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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO LAUNCH SOUTH AFRICA'S G20 PRESIDENCY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 2 December 2024, brief the media on South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency. |
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During the recent G20 Rio Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, President Ramaphosa officially accepted South Africa’s responsibility for the G20 Presidency for 2025. This will be the first time an African economy leads the G20 for a rotational, one-year term.
Brazil held the G20 Presidency during 2024, and South Africa will, at the end of its term, hand over the G20 Presidency to the United States of America.
The G20 is a forum of the largest economies in the world that meet regularly to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global economy.
Under its G20 Presidency, South Africa seeks to provide strategic direction in establishing a more equitable, representative, and fit-for-purpose international order, in line with the main multilateral processes under the United Nations.
– Source: www.thepresidency.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT TO CELEBRATE OLYMPIAN, PARALYMPIAN MEDALLISTS |
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| Athletes who successfully represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be celebrated at an event hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, 29 November 2024. |
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The President will lead the celebration at a ceremony at the Union Buildings.
“The ceremony will recognise the excellence demonstrated by top athletes as well as the organisational effort by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to prepare Team South Africa for the Games.
“Team South Africa featured 147 athletes at the Paris Olympics Games, which took place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and 32 athletes at the Paris Summer Paralympics Games from 28 August to 8 September 2024,” said The Presidency.
A total of 12 medals were achieved for the respective games. Six each for the Olympics—one gold, three silver, and two bronze—and two gold and four bronze for the Paralympics.
The appreciation ceremony will include the conferring of awards to deserving athletes and their coaches as well as the Shield of Jove, which is the highest South African recognition in sports achievement following the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CALLS ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his address at the Presidential Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Cooperatives Awards to call on banks to make money available for businesses. |
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Speaking at the awards held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Gauteng on Friday, 22 November 2024, the President emphasised that with interest rates declining, this is an opportune time to make funding more accessible to drive economic growth.
“As interest rates are coming down and are bound to come down even further, this is the time to make finance available within obviously the various considerations that you have to take into account.
“This is the time to make finance available and pump energy and life into our economy because when small and medium enterprises are given enabling energy by our financial institutions. They will be able to run businesses to be creative, to create jobs, and our economy can grow.
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“I call on the banks and financial institutes to make money available so that our businesses can grow,” the President said.
Hosted by the Department of Small Business Development, the Presidential MSME and Cooperatives Awards are aimed at highlighting and rewarding the achievements of South Africa’s top-performing MSMEs, cooperatives, and ecosystem enablers who drive growth and transformation across the nation.
The ceremony honoured businesses that embody innovation, commitment to local development, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The President also took a moment to address the recent spate of foodborne illnesses that have been linked to spaza shops and informal traders in townships. He said this has thrown into sharp focus the issues of regulation, health, and safety.
At the same time, he said the issue has highlighted the critical role small businesses play in communities, providing much-needed services and supporting local economies.
“That is why it is so important to bring small businesses into the mainstream of the economy, and that we provide the necessary support for them to do this.
“International experience shows that MSMEs are drivers of sustainable growth. Countries with more MSMEs tend to have lower levels of inequality. Entrepreneurs are the drivers of innovation,” he said.
However, the President acknowledged that rates of entrepreneurship in South Africa are low by continental standards.
He told entrepreneurs and delegates at the awards that it is essential that they encourage entrepreneurship.
“It is vital that we enable the emergence and growth of MSMEs and cooperatives. We must focus on targeted interventions to address financial exclusion and onerous regulatory requirements.
“We must provide access to funding, capacity building, and other support. The success of the finalists here this evening shows that with the right support, small businesses can succeed, expand, and be sustainable,” the President said.
The President said that the Government of National Unity has made inclusive growth and job creation its apex priority, and supporting small enterprises is an integral part of these efforts.
President Ramaphosa said the National Planning Commission estimates that the country needs 5.8 million MSMEs to meet job creation targets.
The President said that this means there is a need to double the number of MSMEs in the country.
“We are encouraged by the efforts underway to capacitate the sector. One of these is the merging of SEFA [Small Enterprise Finance Agency], SEDA [Small Enterprise Development Agency] and the Cooperatives Bank Development Agency into the newly formed Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency.
“Of the R730 million disbursed by the new agency to date, R101 million has gone to township enterprises and R261 million to rural enterprises,” he said.
The Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency has also provided non-financial business support to more than 15 000 township and rural enterprises.
The President said that legislation is in the pipeline to streamline business licensing.
An e-registration system that integrates the work of the South African Revenue Service and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is under development.
“If we are to fully unlock entrepreneurial potential, there must be a razor-sharp focus on startup growth, especially in the burgeoning tech sector. We must ensure that we are not left behind in the global transition to knowledge, and innovation-based economies.
“As part of this, we must scale up the adoption of advances like mobile payments and digitised record-keeping by small businesses,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said he was encouraged by the work of the Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Science and Innovation around a national startup policy.
Among other things, this policy will deal with issues such as intellectual property registration and foreign exchange controls.
“Even as this is all work in progress, we recognise the urgency with which we must scale up support for small businesses in South Africa. They are the driving force of our economy.
“The finalists and recipients of this year’s awards are a shining example of what can be achieved. Allow me to congratulate all the winners and runners-up. You have done well. You are a fine example to other South Africans who want to follow their entrepreneurial dreams,” the President said.
The President also took a moment to thank the organisers of the awards, the generous sponsors, and the millions of entrepreneurs who make the country work and the economy grow.
