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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PAYS LAST RESPECTS TO NAMIBIAN PRESIDENT HAGE GEINGOB |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late Namibian President Hage Geingob as a leader committed to his people. |
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President Geingob passed away earlier this month while being treated for cancer.
Over the weekend, President Ramaphosa joined the Geingob family and other heads of state at President’s Geingob’s funeral service held in Namibia.
“I will forever remember, very fondly, his brotherly love. I remain inspired by the dedication he demonstrated towards his work, his undoubted commitment to the well-being of his people and his desire to see a peaceful, united and developing continent of Africa.
“His support and guidance to me and to fellow heads of state and government within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) remain invaluable to this day and in the future,” President Ramaphosa said.
According to a statement by The Presidency, President Ramaphosa and President Geingob “enjoyed a close relationship”.
“President Ramaphosa reiterated, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia, especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos.
“President Ramaphosa further extended his sympathies to President Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the South West Africa People's Organisation at this time of mourning.
“President Ramaphosa and President Geingob enjoyed a close relationship, which infused relations between our two countries. In 2023, President Ramaphosa hosted President Geingob on a State Visit to South Africa in April, while in October, President Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to Namibia to co-chair with President Geingob the Third Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission,” The Presidency said.
While in Namibia, President Ramaphosa held a meeting with his counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Malawi.
“The meeting continued from an engagement between the heads of state that took place in Addis Ababa on the margins of the recently held AU [African Union] Summit. The leaders, whose countries have contributed troops to the SADC Mission in the DRC, discussed efforts towards the restoration of peace and security in the eastern DRC,” The Presidency said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT MEETS WITH US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa and a delegation from the United States (US) Congress have deliberated on the significance of the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the US. |
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On Wednesday, 21 February 2024, the President received a visit from a bipartisan congressional delegation from the US at Tuynhuys, Cape Town. The delegation visited South Africa at the invitation of the Aspen Institute.
“Our relationship is characterised by mutual respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where we may differ,” President Ramaphosa said. |
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The President further highlighted the support that the US had provided to South Africa over the years in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has contributed significantly ‒ and continues to contribute ‒ to the remarkable progress South Africa has made to end HIV as a public health emergency
President Ramaphosa emphasised the strength of bilateral relations as evidenced through several meetings and calls he has had with President Joe Biden and official engagements between South African and US delegations, which have allowed for a constructive exchange of views and further cemented the ties between the two countries.
The engagement also covered South Africa’s economic opportunities with a focus on the expansion of trade and investment ties. The Presidency also said the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) continued to present significant value to Africa’s industrialisation, integration and the diversification of the continent’s economies.
AGOA provides a platform for US investors to participate in the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA, which entered into force in May 2019, is expected to boost trade and economic growth on the continent.
On international relations, President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s commitment to promoting peace, security and development on the African continent and across the world.
This includes South Africa’s non-aligned position that seeks to forge cordial relations with all countries and promote the resolution of conflict through dialogue.
The President emphasised the need for an inclusive negotiated settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and South Africa’s support for the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to self-determination and statehood and of Israelis to peace and security.
“We continue to make the call for the release of hostages, an immediate ceasefire and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa congratulated the delegation for the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July 2026 as South Africa marks 30 years of freedom and democracy.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| ELECTION DAY OFFICIALLY GAZETTED |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially proclaimed and gazetted 29 May 2024 as Election Day in South Africa. |
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“This followed consultation by the President with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The proclamation of the election date has been published in the Government Gazette of Friday, 23 February 2024,” The Presidency said in a statement.
The President has also proclaimed 29 May 2024 as a public holiday throughout South Africa.
The IEC held a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2024 general elections.
