The State Visit formed part of two days of engagement between the governments of South Africa and Qatar on 14 and 15 November 2023.

The visit occurred in the context of three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024. This visit was President Ramaphosa’s first to the State of Qatar as Head of State.

The programme included meetings with His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and high-level business engagements.

During their meeting, President Ramaphosa and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani deliberated on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world.

Both parties are committed to enhancing their economic ties and focussing on improving economic relations, including trade, investment and tourism.

In 2022, Qatar became South Africa’s fifth-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

There is significant potential for further economic cooperation between the two countries. South Africa exported US$206 million worth of trade to Qatar in 2022.

The bulk of the exports were in the manufacturing sector, accounting for about 56% of total exports. South Africa has witnessed a surge in its imports from Qatar between 2017 and 2022, primarily due to the import of petroleum oils.

South African imports from Qatar amounted to US$252 million in 2022.

The President was joined by a high-level business delegation and engaged the Qatari business community to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the creative industries, energy, mining, agro-processing, retail, healthcare, tourism and shipbuilding.

South Africa is a significant investor in Qatar, especially in the petrochemical-related sector, with a total investment of approximately US$8.7 billion.

Sasol has a 49% shareholding with Qatar Petroleum and established ORYX GTL, the world’s first commercial-scale gas-to-liquids plant. Sasol’s GTL technology is used in ORYX GTL to convert natural gas into liquid fuel and chemical products.

The governments of South Africa and Qatar share deep concern regarding the current conflict, notably the unfolding human catastrophe in Palestine, violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, the large-scale loss of life and the ongoing hostilities, especially in Gaza.

The leaders discussed respective efforts to ensure that the conflict does not escalate to other parts of the region and that a peaceful resolution is found.

South Africa also welcomed Qatar’s mediation efforts in this crisis.

The President was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy; Minister of Defence; Minister of Basic Education and the Minister in The Presidency.

“We appreciate the confidence expressed by the UN in Prof. Tladi’s capabilities. He becomes the newest member of a fraternity of South Africans globally who are in positions of service to the international community and making important contributions to the better world we seek to build.

“We wish Prof. Tladi well as he prepares to contribute to the court and its jurisprudence from the Palace of Peace in The Hague, Netherlands,” the President said in a statement on Friday, 10 November 2023.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN and one of the six principal bodies of the UN.

The court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

The court comprises 15 judges who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

Prof. Tladi is a leading international law scholar whose accomplishments span different areas of the field, including academic, government service, diplomatic and practice.

He is Professor of International Law at the UP and serves as President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association and Executive Member of the International Law Association.

He has served as Chair of the International Law Commission, an organ of the UN generally regarded as a feeder body for the ICJ.

He was previously a legal adviser of the South African Mission in New York and special adviser to South African ministers of international relations and cooperation.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile led the South African delegation to the first Saudi-Africa Summit, which started on Friday, 10 November 2023, in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   

Originally scheduled for 2019, the Saudi-Africa Summit dealt with development issues, key among them being education, health, humanitarian assistance and economic development.

Deputy President Mashatile’s delegation comprised Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Ibrahim Patel, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; and Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.

The Deputy President used the opportunity of his visit to hold bilateral talks with some of the leaders of the delegations and also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Saudi Arabia

The bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and South Africa is cordial and has strengthened over the years, underpinned by strong political relations, which also translate into strong economic engagement. 

South Africa’s bilateral relations with the kingdom are conducted mainly through two mechanisms: the Bilateral Political Consultation (BPC) and the Joint Economic Commission (JEC). The Inaugural Session of the BPC was held in 2021 and Minister Pandor is scheduled to host and co-chair the Second Session of the Saudi-South Africa BPC on 29 January 2024 with her counterpart, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Ninth Session of the JEC was hosted and co-chaired by Minister Patel from 3 to 4 October 2022, just prior to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State Visit to Saudi Arabia from 15 to 16 October 2022.

On the economic front, total trade between the two countries amounted to approximately R80 billion in 2022, with the basket of traded goods consisting largely of commodities between the two countries.

