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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA REITERATES CALL FOR PEACE AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter on Monday, 7 October 2024, to once again call for an “immediate ceasefire that will end the suffering of the people of Gaza”. |
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This, as the world marks one year since conflict escalated between Israel and Hamas, which has led to mass deaths, intense suffering and violence.
“Today marks one year since the start of an onslaught against the Palestinian people that has thus far claimed more than 43 000 lives. The violence that has been committed by Israel against Palestinians over many decades intensified after an attack on Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October last year.
“As South Africa, we remain committed to the peaceful resolution to ending the occupation of Palestine, to upholding the tenets of international law, and to advancing social justice. We once again call for an immediate ceasefire that will end the suffering of the people of Gaza and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need,” he said.
The President added that South Africa condemned the “atrocities committed against civilians in Israel on 7 October 2023, as we have denounced the killing of civilians in any context”.
“More than 1000 Israelis were killed in the attacks of 7 October last year. Over 100 Israelis remain in captivity in Gaza. There are over 6000 Palestinians who are languishing in Israeli jails.
“As South Africa, we have consistently called for a resolution to the conflict and the release of all the hostages abducted on 7 October 2023. We have also called for the release of all the prisoners unlawfully detained in Israel.
“We cannot but be moved by the plight of all the families who have loved ones in captivity. With negotiations to secure their release having once again stalled and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continuing, the conflict shows no signs of abating,” he said.
Escalating tensions
President Ramaphosa highlighted that while several calls for a ceasefire echoed around the world, tensions in the Middle East have heightened.
“Amid efforts by the international community to secure a ceasefire, the situation has been worsened by strikes by Israel on Lebanon and by Iran on Israel. Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran, and Iran has threatened to respond accordingly.
“The escalating situation in the Middle East is of grave concern. It threatens to plunge the region into a war in which civilians will inevitably bear the greatest and cruellest brunt of this conflict. As the UN Secretary-General has said, each escalation after the next is leading the people of the Middle East over the cliff,” he said.
He warned that the global community cannot afford a long-standing conflict in that region of the world.
“A protracted regional conflict that leads to the loss of more innocent lives is something the Middle East and the world cannot afford. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to have the tenets of international law respected.
“Just as the countries of the world need to work together to ensure that this conflict is not allowed to spread, the international community must be seized with efforts to end the violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said.
The knock-on effect, the President said, has had a devastating effect on civilians in the area.
“Beyond an immediate end to the onslaught against Gaza, there is an urgent need for action to stave off starvation and disease among the population. Considerable resources need to be directed to Gaza to start rebuilding infrastructure, housing, social services, agricultural production and economic activity,” President Ramaphosa said.
He revealed that South Africa will file a memorial with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold all those responsible in the conflict to account.
“In our address to the UN General Assembly last month, we called for international law to be applied consistently in holding to account all who have committed atrocities in this conflict, whether it is Israel or Hamas.
“Later this month, we will file a memorial, which is South Africa’s full substantive case based on evidence, at the ICJ. The memorial contains detailed evidence to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in Palestine. We call on Israel to immediately implement the court’s provisional orders issued on 26 January 2024, 28 March 2024 and 24 May 2024,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President insisted that the reality is that the escalating conflict “is part of a pattern of violence that spans more than half a century resulting from the occupation of Palestine”.
“Until the occupation is ended and a just and lasting solution is found that will protect the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians, the region will remain a tinderbox of potential conflict and war.
“Israel has consistently declared that it aspires to live in peace and security with its neighbours. Yet its military occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and its invasions of Lebanon in 1978, 1982 and 2006 undermine this aspiration.
“As a country, we will continue to play our part in supporting all efforts to bring peace to the troubled Middle East region and to secure a just, lasting solution that ends the occupation of Palestine,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PAYS HOMAGE TO LESOTHO |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the solidarity, and “heroic sacrifices” made by the people of Lesotho in support of the fight for a free and democratic South Africa during the apartheid era. |
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The President was speaking during the 58th Lesotho Independence Day and Bicentennial Celebrations held in the Mountain Kingdom on Friday, 4 October 2024.
President Ramaphosa highlighted that the relationship between the two Southern African countries is “forged through a collective past and shared aspirations for the future”.
“I stand here today, representing my government and the people of South Africa, deeply aware of the heroic sacrifices Basotho made in support of the struggle against apartheid. Against enormous odds and at a great cost, the people of Lesotho extended a hand of friendship and solidarity. They offered refuge to our freedom fighters.
“As Basotho, you stood with our people even as the brutal apartheid armed forces crossed the border to kill and maim. We mourn the many Basotho who lost their lives alongside those of their South African sisters and brothers. We will remain forever grateful for these acts of selfless solidarity,” he said.
Reflecting on the relationship between the nations, President Ramaphosa said it “has reached even greater heights today”.
“Both countries continue to work together in many areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our respective peoples.
“As we gather here today on this historic occasion, we extend once again our congratulations to His Majesty King Letsie III and the government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Your achievements are to be celebrated with joy. A glorious future beckons for this great nation and its people.”
The President paid homage to King Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Basotho nation.
“We pay homage to his vision, his wisdom, and the bravery with which he fought for the liberty of his people. He formed a unified nation that today still embodies his commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Morena Letsie III, you have under your rule and stewardship continued this great tradition with vigour, wisdom, compassion and love of the people of the Kingdom.
“As your neighbours in Southern Africa and across the African continent, we appreciate your excellent leadership, your commitment to peace and development and your contribution to the cause of humanity,” President Ramaphosa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| CONDOLENCES FOR EVANGELICAL LEADER, PASTOR RAY MCCAULEY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the founder of the Rhema Bible Church and former Co-Chair of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa, Pastor Ray McCauley. |
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McCauley passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
“Pastor Ray’s passing leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the McCauley family said the evangelical leader passed away surrounded by his family.
“Pastor Ray has gone to be with the Lord peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“At 75, Pastor Ray had stepped back from active church duties but remained fully committed to serving the body of Christ. His enduring legacy as a servant leader will continue to impact communities far beyond his lifetime.