“These are the micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives that create livelihoods and jobs. They provide communities with vital services. They create value that goes far beyond turnover or profit.
“They contribute in a million different ways to building a more equal, more prosperous, and more productive society. These awards are a celebration of all the entrepreneurs in a country. It is a token of our gratitude and admiration,” the President said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA TO MARK WORLD AIDS DAY |
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| Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), will on Sunday, 1 December 2024, lead the official commemoration of World Aids Day in East London. |
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World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV as well as to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The 2024 theme: Equal Rights, Equal Care is a call for equal, equitable, and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race, or sexuality.
“South Africa joins the global community in anchoring the World Aids Day 2024 commemorations on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens.
“This is in line with the principles of the newly enacted National Health Insurance (NHI) model, which is a transformative policy aimed at addressing the inequalities in South Africa’s healthcare system,” said The Presidency.
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Deputy President Mashatile will lead the commemoration alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku; SANAC Private Sector Chairperson Nompumelelo Zikalala; Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi; Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane; as well as representatives from development partners such as the United Nations (UN) agencies the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund, the UN Programme on AIDS and HIV, the World Health Organisation, and United States (US) Government agencies the Centre for Disease Control, and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The event will also be supported by research entities, civil society movements, the private sector, and community members.
As part of the programme on Sunday, Humile Mashatile, in her capacity as Patron of the Global Alliance, will participate at the launch of the Eastern Cape Provincial Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE TO LEAD LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM FOR NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN CAMPAIGN |
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| Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Monday, 25 November 2024, led the launch of the National 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign at the Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West province. |
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The programme commenced at 08:00 with a visit to the Rustenburg Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Shelter, followed by a GBV walk at 09:00 that started from the taxi precinct on Heystek Street to the Rustenburg Public Library. The formal programme started at 11:00 at the Rustenburg Civic Centre.
This year's activation will be held under the theme, 30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, with the sub-theme for the campaign being, Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Accelerate a Gender Inclusive Digital Economy.
“Achieving meaningful change requires a cultural shift that challenges ingrained attitude and stereotypes about gender equality across all spheres of society, while denouncing societal norms that perpetuate gender based violence and femicide,” The Presidency said in a statement.
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The Deputy President was joined by the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, supported by the Department of Social Development, the North West Provincial Government, the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and multilateral bodies.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| COMMEMORATION OF THE 47TH UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE |
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| The South African Government joined the international community in commemorating the 47th United Nations (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as well as renewing South Africa’s shared commitment to a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. |
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This year, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, participated in the event and witnessed the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the late Leader of Palestine, President Yasser Arafat. Minister Lamola was also bestowed the Order of the Star of Merit on behalf of the President of the State of Palestine, HE Mahmoud Abbas, for his continued role in support of the Palestinian cause from his tenure as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development for his leading role at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when South Africa brought the case of genocide against Israel.
The question of Palestine remains unresolved after 75 years. The Palestinian question remains at the core of tensions in the Middle East. In this regard, this occasion provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect and take stock of the plight of the people of Palestine. |
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On this day, South Africa once again called on the State of Israel to realise that the only way to achieve peace is a two-state solution, where Israel will be able to exist side-by-side in peace with a viable and fully independent Palestinian State, within internationally recognised parameters.
South Africa remains resolute in its commitment to continue strengthening the bond of long-standing solidarity, friendship, and cooperation with Palestine and calls upon the international community to work tirelessly for the attainment of peace and provide strong humanitarian, economic, and political support.
In keeping with South Africa’s long-term and principled support for the Palestinian people, the Government of South Africa remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at refocusing the international agenda on Palestine and a revived Middle East peace process. In the context of the Israeli illegal occupation of Palestine and daily atrocities being committed, South Africa reiterates our appeal for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine and Lebanon, and the start of a political process to ensure a just and lasting peace.
The international community must work tirelessly in assisting the Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations of freedom, justice, and an independent Palestinian State.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| G20 COMMUNITY OUTREACH EMPOWERS EHLANZENI COMMUNITY |
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| International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has urged the community of Welverdiend in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, to engage with the Group of Twenty (G20) initiatives aimed at creating jobs, improving healthcare, and fighting poverty. |
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The Minister, joined by Acting Mpumalanga Premier Sasekani Manzini, officials, and ambassadors, led a G20 community outreach at Mahlale High School in Acornhoek, Ehlanzeni, on Saturday, 23 November 2024.
Representatives of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to South Africa (ambassadors) also participated in the activities by handing over IT equipment to the school.
Minister Lamola used the occasion to popularise South Africa’s foreign policy objectives and how these relate to the achievement of domestic priorities. |
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South Africa is set to assume the presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024. The presidency offers the opportunity to highlight domestic issues on a global stage, including unemployment, inequality, access to finance, climate change, tourism, and artificial intelligence.
“We will be assuming a huge responsibility of the presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024. This platform gives us an opportunity, as a country, to put our issues on the global stage [including the] issues that are affecting you here as the community of Bushbuckridge in the district of Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga and South Africa as a whole.
“Issues of unemployment, inequality, access to finance, climate change, tourism, artificial intelligence, and other day-to-day issues will now [be under the] spotlight,” Minister Lamola said.
The Minister said the province is well-placed to make a number of inputs into debates and discussions that will ensue during South Africa's presidency of the G20.
“You are also better placed [with regards to] tourism. As the Acting Premier said, you are adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Sudwala Caves, Echo Caves, God’s Window, and many other areas of tourism. These are also spaces for your contribution as a province and as the people of South Africa.
