The Inaugural Session of the BNC followed an agreement signed by the two countries in November 2021 to elevate the structured bilateral mechanism from a Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) that is held at a ministerial level, to a BNC that is presided over by the two heads of state and government.

The session consisted of the following sectoral committees:

• Strategic Political Cluster, co-chaired by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
• Security and Stability Cluster, co-chaired by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
• Economy Cluster, co-chaired by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
• Social Cluster, co-chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
• Good Governance Cluster, co-chaired by Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs.

This Inaugural Session of the BNC provided an opportunity for both countries to take stock and track the implementation of the JBCC decisions taken during the Council of Ministers Meeting, held on 20 November 2020 in Maseru, the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The BNC meeting also provided both President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Matekane with an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and to share information and exchange views on the latest developments in Lesotho and efforts by Southern African Development Community facilitate the finalisation of the reform process in Lesotho.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“Aziz Pahad worked for our freedom during his decades in exile in the United Kingdom, Angola and Zambia – a period during which he played a diversity of roles, including as a member of the ANC's Revolutionary Council and the Political Military Committee and being part of the ANC negotiating team that secretly met representatives of the apartheid regime and also with leading members of the Afrikaner community.

“It was fitting that, in acknowledgment of his vast experience in international mobilisation against the apartheid regime, Aziz Pahad was appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the dawn of our democracy and our reintegration into the global community.

“Aziz Pahad was a consummate diplomat not only in the service of our country but in support of causes for freedom and justice elsewhere in the world, notably advocating the plight of the Palestinian people.

“Endearing of disposition and fierce of principle, he represented our nation with passion and clarity and played a significant role in educating the nation of our early democracy about international relations and South Africa’s role, place and vision in a world, which itself was undergoing change at that time.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

“Among other things, wealthy countries have not provided the promised finance that vulnerable countries need to adapt to climate change and to cover the cost of the loss and damage caused by climate disasters,” he said.

On the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, held a Climate Ambition Summit.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa used the summit to “reiterate our long-stated position that developed economy countries must fulfil their obligations and honour their past promises to developing economy countries”.

“This is not about charity. It is about economic and social justice. Africa’s people are literally paying the price for the industrialisation and development of the countries of the North.

“It is also about shared interests because the economic and social havoc caused by climate change will make the world more unstable, less secure and will increase competition for scarce resources like water and food,” he said.

Self-development

President Ramaphosa emphasised that although developed countries shared the responsibility to assist developing nations, Africa was taking steps to ensure its own climate change resilience.

“As African countries, we cannot be bystanders to our own development. We are putting the necessary measures in place to de-carbonise our respective economies while pursuing sustainable development.

“The transformation of the energy landscape in Africa is a priority. As African countries, we have called on the international community to support efforts to increase the continent’s renewable energy capacity while ensuring energy security for Africa’s people.

“This needs to take place alongside increased investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies in carbon-intensive sectors such as transportation, industry and electricity,” he said.

The President described South Africa’s own efforts towards de-carbonising the country’s carbon-intensive economy.

“As South Africa, we want to use our abundant solar and wind resources to position our country at the forefront of the clean energy transition.

“Regulatory reforms undertaken by this administration have resulted in a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity,” he said.

A just transition

President Ramaphosa added that de-carbonisation of economies must be “just and inclusive” and also be consistent with “our national circumstances and development plans”.

He warned that some measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – aimed at increasing tariffs on imports produced through carbon intensive processes – might “simply further increase the vulnerability of developing economies”.

“This is likely to have a significant impact on South African producers, increase the costs of South African exports into European markets and reduce our economy’s competitiveness.

“In my address to the Climate Ambition Summit, I said that trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. Trade tariffs and non-trade barriers that have an environmental purpose should be the product of multilateral agreements,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said while South Africa remained committed to “contributing our fair share to the global climate change effort”, the circumstances of developing countries must “must be taken into account”.

“To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, unity of purpose and action between countries is vital, as is a common commitment to multilateralism in the global climate change effort.

“Ultimately, no country should be forced to choose between climate action and meeting their developmental aspirations,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The President delivered South Africa’s National Statement on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, under the theme Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.

On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.

The President joined UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and the President of the UNGA, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture.

President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order.

"Four decades since the right to development was established by the UN as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global North and South," said President Ramaphosa.

The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the Secretary-General Guterres, where the President joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.

The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

President Ramaphosa said: “Financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation.”

The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive as it continued to advocate for the reform of the UN Security Council and reiterated South Africa’s support for the UN Secretary-General's ambition of U$500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global Sustainable Development Goals.

On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic and trade ties.

These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye; and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Another highlight of the President’s Working Visit to the US was the joint announcement by the South African and US governments of South Africa’s hosting of the 20th US-sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November 2023.

President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the US’ Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the US, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.