“Further details will be communicated in due course. The family appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time,” the statement read.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA OFFERS CONDOLENCES IN AFTERMATH OF DRC BOAT TRAGEDY |
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| On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo following a boating tragedy on Lake Kivu. |
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It is estimated 80 people have lost their lives and authorities are searching for close to 200 people who were onboard a vessel that sank close to shore on Lake Kivu on Thursday, 3 October 2024.
President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased passengers and of passengers who have yet to be accounted for.
President Ramaphosa wishes survivors a speedy recovery and wishes rescue and recovery crews well in the grim duty they are performing in the service of the Congolese people.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT WISHES THE JEWISH COMMUNITY WELL OVER THE HIGH HOLY DAYS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africa’s Jewish community a festive and mindful celebration of the High Holy Days, also known as Yamim Noraim or the Days of Awe, which began this week with Rosh Hashanah and will end next week with Yom Kippur. |
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“The South African Jewish community forms an essential part of the spiritual and cultural diversity of our nation.
“We wish the Jewish community at home and abroad a year of good health, strong family bonds, fellowship and success in all domains of life,” said the President on Saturday, 5 October 2024.
“This 10-day period leading up to Yom Kippur is a time for reconciliation and coming together, an occasion for us to engage in teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah, and an opportunity to pray and work for peace in all corners of the world.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT CONCLUDES WORKING VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM |
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| Deputy President Paul Mashatile has on Friday, 4 October 2024, concluded his weeklong Working Visit to the United Kingdom (UK). |
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The Deputy President was in the UK for the second leg of his Working Visit to improve trade and investment relations between the nations and woo investors following his travels to Ireland.
“The purpose of the visit was to identify new trade and investment opportunities to grow the South African economy in partnership with the UK,” The Presidency said in a statement.
Some of the areas of interest he touched on during his engagement include government’s strategic priorities in several sectors, including trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, tourism, and the Just Energy Transition.
“Following the successful conclusion of elections in both countries, the establishment of new governments allowed for reaffirming bilateral relations at all levels for the two strategic partners,” the statement read.
During the Working Visit, the Deputy President engaged with representatives from several organisations. These include Bloomberg Media, Brand South Africa, the London Stock Exchange, Investec, Standard Bank, JP Morgan, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and the South African Chamber of Commerce.
The talks also focussed on showcasing South Africa as an investment destination of choice by highlighting investment opportunities in the country.
He stressed the stability of South Africa’s political landscape as a result of the newly established Government of National Unity (GNU) and highlighted its significant demonstration of democracy at work and how it can serve as a model for other democracies around the world.
The Deputy President also had an opportunity to deliver an address on South Africa’s upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency, set to commence on 1 December 2024, at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
“The Deputy President affirmed that the country would advocate for the needs of developing nations, to place Africa’s development at the forefront of the global agenda.”
The Deputy President met with British government leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband, and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development David Lammy.
He further paid a courtesy visit to Prince Edward, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our numerous meetings with potential investors have revealed a shift in their attitudes and perceptions towards South Africa, indicating a positive look. Our alliance is based not on personal sentiments but on the aspiration to enhance South Africa and, consequently, the lives of our citizens and be useful in sustaining the GNU administration for five years,” said the Deputy President.
The Deputy President was accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, the Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
He was also with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Rosemary Capa, the Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT HOPES SOUTH AFRICA'S G20 PRESIDENCY WILL MAKE THE WORLD MORE EQUITABLE |
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| Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he hopes that South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency will contribute towards building a world that is more equitable, resilient and sustainable. |
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“It is South Africa’s hope that, once completed, looking back at our G20 Presidency will showcase the amplified voice, perspectives and leadership of the developing world in tackling some of these most pressing global challenges,” he said on Wednesday at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University in London.
The country’s second-in-command is in the United Kingdom (UK) for the second leg of his Working Visit to improve trade and investment relations between the two nations and woo investors.
Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and hosting the summit in 2025. South Africa is expected to take over the chair of the G20 from 1 December this year from Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President said that the G20 Presidency will focus on the developmental agenda and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The worrisome lack of progress in enhancing sustainable development globally underscores the need for global solidarity in addressing issues such as growing inequality; rising hunger; rising extreme poverty; the current global economy; climate and energy crises; the debt crisis facing developing countries, and illicit financial flows, all of which impede developing countries’ access to sustainable development.”
He said the country will also highlight the vital minerals issue and strive to bring attention to it during South Africa’s Presidency.
“We will concentrate on utilising natural resources, tackling beneficiation challenges, mobilising domestic resources, developing a critical mineral strategy, managing interdependent and diverse supply chains, and leveraging natural capital,” he said.
According to the Deputy President, critical minerals are essential for the Just Energy Transition and the green economy.
“Therefore, the issue remains relevant, particularly as it relates to the type of investment that is required to address these issues.”
In addition, he said South Africa will seek to leverage its presidency to advance the global reform agenda, particularly the transformation of the global financial architecture and reform of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Multilateral Development Banks.
He announced that processes are presently in progress to establish South Africa’s priorities and deliverables for its 2025 G20 Presidency.
“While South Africa continues to prepare for its G20 Presidency, move towards concrete deliverables, and finalise its agenda, what I have shared here today reflects some of the most pertinent issues that will inform and drive our agenda forward.”
Climate change
Meanwhile, the Deputy President has described climate change as a problem that demands urgent and consistent action from every individual, organisation and government.
“The government has committed to using the insights and recommendations from the State of Climate Action in South Africa Report to inform the scaling up of the country’s actions to respond to climate change,” he said.
The Deputy President told the gathering that South Africa is actively adopting sustainable practices to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time and poses a significant threat to humanity and the planet,” he told the attendees.
Shifting his focus to international peace, he called on the global community to unite to address this issue with utmost seriousness and commitment.
“We also call upon the world to work for peace, in particular in the Middle East. We must ensure a ceasefire so that the people of Palestine can rebuild and establish a state, side by side with Israel.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SEVENTH ADMINISTRATION TO PROMOTE PEACE, SECURITY IN AFRICA |
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| International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has assured South Africans that the current administration will not stray from the African Agenda and will continue to push for peace and security on the continent. |
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Delivering his remarks at the Africa Peace and Security Dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation on Saturday, 5 October 2024, in Magaliesburg, the Minister said: “I am here to say that the seventh administration remains committed to the African Agenda. We are not deviating from it: we pursue our agenda in the spirit of genuine partnership, not hegemony, as some would claim.”