A big part of the work of the bilateral instruments is to diversify trade between the two  countries and explore opportunities that exist in agriculture and agro-processing, mining and energy, tourism, health, aviation and transport, maritime industries, as well as arts and culture.

Saudi Arabia is South Africa's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East region, after the United Arab Emirates.

– Source: www.gov.za

It will provide an important platform to assess progress made by male leadership across respective sectors and to articulate specific priorities to decisively end violence against women and girls on the continent.

Building onto the critical work undertaken in the previous conferences, the third Men’s Conference will deepen the understanding of structural drivers to take firm actions towards addressing them.

A focus on deepening an understanding of structural drivers of violence against women and girls on the continent is four-fold, including:

• it serves to emphasise the importance of harnessing law and policy as instruments to accelerate changes that protect women and girls from violence and uphold their rights to life, security, freedom, dignity and physical and emotional integrity
• it makes the strategic linkages between the lack of economic and financial inclusion with vulnerability to violence as a form of structural violence itself
• it develops an African compendium of evidenced-based interventions to prevent violence against women and girls
• it provides a framework to deeply explore harmful social norms relating to masculinity and violence that have resulted in the normative character of violence – permissive societies across the continent.

It is envisaged that deepening the interlinkages between violence against women and girls and the wider development challenges African societies face, drawing on both historic and current factors that shape these expressions, provide a deeper foundation from which Africa itself can craft relevant policy and programming responses.

The AU High-Level Presidential Response to End Violence Against Women and Girls was established in 2020 with a view to mobilise political commitment and action at the highest level of the AU leadership and decision-making to prevent and end violence against women and girls in Africa.

The third Men’s Conference is co-hosted by 2023 AU Chairperson, President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa was unable to host the first conference during his Chairship of the AU in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his tenure at the helm of the AU, President Ramaphosa highlighted violence against women and girls as a critical challenge impeding development across the continent and called for the adoption of an AU Convention.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

South Africa, through the Department of Transport, actively engages with the IMO to ensure the implementation of international maritime regulations and standards within its maritime jurisdiction, specifically with compliance with international conventions the country is party to.

South Africa undertook a Voluntary IMO IMSAS in 2008. In February 2016, the IMO instituted mandatory audits and a total of 113 audits have been completed to date with 28 African countries.

South Africa is one of the two African states, Benin being the other, scheduled for audits before the end of 2023.

A number of state entities will be audited, including the department’s implementing agency responsible for maritime administration, the South African Maritime Safety Authority.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. According to the Department of Tourism, the agreement will map the way to a visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focussing on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each other's strengths for mutual benefit.

“The primary goal of the partnership is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing, skills development and the use of digital tools to enhance tourism experiences and sustainability,” the department said in a statement.

The areas of collaboration include digital skills training, culture and heritage sites promotion and thought leadership.

“By tapping into Google's technology through digital skills training and the sharing of insights, South Africa's industry, notably small, medium and micro-enterprises, can present their offerings in innovative ways, engaging potential tourists and inspiring them to explore the country.

“The collaboration is in line with the goal of increasing international arrivals and growing domestic trips in South Africa. This in turn will help tourism businesses grow, help the country’s economic growth and support job-creation efforts,” the department said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

"We commend Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa for their commitment to embracing cleaner energy solutions. This initiative not only supports our national efforts to combat climate change but also positions South Africa as a key player in the global shift towards sustainable transportation," the Minister said in a statement on Thursday, 9 November 2023.

Globally, the automotive sector has undergone significant changes, necessitating the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The FMCSA's decision to invest an additional R5.2 billion (US$272 million) in the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, Gauteng, for PHEV production demonstrates dedication to building world-class vehicles while contributing to a greener future.

The department said the implementation of relevant policies and legislation supporting the production and uptake of new electric vehicles (was vital in encouraging the transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to clean and energy-efficient alternatives.

The FMCSA's commitment to producing PHEVs aligns with the Ford+ global strategy, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey towards sustainable mobility.

Production of the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and the vehicles manufactured at the Silverton Assembly Plant will be exported to over 100 markets globally, including the United Kingdom and European Union member states.