“During the briefing, the commission unpacked key aspects of the elections timetable, which will include the certification of the voters’ roll; the publication of voting station details; submission of candidate nominations; notices to vote outside of the country; applications for special votes; and other election-related matters,” the electoral body said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GLOBAL LEADERS URGED TO REVERSE TEACHER SHORTAGE |
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| Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on global leaders to do whatever it takes to attract bright young minds to join the teaching profession and address the issue of teacher shortages. |
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“To increase participation in this profession, we should provide competitive compensation and recognise teachers’ achievements,” the Deputy President said on Monday, 26 February 2024.
The country’s second-in-command was of the view that this could be achieved through the promotion of excellence and creativity and cultivating a sense of pride and purpose among educators. |
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The Deputy President was speaking at the 14th Policy Dialogue Forum of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Illovo, Johannesburg.
The task force is a global platform for education stakeholders, which aims to foster advocacy, knowledge exchange, peer learning and monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education.
“As we gather here today, we are faced with a stark reality, which is a shortage of qualified and motivated teachers across the globe.”
This shortage, the Deputy President said, not only jeopardised the quality of education but also undermined collective efforts to achieve the SDG 4 of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
“Instead of disregarding the situation and continuing as if everything is going according to plan, we need to acknowledge the problem and devise a solution that is both effective and efficient.”
The value of teachers
Deputy President Mashatile also took the time to acknowledge the worth of teachers and the crucial role they play in shaping the future of nations.
Besides teaching and imparting knowledge to the future generation, Deputy President Mashatile said teachers played a crucial role in nurturing, fostering critical thinking, inspiring dreams and pushing the limits of human potential.
“We thus owe it to these titans of our society to recognise, honour, empower and value them as well as the job that they do.
“Most importantly, significant consideration must be made on how we should improve their working conditions and remuneration as a way of appreciating their hard work so that they can be able to fulfil their important task without getting discouraged.”
Shifting his focus to the digital age, he believes that governments should ensure that educators could effectively utilise new technologies to remain relevant and efficient in the current digital age.
The Deputy President also expressed his gratitude to the task force for recognising South Africa as a key player in the journey to achieving quality education for all by the year 2030.
“As South Africa, we feel privileged to have been allowed to co-chair the steering committee of the Teacher Task Force in collaboration with Germany.”
Finding solutions
He said he hoped his home country would learn from the good practices that would be shared at this forum.
“South Africa is optimistic that this Policy Dialogue Forum will untangle solutions for addressing the contents of the report.”
He also highlighted the issue of teachers assigned grades for which they had inadequate training and qualifications.
More teachers are produced for the Further Education and Training (FET) band than for the General Education and Training band. This situation has necessitated the FET band teachers to migrate to the senior phase and teach grade 7 and 8 classes.”
However, he said the government was addressing this matter through the Fundza Lushaka Bursary Scheme, which aims to attract young teachers into the teaching profession and improve teacher salaries and working conditions and use of contracted teachers to deal with immediate needs.
He also paid tribute to the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, who was selected to serve on a high-level panel convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in 2022.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 55TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, participated in the High-Level Segment of the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which took place from 26 to 28 February 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. |
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Minister Pandor delivered a national statement, outlining South Africa’s human rights priority issues for the year 2024.
Minister Pandor also spoke at the High-Level Panel on Human Rights Mainstreaming under the theme, Harnessing Multilateral Efforts to Embed, Amplify and Realise the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with a Focus on Full and Effective Participation and Inclusion in Society.
The theme is in line with the thematic focus of the UNHRC during the 55th Session of the UNHRC, which is on the rights of the child and persons with disabilities.
On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Minister Pandor delivered a statement at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament.
The Conference on Disarmament is the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community on nuclear disarmament.
The Minister also used the opportunity of her visit to Geneva to have bilateral meetings with some of her counterparts.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, was in Rio de Janeiro, Federative Republic of Brazil, to participate in the Group of Twenty (G20) Foreign Ministers Meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 21 February and Thursday, 22 February 2024. |
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The meeting followed the first Sherpa’s meeting that was convened in December 2023 during which Brazil presented its broader priorities for its G20 Presidency, which are:
- Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
- Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in its Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions
- The Reform of the Global Governance Institutions.
