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| PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER PETER MAGUBANE |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to globally renowned photographer, Dr Peter Magubane, for fearlessly using his camera to capture the atrocities of apartheid while putting his life in danger. |
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“Despite all attempts to break his spirit and to take him away from his craft, he would not put his camera down. His work documenting apartheid helped shift global opinion against the regime. We have heard of how he would smuggle his cameras into hollowed-out bread, milk cartons and I am told even the Bible, to take pictures without the notice of the authorities,” the President said on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.
Delivering the eulogy at Magubane’s Provincial Official Funeral in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said the apartheid regime did not care much for the lives it was extinguishing, but it cared a great deal about its image, especially about how it was portrayed to the rest of the world.
“Peter Magubane’s images, and those of his peers, upended Hendrik Verwoerd’s great lie that apartheid was benign benevolence, a system of the separate but equal, and so-called good neighbourliness. He used his camera to record the experiences and struggles of black South Africans during apartheid. These images reached the world’s media and revealed to the international community the injustices that characterised South Africa at that time.
"As The New York Times obituary put it, Peter Magubane’s images documenting the cruelties and violence of apartheid drew global acclaim but punishment at home, including beatings, imprisonment and 586 consecutive days of solitary confinement," he said.
Magubane passed away on 1 January 2024 at the age of 91. His photographic career began in 1955 after he joined Drum magazine as a driver and messenger.
He soon became a darkroom assistant where his major assignment was covering the African National Congress 1955 Convention.
He used his camera to record the experiences and struggles of black South Africans during apartheid.
“His archive testifies to an extraordinary range. For many years, he was President Mandela’s official photographer. Some of the most enduring images we have of Madiba were taken through his lens.
“He was there at the many turning points in the struggle against apartheid and covered the various states of emergency during the mid-1980s. There are his stark images that documented the aftermath of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the many other acts of violence unleashed by the regime.
“Later in life, he would go on to produce photography on heritage and culture. Among them is one of my favourites of his works, The Vanishing Cultures of South Africa. It is an extraordinary collection that documents the lives, customs and cultures of our country’s ethnic groups,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa noted that it was his depictions of everyday life for black South Africans living under apartheid for which he was best known.
“These images that he began taking in the 1960s, appeared in distinguished publications like Drum magazine, Time magazine, the Rand Daily Mail, and others. One of his best-known images is of a black domestic worker stroking the hair of a white child seated on a ‘Europeans Only’ bench.
“The photograph got worldwide attention for the power of the disturbing scene that it conveyed. That photograph also painted a vivid scene of the meaning of apartheid. It was able to transport the lived experiences of black people in South Africa to many people in distant lands.
“As important as it was to him to document the violence and bloodshed, it was equally important to bring home to readers and viewers the true face of petty apartheid with its convoluted and ridiculous laws and rules,” he said.
The President described him as a freedom fighter and one of the most fearless journalists the country had produced.
“Having read the many written tributes that have been penned over the past week by people who worked alongside him and were mentored by him, it is clear that the description of him as a legend is a fitting one,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN THE MINISTERIAL SESSION OF THE 19TH NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT SUMMIT |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, undertook a Working Visit to Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the Ministerial Session of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, to be held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”. |
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The two-day Ministerial Session from 17 to 18 January 2024 preceded the 19th NAM Summit to be held from 19 to 20 January 2024.
In her statement on behalf of South Africa, Minister Pandor, said, among other things, “It is South Africa’s strong view that we cannot achieve a peaceful and prosperous world without reforming the system of global governance to make it relevant to the world of today. As the Non-Aligned Movement, we should continue to advocate for a system of global governance that is fair, equitable and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all countries – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world.