"We look forward to collaborating closely with Ford to establish the PHEV facility at the Silverton plant in Gauteng. This partnership will contribute to the future sustainability of the automotive sector and create a cleaner, greener environment for all," Minister Patel said.

The sector is expected to receive a further boost once the Electric Vehicle White Paper is finalised by South Africa, which is expected during the current financial year.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

These awards serve as a beacon, illuminating the path of responsible and sustainable tourism practices within the travel industry. By bestowing recognition upon trailblazers like Wildlife ACT, they inspire others to adopt ethical approaches to tourism.

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director, Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing, emphasises the pivotal role of these awards: “The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards not only showcase the best of the best in responsible tourism but set the compass for our global industry in creating sustainable travel and holiday experiences.”

Wildlife ACT: A beacon of conservation excellence

Wildlife ACT, nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, stands as a beacon of conservation excellence. Specialising in on-the-ground endangered species conservation, daily monitoring of priority species, management of human-wildlife conflict and community involvement in conservation, the organisation has earned its stripes.

The spotlight is on critically endangered species like the African wild dog, black rhino and six vulture species in South Africa, some facing the brink of extinction. Wildlife ACT, through its unique voluntourism model, has provided free professional monitoring services to over 10 Zululand protected areas for 15 years. Their impact extends beyond borders, contributing to endangered species management across Africa and the restoration of North Island, Seychelles.

Johan Maree, co-founder and Director of Wildlife ACT, expresses pride in the team: “This award is a reflection of their passion and dedication.” He extended gratitude to the volunteers, acknowledging their pivotal role in making a meaningful contribution to the projects.

Wildlife ACT understands that true conservation goes beyond protected areas. Bridging the gap between communities and wildlife, their Community Conservation Programme fosters participation and strengthens understanding. This programme not only highlights the intrinsic value of nature but also underscores the economic opportunities within the conservation sector.

The global acclaim for “Best Nature-Positive Tourism” emphasises the synergy between Wildlife ACT’s voluntourism and community conservation models, seamlessly complementing the vital work undertaken by their dedicated team.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

“I am indeed honoured and humbled as the first person from Africa to have an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy for Meaningful and Lasting Contributions conferred on him by Malmö University of Technology and Society,” Prof. Maharaj said.

“Through the South Africa Sweden University Forum network, UP has been collaborating with other universities in Sweden since 2018 and in particular with Malmö University. Through my interaction with their Vice Chancellor and my counterpart, we have discussed opportunities to further build on the collaboration in various areas and strengthen the North-South partnership.

Prof. Maharaj received a hat, laurel wreath and a ring as symbolic attributes during the ceremony. He was also handed a diploma certificate, as written proof of the conferment, which will live on as a memory of the academic celebration.

“I have been collaborating with Professor Reza Malekian at Malmö University for many years ever since he was at UP and even when he left UP to join Malmö University,” Prof. Maharaj said. “We have jointly published together, worked on industry projects, supervised postgraduate and postdoctoral fellows and published a book and book chapters together. When I organised international conferences here at UP, like IEEE Wireless Africa and IEEE 5G Summit, I invited him to be the Technical Programme Chairperson, also on Technical Committees, hence we have had his collaboration for many years.”

Prof. Maharaj received the honourable appointment alongside Prof. Sarah Pink from Monash University in Australia during a special year as Malmö University is celebrating 75 years as a university and five years of having been accorded research university status in Sweden. Dean at the Faculty of Technology and Society, Malmö University, Prof. Andreas Jacobsson, said he was proud and happy to welcome both Prof. Maharaj and Prof. Pink to the university.

Prof. Jacobsson said Prof. Maharaj had collaborated in various research projects at Malmö University for the past five years. He said Prof. Maharaj showcased over 30 years of academia and industry of research experience, which resulted in successful cutting-edge research and that he hoped that through this award, they could strengthen the collaboration between UP and Malmö University because there has been a long, strong and educational partnership between Sweden and South Africa over the years.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The launch of the campaign took place on 9 November 2023 at the Leonardo Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. The campaign is targeted at travellers from the rest of the African continent and source markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

South Africa's diverse tourism offering

The country’s travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at an average rate of 7.6% annually over the next decade. The TBCSA says that it is confident that Noah’s global appeal and deep connection to South Africa places him among the great league of exports produced by South Africa, making him the perfect ambassador for the tourism sector.

