing protected areas and conducting large-scale wildlife translocations, emerged as a beacon of hope for the imperilled rhinos. The decision to purchase Platinum Rhino was not taken lightly. African Parks, with the full support of the South African Government and bolstered by emergency funding, seized the opportunity to rescue these rhinos from a precarious future. Their unequivocal objective is to rewild these magnificent creatures over the next decade, relocating them to well-managed and secure areas while establishing or supplementing strategic populations.

This ambitious endeavour represents one of the most significant continent-wide rewilding initiatives ever undertaken for any species.

Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, expressed the organisation’s commitment to this noble cause, stating, “African Parks had no intention of being the owner of a captive rhino breeding operation with 2 000 rhinos. However, we fully recognise the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals so that they can once again play their integral role in fully functioning ecosystems. The scale of this undertaking is simply enormous, and therefore daunting. However, it is equally one of the most exciting and globally strategic conservation opportunities. We will be working with multiple governments, funding partners and conservation organisations who are committed to making this rewilding vision a reality.”

For more than two decades, African Parks has collaborated with governments and local communities to ensure the preservation of protected areas and their vital ecosystem services.

Barbara Creecy, the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, praised the agreement, saying, “Our Government is guided in our approach to conservation by the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity and our own White Paper. In this regard, we are ready to support African Parks and other partners with technical and scientific advice in developing a conservation solution that includes translocating the animals over a period of time to suitable parks and community conservancies in South Africa and on the African continent.”

The southern white rhino, a species under extreme pressure, particularly in South Africa, faces the looming threat of poaching. Historically, rhinos consisted of two subspecies: the southern white and the northern white. Tragically, the northern white is now functionally extinct, with just two non-breeding females in captivity in Kenya. The southern white rhino, on the other hand, saw its numbers plummet to an all-time low of 30 to 40 animals in the 1930s. Through dedicated conservation efforts, their population rebounded to approximately 20 000 individuals by 2012. However, the scourge of poaching, driven by the illegal wildlife trade in rhino horns, has sent their numbers spiralling below 13 000 today.

Dr Mike Knight, Chairperson of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature African Rhino Specialist Group, shared the conservation sector’s elation, remarking, “The conservation sector is delighted that African Parks can provide a credible solution for this important population, and a significant lifeline for this Near Threatened species. This acquisition provides the unique opportunity to rewild these 2 000 white rhino for the benefit of people and rhino conservation in Africa.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

This summit had a particular focus on agriculture and agro-processing, Information Communication and Technology, manufacturing, energy and oil and gas.

The current status of bilateral trade is that South African exports to Uganda decreased from R2.1 billion in 2018 to R1.7 billion in 2022, while South Africa’s imports from Uganda increased from R102 million to R304 million during the same timeframe.

There was an effort to mobilise higher levels of private investments into priority sectors in Uganda, as identified under the National Development Plan of Uganda and therefore, they ensured that by the end of the two days, a platform for networking and investment facilitation was created to fast-track trade and business deals.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

These contributions, according to the NRF, must be of international standard and impact. The NRF is a government-mandated research and science development agency.

Prof. Adler expressed her gratitude for the special recognition.

“This award for me gives recognition to the importance of educational research that is grounded in the realities of our Mathematics classrooms. It gives meaning to the NRF’s vision for science and service of society,” she said.

Prof. Adler said the NRF had been one of the most important institutions throughout her academic journey.

She was born and raised in Johannesburg and completed a BSc in Mathematics and Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1972.

She pursued a Teaching Diploma at the University of Cape Town in 1973 before taking up a teaching post at Harold Cressy High School in Cape Town.

In 1977, she returned to Johannesburg and joined the South African Committee for Higher Education Trust, an educational non-government organisation (NGO) concerned with enriching the quality of education of those disadvantaged in apartheid South Africa.

She first taught Mathematics to youth who were out of school following the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

“Her work at the NGO over the next 10 years enabled her to further her social justice advocacy, seeking to address the educational inequalities in South Africa by improving Mathematics education through the development and evaluation of distance education courses,” the NRF said.

At the same time, she studied for her Master of Education, graduating cum laude in 1985.

In 1987, she moved into academia, lecturing in the Department of Professional Studies at the Johannesburg College of Education for two years before moving to Wits University’s Education Department as lecturer, Head of Department and Professor.

She was also a Chair of Mathematics Education at the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) between 2010 and 2019.

“Prof. Adler completed her PhD in 1996 with a thesis that looked at the dynamics of teaching and learning Mathematics in multilingual classrooms, specifically examining secondary teachers’ knowledge in this context,” said the NRF.