The annual dialogue is dedicated to finding practical solutions to the peace and security challenges facing the continent.
“Evidence suggests that when all variations are put together, it is said that more than 120 conflicts are playing themselves out on the world, while 60% of the United Nations (UN) Security Council peacekeeping budget focusses on African conflicts and peacekeeping.”
According to the Minister, the two most worrying conflicts that have led to devastating humanitarian crises are in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.
Minister Lamola stressed that the Government of National Unity (GNU) was working around the clock to end these wars, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile being the envoy for South Sudan and President Cyril Ramaphosa focussing on Sudan.
“Unfortunately, both have not received adequate attention from the international community compared to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the devastating war in Gaza and recent tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours.”
He raised his concern that Africa has experienced a resurgence of coups in the past few years, while six member states remain suspended from the African Union (AU) because of unconstitutional government changes.
“I hope this conference will help us find a solution to legitimate concerns of West Africa about colonial vintage still haunting most parts of the continent.”
However, he said the global South would continue to work in harmony and revive the AU and regional economic communities, the building blocks of African integration.
He said the resurgence of violence in the Sahel region “should concern us all”, and the terrorism and violent extremist acts in Cabo Delgado were a security threat for Mozambique and the wider Southern African region.
“The threat of terrorism and violent extremism is one of the most pressing peace and security challenges that the continent is dealing with as it has spread to more regions of the continent, including Southern Africa.”
In addition, he stressed that South Africa would continue to support the leaders and people of South Sudan in their transition process towards a stable democracy.
South Africa has placed the issue of financing peace operations on the continent through the UN’s assessed contributions on the Security Council agenda.
He told the guests that South Africa will use its Chairpersonship of the G20 to action the pact of the future as adopted by the UN General Assembly, reform the global financial architecture and inclusive governance, and refocus on the implementation of the sustainable goals to put forward Agenda 2063 on the global pedestal.
-– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CONCERNED ABOUT CONTINUED ESCALATION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST |
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| South Africa has expressed its grave concern about the continuing escalation of military action by Israel on Palestine and Lebanon and has since called on the United Nations (UN) Security Council to address the rising conflict. |
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South Africa has also expressed dismay at Iran’s subsequent response on Tuesday, 1 October 2024. According to Al Jazeera, Iran launched a two-wave ballistic missile attack in response to Israel’s killing of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week and following the 31 July 2024 assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
“In this context, South Africa calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region, as it is vulnerable groups who suffer the most under conflict,” a Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) statement read.
Meanwhile, the department said the continued occupation of Palestine has denied its people their enshrined rights of self-determination and statehood, which remains a prerequisite to restoring peace and security in the region.
“South Africa calls on the international community and the UN Security Council to address the spiralling conflict.”
South Africa has reiterated the concern expressed by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, that he was “alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.
Guterres went further to state that "neither the region nor the world can afford another war”.
“It was noted with dismay that the UN Secretary-General was declared a persona non grata by the State of Israel, and South Africa calls on the international community to commit to upholding international law, international humanitarian law, human rights law, and the purposes and principals of the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security for all, without prejudice or favour.
“As long as there is impunity for unlawful acts, war and injustice will continue,” DIRCO said.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, AU COMMISSION TO HOLD CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON THE G20 |
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| The Director-General (DG) of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Zane Dangor, who serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, will host consultations on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga. |
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The session will be held on Thursday, 10 October 2024.
Amb. Muchanga is the G20 Sherpa and Commissioner of Economy, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals.
It is expected that the two leaders will exchange views on the approaches to the G20 and identify areas of cooperation on the draft outcomes of the Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
They will also talk about the envisioned priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which South Africa will assume on 1 December 2024, and other possible areas of cooperation during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. |
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At the recent G20 High-Level Opening Session in New York, held on the margins of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the timeliness and necessity of the G20’s “Call to action on global governance reform”.
The President highlighted South Africa’s commitment to the revival and strengthening of multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions to make them more representative.
DIRCO believes that South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 presents a unique opportunity to place Africa’s developmental priorities at the top of the agenda, as well as advocating for economies of the global South.
“It will enable South Africa to build on the efforts and successes of the Indonesian, Indian, and Brazilian G20 presidencies,” DIRCO said in a statement.
The G20 Summit, which was held in India in September 2023, granted the African Union (AU) permanent membership of the G20.
“Thus, the inclusion of the AU will allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues on the agenda of the G20.
“South Africa has been the only African member of the G20, advocating for the interests of Africa in the G20. The inclusion of the AU in this important forum will no doubt boost Africa’s voice,” DIRCO said in a statement.
DG Dangor will be joined by senior officials from various government departments.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is set to be held on 18 and 19 November 2024 in Brazil.
-– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| MINISTER URGES G20 TO SHOW LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CRISIS |
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| The G20 needs to show leadership in addressing the climate crisis, said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. |
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“The existential crisis of climate change is posing significant threats not only to human health and wellbeing, but is also exacerbating biodiversity loss, land degradation and other environmental complexities,” Minister George said on Thursday, 3 October 2024, at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers' Meeting in Brazil.
The G20 is a group of 19 countries, as well as the African Union and the European Union, which defines itself as the premier forum for global economic cooperation. It brings together leaders and policymakers from the world’s major economies to discuss key economic, development and social issues. G20 members represent around 80% of global gross domestic product, 75% of global exports, and 60% of the global population.
The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) deals with current issues on the environmental and climate sustainability agenda with a view to encouraging cooperation between G20 members on concrete and innovative solutions.
The group's main aim is to discuss preventive and emergency adaptation to extreme events, payments for ecosystem services, oceans, as well as waste and the circular economy. |
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“As such, key areas of collaboration are proposed related to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and importantly, climate finance—building on the discussions and outcomes of previous presidencies.