In his assessment of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa said: “The UN General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally.

“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally."

The President was accompanied by a delegation of ministers that included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.

– Source: www.sagov.co.za

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, Celebrating our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa ‒ an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey and also embrace the complexities that come with nation-building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.

“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.

“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.

“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.

“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy had seen significant gains.

“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation-building.

“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.

“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The event is held under the theme, Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region and seeks to celebrate engineering excellence prevalent on the African continent.

The Deputy President was supported by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, as the host department; Minister in The Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bhuti Manamela; as well as governors and ministers from the African continent.

The event features the who’s who of the engineering fraternity in Africa and abroad and scores of aspiring engineers from South Africa will also get the opportunity to obtaining knowledge and skills.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The Deputy President was briefing Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on efforts to find lasting peace for the people of South Sudan, among other issues.

Supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Deputy President undertook a Working Visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 29 to 31 August 2023.

The Deputy President said the visit to South Sudan enabled him to familiarise himself with the South Sudan peace process and its challenges.

The Deputy President held extensive and fruitful discussions with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and met with the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and leader of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition, Dr Riek Machar; Vice President Taban Deng Gai; Vice President Dr James Wani; and Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, among other stakeholders.

During these discussions, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted that the key issue Sudanese actors and others raised was the need to fully implement the Transitional Security Arrangements contained in Chapter 2 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“The South Sudanese have requested assistance from South Africa in this area, and the departments of defence and police will be consulted regarding assistance in implementing Chapter 2, including a holistic disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process.

“South Africa is committed to supporting South Sudan to conclude the implementation of the revitalised transitional phase to hold peaceful national elections by December 2024,” the Deputy President said.

Deputy President Mashatile told MPs that another outstanding issue was the promulgation of electoral and political party legislation to enable the reconstitution of electoral institutions such as the National Elections Commission (NEC) of South Sudan.

To prepare for the organisation of national elections by December 2024, he said, the NEC would require capacity-building and training for its officials. In addition, it was noted that substantial electoral funding would be required, particularly if national, provincial and local elections take place simultaneously.

South Sudan is due to undertake a permanent constitution-making process under Chapter 6 of the R-ARCSS.

The Deputy President noted that this process attached with substantial legal work and was necessarily time-consuming.

He said a broader nationwide consultative process must still be undertaken to build on the modest work already commenced.

South Sudan further requires assistance with transitional justice matters and judicial reconstitution and reforms under Chapter 5 of R-ARCSS, which focusses on transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation and healing.

“South Africa has been requested to share our Truth and Reconciliation Commission experience as South Sudan prepares to undergo its national reconciliation and healing journey. They are also intent on establishing a Compensation and Reparation Authority and an independent Hybrid Court of South Sudan with support and assistance from the African Union,” the Deputy President said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The forum will bring together the governments of the US and AGOA-eligible countries, as well as representatives from key regional economic organisations, the private sector, civil society and labour. Over the course of the event, participants will engage in discussions on how to strengthen trade and investment ties between the US and sub-Saharan Africa and how to promote resilient, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development. The forum will also feature the “Made in Africa Exhibition”, which will showcase regional value chains on the continent.

“The AGOA Forum is an opportunity for the US to build upon the success of the Africa Leaders’ Summit and further our economic partnership with AGOA countries,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.

“As President Biden has said, the future is Africa. I look forward to visiting South Africa in November to discuss our shared priorities, reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to the continent, and discuss opportunities to make AGOA more transformative as we deepen our trade and investment relations with the sub-Saharan African countries.”

“We look forward to welcoming a senior delegation from the US and a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Minister Patel. “AGOA has helped to promote the export of African goods to the US, and we believe there is scope to deepen its impact on African industrialisation. An extension of AGOA beyond 2025 will promote inward investment in Africa and provide benefits to both the US and African countries. It will also support our efforts to increase growth through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that will cover 54 countries and 1.4 billion people.”

Background

Since its enactment in 2000, the AGOA has been at the core of US economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa. AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for over 1 800 products, in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalised System of Preferences programme.

To meet AGOA’s rigorous eligibility requirements, countries must establish or make continual progress towards establishing a market-based economy, the rule of law, political pluralism and the right to due process. Additionally, countries must eliminate barriers to US trade and investment, enact policies to reduce poverty, combat corruption and protect human rights.

By providing new market opportunities, AGOA has helped bolster economic growth, promoted economic and political reform and improved US economic relations in the region.

– Source: www.gov.za

The engagements profiled the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy and promoted collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said.

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.

The GX Plenary was hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Minister also addressed the Sixth Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which was attended by ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.

On Monday, the DSI hosted a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.

The aim of the workshop, the department said, was for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.