“So, this platform [the G20] is in such a way that everyone is able to make a contribution, and ourselves as International Relations, we will create that bridge that will enable you to make this contribution,” the Minister said.
International relations
Minister Lamola highlighted the role of his department in addressing global conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Gaza through dialogue.
He explained that the country is actively involved in international relations, with its military in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to facilitate peace and stability, and is committed to contributing to the cessation of conflict in the Middle East.
“We continue to monitor and play a role in the DRC. Our Defence Force is in the DRC. They are not there to fight in the war, but they are there to stabilise the environment so that peaceful negotiations can happen to resolve the conflict in the eastern part of the DRC.
“That is our role as International Relations and as South Africa, which we continue to play in the world, and we continue to play a role [in] the cessation of fire in the Gaza in the Middle East,” the Minister said.
The engagement with the Ehlanzeni community comes shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa's successful participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil from 18 to 19 November 2024.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES TO CO-CHAIR THE SOUTH AFRICA-POLAND POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS |
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| International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes will co-chair the South Africa-Poland Political Consultations with his counterpart, Andrzej Szejna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, on 29 November 2024, in Warsaw, Poland. |
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The consultations will provide an opportunity for the Deputy Minister and his counterpart to review the state of bilateral political relations with a view to consolidating and further enhancing diplomatic and political cooperation between the two nations.
The Deputy Ministers will also share perspectives and deepen their understanding of regional, multilateral, and global issues of mutual concern.
As part of the aim to promote economic diplomacy, the consultations will also seek to catalyse progress towards the inauguration of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which is an important structured mechanism for the coordination of economic activities between the two countries. |
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The bilateral and political consultations between the two countries take place annually based on the Protocol on Consultations signed in Pretoria on 19 September 1995. The last session of the consultations was held on 2 December 2022, in Pretoria.
Poland views South Africa as its priority partner in Africa, both with regard to bilateral relations and South Africa’s strategic partnership with the European Union. South Africa is also Poland’s most important trading partner in Africa.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES IN SWITZERLAND FOR HIGH-LEVEL CONSULTATIONS |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, arrived in Bern, Switzerland, on Sunday, 24 November 2024, for the 11th Meeting of the South Africa-Switzerland High-Level Consultations (HLC). |
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The meeting provides a platform for the two governments to review the status of bilateral relations, explore new partnership opportunities and exchange insights on global and regional issues of mutual concern.
Mr Alexandre Fasel, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, hosed Deputy Minister Botes and his delegation. |
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The HLC comprises five technical working groups focusing on:
- Foreign Policy
- Human Rights
- Economic Development
- Science, Innovation and Education
- Joint Economic Commission.
These working groups have met in preparation for the HLC to review their plans of work and to agree on joint projects and initiatives to pursue over the next year.
Deputy Minister Botes and State Secretary Fasel received reports from the working groups during the HLC.
The HLC’s agenda also included a discussion on regional and international issues and ways in which South Africa and Switzerland could collaborate to promote peace and security, as well as economic and sustainable development on the African continent and in other parts of the world.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MORAKA TO HOST THE SIXTH SOUTH AFRICA-VIETNAM PARTNERSHIP FORUM |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, co-hosted the Sixth South Africa-Vietnam Partnership Forum with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Hang, on Tuesday, 27 November 2024, in Pretoria. |
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The Sixth Partnership Forum reflected on the dynamically growing relations between South Africa and Vietnam. Key topics of discussion included cooperation in trade, investment, agricultural market access, minerals, combatting transnational crime and wildlife offences, as well as collaboration in higher education and training. This forum represents a continued commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for mutual benefit and development.
This significant meeting follows the exchange of official visits in 2023, with Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan of Vietnam visiting South Africa in September 2023 and Deputy President Paul Mashatile visiting Vietnam in December 2023. The visits marked thirty years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Vietnam, aiming to reinvigorate and strengthen the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER MORAKA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER COLLABORATION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND ASEAN |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, has expressed optimism about the potential for greater collaboration between South Africa and countries affiliated with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). |
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Deputy Minister Moraka was speaking in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she participated in the Second Meeting of the ASEAN-South Africa Joint Cooperation Committee (ASA-JCC) on Thursday, 21 November 2024.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the progress of ASEAN-South Africa relations, including the implementation of the ASEAN-South Africa Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) 2024-2028, as well as potential areas of future cooperation between ASEAN and South Africa.
While in Jakarta, the Deputy Minister also participated in the following activities:
- Indonesia-South Africa Business Forum Networking Lunch attended by the industry players and associations from the agricultural and plantation sectors of South Africa and Indonesia.
- Seminar on Agriculture and Food Security attended by a delegation of South African business representatives, including companies interested in exploring trade and collaboration opportunities with Indonesian businesses.
- A reception celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Indonesia.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES IN ITALY FOR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, held bilateral consultations with his Italian counterpart, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli. The meeting was held on Thursday, 21 November 2024, in Rome, Italy. |
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The second Bilateral Consultations aimed to renew relations between South Africa and Italy.
Deputy Minister Botes said: “Long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries need to translate into tangible projects that would stimulate more Italian interest in South Africa, especially regarding trade, investment, renewable energy, small business development, transport, health, and arts and culture.”
