“I commend the students who tried to intervene even as they were threatened, as well as those who stepped in as the alleged perpetrator was being attacked by a crowd. It is significant that other male students attempted to ward off the attacker of the young female student,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that one of the reasons GBV continued was that there was a culture of ambivalence among men who see crimes against women and children as a “private matter” or a “family matter”.

He added that in most cases of GBV, including domestic abuse and sexual violence, the attacker was known to the victim.

Third Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity

The President said it was fitting that the African Union (AU) convened the third Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Pretoria this week, which called on men to reject toxic displays of masculinity.

South Africa co-hosted the conference with the AU Chair and President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani. The inaugural conference was held in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021 and the second one was held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2022.

“For the AU, as it is for our own country, ending GBV is a priority. Discussions are currently underway on the content of an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls, executing a decision of the AU Summit earlier this year.

“Once adopted, the convention will be the first continental legal instrument for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.

South Africa is a part of the AU Circle of Champions, which is an association of African heads of state who have committed to implementing programmes at national and continental levels that promote positive masculinity and encourage more men and boys to be part of the fight against GBV.

“We have long maintained that interventions aimed at eradicating GBV in our society must focus on prevention.

“If we are to raise a nation of men who are positive role models, who take care of their families, who exhibit positive masculinity and who would not countenance hurting a woman or a girl, we must work with young men,” he said.

South Africa adopted a national strategy to combat GBV. One of the pillars of the National Strategic Plan to Combat GBV and Femicide deals with prevention.

Government, he said, had been engaging with civil society, academia and researchers, traditional leaders, youth organisations, the faith community and the private sector on the issue of prevention.

He further highlighted that a number of initiatives were underway across a range of sectors that are providing space for young and older men to discuss notions of masculinity.

“Men are called on to critically consider their own prejudices, preconceptions and chauvinisms that abet GBV,” he said.

 A number of government departments have interventions in place that are focussed on promoting positive masculinity through dialogues, workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, psychosocial support and behavioural change programmes.

In August this year, the President was part of the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto where he had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men as part of the “What about the Boys” initiative.

The aim of this programme is to get young men to open up in a safe space about their own experiences with masculinity and how this impacts their own attitudes to GBV.

“Speaking to them, I acknowledged that young men in South Africa today face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to,” he said.

The President said the AU Men’s Conference aimed to advocate for more initiatives and dialogues where young men and boys could talk about these issues among their peers.

“We need to inculcate a mindset that sees young men as part of the solution and not just the problem. While men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men must also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls, where GBV has no place,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said he was confident that the conference would raise the profile of prevention efforts in South Africa and in Africa and that its outcomes would galvanise men and boys to play a greater role in breaking the cycle of violence.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and the Union of Comoros co-hosted the conference on 27 and 28 November 2023 in Pretoria under the theme Accelerating Commitments Towards the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

It was also hosted in collaboration with the African Women Leaders Network and the Circle of Champions on Positive Masculinity, which includes prominent African leaders.

The conference, hosted annually by AU chairpersons, provides a platform that brings together influential leaders from various sectors, including heads of state and key decision-makers in Africa, instrumental in pushing the agenda for gender equality and ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) to the highest levels of AU policymaking.

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 and 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.

The conference provided an opportunity to consolidate the bold efforts that the heads of state and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls on the continent, including accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration and the decisions made at the 2023 February Heads of State and Government Conference, to negotiate an AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

The outcomes of the conference include:

• review the status of implementation of the outcomes of the first and second men’s conferences
• table recommendations of the multi-stakeholder consultations for the content of a draft AU EVAWG Convention
• consider the Common Africa Position on Positive Masculinity
• share evidence-based African interventions that address women and girls’ economic and social vulnerability
• adopt the outcome document of the Third Men’s Conference.

The hosting of the conference in South Africa also coincided with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, held annually from 25 November to 10 December. The campaign is this year observed under the theme Accelerating Actions to End Gender-based Violence and Femicide: Leaving no one Behind.

“South Africa is a champion of maritime safety with its proven track record of managing and maintaining a robust system of Aids to Navigation, including lighthouses and a fully-fledged Marine Hydrographic Service.

“These efforts ensure the safety of shipping along our coastline and support the entire southern African region. With assets like the Search and Rescue Centre, Emergency Towing Vessel and Information and Communication Systems, South Africa is committed to swift and effective emergency response in the maritime domain,” the department said.

The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It sets global standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.

The organisation plays a pivotal role in shaping global standards for safe, secure, environmentally responsible, efficient and sustainable shipping.

“South Africa, with its rich maritime heritage, is committed to these ideals and believes that its continued presence in the IMO Council is essential to furthering the organisation's goals.

“South Africa's leadership in the IMO Council is not only testament to its commitment to maritime excellence but also an opportunity to shape the future of global shipping. As a responsible member of the IMO, South Africa has consistently participated in various structures and activities of the organisation, fostering international cooperation and promoting best practices in the industry,” the department said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

‒ Source: www.bona.co.za

According to UCT, candidates are chosen based on a number of factors, including academic excellence and achievements, mastery of talents (extracurricular greatness), philanthropic inclinations and leadership qualities.