"Trevor Noah is a true South African at heart and having him as the voice of the South African tourism sector will have great benefits for the sector. He is a global brand loved by people all over the world and his partnership with the TBCSA is a major coup. I am confident that Trevor will help us to position South Africa as the destination of choice for global travellers," says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, TBCSA CEO.

Noah, who was born in Soweto, has performed the world over and will now use his voice to advocate for the country’s diverse culture, fine cuisine, breathtaking adventures and a hospitality experience.

"The TBCSA is confident that this partnership will help boost the country’s tourism sector and create jobs and opportunities for everyday South Africans. The TBCSA is also hopeful that this campaign will inspire other South Africans to get involved in promoting the country’s tourism sector through sharing of the ads across social media platforms, to help make South Africa the destination of choice for global travellers," concludes Tshivhengwa.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

The OBE is a highly esteemed British honour that is granted exclusively by the king to exceptional citizens and non-citizens in various fields, including business, science, and the arts.

It is a recognition that signifies the utmost level of excellence and is reserved only for those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their craft.

Kani’s legacy extends beyond South Africa’s borders, having made his mark in Hollywood, and particularly in British theatre.

Born in 1942 in New Brighton, Gqeberha, Kani got his acting break in 1975, appearing in the anti-apartheid play Sizwe Banzi is Dead, which he co-wrote.

In a career spanning 60 years, with memorable performances in numerous productions, from Kunene and the King to the 2019 The Lion King remake, Black Panther and his role as T'Chaka, and Colonel Ulenga in the Netflix film Murder Mystery.

He has received great acclaim for his work in theatre, film and television, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the South African Film and Television Awards, an honorary doctorate by the University of Cape Town (2006) and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University appointed him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in 2013.

He is the first name to be admitted into the Primedia Hall of Fame this year.

He also received the Order of Ikhamanga Silver for his contributions to the theatre during the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.

 – Source: www.bizcommunity.com

As the 2024 Grammy nominations invite champagne-popping moments for artists mostly in the West, the African artists who have made their countries and fanbases ever so proud include South African names.

South Africa’s Tyla and Musa Keys have received their first-ever Grammy nominations, leaving them and South Africa glowing in the light of yet another achievement in music from local artists this year.

Both in their twenties, the young artists scooped nominations under the Best African Music Performance Category, with Tyla nominated for her history-making hit Water and Musa Keys for his feature on Unavailable.

Tyla’s music also earned another nomination, with Theron Thomas being nominated for the Songwriter of the Year Category for the writing of Been Thinking.

While both South Africans have received a ton of praise for representing us on the Grammys rollout, it’s been an especially celebratory year for Tyla Seethal who, in the space of a few weeks, became a household name around the world thanks to the virality of Water.

The Joburg native broke not only TikTok but the Internet after earning her place on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the record for the most monthly Spotify listeners and reaching one million views on YouTube in a day for Water’s debut.

The two are joined by another local name, Trevor Noah, who is no stranger to the Grammys.

Noah’s, I Wish You Would made the nomination list for Best Comedy Album, for which the Netflix Special also earned an Emmy Nomination, his first Emmy nomination outside of The Daily Show.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Ahead of the next global climate meeting, COP28, in Dubai next month, an exceptional artwork has been unveiled in Cape Town to highlight the existential threat climate change poses to human life, particularly for rural people.

The enormous embroidered artwork is the handiwork of 43 artists, mainly women, who live in the vicinity of the tiny coastal town of Hamburg, close to the mouth of the Keiskamma River in the Eastern Cape. It has been named Umlibo in reference to the sprawling pumpkin vine, a symbol of the need to unite and spread the word about the climate crisis.