Her theoretical and practice-based innovations paved the way for new and transformative approaches in Mathematics education, addressing two fundamental research problems.

“The complexities and challenges of teaching and learning Mathematics in multilingual classrooms and the enhancement of professional education for Mathematics teachers. The latter came to the fore in the mid-1990s with the demand for “upgrading" the qualifications and teaching quality of secondary Mathematics teachers in post-apartheid South Africa.”

Working alongside a dedicated cohort of students, she spearheaded efforts to position Mathematics education as a robust research domain within the university, and more broadly in the country.

In 2005, Prof. Adler led the renowned Marang Centre for Mathematics and Science Education at Wits University.

The centre quickly gained a reputation for excellence in postgraduate research and development, attracting students from across the African continent.

Between 2010 and 2019, as the Department of Science and Innovation-NRF SARChI Chair in Mathematics Education at Wits, she directed a large professional development project.

The programme reached over 200 secondary Mathematics teachers and many learners across 80 schools in Gauteng and researching its impact together with a large research team of doctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

She is an Honorary Professor at Oxford University and University College London, both in the United Kingdom.

She has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and four books, co-edited two special journal issues and contributed 50 book chapters, achieving more than 7 000 citations and has published 37 papers that have each been cited at least 37 times.

Over the course of her 45-year career in teaching and academia, she has garnered numerous accolades in recognition of her contributions to education.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

African Conservation Awards Finalists 2023

Field Ranger:

• Givemore Bako: Senior Ranger and Head Rhino Monitor of Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists, Savé Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe
• Nkateko Letti Mzimba: Sergeant of Black Mambas Unit, Olifants West Nature Reserve, South Africa
• Reginah Smith: Corporal of the Rhino Protection Unit, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa

Game Ranger:

• Amos Gwema: Principal Investigation and Security Officer, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe
• Orlat Ndlovu: Head of Ranger Services, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
• Petronella Chigumbura: Deputy Ranger Supervisor, Akashinga, Zimbabwe

Conservation Team:

• Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
• Wildlife Action Group, Thuma Forest Reserve and the Dedza Salima Escarpment Forest Reserve, Malawi
• Zinave National Park, Mozambique

Conservation Supporter:

• African Pangolin Working Group, South Africa
• Joseph Serugo Ssalongo, Honorary Wildlife Officer, Uganda
• Rhino Man, South Africa

Highly Commended Nominations

As determined by the judging panel for the excellent work done:

• Field Ranger Owenyo Alphonse (Uganda) and Marine Ranger Tima Dago (Kenya)
• Game rangers Ali Hassan (Kenya) and Simon Ewoi (Kenya)
• Endangered Wildlife Trust Soutpansberg Rangers (South Africa) for Conservation Team
• Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (South Africa) for Conservation Supporter.

Each organisation and individual that has been shortlisted has shown remarkable determination to succeed when the odds have often been stacked against them. Conservation areas continue to face many challenges, including limited resources and working against criminal syndicates. Despite this, remarkable people continue to do amazing things for wildlife and the communities who benefit from it.

These awards are hosted annually by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa and the winners will be announced on 16 September at the Southern African Wildlife College where they will be celebrated by their ranger colleagues.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Goodman Gallery might have started in Johannesburg many moons ago and expanded to homes in Cape Town and even London but taking on New York (even just for a few square feet as an office) is just another indicator that the art world’s attention is turning more and more Southward.

Owner and director Liza Essers shares:

“Finally, the world is really paying attention to artists from the global South, particularly artists that have been less represented in the Western narrative.”

Though the art gallery setting up shop in New York won’t mean an entire gallery on the Upper East Side, it will serve as an easy way for local artworks to be showcased and to be connected with more international curators and critics, paving way to more opportunities for more South African and African artists.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Hweshe adds that this year would also draw a sharp focus on climate and human rights as well as the frontline communities that are most impacted by climate change.

The festival will start off with its opening night at The Labia Theatre, followed by two days of film binging, workshops and open discussion at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, which is home to the Bertha Movie House. The second venue for the festival will be the ACDI, based at UCT where there will be two days of film screening and panel discussions.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

For James, the opportunity to attend the awards means the world to him as he recently shared on the Espresso Show, especially for the nod to his songwriting ‒ one of the many musical crafts he’s emphasised.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

In a world where technology is rapidly transforming the way we explore and engage with the world, Cape Town has taken a leap into the future by introducing a virtual tour that promises to capture the hearts of adventurers, dreamers and travel enthusiasts worldwide.