“This includes reforming the United Nations Security Council, which has the unique mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. The United Nations Security Council should be expanded with urgency to include countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
“A reformed system of global governance and a strengthened multilateralism will also allow us to address other major challenges, such as the scourge of terrorism, which today affects all parts of the world. South Africa condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SA REMAINS COMMITTED TO CREATING A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS |
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| South Africa remains open for business and dedicated to creating a conducive environment for it to strive, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. |
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The Minister made the remarks on Thursday, 11 January 2024, during an engagement with members of the media ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
“We remain steadfast in carrying out structural reforms to support and accelerate economic recovery. As government, we remain resolved to deal with the energy and logistics challenges that are adversely impacting our economy,” he told the media.
This year’s meeting, which is taking place from 15 to 19 January 2024, is focussing on rebuilding trust.
“It is quite apt, considering the complexity associated with the domestic and transnational headwinds we are facing.”
He explained that the theme would link four interconnected thematic priorities.
These included achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world; creating growth and jobs for a new era; artificial intelligence; and a long-term strategy for climate, nature and energy.
According to Minister Godongwana, South Africa remains the gateway to Africa and has called on international investors to invest in Africa and South Africa.
Meanwhile, he is of the view that the African Continental Free Trade Area provides further opportunities for South African businesses to expand and grow their business and for international businesses to partner with local companies to increase their presence in Africa.
“Many of you have been attending the annual meeting for many years now and I’m sure you will agree with me that these issues are ones that current and potential investors in our country and continent are interested in”.
The Minister also took the opportunity to thank the private sector for being a willing partner of government in addressing the challenges the country faces towards unlocking economic growth.
In addition, he said marketing the country during WEF Davos was another great opportunity for collaboration.
Structural reforms
Meanwhile, Minister Godongwana said fiscal consolidation was needed to tackle soaring debt levels, while monetary policy should stay the course to bring inflation to target.
“Structural reforms remain crucial to revive medium-term growth prospects amid constrained policy space. The green transition, increasing resilience to climate shocks, and improving food security for millions of people require strengthened multilateral frameworks and adherence to rules-based platforms for international cooperation”.
He is also of the view that access to competitive international development finance, for developing countries, is imperative to ensure a successful green transition.
In addition, he said government would also be tabling matching competitive financing for green transitions and the Sustainable Development Goals in international financial institutions and key global economic platforms such as the Group of 20 (G20).
“Today provides a platform for a frank discussion to enable government and business to align their message for Davos.
“As government, we value this engagement. This is a testament to the presence of my colleagues. We are encouraged that business holds the same view given the level of representation. We might not agree on all the policy issues. However, it is important that we find common ground and that we speak as one voice in Davos”.
He told the media that National Treasury, various government departments and Brand SA had prepared key messages that the State and business can use as a guide for the country's engagement at WEF.
“I would just like to highlight the following. The common message we are taking to the annual meeting is that South Africa remains open for business and is committed to creating a conducive environment.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TEAM SA FLIES THE FLAG FOR 30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY IN DAVOS |
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| South Africa is flying its flag to mark 30 years of democracy with a series of events at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The forum takes place from 15 to 19 January 2024. |
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The South African delegation comprising government, business and civil-society leaders is led by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. He is joined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande; Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele; Minister of Electricity, Kgosientso Ramokgopa; and Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla.
The business delegation includes business leaders and captains of industry for various sectors, including the financial sector, telecommunications, mining, agriculture, agro-processing and green energy, among others.
Brand South Africa (Brand SA), the country’s official marketing agency, has partnered with Old Mutual, South African Breweries (SAB) and Naspers to support the programme and build on the success of the recent post-pandemic, in-person attendance of WEF. |
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“We are proud and ecstatic that South Africa’s voice will be heard in Davos,” says Brand SA's Acting CEO, Sithembile Ntombela. “With three decades of democracy, South Africa has transformed into the most industrialised and diverse economy on the continent. Our presence at Davos aims to highlight the country as a competitive business and investment destination.”
Ntombela describes the WEF as a global platform that drives private-public cooperation and gives South Africa a chance to add its voice to discussions about global issues.