“As a primary outcome, South Africa would like to explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance critical for both mitigation and adaptation efforts, while ensuring that the required investments reach the most vulnerable of society.
“In this regard, it would be important to continue the fruitful discussions with the finance colleagues to enable the development of an effective, outcomes-based financial model,” Minister George said.
South Africa is expected to take over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil from 1 December this year to November 2025.
Under the South African Presidency, the G20 ECSWG will broadly focus on several pillars, namely, biodiversity and conservation; desertification; oceans and coasts; climate change and air quality; as well as chemicals and waste management, each with specific priorities.
“South Africa recognises that oceans play an important role in socio-economic development. In this regard, the G20 provides a platform to exchange best practices in advancing marine spatial planning that could further support the sustainable utilisation of the ocean and coastal environment and combat illegal fishing.
“Plastic pollution is a major threat to the coastal and marine environment. Discussions on plastic pollution have been long ongoing in the G20, and South Africa will continue to foster collaboration among G20 members to address this pressing issue collectively,” Minister George said.
He said waste management and the circular economy are recognised as areas of focus critical for transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
“During South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we aim to foster enhanced collaboration on waste management policies and legislative instruments, including on waste to energy initiatives,” the Minister said.
Waste to energy initiatives include various technologies that convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy, including heat, fuel and electricity.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER SINDISIWE CHIKUNGA PARTICIPATES IN UN DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL FIRESIDE AND NETWORKING DINNER |
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| Minister Chikunga joins United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed for dinner with women leaders in Pretoria. |
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On Sunday, 6 October 2024, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga participated in a fireside and networking dinner hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Amina Mohammed in Pretoria. The event brought together key women leaders from across sectors for informal discussions on Africa’s development and leadership.
DSG Mohammed’s visit to South Africa is part of her ongoing efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her visit emphasises the need for collective leadership in addressing Africa’s unique challenges, including poverty, gender-based violence, and climate change. DSG Mohammed highlighted the importance of supporting women in technology, returning to grassroots activities for women’s empowerment, and ensuring African women lead the charge in shaping the continent’s future unapologetically.
During the dinner, Minister Chikunga reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and increasing women’s representation in leadership. She cited the appointment of South Africa’s first female Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya, as a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership. The Minister also expressed concerns about the need for adequate resources to ensure that gender mainstreaming initiatives have broader and more effective impacts.
Minister Chikunga further stressed the importance of addressing gender-based violence in alignment with SDG 5 on Gender Equality. She noted that while South Africa has made strides through the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, the crisis remains a major challenge that requires ongoing attention and resources.
The relationship between the UN and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has been pivotal in addressing gender equality and social development. A notable example of this partnership is the Women’s Economic Assembly, which promotes the inclusion of women-owned businesses in South Africa’s industry value chains, contributing to women's economic empowerment.
Women leaders highlighted the importance of data-driven policy making to ensure inclusive development and emphasised the need for greater investment in higher education, science, and innovation to empower women. The discussions also focussed on strengthening social protections, promoting the care economy for women engaged in unpaid care work, and exploring opportunities for women in the green economy and renewable energy sectors.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA'S POTENTIAL FOR OIL AND GAS SIGNIFICANT |
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| Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says the discovery of gas and condensate from two exploration wells in the South Outeniqua Basin are proof that South Africa’s underexplored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas. |
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The Minister was speaking during Africa Oil Week (AOW) held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
“In the past two years, TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp have made eight discoveries across three blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin, representing an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of potentially recoverable oil.
“These discoveries have led to a huge interest by major petroleum companies since it is believed that the Namibian discoveries may be extending southwards into South Africa.
“The discoveries of gas and condensate from two exploration wells drilled in Block 11B/12B offshore in the South Outeniqua Basin have also proven that South Africa’s underexplored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas, thereby signalling a need to accelerate exploration efforts,” Minister Mantashe said.
Commenting on the withdrawal of international energy giant TotalEnergies from offshore Block 11B/12B and 5/6/7, Minister Mantashe insisted that development on the block still remains viable.
“[There] remains a good potential for other oil and gas players to partner with the remaining operator, MainStreet, to develop the block.
“Contrary to the view that suggests that TotalEnergies withdrawal from the block is tantamount to lack of confidence, it is encouraging that the company is a major shareholder in three blocks north of South Africa’s Orange Basin in the deep to ultra-deep waters and a 100% shareholder of another larger block that is three times the size of the 11b/12b in Southern Outeniqua,” he said.
According to the Minister, several exploration projects in the South African Orange Basin are “gearing up for development”. These include:
- Preparation work for drilling exploration of the Deep-Water Orange Basis (DWOB) block operated by TotalEnergies.
- Proposed drilling of an exploration well, with the option to drill up to four additional wells in Block 3B/4B.
- The Northern Cape Ultra-Deep-Water Block has started with environmental authorisation processes for drilling.
- The notable progress made on Block 5/6/7 with a potential to start drilling exploration in the block in 2026 targeting large oil and gas resources.
Minister Mantashe said the risk for these projects is litigation against exploration and production.
“This has already affected two major seismic surveys to date, including Shell, which abandoned their survey and went on to discover oil and gas in Namibia, as well as ENI, which, after being taken to court 47 times, left and went to discover oil in huge quantities in Côte d'Ivoire.
“The successful 3D seismic data acquisition in April this year by Searcher on South Africa’s west coast has proven that exploration of petroleum resources can be done successfully without any harm to the environment,” he highlighted.
The Minister gave a nod to the approval by the Competition Commission of government’s acquisition of the various assets that comprise the SAPREF [a joint venture between Shell Refining SA and BP Southern Africa] refinery, which is located in Durban.
“Government has, through the Central Energy Fund (CEF), concluded a transaction on the sale of assets at the SAPREF precinct. This acquisition has since been approved by the Competition Commission, thus reinforcing our efforts that seek to guarantee sufficient supply of petroleum products in the period where several refineries have been shut down prematurely.
“Like Chevron and Petronas, Shell’s decision to divest from its downstream business operations in South Africa provides an opportunity for another investor, or major oil company, to take over the assets as the downstream sector will remain attractive for the foreseeable future, given the rise of hybrid vehicles.
