The President has further commended the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America on mediation efforts that will enable the release of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages, as well as the provision of relief aid to Gaza where an Israeli military incursion remains in place.

“As a member of the international community that stands for peace, justice and the rule of international law in all parts of the world, South Africa welcomes the agreement reached.

“It is my hope that the achievement of this pause will strengthen efforts to achieve an outright end to the current conflict.

“This pause, which regrettably implies a possible resumption of conflict at some point, must be accompanied by tireless efforts to secure a durable political resolution of the decades-long challenge in the Middle East,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that the people of Palestine, Israel and the nations of the region must work together with the international community to entrench the rights, peace and sustainable development of the Palestinian people as part of the multilaterally endorsed two-State solution.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa had called for an immediate ceasefire.

“As South Africa, we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Second, the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach all those in need.

“Third, all countries to exercise restraint and to desist from fuelling this conflict, including by ceasing the supply of weapons to the parties. Fourth, the release of all civilian hostages.

“Fifth, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led and owned by Palestinians and Israelis themselves and facilitated by the United Nations (UN). Sixth, the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians,” the President said.

Lastly, President Ramaphosa called for the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for the perpetration of war crimes.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that as South Africans, “we appreciate the importance and value of international solidarity”.

As an important voice of the global South representing a large part of humanity, the President said he believed that BRICS had a vital role in a widespread international effort to achieve just and lasting peace.

“As individual countries, we have demonstrated our grave concern at the death and destruction in Gaza. Let this meeting stand as a clarion call for us to combine our efforts and strengthen our actions to end this historical injustice.

“Let us work together to realise a just, peaceful and secure future for the people of both Palestine and Israel,” President Ramaphosa said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

In 2019, Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) Cruises entered into a public-private partnership with Transnet to design, build and operate a new cruise terminal at the Durban Port.

The company’s vision for the terminal was a modern and tech-savvy facility that would provide a seamless experience for guests.

The multi-user terminal has made Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world.

Seventy per cent of procurement relating to the terminal has been sourced in South Africa. In addition, all consultants and experts are South African, including architects, engineers, attorneys and the construction company.

This launch event was a significant showcase of MSC Cruises’ firm commitment to the KwaZulu-Natal region and to South Africa as a whole.

The initial investment in the terminal was a total of R296.7 million and in 2023, a further R30-million investment has been invested for further expansion.

MSC Cruises believes the required expansion of the terminal is a positive indicator of the increased demand for cruising in the country.

The terminal opening was attended by government and private-sector partners, tourism partners, media and MSC Cruises executives.

– Source: www.thepresidency.gov.za

President Ramaphosa lauded the conference organisers for their commitment to advancing education, particularly in times of crises, which is crucial for the future of the African continent and the world.

The President told delegates that as nations navigated the turbulent waters brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was confronted with political upheavals and conflicts.

“These crises further strained our social fabric, affecting the livelihoods of countless individuals and denying many children their fundamental right to education. In these times of instability, it is even more critical for nations to stand united in pursuit of equal access to education for all.

“Education is the cornerstone upon which societies build their future. Through education, we cultivate respect for human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the work of the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, which demonstrates the adaptation of education systems to a rapidly changing world, was one of the most important tasks of the moment.

The panel draws expertise from diverse stakeholders, including ministers of education, labour representatives, teacher unions and civil-society organisations and includes South Africa's own Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. Its main objectives underscore the importance of educators’ voices in finding solutions to educational challenges.

“Educators play a fundamental and irreplaceable role in shaping our societies and their insights are invaluable in our quest for sustainable solutions. Curriculum reform that responds to the changing world of work is another vital task.

“In South Africa, we are on the brink of a significant educational reform with the implementation of the Coding and Robotics curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9.

“This initiative is part of our broader strategy to integrate STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths] subjects into our education system. By doing so, we aim to equip our learners with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced world,” President Ramaphosa said.

Decolonising education

The President said that the decolonisation of education had become increasingly important.

He added that the discussions at this conference, focussing on tackling racism, decolonising education and promoting democracy, human rights and trade union rights, could not be more timely.

“The project of decolonising education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest. It is a pressing need. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.

“This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective.

“We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all peoples and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge-selection processes,” the President said.

He said the responsibility to nurture and defend the right to education extended to all parts of society.

The President called on labour movements, civil-society organisations and non-governmental organisations operating within the educational sphere to collaborate to protect this critical space.

Through such partnerships, he said, the world could prepare learners to be active, informed citizens in democratic societies.