The engagements concluded on 27 September 2023.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The meetings of the labour and employment stream follow the BRICS Leaders' Summit that took place in August 2023. This stream consists of the EWG, the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute and the LEMM. The EWG and the Research Network Forum meetings previously took place in February (Gauteng), May (Port Alfred) and June (Geneva, Switzerland).

In preparation for the LEMM, the Fourth EWG and the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute meetings were held from 26 to 27 September 2023. At these gatherings, senior officials and technical experts considered issues such as the Ministerial Declaration, the Report on Social Protection in BRICS Countries, the BRICS Productivity Platform and ways to strengthen collaboration between the BRICS countries at multilateral level.

The EWG and Network of Labour Research Institute meetings culminated in a two-day Meeting of Ministers from 28 to 29 September 2023, where they will adopt the eThekwini Declaration.

The ministers are expected to emphasise labour rights, universal access to social protection, skills development and sustainable enterprises to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Moreover, they will seek to deepen collaboration at multilateral fora to shape global labour-market policies and agendas. Their efforts align with the call of BRICS leaders to achieve a human-centred recovery and the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to the BRICS ministers, Minister Thulas Nxesi also invited his counterparts from Cuba, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Representatives of social partners and international organisations, such as the International Labour Organisation, the International Social Security Agency and the African Regional Labour Administration Centre are also present.

– Source: www.gov.za

“The major discoveries of gas on the west coast of the continent … Namibia is far advanced in that. There’s a significant amount of deposits on the east side … Mozambique has been doing that for some time. Central Africa … the degree to which we are able to use hydro.

“If you pool all of these things together, you can see that the possibilities of us greening becomes real and I think we are going to benefit from these opportunities and resources if we are able to … collaborate better. That level of cooperation will be necessary going into the future and then we become energy secure,” he said.

The Minister further emphasised that because of its rich endowment in resources that are essential to the green economy, Africa must set its own standards.

“What drives us is the quest to ensure that we industrialise on the back of these renewable resources [and] on the back of the demand that is coming from the major Western countries.

“We will define what those standards are as Africans; we don’t need to be lectured by someone from outside. We know what is in our collective interest and for as long as we are disjointed, we are going to be super exploited. We must determine the standards and no-one should be doing that on our behalf,” Minister Ramokgopa said.

The Minister added that although renewable energy sources remained important, South Africa would pursue an energy mix that fits the country’s needs.

“Renewable energy is important. We are committed to decarbonisation and we are endowed. But remember that renewable energy survives of the redundancy of baseload ‒ so coal, gas, nuclear [and] hydro are going to be part of the energy mix going into the future.

“The success of renewable energy is undergirded by the presence of baseloads, so we are not about to abandon or relinquish that resource. It’s about making sure that there’s an optimal mix. It’s not a binary conversation, it’s not the one against the other but it’s doing both in a balanced way,” he said.

Turning to the South African context, Minister Ramokgopa said the country – with its deep resources of minerals used in green hydrogen production – could take advantage of the world’s thirst for clean energy sources.

“It’s important that we are able to exploit these resources … the best radiation, the best wind speeds are found here on the continent and in this country. So, it’s important that we are able to domesticate value addition. We know that … there are about 60 countries globally that have committed to a net zero path.

“Some of the most industrialised countries account for over 70% of the emissions and therefore they are prepared to pay a premium for them to access this green hydrogen. In some instances, your market will be driven by the international market. For us as a country, because of the large-scale amount of … industrial uses in the heavy industry, you can still deploy green hydrogen.

“And also the potential of the introduction of carbon borders is likely going to ensure that there’s an early uptake of this green hydrogen even given the cost premium so that these industries are able to continue to access those lucrative markets,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Having sign language as the official language will help in addressing access to education and socio-economic opportunities for people with hearing impediments. Through effective protection and promotion of linguistics, the Department of Basic Education is already providing teaching and learning for deaf learners.

“Lack of sign language in government service points is a concern, it is important that there are sign language interpreters in police stations hospitals and clinics in order for people with hearing impediments to access justice for victims of violence, including victims of gender-based violence in South Africa,” said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

– Source: www.gov.za

Sharing Stories: Under the Baobab Tree encapsulates the essence of South African storytelling traditions. The baobab tree, also known as the "Tree of Life", has been a central gathering place for generations of South Africans, where stories, folklore and wisdom have been passed down through the ages. These huge trees also provide shade and shelter as well as water, nourishment and medicine. The theme suggests a rootedness in place and time and paints a picture of the spaces that many trees across the landscape provide. South Africa's presence at the GBF aims to recreate this cherished tradition by bringing together diverse voices, narratives and perspectives from South Africa's vibrant literary landscape.

The GBF is the largest book fair in Scandinavia, attracting authors, publishers and book enthusiasts. South Africa's participation in this platform is an opportunity to share the country’s rich literary heritage and foster cultural exchange.