Leigh Dawber, the Chief Marketing Officer of CTT, is brimming with excitement as she shares the news of this innovative venture. She emphasises that Cape Town is all about pushing boundaries and embracing new avenues to inspire potential travellers to choose the city as their ultimate destination.

“With the influence of immersive digital experiences, research shows that 70% of people who view a virtual tour online link through to a direct booking opportunity. Tourism bookings can be extrapolated into tourism expenditure and job opportunities in Cape Town, which is Cape Town Tourism’s ultimate goal.”

Jacques Clarijs, the South African partner from Gecko Digital Global, adds his insights into the equation. He reveals that across international platforms, a significant 35% of individuals who embark on a virtual tour take that crucial step to make a direct booking through the client’s booking engine. The power of virtual reality in this regard is awe-inspiring; its return on investment is astonishingly rapid, ranging between 14 to 30 days. This places virtual tours at the pinnacle of marketing media, an achievement that can be effortlessly tracked through the lenses of Google Analytics.

The virtual tour initiative builds upon CTT’s illustrious digital legacy. With an award-winning digitally immersive campaign under their belt from the previous year, they are well aware of the potential that lies in exploring the digital realm. The addition of virtual reality to their repertoire only adds to the momentum of their success. This is particularly true for the United States, which stands as Cape Town’s third-largest source market and its most generous spender.

The virtual experience holds the potential to instil trust in prospective travellers that their journey will exceed their wildest expectations, leading to a surge in booking rates.

The journey is only a click away – visit www.capetown.travel and embark on an adventure of a lifetime, from your very own living room.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Robertson said the area had seen an influx of visitors between July and September.

“The importance of the flower season for our tourism sector cannot be underestimated. Tourists travel for kilometres just to visit the region during the flower season. This gives the local economy a good boost, especially because the winter months are seen as a quiet season in the sector.

"Tourism is a massive economic driver for the West Coast and the flower season is no different. The local economy benefits immensely and in particular, those regions which are “off-the-beaten” track because the most beautiful flowers are found in wide open spaces which are mostly in remote areas and smaller towns."

Robertson said this year’s season had been "fantastic", allaying fears that there could have been a long-term effect from recent flooding in the area.

"We were a bit worried because the northern regions were flooded about two months ago. We did not know what impact it would have on the flowers, but 2023 has been one of the better flower seasons in a long time."

Clanwilliam Tourism Chairperson, Sanet Stander, agreed that the influx of tourists coming to view the flowers boosted the area’s economy.

"Clanwilliam is extremely busy during this time of year, as I’m sure neighbouring towns are. We have a long season this year and the flowers are beautiful," she said.

She said that on most days, at least 10 tour buses pass through the town. Clanwilliam also holds a festival every year, which draws hundreds of tourists into the town.

"It’s a huge economic boost and it’s been a good season this year. It’s difficult to put a number to the revenue generated, but guest houses, restaurants and shops are busy," said Stander.

Lizelle Carstens, Swartland tourism manager, said the "surge in visitors" had given local businesses the opportunity to "bounce back after the typically sluggish winter months that are common in small towns".

"Due to the abundant rainfall we’ve experienced, we’ve had an exceptionally bustling flower season, attracting tourists from various distant locations. Just this week, our four tourism offices in the Swartland have been inundated with enquiries. Fortunately, the flowers bloomed early this year and we’re appreciative as this has led to increased occupancy rates in our accommodations."

According to statistics from the Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro), nearly 75 000 people visited the West Coast towns of Yzerfontein, Darling, Vredendal and Clanwilliam during last year’s flower season.

Yzerfontein, Darling and Clanwilliam also dealt with a combined 826 "flower enquiries", Wesgro found.

In a recent statement, South African National Parks (SANParks) said it expected an "extraordinary bloom in the flower fields" due to substantial winter rainfall.

West Coast National Park Manager, Charlene Adams, said: "We are excited about this year's flower season and the vibrant blooms are bound to mesmerise every visitor. The abundance of rainfall has worked wonders and we can't wait to showcase the beauty of our park during the months of August and September."

SANParks said it expected weekends at the West Coast National Park to be extremely busy, with queues and congestion in the flower viewing areas.

It said there were 34 700 visitors to West Coast National Park in August.

– Source: www.news24.com

The Spanish duo of Tania Fernandez and Tania Alvarez claimed the silver while the second Hungarian boat of Csilla Rugasi and Panna Csepe picked up the bronze, just half a second ahead of Birkett and Wilson.

The Durban pairing of training partners Saskia Hockly and Michelle Burn finished eighth.