Meet the pick of the academic litter:

• Justine Crook-Mansour: Crook-Mansour is a current student who is completing her Honours in Astrophysics. She was also the country’s top matriculant upon completing high school, amid other big achievements.
• Daniel Erasmus: A law student, Erasmus was also the Student Representative Council’s secretary general and in 2022 won the Kate O’Reagan Inter-varsity Moot Competition.
• Sagel Kundieko: Kundieko is en-route to get her Master’s in Neuroscience and is a member of the Southern African Neuroscience Society as well as the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa.
• Mothibi Mathivha: Mathivha is completing an Honours degree in Physics and hopes to complete a Master’s degree at Oxford.
• Dr Leago Sebesho: Dr Sebesho is a qualified doctor who also won the Bongani Mayosi Academic Prize and the Foreman Prize. Concerned with uplifting communities, Dr Sebesho hopes to influence health policies for the vulnerable.
• Dr Savannah Verhage: As a Master’s of Public Health student, junior doctor Dr Verhage has her sights set on global health and creating a more fair healthcare system. Her community outreach has been commendable, as has her leadership of several institutions, including being the Director of Mentorship and Professional Outreach for the International Association of Student Surgical Societies.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

ICAWC, a premier global conference, convenes experts from around the world to discuss companion animal welfare, fostering a platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration among hundreds of delegates.

Reflecting on her experience, McQuarrie says, “It was an honour to present the work Dogtown South Africa does on a global stage. Networking with leaders in animal welfare from across the globe was an incredible experience.”

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

The leading international event shining a spotlight on African game development is taking place from 27 November to 2 December 2023, at Workshop 17 in the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront. The event is sponsored by the City of Cape Town.

“The African gaming market is the fastest-growing in the world and the sub-Saharan African gaming industry is expected to generate over US$1 billion (approximately R18,7 billion at current exchange rates) for the first time in 2024. As such, the city, via the Economic Growth Directorate is proudly sponsoring Africa Games Week 2023 because of the opportunities it will create for investments and jobs,” said Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

This year’s gathering again sees attendees treated to a week of technical skills workshops, business-to-business meetings, interactive panels and networking opportunities.

“Research by Statista shows that there will be around 400 million gamers in Africa by 2027 and the continental gaming market is forecast to increase by 45,13% in the next five years. This is an ideal event for investors and youth to learn more about this industry and how they can find a place in it. I look forward to seeing many of Cape Town’s gaming and tech experts, companies, investors and youth at this year’s Africa Games Week,” said Alderman Vos.

– Source: www.sapeople.com

“Inaugurating this basketball court is a turning point in the development of our programmes in the Cape Flats,” said Whitaker.

“Its goal is to nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds, providing the children and the youth of the community with a safe space where they can strengthen their stamina and their character. It is a place that will cultivate future NBA champions.

“When youth play basketball here, I want them to have a lot of fun, but I also want them to know each dribble can take them towards a better life for their community, for Cape Town, and one day perhaps even for the world.”

The court will host year-round junior NBA programming and activities as part of WPDI's Peace Through Sports Programme, an initiative designed to foster peace and harmony in marginalised communities through sports and peacebuilding training courses.

The court was unveiled by Whitaker; Deputy Cape Town Mayor, Eddie Andrews; and NBA Africa CEO, Victor Williams.

“We’re excited to unveil this beautiful basketball court with the City of Cape Town and Forest Whitaker, which builds on our previous initiatives to provide more young people in South Africa with safe spaces to learn and play the game,” said Williams.

The ceremony was followed by a junior NBA clinic and peace activity facilitated by the WPDI Youth Peacemakers Network in which about 100 boys and girls aged 10 to 15 participated.

Whitaker is also a humanitarian, producer, director and recipient of many awards and accolades.

– Source: www. www.timeslive.co.za

The power is shifting to Africa

African creativity is taking its rightful prominent place on the global stage as the creative arts industry in Africa steadily grows, driven by rich cultural diversity, a youthful population and increasing international interest in African art, music, fashion, film and literature. These factors created an exciting value proposition for expanding global streaming platforms into Africa.

Afreximbank's African Trade Report 2022 cites a contribution of US$58 billion generated by creative industries in Africa and the Middle East, with almost 7% of South Africa's total workforce employed in the sector. As part of this, the multibillion-dollar global animation industry offers tremendous employment opportunities for the largest youth population in the world, encompassing a wide range of animation, from feature films to TV shows, video games and online content. In recent years, the industry has experienced significant growth, driven by the popularity of animated content from major studios such as Triggerfish Animation Studios, Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation and Studio Ghibli.

Additionally, unlike the rest of the world, Africa is experiencing a positive population growth rate and boasts the largest emerging youth population in the world, as digital natives redefine how entertainment is packaged and consumed.