The programme of the 54th Annual Meeting of WEF is discussing critical issues across four interconnected thematic priorities:
- Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World
- Creating Growth and Jobs for a New Era
- Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Safety
- A Long-Term Strategy for Climate, Nature and Energy.
The Annual Meeting is offering new and upgraded platforms for dialogue, building stronger partnerships and developing agile policy frameworks. It also offers possible solutions on the effective deployment of technologies that can lead to practical and implementable gains for society, across both short-term and strategic horizons.
Ntombela added that public-private partnerships were critical in elevating South Africa’s voice at WEF. “It is for this reason that we are grateful for our partnership with Old Mutual who are on board for the second year, South African Breweries and Naspers. The partnerships help to showcase some of the best that South Africa has to offer”.
Ian Williamson, the CEO of Old Mutual, said, “We are honoured to be part of impactful discussions at WEF. We look forward to exploring how collaboration can help the continent address challenges such as the energy supply challenge, high inflation, stagnating or low growth as well as the climate crisis.” Williamson said Old Mutual was particularly excited to tap into the continent’s youthful entrepreneurial energy and had helped invest in start-ups.
Richard Rivett-Carnac, the CEO of SAB, said, “As the biggest brewer in Africa, we believe that beer is an engine for economic growth and development. In a study we commissioned in 2022 on the country’s beer sector, we found that one in every 66 jobs in the country was linked to economic activity in the beer industry. WEF serves as an opportunity to share our approach to contributing to South Africa’s domestic growth by leveraging the power of partnerships and local sourcing, with 95% of our raw materials being sourced locally. We feel honoured to be part of the South African delegation and look forward to engaging in meaningful ways to drive positive, sustainable economic development.”
“2024 is a pivotal year for South Africa. We have to use South Africa’s democracy to mobilise the necessary investment to help realise our National Development Plan goals and create inclusive growth. The WEF is a critical platform to drive these conversations and for us to showcase what South Africa has to offer as a business and investment destination. We are excited to help drive this engagement and partner with the Government in helping our country grow,” said Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO of Naspers.
South Africa will report on its progress in implementing economic reforms, promote the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and report on its Just Energy Transition Investment Programme. The country will also highlight how it intends to use the expanded Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa bloc to drive development on the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Brand South Africa, in partnership with the abovementioned partners, is responsible for managing the Team South Africa programme on the sidelines of the forum.
– Source: brandsouthafrica.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA APPEALS TO TOP UNITED NATIONS COURT IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE MATTER |
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| Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola, fears that without the intervention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Palestinians will be destroyed. |
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This was as South Africa approached the ICJ, under the Genocide Convention, for acts committed by Israel in the context of its attacks on Gaza.
He said the Israeli actions were reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide 30 years ago.
“We are here, on behalf of South Africa and the global community, to seek justice for the victims, particularly children, women and the elderly. We believe that without the intervention of this court, of the international community, we will see the total destruction of the Palestinian people.
“Remaining silent in the efface of this, in and of itself, would be a gross violation of international law,” he pleaded.
The Minister was addressing the media on Thursday, 11 January 2024, outside the ICJ. South Africa presented its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands.
“We are asking the court to intervene and stop the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Today, it is a common cause that the Rwandan genocide could have been prevented.
“Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, expressed this regret when he said, ‘The international community failed Rwanda, and that must leave us always with a sense of bitter regret and abiding sorrow’.
“Let us not have to live with the same regret when it comes to Palestine”.
Israel, which South Africa is accusing of genocide, was on Friday, 12 January 2024, on the floor in a legal battle to defend itself at the top UN court.
“The Government of the Republic of South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, entrusted me with representing its commitment to the rule of just law, a universal respect for human rights and specifically the right of the Palestinian people to sovereignty, to peace, to life.”
Finding a solution
South Africa, added the Minister, had supported various resolutions of the UN and other international solutions to support a just and lasting solution that will bring peace to Palestinians and Israelis.