“The role of organisations, such as Education International, is vital. As advocates for quality education, your mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all.

“We know that quality education is not just a matter of access. What is also needed are safe, conducive environments where the rights of all learners are respected and upheld.

“By improving access to education, we can alleviate poverty and empower marginalised communities, unlocking their potential and contributing to the development of nations,” he said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The President and His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani deliberated on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for the international community to support efforts by the State of Qatar to end the devastating onslaught by Israel against the people of Gaza and to find a lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.

President Ramaphosa commended Qatar for its forefront position in mediating the release of civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a concerted de-escalation effort.

“The President and His Highness also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both South Africa and Qatar expressed related positions on the conflict, which is to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue and negotiations, preferably facilitated through the Office of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General. President Ramaphosa also briefed His Highness on the African Peace Initiative,” The Presidency said.

Furthermore, the two leaders deliberated on the reform of the UN Security Council and the urgent need to make the organ reflective of current geopolitical realities and the pivotal role that Africa and other countries of the global South can play in global governance, peace and security matters.

Addressing the Qatari and South African business community, President Ramaphosa urged Qatari companies to explore more partnerships with their South African counterparts and invest in developmental projects in South Africa.

The President enumerated several features that make South Africa an attractive investment destination of choice for Qatari businesses.

“Key among these, is South Africa’s industrialised economy driven by well-established companies, the development of greater market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the endowment of vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth and the far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnership between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa,” The Presidency said.

During the visit, three bilateral agreements were signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa, which cover cooperation in the fields of education, the empowerment of women and people with disabilities and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations.

President Ramaphosa congratulated the State of Qatar for the successful hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, an experience that is shared with South Africa.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Currently chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, the G20 is a premier forum for international economic cooperation that brings together the world's major economies to advance global economic stability and sustainable development, including climate change mitigation.

Among other objectives, G20 leaders are pursuing reforms for more impactful multilateral development banks to effectively address 21st-century global challenges. The summit provided updates on this and other key commitments.

In alignment with the G20 High-Level Principles on Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), leaders have pledged to undertake collective actions aimed at fostering sustainable production and consumption patterns.

The meeting also emphasised the critical role of digital public infrastructure in driving sustainable and inclusive growth.

India’s G20 presidency has redirected its focus from women’s empowerment to women-led development, encompassing economic and social empowerment, bridging the gender digital divide, fostering gender-inclusive climate action and ensuring women’s food security and well-being.

The G20 has concurred to establish a Working Group on the Empowerment of Women, with South Africa supporting the shift towards women-led development.

The Indian presidency of the G20 urges leaders to reaffirm their commitment to internalise the New Delhi Leaders Declaration and take concrete actions to implement outcomes domestically and internationally, respecting national circumstances.

The G20's pivotal role in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, was also highlighted.

Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this UN agency. UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.

The President wished Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

The Palestine situation was referred by the State of Palestine in 2018 and the Prosecutor of the ICC opened an investigation in 2021 after Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC confirmed that the territorial jurisdiction of the situation included Gaza and the West Bank, as well as East Jerusalem. This is after a number of countries sought to block the referral by the Palestinian Authority by challenging the court’s jurisdiction with regard to the situation in Palestine.

This investigation is ongoing and the prosecutor, Karim AA Khan, has confirmed that Rome Statute crimes committed since 7 October 2023 form part of the OTP’s investigation.

South Africa, along with like-minded state parties, i.e., Bangladesh, Bolivia, Venezuela, Comoros and Djibouti, as state parties to the Rome Statute, submitted a joint referral of the situation in Palestine to ensure that the ICC pays urgent attention to the grave situation in Palestine and thereby, lending their support to the Prosecutor’s investigation. Venezuela will petition the court in writing to join the submission.

South Africa is further encouraging other states parties to the Rome Statute to join the referral, or to submit separate referrals independently.

South Africa remains committed to ending impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and it is hoped that the situation in Palestine will be prioritised by the ICC  to deliver justice to the victims of these grave crimes.

– Source: www.dirco.gov.za

“We recognise the importance of promoting good relations and cooperation among BRICS prosecuting authorities to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of information, expertise and experience, including through the effective use of information technology.

“[Strengthening] cooperation in countering transnational organised crimes and the need to implement relevant international agreements in this regard, in particular the United Nations (UN) Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption,” the statement read.