Deputy Minister Botes added that there is scope for improvement in several areas of cooperation, including peace and security, food security, and energy security, as well as trade and investment.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| JUSTICE MINISTER WELCOMES ICC WARRANTS OF ARREST FOR ISRAEL, HAMAS LEADERS |
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| Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders. |
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The ICC’s pretrial chamber issued the warrants on Thursday afternoon, 21 November 2024.
“This step by the ICC is a vindication of South Africa’s position, which has been canvassed extensively before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The international community can no longer ignore the glaring evidence of genocide and systemic violations of international law in Gaza.
“No individual, government official, or even a nation-state is considered to be above the rules established by international laws and conventions. The ICC’s action sends a powerful message that accountability is not optional but a cornerstone of a just and equitable global order,” Minister Simelane said.
The department described the issuance as a “critical moment in addressing decades of impunity surrounding serious violations in Palestine”.
“[The] ICC’s findings provide compelling evidence that both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant intentionally deprived the civilian population of Gaza of essential resources, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. Their actions, which obstructed humanitarian aid and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
“South Africa, alongside other nations, has consistently called for accountability to address the atrocities committed against Palestinians.
“The Minister emphasised that South Africa’s submissions to the ICJ have strengthened the case that the Israeli state’s actions meet the definition of genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
“This advocacy reflects South Africa’s unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law,” the department said.
It called on the international community to speak out against the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the commencement of a political process to secure a just and lasting peace in the region.
“The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians, including women, children, and humanitarian workers.
“South Africa will continue to advocate for justice for the people of Palestine in all international forums, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their rights protected,” the department said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER DE LILLE HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF TOURISM |
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| The tourism sector is a dynamic economic force that contributes significantly to worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) while creating jobs and fostering human development. |
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“As South Africa, we are acutely aware of the transformative power of tourism and business events, and we are working hard to elevate the profile of tourism and attract more business events and visitors to our beautiful and diverse country,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.
The Minister was addressing the Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) World Trade Show 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, last week. Tourism was, for too long, seen as a “secondary” sector; its full potential often underestimated, she said. |
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“We come to IBTM World this year with excitement as in a few days’ time South Africa will officially take [the] Presidency of the 2025 G20 Summit, following Brazil’s hosting of the summit this year and ahead of the United States of America, who will host the summit in 2026.”
She said as the leading business events destination in Africa and the Middle East, as affirmed in the latest International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) rankings, South Africa stands proud and ready to host the G20 Summit and showcase all our diverse offerings in business and leisure tourism.
“South Africa hosting the G20 Summit marks a significant milestone, and it is important both for our country and the greater African continent.
“As the only African country in the G20, South Africa brings a unique perspective to discussions, particularly those affecting developing nations and the African continent.
“Hosting the summit allows South Africa to not only spotlight issues such as economic inequality, development, climate change, and fair-trade practices, but it also helps to once again to connect countries to grow tourism and highlights South Africa’s capability to host successful incident-free global big events,” she explained.
Minister de Lille said the South African meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry was valued at USD$6.6 billion (R121.8 billion) in 2023 and it is projected to grow fourfold over the next eight years, reaching USD$25.9 billion (R477.9 billion) by 2032.
“I am confident that, with our dedicated efforts, we can even exceed these projections, and this is why being at this crucial platform at IBTM World is important to us as we are committed to growing this sector beyond projections.
South Africa’s hosting prowess
“South Africa has consistently demonstrated its capability to host high-profile local and international events, showcasing our expertise and commitment to excellence.
“I can confidently assure you that, as a country, we are looking forward to welcoming all the visitors, including world leaders, delegates, media personnel, and support staff, to our shores.”
She added that South Africa has a formidable track record of hosting successful major business events annually and that the country’s hosting prowess will once again be on show for the world to see.
“We are excited to be able to share our unique stories with the world’s media, as we also share with them our vast tapestry of cultures, award-winning cuisine, natural beauty, diverse attractions, and infrastructure.
“There is no doubt that as more of the world gets to see our country through the G20 Summit lens, we are confident that they too will be interested in coming to meet in South Africa and exploring our country.
“We are therefore looking forward to hosting even more international conferences, trade shows, and business events in the future because, certainly if the world still does not believe it, the G20 Summit cements our country as a capable host for large-scale events.”
Minister de Lille told delegates attending the summit that South Africa is not just a destination; it is the gateway to the future of global collaboration and unforgettable experiences.
“The G20 Summit provides South Africa many gains, and we are excited to use this event to grow global visibility, showcase our infrastructure improvements, and strengthen our brand as a tourism and business events destination,” she said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA SETS SIGHTS ON INDUSTRIALISATION OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY DECARBONISATION |
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| South Africa is making the most of the available opportunities to drive industrialisation through global decarbonisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau. |
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Minister Tau led a team of officials last week from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to a joint briefing session of Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Trade and Industry and Science, Technology and Innovation. The aim of the session was to engage on South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy and the White Paper on Electric Vehicles.
Minister Tau told the members of the Portfolio Committee that South Africa has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emission, as envisaged in the national Just Energy Transition. Above its own contributions to reduce emissions, South Africa has partnered with the rest of the world to decarbonise.
The Minister said South Africa has to decarbonise its own economy but also position itself to commercially benefit from the global shift to greener technologies.
“Green hydrogen presents an opportunity to export natural resources such as sunshine and wind, which South Africa has in abundance.
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“The global demand for green hydrogen presents ample industrialisation opportunities not only for South Africa but for other African countries, so we need to collaborate and integrate efforts to drive the industrialisation agenda for the continent as a whole.
“The speed with which we move will determine whether we are able to take full advantage of the transition or we are left behind,” he said.