The theme of Brazil’s G20 Presidency is: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.
Minister Pandor in her statement on Thursday, 22 February 2024, during the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting, Agenda item B: Global Governance Reform, welcomed His Excellency, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call for the reinvigoration of multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions.
During the statement, Minister Pandor briefly reflected on some of the statements made during the previous day and referred to South Africa’s approach to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with regard to Israel’s possible breach of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as a means to illustrate why reform of global governance institutions is so important.
“South Africa approached the ICJ as we believe that institutions like the ICJ are important instruments of global governance and that these institutions should be at the forefront of settling disputes peacefully. Also, in terms of the convention, as a state party, we are duty bound to take action, if we genuinely believe that the provisions of the convention are being breached. The negative reactions by some states to South Africa doing this are indicative of the prevailing institutional bias within international law, which is that international law and its institutions are not meant to hold powerful countries and their allies to account, even if it’s for the crimes of crimes.”
Minister Pandor stated further that this practice had led to decades of institutionalised impunity for the most powerful countries and their allies, and that this had to change if we are to end impunity.
“Transforming and using the institutions of global governance to ensure a more just and equitable international legal order for all is now more urgent than ever. Making international law accessible for all includes the urgent need for reform of the United Nations (UN) system.
“Yesterday, while we were debating on whether or not a ceasefire in Gaza is necessary and some questioned its desirability, Nour Naser Abu Al-Nour, a young lawyer and human rights defender with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, was killed with seven members of her family, including her little daughter and father. Nour and her family were killed by an Israeli airstrike at their family home in Rafah, just days after the UN Security Council (UNSC) failed yet again, to agree on a ceasefire.
“These repeated failures of the UNSC, which includes actions by one or two powerful countries, due to the disproportionate power they wield in the UNSC, has been at the cost of countless of lives in Palestine, Ukraine and other conflict situations over many decades. This has to stop.”
Minister Pandor continued by stating that the UNSC had to be reformed and it must be done now.
“At the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Johannesburg last year, two of the permanent members of the council committed to the urgent reform of the Security Council. We trust that other permanent members of the UNSC who are members of the G20 will follow suit.
“We therefore agree with the proposal by Brazil that the process to review the UN Charter be considered, as without changing certain provisions in the UN Charter, reform of the UNSC and the much-needed revitalisation of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly (GA) will not be possible. We hope that by the time we meet as G20 foreign ministers at UNGA, we will have a roadmap towards this review process.
“In considering this reform agenda, we need to reflect on the lack of enforceability within the international system for those states who breach international law, including binding orders from the apex courts in the international system. We need to debate the kinds of counter-measures that would be effective in reducing perpetual transgressions of international law. This includes revisiting issues such as ‘responsibility to protect’. We have seen the principles of responsibility to protect abused for geopolitical considerations in the past. Yet, when civilians are killed en masse in Gaza, there are very few voices calling for peace enforcement in Palestine to protect civilians while, as agreed yesterday, we move the needle towards a just two-state solution.”
Minister Pandor added that South Africa maintained that there was an urgent need to reform the global economic governance system and while the calls for more rapid and fundamental reforms had, in recent years, grown louder, the debate must advance toward tangible outcomes.
“The lack of progress in fundamental structural changes necessary for augmenting sustainable development globally is worrisome and further highlights the need to focus on providing more financial resources, which is linked, among others, to the reform of the international financial institutions and multilateral development banks (MDBs) to make them fit-for-purpose.
“In addition, a steady erosion of trust and competition between states is weakening the ability of the international community to work together to address shared challenges.
“The obstacles include growing unilateralism; protectionism; geopolitical rivalries; and inconsistent compliance with – and at times blatant violations of – international law.