“We appeal to the delegates at this conference and the investment community to continue investing in the development of oil and gas to enable a prosperous energy outlook for Africa and promote sustainable development,” Minister Mantashe said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION RENAMED TO HIGHLIGHT FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY |
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| The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has welcomed the renaming of the department as proclaimed in Government Gazette No. 51283, on 27 September 2024. |
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The new name, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, follows the splitting of the Ministry of Higher, Science and Innovation into the Ministry of Higher Education and Training and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation under the seventh administration.
“The department’s name has undergone several changes in the past years. In 2021, government renamed the Department of Science and Technology, making it the Department of Science and Innovation. This was to emphasise the need for the department to drive innovation through its work,” the department explained.
However, the most recent name incorporates all the elements of the department’s mandate to lead enhanced productivity, economic growth and societal development through science, technology and innovation (STI).
“Putting ‘technology’ back into the name is an acknowledgement of the role that technological advancements play in driving scientific progress, economic growth and societal development,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, the department said that it retains its strategic focus on promoting innovation through cutting-edge technologies, fostering a digitally empowered society, and enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“Its priorities include climate change and environmental sustainability, human resource development, and addressing poverty and inequality.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC TIES |
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| South Africa and Botswana have committed to strengthening economic ties between the two countries and reducing the barriers that currently impede the free flow of goods. |
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The commitment was made during a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi and the Botswana Minister of Trade and Industry Mmusi Kgafela in Pretoria recently.
The two discussed the promotion of trade and investment and committed to addressing key challenges hindering the full potential of economic cooperation between the two countries.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties, deepening communication on trade relations, and fostering mutually beneficial investment opportunities that contribute to sustainable industrial development and employment creation for both countries.
Deputy Minister Godlimpi and Minister Kgafela emphasised the importance of simplifying trade processes and reducing the barriers that currently impede the free flow of goods.
The two ministers also discussed possible cooperation in areas of mutual interest where investment cooperation can be expanded, such as manufacturing, agriculture, transport, and other service sectors.
A central part of the discussions focussed on addressing existing challenges, including non-tariff barriers, regulatory obstacles, and market access issues that have hindered trade growth.
Both countries agreed to establish a bilateral working group to identify and resolve these challenges to ensure a fair and open trading environment.
Both delegations expressed optimism about the future of their economic partnership and agreed to hold and sustain regular consultations to monitor progress and explore new areas of cooperation.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST CONFERENCE OF OMBUDS INSTITUTIONS FOR ARMED FORCES |
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| South Africa is set to host the 17th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (17ICOAF) conference next year. |
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South African Military Ombud Lieutenant-General (Retired) Vusumuzi Masondo said the ICOAF gathers representatives of ombuds institutions for the armed forces from around the world, which exist in various names and models.
To date, representatives of ombuds institutions in over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative.
This, as Masondo and a delegation attended the 16ICOAF, which took place in Berlin, Germany, from 30 September to 2 October 2024.
The Military Ombud addressed the conference on how ombuds institutions can uphold and enhance the various systems of care and support for veterans, especially focussing on supporting veterans with physical and mental health concerns. |
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Masondo shared with his peers that veterans who served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since 1994 have access to the necessary physical and mental health care they may require.
However, the Office has identified that a great number of military veterans who fought for South Africa’s liberation are excluded from the mandate in law and have little, if not limited, physical and mental health care support.
“A lesson for us involved in furthering the democratic order would be to remember to include all soldiers involved in such a struggle in future veterans’ dispensations. I found it serving the purpose of the Office to forge strong and reliable relations with stakeholders impacting veterans' health,” said Masondo.
In sharing best practices and experiences, Masondo presented several case studies the Office dealt with regarding military veterans’ benefits.
Masondo mentioned that the Office reaches out to veterans through the Outreach Programme, which helps the Office to note the increase in complaint trends from veterans relating to health services post their careers as soldiers.
The objectives of the 16ICOAF were to raise awareness, facilitate and foster peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and best practices.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY MARKS 95 YEARS OF SCENIC RIDES |
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| Ninety-five years after the first visitors ascended Table Mountain in a wooden cable car, the iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) continues to thrive, providing unforgettable experiences for guests from around the globe. |
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“We are excited to celebrate our 95th anniversary on Friday, 4 October 2024, and we can’t wait to share this milestone with everyone who has supported us over the years,” said Selma Hercules, Executive Director of TMACC.
Since its opening on 4 October 1929, the Cableway has seen three major upgrades and regular maintenance, becoming a defining feature of Cape Town’s famous flat-topped mountain.
Few know the story behind its inception, which dates back to the 1870s when plans for a railway along the mountain’s slopes were first proposed to help the public reach the summit. Although the original plan for a funicular railway was delayed by World War I, interest reignited in 1926 when Norwegian engineer Trygve Stromsoe proposed the idea of a cableway, laying the groundwork for what we now know as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. |
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Over the years, countless icons, celebrities, and royals have enjoyed the Cableway, including talk show host Oprah Winfrey, musician Sting, actors Famke Janssen and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, and singer Kelly Rowland.
“An interesting titbit is that mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Everest, rode the cable car up Table Mountain shortly after his historic climb,” noted Hercules.
Hillary remarked, “There is probably no more spectacular place in the world than Cape Town and Table Mountain at the tip of Africa.”
While much has changed since that inaugural ride in 1929, the Cableway remains one of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions, transporting approximately one million visitors each year. TMACC has exciting plans to commemorate this significant anniversary.
Throughout October 2024, South Africans celebrating their birthday can enjoy a free return cable car ride, available to those with a valid South African ID. Additionally, the company is offering a 95th Anniversary Special ticket for R195 (ID required), which must be purchased online prior to the visit.
To give back to the community, TMACC will host a golf day on 8 November 2024 at Atlantic Beach Golf Estate to raise funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Services and Wilderness Search and Rescue, essential organisations that help ensure the safety of the mountain. Capetonians are encouraged to support the event by booking a four-ball, sponsoring holes, or making donations.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has visited us over these 95 years. Our success as a tourism operator is due to our dedicated frontline staff, support teams, industry partners, and loyal fans,” said Hercules.