Linked to decarbonisation efforts is the worldwide move to electric vehicles, which Minister Tau described as advancing at a fast pace.
Through the White Paper on Electric Vehicles and support for the automotive industry, South Africa is embracing the transition and adapting its Automotive Strategy to current global trends.
The White Paper on Electric Vehicles outlines a commitment to ensuring that the transition is not just about decarbonisation but is also leveraged for growth by deepening the automotive value chain, fostering local industry growth, and aligning with economic priorities. The approach aims to be pro-growth and pro-investment.
Regarding the carbon intensity of the South African economy, Minister Tau indicated that government is cognisant of the fact that some of the measures, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by the European Union, do require that the country challenge them at the level of the World Trade Organisation, as they are likely to have a negative impact on economic growth efforts.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES USD$300 BILLION COMMITMENT FOR CLIMATE FINANCE |
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| Government has welcomed the new finance deal of USD$300 billion per year by 2035, which was committed by high-income economies to finance climate action for developing economies. |
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The deal was clinched at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), which concluded in the early hours of Sunday, 24 November 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The agreement signals to private sector and multilateral development banks to scale up financing to developing economies to USD$1.3 trillion per year by 2035.
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“The decision underscores the importance of reforming the multilateral financial architecture to make it fit for purpose to address the climate crisis. It also calls for scaled-up support for climate action from multilateral financial institutions through grant-based and concessional financing,” Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality Management Maesela Kekana said on Monday, 25 November 2024.
Kekana, who was the Chief Negotiator, said the decision further underscored the need to reduce barriers and address disenablers faced by developing economies, such as limited fiscal space, high levels of debt, and high costs of capital.
South Africa’s delegation at the conference was led by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, who said the decisions that were adopted at COP29 are “a win for the country”.
“Parties adopted the Baku Climate Unity Pact consisting of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance; the Global Goal on Adaptation; and the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme; as well as the key decisions on implementing the Paris Agreement’s Articles 6.2 and 6.4.
“The adoption of Articles 6.2 and 6.4 decisions on carbon markets will allow South Africa and other developing economies to initiate new carbon market projects, which will facilitate investments in green technologies and economic opportunities,” the department said.
Going into the negotiations, the Minister was optimistic that parties would take meaningful decisions toward quantifying resources for developing economies to meet ambitious climate targets.
“There have been complaints from other parties about the leadership of the COP29 Presidency and that the decisions were not reached through full consensus. However, for South Africa, the decisions that were adopted are a win.
“While we understand the frustration expressed by some parties, we do see the outcomes as a significant step in the right direction, as it is more than what we had going into the negotiations, and we can now build on that, especially given that South Africa will be the next President of the G20,” Minister George said.
South Africa’s negotiating team was particularly pleased about the decision on the Mitigation Work Programme, which was co-chaired by Minister George and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore Sandvik.
“The Mitigation Work Programme will provide further opportunities to share experiences and match investment needs with investors. I am pleased with the outcome,” said Minister George.
On adaptation, parties are on track to finalise the work on the adaptation indicators to track progress in the implementation of the global goal on adaptation at COP30 in Brazil in 2025.
“The conference also welcomed the rapid institutionalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. Under the leadership of South Africa and France, the fund is expected to disburse funds to climate-vulnerable communities in mid-2025. Team South Africa believes that COP29 was a huge success, which has inspired hope that we will be able to do more in future,” the department said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| CEASEFIRE DEAL BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON |
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| The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on 27 November 2024. |
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This vital act of de-escalation underscores the supremacy of diplomacy and significantly mitigates the human suffering caused by indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure. South Africa calls on all parties to fully adhere to the ceasefire deal. It is hoped that a permanent cessation of hostilities will follow, which will end the conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border, which has indiscriminately killed thousands of Lebanese people, many of them women and children.
South Africa calls on the international community to support the ceasefire agreement, which will lead to a sustainable solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701. South Africa furthermore calls for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. South Africa reiterates its call for the international community to respect and adhere to UN resolutions, international law, and international humanitarian law.
South Africa hopes that the cease-fire will de-escalate tensions in the region, and we reiterate that we stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Lebanon and express our support for the implementation of the agreement.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA PARTICIPATES IN A CONFERENCE AIMED AT AN ANTI-PERSONNEL MINE-FREE WORLD |
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| South Africa will be participating, and serving as a Vice President, in the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines (Mine Ban Treaty), in Siem Reap, Cambodia. |
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The Mine Ban Treaty is a multilateral treaty that aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines given their indiscriminate nature and the humanitarian consequences they cause. Adopted in 1997 following the Oslo Diplomatic Conference chaired by South Africa, the treaty prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.
In line with its core goals, the Convention mandates the clearance of contaminated land, the destruction of stockpiles, assistance to victims, and promoting universal adherence to the treaty and its effective implementation. The Fifth Review Conference will address specific challenges in implementing the Convention, such as securing adequate funding for mine clearance, advancing technological solutions to speed up the clearance process, and improving the rehabilitation and reintegration of landmine survivors. Strengthening international cooperation and partnerships between states, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations will be key themes, ensuring that affected countries have the resources and support they need to meet their obligations. |
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It remains imperative for all countries to ratify or accede to the Convention, thereby reinforcing the global effort to eliminate anti-personnel mines. This is all particularly important in the context of the continued production, transfer, and use of landmines, including in current conflicts where landmines are being used despite their devastating, indiscriminate humanitarian impact. South Africa underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the Convention and condemns the use, transfer, and stockpiling of antipersonnel mines by any actor under any circumstances. Such actions undermine international humanitarian law and pose significant challenges to global efforts towards a mine-free world.