The countries also committed to:

• increasing the effectiveness of our fight against economic crimes through the exchange of best practices and knowledge-sharing on emerging trends
• strengthening cooperation through collaborative information-sharing networks to combat illicit financial flows; counter safe havens; support the investigation, prosecution and recovery of stolen assets and the effective confiscation and seizure of illicit proceeds of crime subject to domestic laws, regulations and international commitments of BRICS countries
• exchanging information, financial information, texts of legislative and other regulatory legal enactments, as well as methodology materials, academic literature and scientific publications countering transnational organised crimes, including on the effective use of information and communications technologies to counter criminal activities
• building up cooperation on the issues of legal assistance in criminal matters, including on identifying and return of criminal assets transferred abroad for the purpose of protection of property rights of citizens
• establishing and maintaining a register of nodal points on international cooperation and asset recovery within our jurisdictions
• exploring opportunities for mutual capacity-building, including conducting training programmes and sharing of current best practices applied in each of our countries
• strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including through exchanges on the margins of relevant international meetings
• implementing UN General Assembly Resolution 74/173 on “Promoting technical assistance and capacity-building to strengthen national measures and international cooperation to combat cybercrime, including information-sharing”, as well as UN General Assembly Resolution 74/247 on “Countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes”
• developing and adopting a universal international legal instrument on illicit assets recovery within the framework of the UN.

The bodies raised concern that a lack of cooperation “would not only breed impunity but also undermine sustainable development, justice, peace and stability, which are necessary to attain better lives of our citizens”.

“Acknowledging that no single country has the capacity to prevent and control transnational organised crimes, and that enhancing international cooperation amongst States is crucial for containing cross-border crime.

“Noting that effective collaboration between prosecuting authorities and other law-enforcement agencies is essential to combat criminal activity that undermines international economic stability and global peace and security,” the statement read.

The Sixth Meeting of the BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services is expected to be hosted by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation as Chair of BRICS in 2024.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

“The CSIR is playing an important role in advancing plastic research, reflected in its multi-pronged approach to plastic research and development.

“This includes developing innovative technologies to enhance the industry, evidencing South Africa’s response to managing plastic waste, and where plastic cannot be avoided, developing innovative, high-value end-use markets that will drive a circular plastics economy, thereby keeping plastic out of the environment,” said UNEP.

CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, expressed his gratitude at receiving the highest environmental honour, saying it validated the calibre of CSIR researchers and the organisation’s drive to touch lives through innovation.

“The honour is testament to the toil and commitment of our researchers to using science and technology to improve the quality of life. Tackling plastic pollution requires a collaborative and systemic approach as no one intervention will suffice, and neither will one entity have all the solutions,” said Dlamini.

He applauded the industry and government departments, especially the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) which, he said, continued to fund the development of alternative technologies that could help to alleviate pollution.

The #SolvePlasticsAfrica Hub, launched by the CSIR in November 2022, is an online hub that showcases the organisation’s capabilities in providing evidence-based solutions to addressing plastic pollution in Africa.

The CSIR said it aimed to work with public and private-sector organisations from across the continent to unlock opportunities and inform decision-making.

The institute also hosts Africa’s only laboratory equipped to test and verify imported or locally produced products that are being promoted as biodegradable.

“The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation-funded testing laboratory is capable of establishing the conditions and timeframes for the biodegradation of materials. Tests can be performed under different conditions,” said CSIR Principal Researcher, Maya Jacob John.

John described this as critical to drive an evidence-based approach to plastics management.

“Several products are currently being marketed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Without evidence from testing and lifecycle analyses, businesses can misguide consumers. Industries can use the CSIR facilities for this purpose,” she said.

John added that as part of tackling the plastic waste pollution problem, the CSIR was developing materials for replacing single-use plastics that are not recycled.

These environmentally sustainable products are partially made from local biomass resources, like starch and cellulose.

In addition to the plastic-related research undertaken by the CSIR, the organisation also hosts the Waste Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap Implementation Unit on behalf of the department.

This unit supports the national system of innovation in undertaking relevant waste plastic-related research.

CSIR Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit Manager, Professor Linda Godfrey, said partnerships were critical to managing waste in South Africa.

“We must support businesses in adopting sustainable practices and driving a circular plastics economy, where waste is designed out and value is recovered. Working closely with the Government in providing evidence to support policy development and implementation that will result in improved waste management and reduced plastic pollution,” she explained.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

Colin Timmis, Country Manager for Xero South Africa, expressed his admiration for the winners, stating, “The winners have shown an incredible passion and tenacity that’s behind so many small businesses in South Africa. We’re honoured to be able to help these small businesses unlock the next stage of growth.”