This is in addition to President Ramaphosa calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian interventions on numerous occasions.
“The world has watched in horror as Palestinian men, women and children were slaughtered, blown up, buried alive under the rubble of their homes, left to die painful deaths in un-resourced hospitals, resulting in over 23 000 deaths,” he added
This, according to the Minister, was done through the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, water-treatment plants and other public infrastructure.
“Sadly, the world has not succeeded in stopping the genocide that is currently unfolding in Gaza.
“The international community has largely remained passive in response to these atrocities.”
He also cited UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who last year called on the world to “press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and unite in a call for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants”.
“This plea for Ubuntu, a plea for the humanity of the international community to prevail was simply ignored. Israel’s institutional impunity was reinforced.”
Measures
Minister Lamola also explained that South Africa had also asked the ICJ for provisional measures, which included an immediate suspension of Israeli military operations in and against Gaza
The philosophy of Ubuntu means ‘humanity’ and is reflected in the idea that we affirm our humanity when we affirm the humanity of others.
“It has played a major role in the forging of a South African national consciousness and the process of its democratic transformation and nation-building”.
He also reflected on the country’s history of repression and violence, human rights abuses, apartheid as a crime against humanity, discrimination and distrust between people born on the same soil.
“This history enjoins us to stand in principle in solidarity with the people of Palestine”.
He is of the view that the esteemed institution has the opportunity to not only reaffirm but also strengthen humanity's commitment to justice.
“This can be achieved by infusing the Genocide Convention with vibrancy and bringing it to life with action and meaning.
“We trust that, after hearing us presenting the facts, the legal arguments, the truth, the court will grant them the protection they seek.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GOVERNMENT WELCOMES ROOIBOS TARIFF REDUCTION DECISION |
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| Government has welcomed the decision by the People’s Republic of China to substantially reduce tariff rates on the imports of South African Rooibos tea. |
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“China, the world’s largest tea market, previously had tariffs ranging from 15% to 30% on Rooibos tea. This has now been reduced to 6%,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in a statement.
The move was with effect from 1 January 2024.
It added that Rooibos tea was a unique South African tea that had gained a strong foothold in global markets with hundreds of millions of rands of annual exports in 2022.
South Africa led efforts at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for a specific tariff code applicable only for Rooibos tea.
In August 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, raised the tariff duties on Rooibos tea with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, during the eighth meeting of the China-South Africa Joint Economic and Trade Commission.
He requested that China considered a request to reclassify Rooibos tea and to reduce the duties.
Following further consideration from the Chinese side, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China advised it would be adopting the new tariff code of the WCO to categorise Rooibos tea under tariff code HS 1211.90.39 with an import tariff rate of 6%.
“According to the Rooibos Council of South Africa, approximately 20 000 tons of Rooibos are produced in South Africa every year, generating employment for more than 5 000 people. China featured as the seventh-largest recipient market in 2023 for South African Rooibos out of a total of 45 countries currently importing Rooibos tea,” said the department.
Minister Patel welcomed the decision by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China.
Commenting on the decision, he said: “Our Rooibos tea is refreshing, delicious and healthy. This decision will enable more South African Rooibos tea to be available to Chinese tea-drinkers, creating more jobs in South Africa. Rooibos exporters can now ramp up their exports of tea to China!”.
“China is currently South Africa’s largest global trading partner, with Chinese customs reporting two-way trade of more than R900 billion. We look forward to continuing our engagements with our Chinese counterparts as we seek to shift our exports from mainly minerals to a greater basket of value-added agricultural and industrial products.
“I wish to commend Minister [of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development] Thoko Didiza and her team for the close collaboration and hard work to get this decision finalised,” Minister Patel said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SU SCIENTIST CELEBRATED ON GLOBAL “NAME DROPPING” LIST |
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| A Stellenbosch University (SU) scientist and professor has made South Africa proud after making it onto a coveted list in academia that honours researchers whose work has been cited the most in the world. |
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Scientist and Professor David Richardson is being celebrated for something huge in the academic community.