As a former producer and exporter of anti-personnel mines, South Africa has been active in the global process to ban anti-personnel mines. It played a prominent role in the Ottawa Process to negotiate the Treaty and was a key member of the “core group” of governments responsible for developing and promoting the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. South Africa dismantled its production capacity and halted all anti-personnel landmines production by 1995, reinforcing its commitment to a mine-free world. The country ratified the Mine Ban Treaty in 1998, and the Convention came into force for South Africa on 1 March 1999.
South Africa will continue draw from its rich history of association with the Mine Ban Treaty to work towards an anti-personnel mine-free world.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA LOOKS TO SPACE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH |
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| South Africa is readying itself to join the space race with the National Communications Satellite Strategy, which will be a collaborative project spearheaded by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the Department of Science and Technology (DSTI), the South African National Space Agency (Sansa), and national signal provider Sentech. |
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This is an ambitious project aimed at bridging the digital divide, reducing communication costs, and hardening national security. Success, however, relies on securing funding, local skills development, and mitigating potential risks.
The departments have worked collaboratively over the past three years to draft the National Communications Satellite Strategy that addresses critical issues of connectivity, technological sovereignty, and economic competitiveness.
Patrick Ndlovu, Chairperson of the Sansa board, told the parliamentary portfolio committee that the vision is to shift South Africa from being a net consumer to a net producer and exporter of satellite technology and services.
“This is not just about technological advancement; it’s about transforming lives.”
“We are spending over R1.5 billion annually on satellite services,” he explained, “but an investment of R4-R6bn could help us not only meet our needs but also export these services across the continent.”
By deploying a national communication satellite, the country aims to extend connectivity, enhance disaster response, and ensure secure national communications.
“This initiative will contribute to inclusive economic growth while ensuring South Africa’s technological sovereignty,” said Gugulethu Zwane, acting DSTI Director-General.
A matter of national security
“This project should be wholly supported, as it unlocks opportunities in the digital economy and positions South Africa as a leader in the satellite industry,” said Khusela Sangoni Diko, co-chairperson of the joint meeting.
Beyond saving on current satellite service expenditures, the strategy will stimulate local industries, create jobs, and drive technological advancements.
Recent feasibility studies, including one by Sentech in 2016, estimate that a national satellite could break even within seven years of its launch.
The strategy outlines a phased approach comprising upstream, midstream, and downstream components:
- Upstream: Satellite design and specification by Sansa and Sentech
- Midstream: Satellite launch and commissioning, spectrum management, and signal distribution by Sansa, Sentech, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
- Downstream: IT infrastructure for e-government services, led by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA).
Regulatory and operational challenges
While the project’s potential is clear, challenges include funding, access to orbital slots, and capacity-building.
The degraded state of South Africa’s allocated orbital slot further complicates matters, requiring renegotiations with international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
To address these, the draft strategy has undergone a rigorous review process, including input from independent experts, key government departments, and the social-economic impact assessment (SEIAS) required by The Presidency.
The next steps include presenting the strategy to government clusters, followed by public consultation and final cabinet approval.
Local competition
“Countries like Angola and Egypt have already launched national satellites, reaping benefits in connectivity and technological independence; South Africa cannot afford to delay” Sansa CEO Humbulani Mudau told the committee.
The strategy also aligns with the country’s broader National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The MeerKAT radio telescope instrument located just outside Carnarvon forms part of the Square Kilometre Array project.
“We must remain ambitious and act decisively to ensure this critical infrastructure becomes a reality,” concluded meeting co-chair Tsakani Shiviti.
This project has the potential to transform South Africa’s technological landscape, fostering innovation and economic growth while asserting its sovereignty in the space sector.
– Source: www.bizcommunity.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ON THE UP AGAIN AFTER 12 YEARS |
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| After a challenging period, including temporarily ceasing operations, South African Airways has reported its first net profit since 2012. |
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South African Airways (SAA) has reported its first net profit since 2012, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s road to recovery.
South African Airways experienced a challenging period for more than a decade. This was caused by, among other things, the global pandemic, corruption, and mismanagement. Markedly, in 2020, SAA was forced to temporarily cease operations. However, a comprehensive restructuring effort has enabled the South African carrier to rebuild its foundation. This included scaling down its fleet from 44 to six aircraft, optimising its workforce, and also refocusing its operations across the African region.
During the 2022/2023 financial year, SAA operated between six and eight aircraft, serving up to nine destinations. This was the airline’s first full fiscal year of operations since resuming flights in September 2021. |
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Since March 2023, SAA has expanded its network to 16 routes. This includes the return of long-haul flights to Perth in Australia and Sao Paulo in Brazil. Additionally, SAA has increased frequencies to key African destinations, including Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, Accra, and Mauritius. It has introduced a new route to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
More routes are in the pipeline. The airline’s management plans to double the airline’s current route network. Additionally, it plans to expand its fleet by at least 30% in under 18 months.
The board’s interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, described the positive results as “emblematic of the hard and careful work that went into the relaunching of SAA as a reliable airline and globally admired brand”.
“We have now entered a period of consolidation of the current route network and fleet strategy and are looking to the next phase of quantum growth as SAA renews its fleet to elevate its customer offering, open more intercontinental routes, and pursue its environmental sustainability goals,” -said SAA’s interim CEO John Lamola.