The South African recipients, each receiving R250 000 in funding, embody the spirit of innovation and community betterment.

Innovating for Sustainability: Constantia Food Club

Constantia Food Club, a food-buying club in Cape Town, takes a unique approach to sustainability by connecting small local growers and producers directly with customers. Their mission is to support local regenerative farmers, reduce biodiversity loss and create a decentralised food system. With the awarded funds, Constantia Food Club plans to build a new clubhouse, expanding their capacity to serve more customers and offer increased support to local growers and the environment.

Courtney Atkinson, co-founder of Constantia Food Club, expressed excitement about the impact of the funding, saying, “This funding from Xero will help us grow not only our own operations but also those of the Food Club network ‒ unlocking exponential change. We’re so excited to pursue this next stage in our business.”

Strengthening Community Connection: Oranjezicht City Farm Market

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town connects small-scale organic farmers and food producers with thousands of customers. With Xero’s support, they aim to develop a comprehensive online “how-to guide” to start a farmers market, fostering the emergence of such markets in communities across South Africa.

Trailblazing with Technology: Mygrow

Mygrow, a company dedicated to building emotional intelligence in employees through neuroscience-based software solutions, plans to use the funding to advance their AI functionalities. This acceleration will assist in developing, measuring and tracking emotion-based soft skills, aligning with their vision of creating an emotionally intelligent world.

Upskilling for the Future: Curate

Curate is reshaping the photography and videography content creation landscape through its technology-enabled platform connecting content creators and clients. With the Xero funding, they intend to provide equipment, training workshops and educational material via an automated technology platform. This initiative aims to empower creatives, offering resources to upskill and execute projects more effectively.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to enter and share their inspiring stories with us, and a huge thank you to the judges who helped us select the winners,” expressed Timmis.

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund reflects the collective power of small businesses and non-profits to drive positive change in their communities and beyond, showcasing how dedicated entrepreneurship can achieve growth, innovation and social impact.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

South Africa holds 11 spots on the coveted list. Almost all are based in the Western Cape and one received an almost perfect score.

Meet the local restaurants that made La Liste:

• Fyn, Cape Town (75.50)
• Wolfgat, Paternoster (77.00)
• Klein Jan, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve (77.0)
• Jordan, Stellenbosch (78.00)
• Nobu, Cape Town (81.00)
• The Pot Luck Club, Cape Town (83.00)
• Camphors, Somerset West (88.00)
• Indochine at Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch (88.50)
• La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek (89.50)
• Chef’s Warehouse, Cape Town (91.50)
• La Colombe, Cape Town (96.00).

The best restaurants on the list went to those with a 99.50 ranking, of which there were seven. The seven-way tie saw Le Bernardin (New York, United States), L’Enclume, Simon Rogan (Grange-over-Sands, United Kingdom), Guy Savoy (Paris, France), La Vague d’Or – Le Cheval Blanc (Saint-Tropez, France), Schwarzwaldstube (Baiersbronn, Germany), Lung King Heen (Hong Kong, China) and Sushi Saito (Tokyo, Japan) share the 2024 crown.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Decades ago, shortly after Dr Esther Mahlangu’s work gained international attention, the artistic legend got the opportunity to expand her creative reach through what is still one of her most renowned works yet ‒ her “art car”.

A commission by BMW that gave Dr Mahlangu licence to give a BMW 525i a legacy like no other (following in the strokes of Frank Stella, David Hockney and Andy Warhol), the result was something that South Africa, the Ndebele people and the world, would never forget.

This was the first “African Art Car” that in 1991, also saw Dr Mahlangu become the first female and non-Western person in the driving seat of the design.

Her travelling canvas would go on to teach people around the world about Ndebele culture and South African artistry at a time when many South African artists’ work focussed on important socio-political content. Dr Mahlangu’s work showcased another side to our art scene, one that was unapologetically proud and playful.

It traversed the globe in exhibitions that ranged from the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC to New York and onto Hong Kong as the years went on.

But after decades away, Dr Mahlangu’s historic creation is set to cruise home.

Next year, it will enjoy an exhibition at the Iziko Museums in Cape Town where locals and a new generation of South Africans can appreciate it first-hand.

As for Dr Mahlangu, she celebrated her 88th birthday on 11 November 2023, which provided time for fans to reflect on her incredible life thus far.