Prof. Richardson, who is part of SU’s Department of Botany and Zoology, was named on the global “Name Dropping List” – the Clarivate list. This list names researchers who are highly cited in their fields of influence, making Prof. Richardson one of only 10 people from South African institutions to be featured.
Prof. Richardson now wears the title of one of the world’s most cited and respected researchers. This, for his contributions to ecology and the environment (2014 to 2021) and the cross-field category (from 2022 to 2023).
According to SU:
“The highly anticipated list identifies scientists and social scientists who produced multiple papers ranking in the top 1% by citations for their field and year of publication in the Web of Science over the past decade, demonstrating significant research influence among their peers.” |
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All in all, over 7 000 researchers from 67 countries across 20 fields made the list.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY CELEBRATES REMARKABLE MILESTONE WITH 31 MILLIONTH VISITOR |
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| The Table Mountain Cableway recently joyfully welcomed its 31 millionth visitor, highlighting its enduring appeal and contribution to Cape Town’s tourism. |
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The honour of being the 31 millionth visitor fell upon Gerda Pretorius from Bloemfontein, who received a heartwarming surprise alongside her husband, Lood.
As they waited in anticipation to board the cable car, Gerda was unexpectedly singled out, becoming the recipient of a special gift hamper.
“It has been such fun to be back in Cape Town for this quick visit,” expressed Gerda, “Thank you for making us feel very special as we celebrate my 69th birthday.”
Wahida Parker, the Managing Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, reflected on the milestone, saying, “Welcoming our 31 millionth visitor is a thrilling opportunity. We are profoundly grateful to every individual who has graced our mountain over these nine-plus decades”.
Despite the occasional challenges posed by Mother Nature, with operations suspended on windy days, the mountain continues to captivate visitors from near and far.
The recent festive period witnessed a bustling influx of tourists, with approximately 100 000 visitors flocking to Table Mountain in December alone.
Beyond providing awe-inspiring panoramic views, a visit to Table Mountain also contributes to environmental conservation efforts.
“We pump a percentage of ticket sales back into conservation efforts,” Parker highlighted, emphasising the company’s commitment to preserving the rich flora and fauna that adorn the mountain.
Cape Town’s tourism sector has experienced a notable resurgence in recent months.
Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Member for Economic Growth, aptly remarked, “Return trips not only enrich visitors’ experiences but also contribute significantly to the economic vibrancy of our communities.”
From its humble beginnings in 1929, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has evolved significantly, transforming its infrastructure to enhance visitor experience and safety.
The journey from a wooden cable car accommodating 19 passengers to a modern marvel capable of carrying 65 individuals in a matter of minutes showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
As the Table Mountain Cableway commemorated this monumental achievement, it stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation and natural beauty. Whether it’s a first-time visit or a return trip, the mountain awaits, promising unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas for years to come.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| TREVOR NOAH WINS EMMY FOR OUTSTANDING TALK SERIES |
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| In a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” clinched the Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Series on Monday night, marking the show’s first victory in the category since the departure of Jon Stewart in 2015. |
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The win is particularly sweet as it coincides with Trevor Noah’s final year as the charismatic host of the Comedy Central gem.
With infectious enthusiasm, Noah graciously accepted the prestigious accolade, expressing his gratitude to the dedicated team behind the scenes and paying homage to the visionary Jon Stewart.
“This story has been so long, so crazy, so wonderful,” Noah remarked, capturing the essence of the incredible journey The Daily Show has undertaken.
The victory was hard-earned, with The Daily Show overcoming formidable contenders, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Problem with Jon Stewart and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Noah took a moment to acknowledge the integral contributors to the show’s success, including David Kibuuka, Joseph Opio, David Meyer, Roy Wood Jr, Jordan Klepper and showrunner Jen Flanz.