My Broadband reported that SAA’s interim board chair, Derek Hanekom, stated that a step in the right direction was that the management and board no longer took instructions from politicians about the airline’s strategic direction.
Hanekom, a senior member of the ANC, was one of President Jacob Zuma’s most outspoken critics during the Gupta State Capture era.
The Zondo Commission of Inquiry found that political interference had played a role in SAA’s financial deterioration.
Although Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and the SAA interim board have confirmed the airline will no longer require government funding, it needs a private partner to ensure long-term success.
However, Hanekom said the board had no “interest, desire or appetite” to privatise SAA as it believed the airline could again be a valuable asset to the South African economy.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| AFRICAN CONSERVATION TRUST SHARES STORY OF FARMER WHO LANDED HIS DREAM CLIENT |
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| David Shilabi is a farmer with a passion for growing things. The African Conservation Trust (ACT) has shared his story, which is supporting people in the broader Mpumalanga and Limpopo areas who face high unemployment. Shilabi’s love of farming comes from knowing its value, saying, “We are standing on money in the ground.” |
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Shilabi is part of a group that took part in a programme to launch community gardens three years ago. While his community faces high unemployment rates, water scarcity, and elevated summer temperatures, all of which contribute to the region’s food insecurity, he has forged forward to make his efforts a success.
Participant farmers live in communities near the game reserves and are paid a stipend by the Social Employment Fund (SEF), provided with agroecological training and ongoing mentoring, and provided with tools and personal protection equipment, seedlings, and agricultural materials by the ACT.
Since the initiative was launched, the farmers consume their harvests, sell the vegetables for profit, or donate the produce to families in need.
Shilabi sought to maximise profits and approached a neighbouring private game reserve to sell his produce. He was successful. Today, his efforts feed tourists from around the world who come to experience a South African safari. He supplies produce to four private reserves and the Kruger National Park.
“The food produced is organic, nutrient-dense, chemical-free, and devoid of plastic packaging. The produce is consumed by the farmers, sold across the fence into their communities, or donated to the vulnerable.”
“The partnerships between the private lodges and the surrounding communities are multifaceted and vital for the long-term conservation of South Africa’s wild spaces. It is rewarding to see the formation of authentic partnerships, resulting in employment inside the conservation areas but also empowerment of entrepreneurs in communities on the reserve boundaries.” – Carl Grossman, the Chairman of ACT
Shilabi is a trailblazer for the farmers in his community, as the local reserves look closer to home when stocking their cold rooms.
“I have a passion for growing things, for helping people, and the lodges to get fresh vegetables, because I see nowadays there is too much sickness and people are not eating well. I’m also trying to teach others that we can create jobs without being employed by someone. I’ve got a mission and a vision for this thing, and I am looking forward to improving from where I am now,” – David Shilabi
So far, the chefs at the lodges have rave reviews, with one even saying they cannot keep stock of Shalibi’s rocket as the guests love the spicy, fresh greens.
ACT is proud to share Shalibi’s success. It goes to show how projects like this really do have long-term, life-changing effects on the communities that need it most!
The project was a collaboration between government, game reserves, and non-government organisations aimed to alleviate some challenges. Numerous community gardens were initiated with support from the SEF, management by the ACT, and coordination with the Sabi Sand Pfunanani Trust, and the South African National Parks.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| FROM NEAR EXTINCTION, CAPE MOUNTAIN ZEBRAS ARE NOW RECLAIMING ZEBRASKOP AS THEIR HOME |
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| Once on the brink of extinction, the majestic Cape Mountain Zebra now finds hope in a dedicated conservation effort. These resilient animals now have fresh land at Zebraskop to roam, grow, and ensure their genetic health, thanks to the efforts of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and CapeNature. |
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Similar to rhinos, Cape Mountain Zebras were once almost hunted to extinction. Their numbers dropped as low as 60 individual animals at the start of the 20th century, WFF South Africa confirms.
Endemic to South Africa, their last strongholds were in only three places—an area near Cradock in the Eastern Cape (now the Mountain Zebra National Park), Kammanassie near Oudtshoorn, and Gamkaberg near Calitzdorp, two provincial nature reserves in the Western Cape.
Through concerted conservation efforts, Cape Mountain Zebra numbers have recovered to an estimated 5 185 animals, but the threats remain.
These include genetic weaknesses due to their being historically isolated in small populations, habitat fragmentation, and hybridisation with other equids, including plains and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra.
This is why WWF and CapeNature have been working together to secure more land for Cape Mountain zebras, in particular, to better manage their metapopulation (a population distributed across many sites) and gene pool.
Thanks to a generous donation, WWF was able to buy the 4,172-hectare Zebraskop property, a former game farm, which lies to the south of the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, as a site for a genetic rescue programme.
As part of the first phase of this operation, excess existing game on the farm were sold off to raise funds and to allow the veld to recover from past overgrazing. The funds generated from the sale of these animals were then used to establish a breeding herd of Cape Mountain Zebras.
One of the most heartwarming stories within this initiative involves a mare from Kammanassie Nature Reserve. This resilient zebra had wandered off the reserve and found solace among a herd of cattle. Recognising her unique potential, conservationists carefully relocated her to Zebraskop in July 2024.
To help her settle, the team came up with a plan. Theresa van der Westhuizen, Conservation Manager Off Reserve with CapeNature, explains that “We realised we would have to create an environment that she would be comfortable with so that she wouldn’t want to go roaming again. The best case scenario was to put her with cattle because it seemed that is what she favoured, and so we arranged with a neighbouring farmer to loan three of his cattle to join her in the camp.”