“Although we have seen an increase in the Bretton Woods Institutions’ levels of responsiveness to developing country needs, all efforts must be made to not only safeguard these gains, but an international approach is required to increase these gains at a more ambitious pace towards ensuring that these institutions are adequately equipped to provide the levels of support that developing countries require to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Minister Pandor stated that to support developing countries, particularly those on the African continent, to achieve the SDGs, the lending capacity and innovation in the development of suitable financing instruments of MDBs, including the World Bank, must be increased.
“In this regard, South Africa urges the MDBs to make progress in implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of MDBs Capital Adequacy Frameworks.
“The mandates of MDBs must be reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies. We must assert the principle of country ownership. MDBs should support projects and programmes that are aligned to the development priorities and climate commitments of these countries.
“Furthermore, MDBs must address the challenge of Illicit financial flows that are detrimental to the economies of many African countries.”
Minister Pandor concluded her statement, saying that South Africa was committed to working with all members of the G20; to contribute meaningfully within the troika; to advance the mandate of this very important forum; and that South Africa looks forward to working with the new Presidency, Brazil, to advance the key conclusions of the Leader’s Summit later in the year.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MASHEGO-DLAMINI EMBARKS ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME IN THE EASTERN CAPE |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, is embarking on a public participation programme in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, from 28 to 29 February 2024. |
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The Deputy Minister is joined by several foreign heads of diplomatic missions accredited to South Africa. Municipal and provincial government representatives are also participating in the programme.
On 28 February, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini hosted a gala dinner in honour of the visiting diplomats at the Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha.
On 29 February, Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini will visit Cibini Junior Secondary School, at Nqwathi Village, where she will hand over goods donated by foreign diplomatic missions to support the school.
The visit to Mthatha forms part of a series of public participation events conducted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation across the country, pursuant to government’s commitment to working directly with communities in addressing some of the country’s challenges.
Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini used the occasion to outline South Africa’s foreign policy priorities and decisions and how these impact the daily lives of South Africans.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES PARTICIPATES IN ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE SECOND FREE STATE INVESTMENT CONFERENCE |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, participated in activities leading up to the Second Free State Investment Conference on Monday and Tuesday, 26 and 27 February 2024, in Bloemfontein, Free State province. |
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The Deputy Minister delivered a message of support at the Second Free State Investment Conference.
The conference focussed on the province’s unique offerings of key investment opportunities across several vital economic sectors and highlighted the Free State’s unique advantage and positioning in attracting foreign direct investment into South Africa.
The event took the format of a morning golf session, bringing together the diplomatic community of foreign missions accredited to South Africa, the business sector and the Free State Provincial leadership/senior officials, culminating in a provincial dinner in the evening.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA DEPOSITS INSTRUMENT OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CONVENTION ON THE PHYSICAL PROTECTION OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL |
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| At a ceremony held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday, 26 February 2024, the South African Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Rapulane Molekane, handed over South Africa’s Instrument of Acceptance of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) to the IAEA Director-General, Rafael Grossi. |
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In submitting its Instrument of Acceptance, South Africa joined a growing number of states accepting the amendment to the CPPNM.
The original CPPNM focussed on the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes during international transportation to prevent theft or unauthorised use.
The amendment broadens the scope of the convention by including physical protection requirements for nuclear facilities and nuclear material in domestic use, storage and transportation. It also criminalises offences related to illicit trafficking and sabotage of nuclear material or nuclear facilities.
South Africa signed the original convention in May 1981 and ratified it in September 2007.
Accepting the amendment to the CPPNM signals South Africa’s strong commitment to nuclear security and the protection of nuclear material, while continuing to support broader efforts to promote nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the inalienable right of states to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The peaceful application of nuclear energy in various areas, such as human and animal health, agriculture, industry and electricity generation, play an important role in addressing a number of contemporary challenges and contributing towards economic development.