In the junior race, Vicente Vergauven and Joaquin Catalano from Argentina were relatively comfortable winners after breaking away, with Hungarians Daniel Zemen and Arpad Kekesi ending in the silver-medal position. Spaniards Ruben Castilla and Arturo Aguilar claimed the final step of the podium with Cochrane and Salmon just two seconds outside a medal spot.

With one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, the South African team ended in a solid seventh overall on the medal table. Georgia Singe and Holly Smith’s victory in the junior K2 was the highlight of the week for South Africa, while Andy Birkett (silver, men’s K1), Christie Mackenzie (bronze, women’s K1) and Saskia Hockly (bronze, women’s U23) completed the medal count.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

In her first foray into racing Hard Enduro on the North American continent, South African Kirsten Landman was victorious, winning the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO) in the rocky and hilly Trials Training Centre terrain in Sequatchie, Tennessee. By winning the event, Landman also walked away with an American Motorcyclist Association National Championship and US$1000 in prize money.

After having to pull out of the second day of action at Red Bull Romaniacs in July due to an injured shoulder, Landman went into the race managing her expectations.

“There were a lot of variables – different country, format, style of racing. This was all made worse by the fact that I wasn’t even racing my own bike,” said Landman.

“I would say that was the most difficult part of preparing for this race, I had to find a bike to rent and do my best to ensure that the bike was set up with the right parts, tyres and mousses.

After getting to Tennessee earlier in the week, Landman got her first taste of action on Friday, 1 September, during the Hot Lap. This round established the start order among the amateurs and the Women’s Pro field for the next day.

The Women’s Pro class competed along with the top amateurs on the more difficult Saturday race two and Landman took the win over American Rachel Gutish with Nikki Russell rounding out the podium. Landman finished 40th overall among all the amateur riders.

“I knew the Women’s Pro class wasn’t going to be easy. I researched a bit but all I could do was go out there and ride my best. I was pretty nervous – I mainly race against the guys and after my injury at Red Bull Romaniacs I didn’t want to let anyone down,” said Landman.

“The vibe at Red Bull TKO was incredible as the spectators have a front-row seat to the action on the loop around the course. The USA is motorsport mad. I think Hard Enduro is still growing but the event was a blast. I can’t wait to come back!”

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The Boks open their campaign against Scotland in Marseille on 10 September.

The Springboks arrived in France on Sunday, 3 September 2023, for their 2023 Rugby World Cup title defence.

Having based themselves on the island of Corsica for the week, the Springboks are now in Toulon.

The Boks will now start preparations for their tournament opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday, 10 September 2023.

"We had a great ferry trip, which was a unique experience for the team and we are thrilled to finally be in Toulon for the World Cup," said coach Jacques Nienaber.

"It was an overnight trip, so the players managed to get a good rest and we are now officially in World Cup mode.

"We ticked the boxes we wanted to from a training perspective in Corsica and we’ll return to the field raring to go.

"It feels surreal to be here. We've been working toward this goal for four years and we are now officially one week away from playing our first match.

"There’s a lot of excitement in the group and the team is completely aligned in terms of what we have to do if we want to be successful in France."

Nienaber was confident that preparations for Scotland were on track.

"We said from the outset that we would approach the tournament one match at a time and the hard work behind the scenes to prepare for the Scotland clash started in Corsica already," said Nienaber.

"They are ranked fifth in the world, and we know what they are capable of, so it’s vital that we hit the ground running from our first training session.

"Fortunately, the players are used to the heat and humidity after training in these conditions in Corsica, so we are pleased with our preparations and can’t wait to begin the tournament."

The Springboks are also pooled alongside Ireland, Tonga and Romania. The World Cup starts on Friday, 8 September 2023, when hosts France take on New Zealand in a blockbuster opener.

‒ Source: www.news24.com

All South African eyes are on local Charles Phillips who, two years ago, performed incredibly in Germany and won three silver and one gold.

The DSIGO World Championships will take place from 23 to 24 September.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Chairperson of World RX of South Africa, Iain Banner, says, “I am delighted to announce that we are bringing another World Championship Motorsports event to South Africa. This time none other than the fabulous all electric World Rally Cross, to be staged over two days at Killarney race circuit. With drivers like World Champion Johan Kristoffersson and the Hansen brothers, we can look forward to an incredible weekend of World Championship racing. A stunning ‘next up’ after our Formula E Cape Town race in February this year.”