Hailing from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, she began painting at just 10 years old, inspired by her mother and grandmother. While she was already a mature artist when her work started taking off internationally, her cultural muse-ship brought a sense of youth, vibrance and life into an art scene that inspired a new art wave of contemporary colour-play and boldness in the South African creative scene and beyond.

Dr Mahlangu earned her honorary doctorate in 2018, as conferred by the University of Johannesburg for her “legacy as a cultural entrepreneur who has skilfully negotiated local and global worlds and played a major role as an educator.”

As for recent big moments, she held three solo exhibitions earlier this year that spanned London and Paris.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Madakane was received with a roaring welcome when she touched down at OR Tambo International Airport and now takes on an inspiring period of reign where she has pledged to use her newfound title and platform to continue pushing for environmental awareness and advocacy for her generation.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

In 2021, the pair decided to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – a USA Trade Act, which was enacted in May 2000.

AGOA allows 35 qualifying sub-Saharan countries to export 1 835 tariff lines duty-free to a significant consumer market in the USA.

“We managed to benefit from the AGOA only through our shipping agent. We had already registered and received an export certificate in 2019, and by the time we were ready to export, the certificate came in very useful. It was a relief to learn that we were from an AGOA-benefitting country and that our products will not be subject to any import duties,” Michelle said.

Since 2021, the business has shipped a total of eight containers full of products to the USA.

AGOA

“We are on track to ship two more containers before the end of 2023. We also regularly ship a container to fulfil our orders for our online store, which is fulfilled through our warehouse in New Jersey.

“Although shipping is relatively expensive, especially for a small business that is 100% self-funded, we have benefitted from the AGOA through significant market access. Currently, the USA orders constitute 60% of our overall revenue,” she said.

Taking it back to why they started the business, Michelle said the idea of Mo’s Crib dated back to the 1990s when Mo used to make homemade art crafts by crocheting strips of reused plastic bags into rugs.

“The actual business, however, started as a hobby in 2016 when we took part in an annual Christmas market while working full-time in our corporate jobs. The first product sold was Origami Art, which Mo learnt in London and what we thought would be a slow sale quickly became a phenomenon, selling out within days of the market,” she explained.

“We introduced new products every year for two years until we decided to quit our full-time jobs in 2019 and focussed on the business full-time,” she added.

Before starting the business, the Mokone sisters worked full-time in their respective corporate careers. Mo was an executive assistant and a human resource personnel at a corporate firm while Michelle was working as an agricultural economist for a farmer association.

Meanwhile, Michelle was busy completing her Master’s in international Trade Law at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

“Our unique skills and qualities have contributed to building the business to where it is and driving growth within the homeware industry,” Mo explained.

Mo’s Crib, which is 100% self-funded from inception, employs 12 full-time staff and 86 artisans. The pair have an internal plan to create 20 new jobs within the next two to three years.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

Only in its second year, the Tech Challenge is an opportunity for South African businesses to benefit from countries like Ireland, which have stellar reputations in the world of tech.

Almost 300 entries from South African-owned, growth-stage tech start-ups that are fuelled by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) entered. But only these five made the final cuts after an intense session of workshops, masterclasses and mentorship experiences.

Each start-up has its own focus that applies to specific social niches in South Africa and Africa, from platforms that make women’s healthcare more accessible to the ever-growing industry of agritech.

The final tech start-ups are:

• Thato Schermer for Zoie Health: Zoie Health is described as a platform for women, by women and provides accessible female and family healthcare services.
• Neo Hutiri for Pelebox: The social impact organisation is focussed on tech inclusion to improve last-mile delivery for chronic medication access in Africa. As such, Pelebox exists as a smart locker system to help patients collect their repeat chronic medication in under two minutes.
• Vuyo Pakade for Foonda Africa: Vuyo’s start-up is a Pan-African talent marketplace that connects companies with skilled, young candidates by focussing on graduate recruitment and youth empowerment.
• Benedicta Durcan for Afrobodies: AfroBodies is a biotech company that produces recombinant alpaca antibodies. Their advancements in scientific research aim to make novel discoveries that will lead to new diagnostic tests and disease treatments.
• Tumelo Chiloane for Desert Green: Tumelo’s start-up is an agritech business bent on transforming the informal agri-value chain in Africa through the supply of fresh produce from small-scale farmers to informal traders. With their B2B e-commerce platform, GreenKart, they hope to allow small-scale farmers more access to markets and the minimisation of post-harvest losses.

The businesses will head to Ireland in February 2024.

It is spearheaded by a host of Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, the Department of Science and Innovation, the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency, among others.

 – Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Published in the esteemed International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, the research spotlights the novel bacterial species, identified as Bacillus dicomae sp. nov., thriving within the commonly used medicinal plant in the southern African region, also known as the fever bush. Traditionally employed for treating diabetes mellitus and explored for its potential against malaria, the plant has now revealed an unexpected treasure trove within its roots.

Belonging to the Bacillus cereus group, which typically exhibits characteristics such as heat resistance, food poisoning potential and implications in medical conditions like pneumonia and heart disease, this newly discovered bacteria species is steering away from the norm. While its counterparts may be commonly found in various environments like soil, the ocean and food products, Bacillus dicomae sp. nov. has chosen a unique residence within the Dicoma anomala plant. This revelation is not just a scientific marvel; it holds promise for diverse applications. The Bacillus cereus group has previously demonstrated benefits in drug development, food production, probiotics and biopesticides. However, when these bacteria act as endophytes, residing inside plants, they play a crucial role in safeguarding the plant and promoting its growth without causing harm to the environment.

The EWT team took to social media to share the happy news, along with a few photos of the tiny frog. Several teams have been involved in the project to help collect data regarding the rain frog.

“This species has only been seen once before – in 2008 – when a single specimen was found north of Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape. The species was described by Professor Alan Channing in 2012 from this specimen. As part of a project to identify priority habitats and conduct surveys for Data Deficient species, last week, together with Bionerds, SANBI’s Refresh Project and under the guidance of Les Minter, a well-known Rain Frog expert, we set off to the north-west coast on what was our third trip to the area to survey for this species.

“In the early, foggy hours of Thursday morning, 16 November 2023, by tracking the tiny footprints left in the sand dunes, the team was elated to report finding not one but two of these elusive frogs. This discovery not only confirms the existence of the species but will help pave the way for future conservation work in the area.” – EWT

“This work has been made possible by Rainforest Trust (Priority Areas Project), Synchronicity Earth and Anglo-American Nature Positive Grant.”

The Rainforest Trust is based in the United States but invests in research throughout the world.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

“Dualities shines an important light on our work,” explains One to One Africa’s Executive Director, Gqibelo Dandala. “There in the last mile communities where close to 70% of people are living in severe poverty, our Mentor Mothers are beating United Nations (UN) targets to deliver an AIDS-free generation.”

“It has a hugely catalysing effect when our successes are the subject of artworks, meetings and conversation in the centre of London. The exhibition is a celebration we can share with fellow South Africans, many of whom found out about our work for the first time in London.”

Undiscovered Canvas founder, Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez, is originally from the small last-mile village of Ngqeleni, where One to One Africa provides a service. She worked in clinical pathology during the height of the HIV pandemic, seeing infection rates rise out of control, there in the lab and within her own family.

“Art is a voice. And art is a medium to address stigma, to shine a light on misrepresentation and achieve social justice. This is how the exhibition, Dualities, means mobility to me. It means empowering women to live the life they deserve,” says Coupez.

Renowned artist Nene Mahlangu is honouring the charity’s Mentor Mothers in a special piece, to be exhibited along with exceptional work by fellow artists in the Undiscovered Canvas stable, including Lulama Wolf, Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana and Lesego Seoketsa.

“Being from Johannesburg I had no real feeling for how cut off, how overlooked women in the Eastern Cape can be. The piece will respond to my admiration for the Mentor Mothers out there saving lives every day,” says Nene Mahlangu.

“The UN goal to eradicate AIDS by 2030 can only be met with a focus on maternal healthcare in remote regions, led at the grassroots by women such as One to One Africa’s Mentor Mothers. It would be great to see this model widely adopted,” explains international film star and One to One Ambassador, Naomie Harris. “Ninety per cent of One to One’s Mentor Mothers are living with HIV. Walking many kilometres between homes, Mentor Mothers are not just delivering healthcare, they are ambassadors and role models for living positively with HIV. They have removed the profound stigma which was preventing discussion, diagnosis and sustained use of antiretroviral therapy! These treasured members of local communities are an inspiration to us all.”

Exhibition Curator, Susan Ansley Johnson, “The exhibition deals with furthering opportunities for women, whether that’s the opportunity of life itself for a woman and her children, the opportunity of becoming a One to One Mentor Mother, to work as a pillar of the community, or to further her dreams of becoming an artist. All these women receive the agency to succeed, to take control. It really is a story of women’s empowerment.”