“I want to start by thanking the crazy Africans who followed me to this country, David Kibuuka and Joseph Opio, David Meyer, my partner in crime, the writers and the team, Roy Wood Jr from the very beginning, Jordan Klepper, whose flight got cancelled, showrunner Jen Flanz, this woman rode with me through the trenches,” Noah said, expressing gratitude to the dedicated individuals who played a crucial role in the show’s triumph.
As the curtain falls on Trevor Noah’s tenure as the host of The Daily Show, the Emmy win stands as a fitting tribute to his impactful and entertaining contribution to the world of late-night television.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| WELL WISHES FOR BAFANA BAFANA |
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| Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has wished Bafana Bafana well as the national team left for Côte d’Ivoire where they are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. |
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“I have no doubt that you will make us proud in the tournament and raise the South African flag high. You carry the hopes and aspirations of the nation. I look forward to seeing you in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of your first game against Mali,” said the Minister in a social media post on X.
The Minister’s comments came as the national football side departed from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday, 11 January, and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo ‒ their home from Friday, 12 January 2024
His comments also followed on the back of Bafana Bafana’s training match against Lesotho, which was held behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, in Tshwane
Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho ahead of the continental tournament, which will run from 13 January to 11 February 2024.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TEEN SKIER TO REPRESENT SOUTH AFRICA SINGLE-HANDEDLY AT YOUTH WINTER OLYMPICS |
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| The 2024 Youth Olympics set in South Korea is fast approaching, and hot on its trail is teen alpine skier, 16-year-old South African Lara Markthaler. |
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Markthaler is set to be the only South African to compete at the Youth Winter Olympics 2024, which is a huge accomplishment for any 16-year-old. She also happens to be one of the youngest competitors in her event.
Given that African nations are not regular participants in the Winter Youth Olympics for geographic and climate-related reasons as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s Nozipho Jafta explained, it’s something special to anticipate seeing a skier with green and gold blood take to the slopes among the world’s best
“I am going there with a goal and that would be to break into the top 20. Anything more than that would be a bonus at this stage of my career and I’ll be trying my hardest to get as high up on the leaderboard as I can. I also want to tap into the whole Olympic spirit,” the young skier shared of her Olympic debut dreams.
Markthaler grew up in the German Alps and calls Germany home. While skiing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, she also has an affinity for mountain biking and adventure in general.
“Lara is an inspiration and we are all behind her,” added Jafta about the Team South Africa’s sole flag-flyer.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| TENNIS JUNIORS SHINE IN WINDHOEK, EARNING MEDALS AND MAKING SA PROUD |
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| The South African tennis juniors flew the flag high in Windhoek at the Southern Africa Junior Championships in Namibia for the Southern Africa Junior Championships (Zonals) from 6 to 14 January 2024. |
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The championship was hosted by the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT). This was the first of many to come this year, including events in Burundi, Egypt and Togo.
The teams were led by coaches Khotso Matshego, Terry Schweitzer, Sabelo Mathebula and Ilze Hattingh. Each of the teens took part in individual and team events.
Below are the medal wins as shared by Tennis South Africa:
Gold: Jamie Roux clinched the Boys u14 singles title with a fantastic victory over Martin Seetso from Botswana, securing the win at 6-4, 6-3.
Gold: John Bothma emerged victorious in an all-South African Boys u16 singles final, narrowly defeating Connor Doig 6-3, 7-6(1) for the title.
Gold: Allegra van der Walt dominated the Girls u16 event, claiming the championship in an all-South African final against Morgan Jordaan with an impressive 6-2, 6-2 victory.
Silver: Jordan Edwards showed tremendous talent, earning the runner-up spot in the Girls u14 category, despite a tough final against Kudzai Chapepa of Zimbabwe 6-2, 6-1.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| MISSIONVALE POSSIBLE: SOCCER YOUTH GETS THE SHOT OF A LIFETIME |
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| Grade 11 soccer player Onke Mzozoyana from Missionvale has the opportunity of a lifetime after being chosen to represent South Africa and play in the Manchester Cup Premiere League. |
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From a tender age, Mzozoyana’s passion for soccer has taught him discipline, hard work and the spirit of dreaming beyond what seems possible. Now, at just 17 years old, he’s got the shot at the opportunity of a lifetime – competing in the Manchester Cup.