South Africa has a long history of utilising nuclear technologies for both power generation and other peaceful applications. As a responsible producer and user of nuclear technologies and material, South Africa continues to support international efforts to enhance nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
While nuclear security remains the responsibility of individual states, the focus on the physical protection of nuclear material and related facilities remains the most effective way of preventing catastrophic events, which may result from unauthorised access and use of nuclear material.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| CLARIFICATION ON VOTING OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA |
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| Those who intend to vote outside the country and who are registered on a specific country’s segment of the voters’ roll, do not have to give notice to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer that they will be voting in that country. |
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“The law assumes that they will be voting at the diplomatic mission of registration,” said the Electoral Commission on Monday, 26 February 2024.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sy Mamabolo, said those registered elsewhere, including locally registered voters who intend to vote at a particular diplomatic mission outside the country, must give notice to the CEO of their intention to vote in that country.
“The notice to vote out of the country may be submitted as of today until 22 April 2024. An online notification facility is available on the commission’s website,” Mamabolo said.
He further explained that special voting at the diplomatic missions would happen either on Friday, 17 May 2024, or Saturday, 18 May 2024. |
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“The exact date for each diplomatic mission will be determined considering the host country's dominant religious and cultural practices.”
On voting outside of the voting station of registration on Election Day (29 May 2024), the commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.
“However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on voting day, such a voter must notify the commission of their intended absence from their voting district and the voting station where they wish to cast the vote. A notification portal will soon be launched for this purpose. Notifications in this regard will close on 17 May 2024.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES SIBUSISO NGALWA ON AFRICA EDITORS’ FORUM APPOINTMENT |
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| The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has congratulated Sibusiso Ngalwa who is the current Chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) on his appointment to the Executive Committee of the Africa Editors’ Forum. |
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In a statement on Thursday, 22 February 2024, the GCIS said this appointment was particularly important as the media sector was facing a variety of challenges such as fake news and declining revenues.
The editors’ forum is an expression of the need for editors and all media practitioners on the continent to work together towards preserving journalism and promoting media freedom.
The Africa Editors’ Forum plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue among media professionals and addressing challenges faced by the media industry across the African continent. The department added that it recognised the significant contributions made by SANEF in upholding press freedom, ethical journalism and media diversity in South Africa. |
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GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said: “We believe that the involvement of Mr Ngalwa in the Africa Editors’ Forum Executive Committee will undoubtedly enhance the forum's efforts in promoting values of media freedom on a broader scale and fostering collaboration among African media organisations.
“We also acknowledge the importance of a free and responsible press in any thriving democracy. Therefore, Mr Ngalwa’s appointment is a recognition of SANEF’s professionalism and commitment to journalistic principles.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TWO WORLD’S BEST WINS FOR WATERFALL CITY |
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| At the prestigious annual International Property Awards ceremony held at the iconic Savoy Hotel in London last week, Waterfall Management Company (which recently rebranded to Waterfall City Management Company) walked away with the coveted Best International Mixed-use Architecture 2023-2024 award for Waterfall City. |
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It also won the Best International Developer Website for www.waterfallcity.co.za.
These international accolades were preceded by three Best in Africa 2023-2024 awards, including: Best Mixed-use Architecture, Best Development Marketing and Best Developer Website, with the latter two accredited to both Waterfall City Management Company and Attacq, the strategic development partner of Waterfall City.
Entries were judged based on criteria ranging from design layout and quality, architecture, services and security, to innovation, originality, marketing and commitment to sustainability.
Over and above these achievements, Balwin Properties were crowned the Best Leisure Development in Africa for the Munyaka Lifestyle Estate located in Waterfall City.
The International Property Awards, now in its 32nd year, celebrate the very best projects and professionals in the industry across 45 residential and commercial categories.
Awards are split into four sectors, namely: Architecture, Development, Interior Design and Real Estate, across nine regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, United Kingdom and the United States.
Over the past year, a panel of over 90 independent expert judges studied and assessed more than 2 000 entries from 126 countries to finally arrive at the winners.
Willie Vos, Chief Executive Officer of Waterfall City Management Company, said; “Receiving international recognition across various segments of these awards, such as architecture and marketing, continues to reinforce the excellent work that numerous teams involved in Waterfall City are delivering.