The exhibition runs from 20 to 25 November 2023 at the Bernard Jacobson Gallery in Mayfair, London.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The 51st International Emmys brought together creatives and visions from around the world on 20 November 2023 at a glittering gala in New York City. Among them, were proud South African contenders, including the team who took home the iEmmy for Best Kids’ Animation.

The Smeds and the Smoos was up against stiff competition in animation, including Menino Maluquinho (Brazil), Moominvalley Season 3 (Finland) and Rilakkuma’s Them Park Adventure (Japan).

But ultimately, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Magic Light Pictures’ retelling of two warring alien families whose children fall in love and run away together across space, won the hearts of the judging panel.

Although The Smeds and the Smoos reflects a win for the UK, the vision behind the Best Kids’ Animation winner was largely South African.

It was co-directed by South Africans Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler. Additionally, it was adapted for the animated version by South African, Julia Smuts Louw, who made the children’s bestselling book by renowned writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, come to life in a new way.

Daniel and Julia Smuts Louw are married with children, who also had a hand to play in the animation’s magic thanks to their son, Frank, playing test audience for the early storyboards.

The animation has also welcomed several other awards: the NHK Japan Prize for Best Preschool Media, the Audience Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival and the Rockie for Children’s Animation at BANFF.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

This year, the winner is Theo Magongoma. He didn’t only win this award, he also won several voice competitions, including the 2022 Spazio Musica International Opera Competition in Orvieto, Italy; the 2022/23 Vienna New Year’s International Music Competition from the City of Vienna; and the 2023 Lugarno International Music Competition.

His career has been a busy one so far. He has performed as a soloist with South African orchestras, for Cape Town Opera, for Touring Opera Companies and at art festivals around the world. He has worked on operatic productions internationally in the USA, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Singapore and Japan.

This win will see Magongoma take on more exciting roles, including the Vienna Summer Music Festival as well as performing the role of Renato from Verdi’s Un Ballo In Maschera at the Teatro Mancinelli, Italy.

Magongoma credits the renowned South African vocal coach Ean Smit for his invaluable contribution towards his operatic development. He also values the support of his long-time accompanist, the South African pianist Danie Fourie.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Mirroring the African spirit

“As we introduce a Lesson of Worth that beautifully mirrors the African spirit, we aim to empower African women to believe in their unparalleled beauty, fostering a sense of pride in their diverse and authentically African selves.

“With Thuso's exceptional involvement as our first sub-Saharan Africa brand partner, this initiative holds a special place in our hearts," says Ayanda Mackay, Marketing Manager, L'Oréal Paris Skin & Hair.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

The UFS Choir recently brought pride home to choir enthusiasts across South Africa thanks to two erupting wins against some of the world’s fiercest and most experienced choirs.

At Interkultur’s fifth European Choir Games competition in Sweden, the choir held their own, despite “joining as underdogs”.

From their stellar performance in the Open Competition, they made it to the Grand Prix of Nations ‒ a prestigious honour for the choir on their come-up journey.

The choir won two categories in the Open Competition as conducted by Werner Stander: “Gospel, Spiritual, Music of Spirit and Faith” and “Folklore a cappella”.

These achievements are even more noteworthy when considering that this was the choir’s debut performance at the European Choir Games.

Before touching down in Sweden, choirmaster Werner Stander shared that he believed the experience would change the lives of all the participants.

“To get a sense of international standards and see nations coming together to sing will build confidence and establish lifelong friendships,” he added.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Incredibly, Meaker placed in the top six in the Youth Category (U18) and top three in the 15 – 17 Age Category.

This is his fourth international award and his photo was chosen from thousands of entries from 65 countries this year.

“It is always an honour, especially as there are entries from all over the world. For me, the hardest part was finding which photo to enter. With international competitions, you never know, so I had entered a few photographs. I was always sure of submitting the Drinking Giants photo among them. My family, who are all photographers, and I were on a game drive in the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana when we came upon a herd of elephants drinking from a river.

“We were about level with them and they barely acknowledged us. I focussed on two of the young elephants in the herd and I just watched them drink water using their trunks. I shot the photos in portrait mode and I love how the light illuminates their trunks alongside one of the males in the herd. So, you have trunks in the foreground and a background with this warm feeling because of the sunrise. It almost gives my photo an artificial lighting, but for me it is about taking the best picture I can in the moment,” he said.

‒ Source: www.citizen.co.za

Bafana was quickest out of the blocks in the second half, but strong defending from the visitors prevented the score getting bigger.