Not only is this the chance to compete in one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world, but it’s also a playing field where dreams can come true. Many scouts will be present to pick the best talents presented from over 45 countries’ teams and if he gets to Manchester, Mzozoyana could be one of them.
Gunning for gold is one thing but vying for a shot at a new life ‒ fledged with prospects to follow your dreams is another entirely. And Mzozoyana is not backing down on either.
The Manchester Cup will run from 29 to 31 March 2024. For Mzozoyana, every moment until then counts as he and his community rally to raise the funds needed.
He will be playing for Proskills Soccer Academy, which also happens to be the only South African team accepted to participate in the prestigious cup
As Marc Manuel, CEO of Proskills, weighs in:
“I need not tell you what a massive difference this will make to [Onke’s] future, his family, the city and our national soccer team”.
Sabrina Lambers, General Manager at Missionvale Care Centre, who has been a backbone of great support, explained that they first met Mzozoyana early last year for a trip to Sweden. Due to various setbacks and complications involving his visa and unfortunate timing, he didn’t get to compete in the Gothia Cup.
“So, we were thrilled when his coach Marc Manual reached out directly to us, with all the information for the trip to Manchester,” she shared.
Together with Lucky Ngamlana, the Impumelelo Training and Development Centre Leader, they began formulating a plan to drive support for Mzozoyana’s funding.
The young soccer star was eager to get as involved as possible and started working during the school holidays at a local retailer to pay his way.
Lambers adds: “To me, it is very important that Mzozoyana shows interest in the hustle towards his dream, instead of only relying on us as an organisation to help him out or doing the fundraising for him. I am very happy to report that he is highly motivated and up for any challenge that will bring him closer to his dream of going to Manchester to show the world what he has in store”.
With South Africa’s support behind our player, we might just have the next rising star in soccer waving our flag high.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| MAX SMART QUALIFIES FOR THE JUNIOR WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP |
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| Max Smart had a very successful 2023 Rally Season, earning a place in the Junior World Rally Championship where he will represent South Africa. |
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Smart got into motorsports by riding in Motorcross first. It was evident he had a raw talent for racing. From there, he moved into the realm of rally racing and has found great success.
There are very few South Africans in the motorsport industry, but every year, that changes. With the likes of the Dakar, Formula One, MotoGP and International Rally, there is so much opportunity to see talented South Africans get behind the wheel. The only thing that often holds these incredibly talented riders and drivers back, is meaningful sponsorship.
Smart was able to complete his 2023 season in Europe and has now set his sights on 2024.
“As the winner of the FIA Rally Star African continental final and after a successful 2023 season in Europe, I’ve been promoted to a full season in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) for 2024”.
“I am proudly representing South Africa in this monumental championship. The last time we had a driver competing at the World Rally Championship level was back in 2012. I’m putting in the work to have a bright future waving the South African flag on the world rally stage.
“Outside of my incredible sponsored season, I will be competing and training in other events throughout 2024 to gain skills, experience and to build performance for the JWRC.
“This all comes out of my family’s budget and we are so grateful for any financial support to help us chase my dream of becoming the Junior World Rally Champion in 2025.
“We’re all in on the journey and believe in my talent. Your support will have the greatest impact on my 2024 development and performance.”
For the 2024 season, he plans to work on his raw talent with coaches to refine his skills and make him a contender to watch. There are five events to look forward to this year:
- Rally Sweden from 15 to 18 February
- Croatia Rally from 18 to 21 May
- Rally Italia Sardegna from 30 May to 2 June
- Rally Finland from 1 to 4 August
- Acropolis Rally from 5 to 8 September.
‒ Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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