With funding from the Government of Flanders, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South Africa commissioned the artwork as part of a community-based project in the Hamburg area focussing on alternative livelihoods and marine ecosystems.

Among the themes Umlibo addresses are the impact of unpredictable weather patterns and extreme weather events, a decline in marine life, anxiety about the future, pollution and the negative impacts on physical and mental well-being. These, along with rural livelihoods like fishing, raising livestock and growing basic crops, are brought to life in vivid colour in the work that portrays hardship and hope in equal measure.

This is not the first time that the Keiskamma Art Project and its artists have tackled a topic of global significance. Previous works have included the Keiskamma Altarpiece (2005) and the Keiskamma Guernica (2010), both of which were exhibited internationally and depicted the intergenerational devastation of HIV on communities.

Umlibo will follow a similar advocacy path as it travels to Dubai for COP28 where it will be exhibited in the South African Pavilion with the support of the National Business Initiative at the invitation of South Africa’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy. Upon its return to South Africa, the intention is to auction it off to raise money for further project work.

This year’s COP28 climate meeting in Dubai will see some 70 000 delegates, including heads of state and world leaders, come together to assess progress being made to slow climate change. It coincides with the first Global Stocktake since the Paris Agreement in 2016, which requires countries to assess progress and identify challenges.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was warned that the years leading up to 2030 are a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.

In its Sixth Assessment Report, the IPCC said that if the international community made  “deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”, these would lead to a discernible slowdown in global warming in the next few decades.

It is this message of hope and encouragement that Umlibo hopes to spread on its advocacy journey.

“Umlibo is a masterpiece that brings together science and art in vividly expressing the hardships suffered by vulnerable communities in the context of climate change and their vision and call to action for a more resilient future for the benefit of people and nature. Let’s unite in spreading their message.” – Craig Smith, Senior Manager: Marine Programme, WWF South Africa

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The Salon Approche Art Fair, founded in 2017, distinguishes itself by exclusively showcasing artists who push the boundaries of photography, standing out with its dedication to solo presentations that highlight the individuality and uniqueness of each artist’s vision.

Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Libode, Eastern Cape, Mabheka’s artistic journey began in 2017 through the Of Soul and Joy project. Fast forward to 2023 and he now proudly represents Afronova Gallery, a testament to his remarkable growth and talent.

Mabheka’s Popihuise series, named after the Xhosa vernacular version of the Afrikaans word for doll’s house, is a poignant exploration of his childhood memories and the toys that provided solace in the face of life’s challenges. Through collaged still images, drawings and photo collages, he creates a visually stunning narrative that references Umkokotelo, symbolising the reinvention of structures in his life.

Jabulani Dhlamini, project manager and mentor at Of Soul and Joy, praises Mabheka’s work, stating, “Vuyo’s images powerfully convey the effects of solitude on his creativity, bearing witness to the complex experience of his childhood and how this shaped his identity in relation to his social and family context.”

Mabheka’s artistic journey extends beyond this solo exhibition. He has been part of group exhibitions like In Thokoza: Place of Peace at Stop Sign Gallery in Johannesburg (2019), Inganekwane at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg (2021) and North-West University Gallery in Potchefstroom (2022). These exhibitions have been stepping stones, allowing Mabheka’s unique voice to echo across different platforms.

Of Soul and Joy, the creative platform that ignited Mabheka’s artistic spark has been a transformative force in Thokoza, southeast of Johannesburg. Initiated by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas, this programme empowers the township’s youth by providing professional skills in photography. Over its 10 years of existence, Of Soul and Joy has been instrumental in revealing young photographers who now make a living from their art, participate in international festivals and are represented by prestigious agencies and galleries.

As Vuyo Mabheka steps into the spotlight at the Salon Approche Art Fair, it’s more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of talent, resilience and the transformative power of art. His journey, from the vibrant landscapes of South Africa to the cultural hub of Paris, showcases the positive impact of initiatives like Of Soul and Joy, shaping the destinies of young artists and bringing their stories to the world stage.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

It gave them a 3-2 aggregate win in the first edition of Africa’s effort at launching a super league, which was reduced from a planned 24-club league to a six-week, eight-team knockout tournament.