Benin captain, Steven Mounie, was able to pull one back in the 70th minute, to ensure a nervy end to the game for Broos and his men.

– Source: www.iol.co.za

Dlamini was captured screaming on a television camera after Sundowns Ladies thrashed Morocco’s SC Casablanca 3-0. Dlamini’s reaction was captured via X (formerly twitter). The CAFWCL final took place at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Ivory Coast on 19 November 2023. The Banyana shot-stopper described the triumph as a reward for all South Africans back home.

“We did it for you guys,” Dlamini was captured saying. “We don’t talk too much, but we work on the field [of play]. That is who we are. We are Mamelodi Sundowns. We are South Africans, and we are proud. Thank you so much Ivory Coast and your people. You are beautiful.”

After the final whistle, she further took to her X handle to express her happiness after being named the 2023 CAFWCL Best Goalkeeper. “It can only be God, the fans, teammates, technical and support staff. [Plus] the love from @SundownsLadies FC and my lovely family,” she added via Andile Dlamini @sticks_andile.

CAF has since lavished Dlamini with praises following her exploits with Sundowns on Sunday. She produced stunning saves to deny Casablanca a goal.

Sundowns coach, Jerry Tshabalala, has since told CAF website that he was aiming to achieve more. “When you see me happy, I try to rub it onto my players. A happy player will always deliver results for the team. We want to keep on doing good,” he is quoted saying on www.cafonline.com.

Tshabalala added that his next target was to steer Sundowns to the dizzy heights of world football. “We are hoping that one day, we will have a (Women’s) Club World Cup and we will go represent as the African champions,” he said via CAF Women’s Football @CAFwomen.

Sundowns Ladies won the trophy courtesy of Tholakele Refilwe’s double and another goal from Boitumelo Rabale.

– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com

Amy Froneman (43), Michael Naidoo (44), Chantelle Buitendag (34) and Lily Ann Day (17) joined Team South Africa in Manchester, United Kingdom, last month to “pump iron” at the World Powerlifting Congress. The event celebrates the strongest among us, and the mental, physical and emotional toll the sport takes on athletes as they work towards reaching their personal bests.

Froneman reached out to share that she was so proud of her Capetonian team, who brought home gold medals and a World Championship title for South Africa.

“Out of the four Capetonians who all hail from the same garage gym in Sunningdale, three of us got gold medals and have earned the World Champion title for our federation. I am beyond thrilled with how my team performed at this event and could not be prouder of them – we already have our sights set on next year’s events!”

The South African team as a whole performed phenomenally. Froneman shared that the team was made up of 16 competitors, including herself and her three gym-mates. Team South Africa as a whole earned many of the world titles for the event, which is huge, considering that South Africa was one of the smaller teams at the event.

“Team South Africa did extremely well overall and out of only 16 competitors from across the country, we have returned with 14 world champions, seven new world records and two best overall lifter awards.

“Team South Africa was one of the smaller teams at the event but we were also one of the loudest and I can safely say that we all had an absolute blast and made our mark. Special thank you to the WPC SA president, Zane Ison, for not only competing but also managing and supporting each and every team member every day of the six-day competition.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

This after Potgieter’s podium-placing performance at the 13th Africa Archery Championships in Nabeul, Tunisia, which ran from 8 to12 November 2023.

Potgieter, who has a history of being South Africa’s National Champion archer in 2017 and 2018, was part of a team of four excellent archers who represented South Africa at the championships: Wian Roux, Morgan Blewett and Carien Whitehead.

Reminding people of his champion status, Potgieter ranked first in the Recurve Men Division while the team won bronze. The champion archer then went on to win silver for the championships overall, earning him his Olympic shot.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

According to the South African Hockey Association, the final was a “titanic tussle” between both sides that went from a tie to victory in South Africa’s favour, though not without putting up a good fight.

Following what could’ve been the plot to an Old Western ‒ a shootout and “sudden death” efforts had come about after the unsettling tie ‒ South Africa’s wonder women took their moment to secure the win, and thanks to incredible plays by Kayla de Waal, Charlize Swanepoel and Teagan Fourie in the last push, the Tuanku Zara Internation Cup soon became South Africa’s.

In the men’s stretch, which saw the indoor team compete for the Sultan Nazrin Shah Cup, South Africa went up against Namibia and ultimately placed second after giving it their all en route to claiming the cup.

However, a big milestone was celebrated for player Jethro Eustice who earned his 50th indoor cap (making him the second man to achieve this) and his 221st international match for South Africa.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com