"There is so much passion and innovation that go into every detail that makes up Waterfall City. From the state-of-the-art design of our buildings to the user-friendly interface of our website, it’s about achieving excellence in all we do.
"And we look forward to continuing to create a place where people love to be – a smart city so admired, safe and sustainable that there is no better place to live, work, play and prosper. We are super proud of these awards and congratulate all our teams and partners involved on these achievements.”
– Source: www.bizcommunity.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S MUSA MOTHA JOINS CALUM SCOTT ON “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” STAGE |
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| Calum Scott took to the “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) stage to perform for the Grand Finale and South Africa’s very own Musa Motha joined for a goosebump-worthy performance. |
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You Are The Reason by Scott is a powerful love ballad about overcoming obstacles to be with the one you love – it’s goosebumps all on its own but add in the phenomenal talent of South African dancer Motha and it’s more than one can handle.
Motha was in Hollywood, taking part in AGT: Fantasy League. Motha, who became a household name after his remarkable journey on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023, continues to inspire audiences globally with his resilience and talent.
During his time at AGT, he earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer and left the audience in tears! His performance with Scott is notable because Calum got his own start thanks to being part of Britain’s Got Talent in 2015 and also earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
Scott gave Musa some words of encouragement for his journey ahead, win or lose.
“You are such an inspiration; you’re so incredible; it is a pleasure and an honour to share the stage with you and this is just the beginning! No matter what the result is, you are going to be a superstar!”
Motha called the moment a dream come true and an honour. While Musa Motha did not go on to win the show, he won the hearts of the American and global public.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| HIP HOP CHAMPIONS HOPE TO MAKE SOUTH AFRICA PROUD AGAIN |
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| A Cape Town Hip Hop crew already showed the world how talented they are after winning gold at the Hip Hop World Championships in 2023. Their goal for 2024 is to make South Africa proud by winning again. |
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Cape Town-based Hip Hop dance crew Sublime are polishing their dancing shoes and best moves to make South Africa proud in the dance genre yet again.
The all-female team of dancers, coached by Corinne de Beer, are no strangers to wearing victory’s crown. In 2022, they brilliantly brought home the gold after competing in the Hip Hop Unite 2022 World Championships, a massive moment for the local dance scene. Now, Sublime has big plans to make South Africa shine in dancing gold with another win at this year’s championships in Obidos, Portugal.
No one-win-wonders, Sublime has relished in numerous achievements, including placing first at the Hip Hop International Regionals in 2023, earning their Protea Colours in 2022 and coming third at the Hip Hop Unite World Championships in France in 2021.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS 2024 NOMINEES ANNOUNCED: SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES FEATURE IN FOUR CATEGORIES |
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| Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, the Springboks, solo sailor Kirsten Neuschȁfer and Justice Desk Africa have been shortlisted, as South Africa received four nominations in the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024. |
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South African sport is celebrating after receiving four nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 – the most prestigious honours in sport – following a vote by the world’s media.
The Springboks are nominated for this year’s Laureus World Team of the Year Award following their momentous World Cup triumph over New Zealand in October. The captain of that side, Siya Kolisi, is nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award, after recovering from a partial ligament tear to lead the Springboks to glory. Kirsten Neuschȁfer is shortlisted for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, marking her extraordinary achievement of becoming the first female to win a solo round-the-world race via the three Great Capes. Rounding off the South African nominees is Justice Desk Africa, a group in the running for the Laureus Sport for Good Award.
Six nominees have been selected in each category, and the names of the winners will be revealed on 22 April 22, following a vote by the Laureus World Sports Academy – the world’s ultimate sports jury, made up of 69 of the greatest sporting legends of all time.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| BANYANA ONE STEP AWAY FROM PARIS OLYMPICS AFTER SEEING OFF TANZANIA |
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| Banyana Banyana confirmed their place in the final round of qualifying for the Paris Olympics women's football tournament with their 1-0 second leg win against Tanzania at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, 27 February 2024. |
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The South Africans won the first leg of the third-round tie 3-0 at Azam Complex Stadium in Mbagala, Tanzania, on Friday so progressed 4-0 on aggregate.