The following renowned authors will be representing South African at the Gothenburg Book Fair:

• Lynn Joffe
• Zakes Mda 
• Refiloe Moahloli 
• Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni
• Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta.

Acting Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Stella Khumalo, appreciates South Africa’s participation at the fair as it is an opportunity to expose the world to the culture and heritage of our country. She says: “It is an honour for South Africa to be participating at the 2023 GBF with the rest of the literary world. This will provide a platform for South African artists to showcase their stories that embody the richness of our cultural diversity and the heritage of our country and allow an exhibition of their work to the international audience”.

‒ Source: www.gov.za

According to the gallery founded in 2008, the expansion to LA’s Melrose Hill will embrace three large-scale exhibition spaces where works from myriad African artists will find new residence and cultural appreciation.

Trevyn McGowan, Southern Guild’s co-founder shares:

“Over the past 16 years, Southern Guild has grown tremendously, from a single gallery in Cape Town and a small roster of artists to include numerous exhibition spaces, artists’ studios, a residency programme and regular participation in art fairs around the world, but our expansion to the US is truly a milestone. We are thrilled to broaden our reach by providing a permanent platform to showcase our artists’ unparalleled work in the US.”

Of the spotlight on African artists, Southern Guild’s fellow co-founder Julian McGowan, adds:

“Craft and design are rooted in Africa’s cultural fabric, as the site of the very first toolmakers and artisans, the continent has a unique artistic legacy that exists at the intersection of those roots and a global artistic discourse. The art coming out of the region is thus unlike anything else and these are the pioneering creative voices we seek to champion.”

Two exhibitions will anoint the gallery’s expanded art space, including Mother Tongues and a solo exhibition by Zizipho Poswa.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The wheelchair tennis stars played both as a team and then against each other at the Games. Their skills took them both to the finals where Sikhosana earned his crown as the African Para Champion as well as a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Despite the competition that pinned the pair against each other, the two sing each other’s praises both for their skills and for the humans behind the rackets:

“Leon made it so easy for me to be myself,” Sikhosana said of his teammate and competition.

“As tennis players we play each other, make friends on tour, get used to tour life. On court we fight hard, but it’s what’s happening on court to off it …

“Part of our sport is to be glad for the other guy. It took me five minutes to get over the disappointment and then I was happy for Alwande,” shared Els.

Although their circumstances leading to wheelchair tennis differ (Sikhosana has been playing wheelchair tennis since he was in Grade 4 while Els endured a bus accident at 18 and only started the sport at 19), they both highlight the positives beyond the wins.

For Sikhosana, the moment he followed a teacher to wheelchair tennis practice because he wanted to avoid doing homework, sparked a sporting trajectory he could never have imagined.

“Today I’m grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and I am where I am because of things going wrong back then. It’s a blessing in disguise; it was obviously meant to be for me and this is my purpose in life,” he shared with Team SA.

He is the number one ranked player on the continent.

For Els, the sport beyond podiums is also an incredible way to keep healthy and avoid deterioration in the body, which can happen quickly for wheelchair users.

Moreover, the opportunity to play in the first-ever edition of the African Para Games (and winning it) is testament to the growing dedication to Para sports, and South Africa couldn’t be prouder to be part of the progress.

Sikhosana will head to the Paris Paralympics next year while Els still has the chance to qualify.

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The South African team showed incredible skill and roaring results, especially from podium trio Megan Le Roux, Victoria Giuricich and Coco Surman, who alternated podium placements in multiple events.

Day one saw the podium trio begin their victory streak with the Junior Rhythm Gymnastics stretch where Megan Le Roux earned gold, Victoria Giuricich clinched silver and Coco Surman scored bronze.

Back at it again, the young gymnasts swopped podium placements multiple times as they won the Rhythmic Junior Ribbon, Rhythmic Junior Club and Rhythmic Junior Ball events, among others, with the results as follow:

• Rhythmic Junior Ribbon: Surman (gold), Le Roux (silver) and Giuricich (bronze)
• Rhythmic Junior Club Session: Surman (gold), Giuricich (silver) and Le Roux (bronze)
• Rhythmic Junior Ring: Giuricich (gold), Le Roux (silver) and Surman (bronze).

As for the all-round junior medallists, three more South Africans topped the podiums: James Bateman (gold), Zac Rees (silver) and Oliver Rogers (bronze).

Charles Philips also showcased his talent boldly and walked away from the DSIGO Championships with multiple bronze medals for the Men’s Artistic Senior Horizontal Bar, Senior Parallel Bars and Rings as well as for the MAG Senior Pommel Horse.

However, beyond medals and accolades, the words of Gymnastics South Africa President Donovan Jurgens echoed the true spirit of the prestigious event when he said:

“Sport is not only about medals. Sport is about friendship. Sport is about courage, it’s about values, it’s about honesty, it’s about overcoming your fears.”

‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com