“Thank you for 95 incredible years. Here’s to many more!,” Hercules concluded.
– Source: www.capetownetc.com |
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| CAPE TOWN TO HOST PRINCE WILLIAM FOR EARTHSHOT PRIZE AWARDS |
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| Excitement is building for the visit by His Royal Highness, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, to Cape Town to present the Prize. |
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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis shared the excitement as he announced that the city is ready to host the prince, founder of the Earthshot Prize, in November 2024.
Earlier this week, Prince William teased that he was going to be in South Africa in five weeks but wasn’t clear as to whether Princess Kate would be joining the visit too.
Prince William will be attending the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town on 6 November 2024.
The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale groundbreaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet.
This is the first time that the Earthshot Prize annual celebration will be held in South Africa, following events in London in 2021, Boston in 2022, and Singapore in 2023.
Fifteen finalists are in the running to receive five GBP£1 million prizes, which will be awarded at the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.
Finalists were selected from nearly 2 500 nominations spanning 139 countries, reportedly the largest-ever nomination pool.
Finalists of the Earthshot Prize were announced on 24 September 2024 and hail from France, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Ghana, and Nepal.
In a statement shared by Earthshot Prize Prince William said, “Today, we celebrate the incredible achievement, unwavering dedication and urgent optimism that drives our fourth class of Earthshot innovators.
“The passion of these finalists is a testament to what can be achieved when we tap into the enormous creativity, ingenuity, and optimism of communities around the world. Representing every corner of the globe, these finalists are leading the way in solving some of the most urgent environmental challenges. Their groundbreaking work is inspiring hope and action as we work to create a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The ceremony takes place in the Earthshot Week. The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to search for innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. Taking place across five days of landmark events, Earthshot Week 2024 will shine the spotlight on groundbreaking environmental solutions and bring together world-leading innovators, investors and philanthropists with the aim to drive forward the restoration and protection of the planet.
One of The Prize’s inspiring 2023 finalists was Cape Town’s ABALOBI, a non-profit partnership between fishers and scientists aimed at protecting small-scale fishing communities while educating clients about the origin of their seafood.
Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis said: “We look forward to welcoming the Prince of Wales to Cape Town for this prestigious global prize-giving ceremony. The Earthshot Prize is all about innovation on the biggest environmental and climate issues of our time. We are proud to be associated with such an event as a leading city for environmental protection and innovation on the African continent.”
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S HIV RESEARCH COUPLE HONOURED WITH TOP MEDICAL RESEARCH FOR PUBLIC SERVICE |
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| Professors Salim Abdool Karim and his wife Quarraisha Abdool Karim have been recognised for their pioneering work in the medical field and were awarded with the prestigious Lasker-Bloomber Award for their public service. |
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Married for 36 years, the epidemiologists, both aged 64, are internationally respected for their work on stopping deadly infections such as HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and the coronavirus.
In a statement, the Lasker Foundation said the award recognises the couple for illuminating key drivers of heterosexual HIV transmission and introducing life-saving approaches to prevent and treat HIV.
“The prize further recognises them for their statesmanship in public health policy and their advocacy. The Abdool Karims have influenced AIDS programmes across the globe and they have played pivotal roles in developing South Africa’s scientific capacity. Throughout their careers, they have championed science and its potential to benefit the world’s citizens,” read the statement.
The award comes with a USD$250 000 award.
Lasker added that the couple’s ground-breaking work in the fight against HIV includes a major advance against a leading cause of death among HIV patients—co-infections with TB.
“They led a trial that showed that combining antiretroviral treatments with TB treatments greatly improves survival. This has now become a standard of care globally. In Africa, it’s credited with averting more than one hundred thousand deaths a year.”
The couple also published studies examining how the new Covid virus affected HIV and TB patients and their interest in COVID-19 variants provided the first evidence of the dangers posed by the omicron variant.
They are now working on a long-acting version of PreP and also are leading the development of an HIV monoclonal antibody; they want to determine if it offers another way to provide long-lasting protection while also informing efforts to develop an HIV vaccine.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| CHEF SIBA MTONGANA NAMED AFRICA’S BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT |
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| Chef Siba Mtongana’s restaurant, Siba, received the prestigious title of Africa’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards 2024 held in Dubai last week. |
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“Thank you so much to my family for their love and support, and to the global panel of judges and the World Culinary Awards for this incredible honour,” expressed Mtongana.
The World Culinary Awards celebrate excellence in the culinary field, recognising top talents and establishments.
Siba offers a unique five-star dining experience that showcases global flavours infused with local flair. Signature dishes include:
- Dombolo Dance: Traditional Xhosa steamed buns served with innovative-flavoured butters and chimichurri.
- A Touch of Home: Cheese-stuffed boerewors balls accompanied by a creamy bisto-inspired sauce and prawn shisanyama.
- A curated selection of local cheeses with seeded crackers and preserved figs, served in a decadent three-cheese sauce for dessert.
An eight-course meal at Siba is priced at R1 495, with an optional wine pairing for R995.
Known for her popular show, Siba’s Table, which airs in over 150 countries on the Food Network and other channels, Mtongana has built a significant presence both locally and internationally. She has graced the cover of Forbes Magazine as one of Africa’s most powerful women and received the inaugural Trail Blazer Award at the Eat Out Awards.
Additionally, her career has garnered attention from Harvard Business School, which featured her in a case study alongside culinary icon Nigella Lawson, making her one of only two chefs worldwide included in such a study.
Mtongana’s influence reaches far beyond South Africa, as NTV Kenya named her Africa’s favourite chef, and Tatler Magazine in Malaysia recognised her as one of the world’s seven food goddesses, alongside culinary stars like Lawson and Rachael Ray.
Despite her numerous accolades, Siba remains grounded, deeply connected to her faith and family values. In a recent Instagram post, she shared her humble beginnings:
“With every success I’ve achieved, many assume I come from a privileged background. But I’m just an ordinary girl from the township of Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape. What set me apart was my innate drive for the extraordinary,” she wrote.