Thembi Kgatlana's 58th minute goal separated the teams in a match in which fellow striker Jermaine Seoposenwe went to 100 caps.
The South Africans go through to the fourth and final round. Banyana meet the Super Falcons in Nigeria first and then in South Africa on dates to be confirmed between 1 April and 9 April, with the winners of the tie progressing to the Paris Olympics.
Banyana, the reigning African champions, had a bye through the first round and beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 on aggregate in the second round.
The summer Olympics are being held from 26 July to 11 August 2024.
– Source: www.timeslive.co.za |
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| BLIND ATHLETE LOUZANNE COETZEE TARGETS PODIUM AT PARALYMPIC GAMES |
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| Returning to the Paralympic Games, visually impaired athlete Louzanne Coetzee believes she can step on the podium again, as long as she sticks to her plan in the build-up to the 2024 showpiece in Paris. |
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At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Coetzee earned two of South Africa’s six medals in the athletics competition, grabbing silver in the T11 1500m and bronze in the T12 marathon where she set a world record of 3:11:13 in her class.
Again, showcasing her ability at the highest level, the 30-year-old athlete went on to grab another silver medal in the 1500m at last year’s World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. |
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After putting in a 16-week block of base training, she opened her 2024 international season by taking third place in the metric mile at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai recently.
Despite finishing a shade outside five minutes (5:00.46), Coetzee said she had achieved her main goal in Dubai by giving her regular road running guide, Claus Kempen, a chance to race with her on the track.
As a precautionary measure, Coetzee hoped a few competitions for Kempen on the track circuit this year would allow him to fill in for her regular track guide, Estean Badenhorst, and vice versa, if required at the Paralympic Games.
Valuable experience
“I had done a lot of base training going into last week’s race and a lot of mileage, so I wasn’t expecting to run super-fast,” said Coetzee, who was hoping to race at a few more Grand Prix track meetings this year with the support of Profmed, as part of its Path2Paris Campaign.
“It’s always good to get some racing in and it gave Claus a chance to get some experience racing on the track at that level as well.”
Looking ahead, Coetzee said she was targeting personal bests in the 1500m and the marathon in the French capital in September.
If she could achieve this goal, she believed she would be challenging for Paralympic medals again.
“I would love to run personal bests in both events in Paris,” she said.
“It’s every athlete’s dream to win gold, but I think if I just focus on running my fastest times, the medals will come.”
– Source: www.citizen.co.za |
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| TONI ENDERLI PUTS SOUTH AFRICA ON THE BOARD AFTER COOK STRAIT SWIM |
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| South African Toni Enderli has completed the “Everest of open water swims” ‒ Cook Strait; putting South Africa on the board for his incredible achievement that will also help water-crisis-stricken communities in South Africa. |
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Enderli has just completed the Cook Strait portion of the Oceans 7 marathon, or as he puts it, “a battle against nature’s fury and forgiving New Zealand waters”.
Beginning bright and early on Sunday, 18 February, Enderli chopped through an even more channelling route for the already tough channel by swimming from the South Island of West Head to the North Island of Karori Rock. To put it into perspective, the Cook Strait swim saw 36 kilometres in rough, 13-degree bone-chilling waters known for strong tides and unpredictable water patterns. In the world of open-water swimming, it has a reputation as one of the toughest water challenges to exist.
According to the Cook Strait Swim team, “it successfully remains one of the few real ‘Everest Challenges’ left on the planet.”
Enderli undertook the task for several reasons, including embracing the legacy of his father and for two charities ‒ Swim for Rivers who work hard to address critical water supply challenges in South Africa and Sterila’s Mission in Santorina which provides care for stray animals on the island.
“No words can truly capture the mix of emotions and physical strain experienced during those 10 hours and 48 minutes,” he shares.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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