The Cape Town double-header will also offer a new dynamic with the vehicles having gone all-electric in 2022 – the next step in the sport’s journey towards a sustainable future.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, says the city is proud to be partnering with such an exciting international event. “We are delighted to welcome the FIA World Rallycross back to Cape Town. We know Capetonians have the appetite for thrilling motorsports as we saw with the Cape Town E-Prix back in February, and we look forward to showing the world more ways in which we can stage high-impact, successful and sustainable events”.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The first African Para Games are an initiative of the International Paralympic Committee and the African Paralympic Committee.

Team South Africa is participating in the Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis sporting codes.

This event plays a crucial role as it will be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) President, Barry Hendricks, congratulated the team, stating; “Congratulations to the selected team members who will represent the South African nation at the inaugural Africa Para Games. Para sport is at the heart of our core business, as these games are a reminder that people with disabilities have the right to participate in sports and recreational activities at all levels. Para sport also focusses on values of courage, determination, inspiration, and above all, inclusion and equality.”

Hendricks wished the athletes, coaches, medical and team management the very best of luck at this important and historic sporting event.

SASCOC CEO, Nozipho Jafta, also congratulated the selected team and underscored the importance of the first edition of the African Para Games, stating, “This event is significant in our journey towards the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as it acts as a qualifier for these renowned Games. We urge our athletes to give it their all so that they can secure their slots for the Paralympic Games.”

“We have a great history of outstanding performances in Para sport, so we hope the team will raise the flag high at these games”, she  added.

– Source: www.teamsa.co.za

World Netball’s flagship event, the NWC, was staged on African soil for the first time, when South Africa played host to the 2023 competition at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre from 28 July to 6 August.

Australia regained the title when they beat England in the final, while Jamaica claimed the bronze medal.

The Chairperson of the NWC 2023 Board, Patience Shikwambana, expressed her delight at the news of the prestigious award nomination.

“To be shortlisted as best sporting event in the Sports Business Awards is a terrific moment not only for me and our Board but also the NWC LOC, the fans and country as a whole.

“South Africa has proved time and time again that we are capable of successfully staging the world’s biggest sporting events and it’s a proud moment for me as Board Chairperson to reflect on the success of the NWC and its important contribution to the promotion, growth and development of netball and sport in South African, Africa and the world.”

In her reaction, the NWC 2023 Tournament Director, Priscilla Masisi, acknowledged: “We are extremely proud to have learnt that the 2023 NWC has been nominated as the best sporting event of the year in the Sports Business Awards.

“This nomination testifies that my team’s dedicated hard work over the past months in ensuring the success of the tournament is recognised. We must also thank our partners and sponsors who worked hand in hand with us in delivering this tournament. Lastly, the hundreds of volunteers who assisted in servicing each division of the tournament must be applauded for their important part in the overall success of the event. “

In adding her voice to the news of the award nomination, the president of Netball SA and NWC2023 Board member, Cecilia Molokwane, said: “This nomination means a lot to all of us because we did what has never been done before. We hosted an NWC for the first time in South Africa and the continent, that on its own is a huge success. A nomination on its own is a big enough win for us. On behalf of all the partners, I’d like to thank every single person who played a role in making sure that we deliver what we did – as a country we should be very proud of this achievement.”

The success of the event exceeded expectations and was the culmination of four years of planning by WN, NWC2023 (Local Organising Committee) and Netball South Africa. 

Highlights of the event included it having the most successful commercial programme in NWC history. Sponsorship sales were double that achieved for NWC 2019, while rights to broadcast the matches live were sold in all the major netball nations, with fans in all other countries able to sign up to watch on WN’s NetballPass OTT platform.

On social media, some 109 437 social media posts referencing the NWC2023 reached a further 3.3 billion impressions and social media videos referencing the event generated 12.1 million views.

The impact on the ground was just as great, with 63 free fan parks and 30 viewing centres across the nine South African provinces bringing the event to everyone in the country while the host broadcaster SuperSport also made history as the NWC2023 was recorded and produced by an all-women crew.

‒ Source: www.teamsa.co.za

No Stone is committed to the Kalbaskraal community where they facilitate feeding schemes, a computer literacy programme, sewing classes and woodworking skills programmes as well as community garden training in addition to collecting clothes and animal rescue collaborations.

Their work to uplift Kalbaskraal’s underprivileged isn’t possible without funding and so Deel-Smith decided to do something big and icy to impact something bigger and heartwarming.

He will tackle 42.2 km in the blistering cold, past glaciers and the ice world’s finest as part of the full marathon.

All proceeds from Deel-Smith’s marathon are heading to No Stone, while he has covered all his own costs to get to Greenland and back home.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com