“I’ve had confidence and determination from a young age, thanks to my parents, my mindset, and the company I keep. Striving for excellence and fully committing to everything I do has opened doors and attracted the opportunities I’ve received throughout my career.”
– Source: www.capetownetc.com |
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| GAUTENG ROBOTICS TEAM TO COMPETE AT WORLD ROBOT OLYMPIAD |
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| After creating a unique robot dubbed the Green Guardian, which is a solider in the face of climate change, a team from Gauteng will compete at the World Robot Olympiad finals in Türkiye. |
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This year, the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is helping foster innovative solutions in the face of climate change—something people around the globe are feeling, most notably in record temperatures.
To inspire the next generations of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the World Robot Olympiad national events followed the theme Earth Allies. Here, teams tackled the challenge of creating a robotic solution to climate change. South Africa’s winning team from Curro Helderwyk in Gauteng came up with the “Green Guardian”, a robotic solution to ensure food security by protecting crops from sudden weather changes.
Their innovative system provides real-time weather monitoring to ensure 24/7 crop protection. It’s also super adaptable, solar-powered and savvy, able to withstand extreme weather conditions and loadshedding.
It was the Green Guardian that won the Helderwyk team their place at the finals in Türkiye—an event the whole squad simply cannot wait for and where they’ll be joined by other South African teams.
“I love robotics as it enables me to help engage in the world and contribute to society’s ongoing technological development,” says team member Veer Mansingh.
“I expect to have a fun trip to Türkiye while being exposed to new experiences, interacting with other people, gaining more knowledge and learning new techniques.”
Khanyisile Magangane adds beautifully:
“I view robotics as a science and an art that allows for the expression of creativity through innovative solutions. It enables me to bring my ideas to life and make a meaningful contribution to the world. Robotics has the power to open doors for many young people, and I aspire to be one of those individuals. With a lot of hard work put into our project, I am confident that we can anticipate a positive outcome in the WRO international competition in Türkiye.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SLAAPSTAD WINS GOLD PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST |
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| Cape Town-based photographer Jay Caboz’ photograph “Slaapstad” has earned second place in the Epson International Pano Awards—the world’s largest photographic competition dedicated to the part of panoramic photography. |
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Many have enjoyed Cape Town’s natural fog show, where the famous foggy “tablecloth” dresses Table Mountain, and the city is seemingly tucked in by Mother Nature. But few have seen the view from a great height, let alone captured it.
Jay Caboz took a gorgeous series of shots starring Lion’s Head, glittering city lights and dream-like hues adorning the sky as the fog rolled in and onward.
His praised photograph, Slaapstad feels like peering into a painting from the romantic era with a painter’s fever dream. The lone ranger atop a peak, the rush of the fog like a waterfall and the breathtaking palette of sky all work so seamlessly together that it feels as if each element were in cahoots with the others.
It’s easy to understand how, out of the thousands of over 4000 entries, this photo would climb to the second overall place and earn gold in the Built Environment Category.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| FIVE SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS SHOWCASE AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK |
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| Five South African female designers got to enjoy the pinnacle of fashion excellence as they showcased at New York Fashion Week last month. |
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Through the Give Her a Crown Platform—an initiative by The Change Collective Africa that uses art to challenge barriers around gender equality—female empowerment was all the rage for local fashion lovers as South African designers got to give the runway an iconic run with their talents on full display.
Their works were as thoughtful in curation as they were in ideation, inspired by the theme, Shifting Perspectives and the words of spoken word artist Qui Qarre.
The Crown Collection for 2024 was co-curated with Michele Roda, the New York-based African Fashion Council and designer Chuks Collins. These curated pieces are a convergence of fashion, poetry and storytelling—elements that speak largely to the beating hearts of our continent. Additionally, they help raise awareness by spotlighting young female creatives to watch.
Meet the Designers:
- Gugu Peteni—founder of the inclusive streetwear brand GUGUBYGUGU, who also earned praise in Paris earlier this year.
- Keneilwe Mothoa—a visionary melding fashion and interior design to celebrate African heritage.
- Manthe Ribane Liebmann—a multi-faceted artist who blends her skills from music to design to create unique and dynamic pieces.
- Tsakani Mashaba—through her brand HAMETHOP, Tsakani takes fashion lovers on a journey through African art, textiles and architecture.
- Thando Ntuli—MUNKUS’ creative force who draws inspiration from 1980s and 1990s South Africa to create nostalgic and expressive fashion.
Chuks Collins reflects: “Bringing African fashion talent to New York is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity of these designers. I’m thrilled for the world to experience these powerful, transformative collections that challenge norms and inspire change.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE CONGRATULATES MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA FOR WINNING WORLD RALLY-RAID CHAMPIONSHIP BID |
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| Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Saturday, 5 October 2024, welcomed the decision to host a World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) race in South Africa. |
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The race will take place from 18 to 24 May next year. It will follow the Dakar Rally in January 2024, which will mean Africa will host two major motorsport events in the same year.
The rally in May 2025 will be held in the Northwest and Limpopo, organised by MSA.
The race headquarters and event facilities will be based at Sun City, next to the Pilanesberg National Park.
“This event is going to boost tourism for South Africa, boost women in racing, generate income to grow the sport in South Africa, help to create jobs in rural areas and put the country back on the map for global motorsport,” said Minister McKenzie.
“In our quest to secure the return of Formula One, a successful Safari Rally will only help to strengthen our burgeoning relationship with the FIA [Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile],” said Minister McKenzie, referring to South Africa’s hopes of hosting a Formula One event for the first time since 1993.
Minister McKenzie went on to thank MSA who were pivotal in helping the country win the right to host the motorsport event.
South Africa Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) chief executive Archie Rutherford said: “This is an extremely exciting and very proud moment for us as organisers of the SA Rally-Raid Championship and the numerous South Africans competing in the Dakar Rally and other international events.
“This unique event will feature diverse terrain, with the race route traversing some of the most stunning bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains, encompassing an exceptional experience for all in the areas of Sun City, Thabazimbi and the agricultural heart of Northwest.”