Trailing 2-1 from last weekend's first leg in Casablanca, Sundowns evened the aggregate score in stoppage time at the end of the first half through Peter Shalulile.

They added a second goal seven minutes into the second half when Aubrey Modhiba stole away possession before chipping the ball over the Wydad goalkeeper.

A super league for Africa was originally suggested by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who condemned similar efforts in Europe while saying it could transform the game in Africa.

He attended the match in Pretoria on Sunday, along with a capacity crowd who had been granted free entry.

– Source: www.reuters.com

It also happens to be known as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet and is the pinnacle of ocean racing. But, for Ryan, extreme conditions are nothing new as this skipper has sailed to some of the most remote ports in the Arctic and has crossed the Atlantic five times.

As the sun rose over Table Mountain, Ryan and the “Dare to Lead” team sailed across the finish line after racing 3 555 nautical miles from Uruguay.

The push over the watery finish line was also a moment for the history books, as this was the first time a South African had won this stretch of the competition, which began in 1996.

“This feels unbelievable. It’s sinking in now, and I am super proud of everyone,” said Gibson of the epic moment.

The team was in second place for the majority of the 19-day race, but with just 48 hours of the voyage to go, they unlocked their inner triumph in those final moments.

They secured their triumph through a tactical feature of the race known as Stealth Mode, which allows the teams to become hidden from each other for a 24-hour period before popping back onto the race’s tracker, this time in first place.

“We just wanted to keep fighting and fighting. We learnt from the other legs to just never give up. It’s been a challenging crossing, we had some really high pressure, which gave us some good speed, and then [yesterday morning] ended up in a wind hole – so we had a painfully slow and tense finish.

“But everyone is so excited to be here in Cape Town. The South Africans on board have been talking about it so much, so arriving into Table Bay was such a special moment. This is definitely a highlight of my career and it will be forever.” ‒ Ryan Gibson.

The fleet of 11 Clipper 70 (70 foot) ocean racing yachts will be berthed at the V&A Waterfront until 18 November so the public can tour one of the yachts and see what it is like to live on board. This invitation is accessible from 14 to 16 November.

Up next for the teams is a big sail across the infamous Roaring Forties from Cape Town to Fremantle before racing around Australia to both Newcastle and Airlie Beach. The next stops on the race route are then Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, Qingdao and Zhuhai, China, Seattle and Washington DC in the United States, before returning to Portsmouth at the end of July next year via Oban, Scotland.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

“This victory is as much yours as it is mine,” Moodley expressed to those who have supported his journey.

As a young man diagnosed with cerebral palsy after his first five years of life without a diagnosis, Moodley and his family knew that the path of life he’d walk wouldn’t be easy or conventional. Little did they know then that he would not just walk but soar and encourage others to follow their dream paths not just against the odds, but despite them.

“Anything is possible. Erian Cole Moodley has proved this over and over. Living Legend,” the WFF South Africa shared of the cerebral palsy warrior.

“My journey into fitness isn’t just about pumping iron or hitting the gym. It’s about giving life to my faith, turning sweat and hard work into prayers and hope. With every push, every lift, I’m pushing through barriers and proving that faith can move mountains – or at least, dumbbells!”— Erian Moodley.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

“The aim of the sport is to find, in the fastest time, the undisclosed number of gold pieces in your bucket of gravel and sand,” explained the SA Gold Panning Association.

There are various rules applied, and time penalties are allocated for any pieces lost.

The 2023 world gold panning champions in the official categories are:

• National Teams – South Africa (Team members: Judith Mason, Linda Traill, Dix van Dam, Coen Vermaak, Sonja Vermaak)
• Proficient Men – Dirk Melhorn (Germany)
• Proficient Women – Sonja Vermaak (South Africa)
• Traditional Klondike – Surprise Mdluli (South Africa)
• Juniors – Guus Spijker (The Netherlands)
• Veterans (60 and over) – Coen Vermaak (South Africa)
• Children (12 and under) – Pholosho Mogane (South Africa).

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com