Capitalising on demand

The growing demand for localised content has created an opportunity for growth. Responding to this, Honoris United Universities recently announced the latest addition to its group: The Animation School (TAS) in South Africa.

Renowned as one of the global leaders in animation training, TAS will join Honoris to cultivate the creative trailblazers of tomorrow in one of the fastest-growing sectors on the continent.

Based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, TAS opened its doors in 2000 and has established itself as a leading source of specialist animation education, ranked 12th in the world by the Animation Career Review website in 2023. TAS alumni go on to varying roles, including animators, lighting artists, modellers, compositors, directors, studio owners and more, supported by a team of faculty who are working professionals from the industry.

Creating employment opportunities

The future of African entertainment looks bright and will create many employment opportunities for skilled professionals.

Employer partnerships with global industry leaders, including Triggerfish Animation Studios and many others, reinforce opportunities for students to gain work-ready training and support employability initiatives for a successful career transition. The Animation School has partnered with Netflix for the past two years to provide a three-year scholarship to two talented students to boost opportunities for graduates on the continent further. This shows that streaming services are committed to promoting the production of localised content.

While TAS students already perform internationally, aligning with the power of the network at Honoris United Universities will showcase South African artists' talent, vision and masterful storytelling. Honoris will support its pan-African growth plans to expand access to high-growth employability sectors while focussing on investment in academic excellence, learning environments, support services and faculty development.

A significant announcement

The inclusion of TAS into the Honoris network is a significant announcement for both esteemed organisations.

TAS becomes the fifth Honoris institution in South Africa alongside MANCOSA, REGENT Business School, Red and Yellow Creative School of Business and FEDISA Fashion School. The transformational African education network now comprises 16 institutions in 10 countries and 32 cities, delivering its Education for Impact mission to over 85 000 students.

– Source: www.bizcommunity.com

While Veaudry shared that he “settled for bronze” despite a winning destiny, the podium placement means the world to those who look up to the para surfer and represented many locals both inspiring and believing in him.

It had been a big crowdfunding effort that supported his chance to surf in the competition thanks to those whose belief backed him and ultimately the Springboks’ win that inspired him to compete when back issues almost took him out of the race.

During the championships, a moment “interference” cost him his second wave score, resulting in a lower score overall. Interference in surfing refers to one competitor hindering another’s chance to get the best score when they have priority over a wave. In Veaudry’s case, he was the hinderer because he assumed the direction of his competitor and as a result, lost his own second score.

“Impossible to win with one wave score, I managed a third,” he shared of the moment he dubbed one of feeling “deflated, but not defeated”.

He was almost down and out after the mishap. But those who follow Veaudry’s surfing finesse know that this is an athlete who rides no wave better than the wave of determination.

In fact, his entire para surfing career is based on it. As a surfer who was involved in a hit-and-run collision on his motorcycle in 2009, which left him with an amputated leg, his determination has led him from getting back into the water (he has loved surfing since the age of 14) to becoming a celebrated para surfer who has represented Team South Africa.

As such, he returned to California’s waters to “redeem himself” and went on another event as part of the Para Surf League Global Championships’ finals. 

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

Kiara Fegen and Genevieve Tuson gave South Africa two shining reasons to be proud thanks to their bronze and silver wins at the MMA Federation World Championships in Albania’s Tunisia.

Fegen (2022’s gold medallist alongside Philani Shabalala) won bronze this year in the Seniors Lightweight division; facing off against opponents from Kazakhstan and the United States of America to earn her podium placement. In another division, Tuson secured silver in the Juniors Strawweight stretch after a fierce fight for gold.

The competition saw competitors from all over the world vie for medal moments; representing the pinnacle of mental and physical discipline.

These powerhouses stand tall among other South African champion fighters, like Luke Griffith who became the champion of Europe earlier this year, and Herman Maene who maintained his status as South Africa’s kickboxing champion for three years.

– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com

In the other Group A match, Pyramids of Egypt edged TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in Cairo on Friday, 24 November 2023, thanks to a goal from South African Fagrie Lakay.

– Source: www.sabc.co,za

South Africa's Darren Fichardt ‒ fresh off regaining his card at the Qualifying School ‒ was the nearest challenger after a 64 of his own, finishing two shots clear of defending champion Dan Bradbury, who signed for the same score.

Those three will now be heading to Royal Troon next summer, with the top three players not already exempt earning a spot in the 2024 Open Championship via the Qualifying Series.

The win for Burmester is his third on the Dubai Port World Tour and he was delighted to put on a "special" performance to overturn Thriston Lawrence's lead in front of the home fans.

"I actually can't describe what's really happened," he said.

"The fans are always fantastic at home in South Africa and I'm so happy to be home and playing at home and eating a bit of braai meat and having a good time.

"Thriston is an amazing competitor and he had a three-shot lead, so I knew I had to do something special and fortunately I was able to do that.

– Source: www.iol.co.za