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA DOMINATES WORLD SURFSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS |
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| South Africa has surged to the top of the world, as the nation’s surfski team delivered a stunning, triumphant performance at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, claiming five out of six major titles and cementing their status as the undisputed champions of the ocean. |
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At the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships on Madeira Island, the South African surfski team delivered an outstanding performance, clinching victory in five of the six major championship races. The nation’s paddlers dominated the waves and the podium, making Friday, 4 October 2024, a day to remember for South African sport.
The South African team showcased its immense talent and skill by conquering almost every major race.
Kira Bester, a name now etched in surfski history, led the charge by winning the U23 gold medal in the women’s event. Not only did Bester win her category, but she also claimed the overall title, a remarkable achievement for the young athlete. |
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South African paddlers were unbeatable, filling the top spots across categories, with five of the top ten finishers in the women’s event coming from South Africa.
In the senior women’s category, Michelle Burn added more gold to the nation’s tally by finishing second overall and securing the senior world title. Young Georgia Singe put on an inspiring performance as well, finishing seventh overall and taking home the junior title, completing a clean sweep of titles in the major championship races for the South African women.
Other South African women, including Melanie van Niekerk, Saskia Hockly, and Jade Wilson, made sure South Africa’s presence was felt throughout the top ten, finishing fourth, fifth, and ninth, respectively. The dominance of the women’s team was undeniable, with Bester reflecting on the tough race: “I actually can’t describe the race in a quick way because it was as long as hell and the conditions were so diverse. Basically there was a downwind, then there was a headwind, then there was a flat section, a bumpy section and they kind of chopped and turned the whole time, so it was a very, very difficult course.”
Despite the challenging conditions, Bester’s determination and hard work paid off in the most spectacular fashion.
South Africa’s men also made an incredible impact at the championships. Hank McGregor, a legend in the sport, secured third place overall, adding another bronze to his long list of accolades. In a historic moment, Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht became the first European to win the men’s event, but the South Africans were hot on his heels, with McGregor and Matthew Fenn, who placed fourth overall and claimed the U23 title, flying the flag high.
Sam Mocke, the new junior world champion, continued the winning streak, showing the depth of talent coming out of South Africa. Joining him on the podium was Heath Clarke, who secured silver in the junior men’s category.
Former world champions Kenny Rice and Nic Notten rounded off the top ten, placing fifth and sixth, respectively, while Uli Hart finished tenth and claimed bronze in the U23 race.
A celebration of South African excellence
What makes this triumph even more extraordinary is the sheer number of South African paddlers finishing in the top ranks. Five men and six women secured top-ten finishes, highlighting the dedication, training, and hard work of the athletes and their support teams.
South Africa’s success at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships is a clear indication of the nation’s strength in surfski racing, with 14 medals added to the tally on day one.
Bester captured the emotions perfectly when she said, “It’s an incredible feeling to have won because it is kind of the pinnacle of all my hard work coming together and paying off. I have sacrificed so much to get here. It’s an achievement for all the people that backed me – my family, my team, my coaches and basically my whole club. It’s a really awesome feeling.”
South Africa now holds a commanding lead on the medal table, with Spain, Germany, and Portugal trailing behind.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| HOUT BAY SIBLINGS CROWNED OCEAN RACING WORLD CHAMPIONS |
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| Hout Bay siblings Holly and Ryley Smith have been crowned as the Mixed Doubles U18 Ocean Racing World Champions thanks to the huge splash they made in Madeira, Portugal. |
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It was not an easy feat. Conditions were said to have been challenging, with flat waters, strong currents, and fierce headwinds to tackle. Nonetheless, the siblings pushed through it all to claim their shared win.
Both are young talents, with Holly being in matric and Ryley in Grade 10. Their school, Camps Bay High, couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
“Holly and Ryley’s achievements are truly inspiring. Their dedication and commitment to the sport, combined with their teamwork as siblings, is something we don’t often see at this level. They are incredible ambassadors for both the school and South Africa,” said a proud Busi Ngcwama, the Head of Sport at their school.
In addition to their joint victory, both competitors also earned individual wins. Holly clinched silver in the Singles U18 Women event, while Ryley (who is an U16 athlete) took an impressive sixth position for his singles race in the U18 Men’s division.
Holly is a three-time World Champ who has also won the Women’s Double U18 Canoe Marathon and the Women’s Singles U18 Ocean Racing event.
Young Ryley is following in his big sister’s footsteps, with this win marking his first World Champ title in Ocean Racing.
“Winning a World Championship is always an incredible feeling, but to do it with my brother in my final year of racing in the U18 category makes it even more unforgettable,” said Holly.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| HERE ARE THE TALENTED ATHLETES SET TO COMPETE AT THE 2025 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES |
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| As the countdown to the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games begins, South Africa is filled with pride and anticipation as six remarkable athletes will don the green and gold in Italy. |
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Olympic fans, sports enthusiasts and patriotic supporters will be pleased to learn that Special Olympics South Africa has announced the incredible team of athletes who will represent our nation at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games (SOWWG) in Turin, Italy.
The South African athletes are ready to shine on the world stage at the World Games, which will take place from 8 to 16 March next year.
The nation’s exceptional team of athletes is training relentlessly to take on the world’s best. All hailing from Gauteng, they are poised to make history on the international stage.
Each athlete brings their unique skills and talents to the table, from the graceful elegance of figure skating to the exhilarating speed of short-track speed skating. |
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Here’s a look at the exceptional athletes who will proudly represent South Africa:
- Tyrell Sykes – Male – Figure Skating
- Bianca Basson – Female – Figure skating – level 1
- Shirnel Swarts – Female – Short-track speed skating
- Shane Bentley – Male – Short-track speed skating
- Kenneth Mokabo – Male – Figure skating
- Naledi Hlalele – Female – Figure skating – level 1.
Their journey to the 2025 Winter Games represents their personal achievements as well as the collective dreams of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the country.
The team’s preparations are already well underway, with support from coaches, families, and the Special Olympics community nationwide.
“Their hard work, resilience, and dedication embody the heart of the Special Olympics movement—proving that sport has the power to unite, uplift, and transform lives.
“These athletes are not just competing for medals; they are breaking barriers and showcasing what’s possible when determination meets opportunity,” Special Olympics South Africa stated.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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