In September 2024, two more zebras were brought in—one a stallion that was airlifted from a farm adjacent to Gamkaberg (it too had left the reserve) and yet another Kammanassie mare.
There’s also a third phase of the project planned for which more funds are needed to create a 2km by 500m-wide corridor to connect Zebraskop with Gamkaberg, which will allow the zebras to roam more freely. This, however, will require good fencing and cattle grids as the zebras will have to cross public roads.
The journey to recovery is ongoing, but the dedication and perseverance of conservationists offer hope for the Cape Mountain Zebra.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| EGGCHASERS’ TIM COCKER SHARED HEARTWARMING LOOK AT RUGBY TRANSFORMATION IN SOUTH AFRICA |
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| Tim Cocker of “Eggchasers”, a rugby commentary YouTube channel, promised to return to South Africa after being here in July 2024 for the Ireland vs. Springboks matches. He gushed about his time in the country and the praise was extremely well received. |
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Cocker later returned, this time for the New Zealand games in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where he got to experience some iconic travel moments, spend time with the Boks Office podcast and video cast guys, and experience the power of transformation projects.
One of the stops he made this time around was at the Grootbos Foundation, which uses rugby as a transformative tool in Gansbaai.
Cocker once again took a moment to sit down and unpack his experience. For those not in the know, South African businesses are mandated to take part in corporate social investment projects to help uplift previously disadvantaged communities. Many big companies do this by forming foundations where they can manage the donated funding and projects to empower the community directly.
It was this concept Cocker got to see in action while staying at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. For Cocker, who found himself choked up a few times through the video, the fact the rugby is being used to make change within entire communities was deeply moving.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| TYLA TEAMS UP WITH SABRINA CARPENTER FOR CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW |
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| It has been far too long since there was a Christmas variety show for the world to get really excited about. But, this year, festive lovers across the world will get their fix as they tune into a “Nonsense Christmas” Variety Show hosted by Espresso singer Sabrina Carpenter. |
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Once a common treat to look forward to during the festive season (especially during the golden age of radio and celebrity boom of the 1970s and 1980s), televised holiday specials largely transformed into Christmas episodes, advertisements, and campaigns that just don’t pack quite the same festive punch.
But this season will see all the bells and whistles dazzle in Nonsense Christmas, with music, comedy and some of the world’s biggest stars.
South African superstar Tyla is part of the killer duet line-up, as are icons like Chappel Roan and Kali Uchiss. Sabrina Carpenter will be performing some of her festive favourites.
Other appearances in Nonsense Christmas will include Nico Hiraga, Quinta Brunson, Cara Delevingne and many more Hollywood hitters.
The Netflix special is set to air on 6 December 2024, and as Sabrina Carpenter herself shares, “It won’t be a silent night.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SPRINGBOKS FINISH 2024 WITH COMFORTABLE WIN OVER WOEFUL WALES |
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| The Springboks finished their year-end United Kingdom tour with three wins from three after a comprehensive 45-12 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday night, 23 November 2024. |
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Off the back of a powerful scrum, the world champions outclassed their hapless opponents in a seven-try romp.
There's no doubt the Boks boast the best scrum in world rugby and their domination in this department was nothing short of brutal in Cardiff.
Wales were never in with a shot and outclassed by far superior opponents. This was Wales' 12th straight loss in 2024—the first time they have gone a calendar year winless since 1937.
The Boks finished the year with an impressive 11 wins from 13, and it was also the first time since 2013 that they will return from a year-end tour by winning all their games.
The Boks scored tries through Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, Gerhard Steenekamp and Jordan Hendrikse. Flyhalf Hendrikse kicked five conversions. |
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It was not a perfect performance by the Boks, who let several promising attacking chances gone begging. They'll feel they should have won by a larger margin.
But the year as a whole was highly successful.
Springbok lock Mostert was named Player of the Match.
Scorers:
Wales 12 (5)
Tries: Rio Dyer, James Botham
Conversion: Ben Thomas
South Africa 45 (26)
Tries: Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jordan Hendrikse
Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (5)
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| SPRINGBOKS DOMINATE WORLD RUGBY’S DREAM TEAM |
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| Seven Springbok Rugby World Cup winners were named in World Rugby’s 2024 Dream Team at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, 24 November 2024. |
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Pieter-Steph du Toit cemented his place in history by becoming the first South African to be named the World Rugby’s men’s 15s Player of the Year for a second time.
In addition, the Springbok utility forward and six of his national team-mates were included in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team for 2024 at the glittering awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday evening.
The 32-year-old Du Toit, who also earned the world’s most prestigious player award in 2019, was nominated in the category along with Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe and the most capped Springbok of all time, lock Eben Etzebeth, as well as Ireland’s Caelan Doris.
Seven Springbok Rugby World Cup winners were named in the 2024 Dream Team—the trio of Du Toit, Etzebeth, and Kolbe were joined in the side by Ox Nche (prop), Malcolm Marx (hooker), and the centre pairing of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel—which capped off a rewarding evening for the top-ranked side in the world.
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The eight non-Springboks to make the World Rugby Dream Team were Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Pablo Matera (Argentina), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Damian McKenzie (New Zealand), James Lowe (Ireland) and Will Jordan (New Zealand).
In other awards, New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi pipped talented young Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award, while Jérôme Daret, who led the French men’s sevens team to the Olympic gold medal in Paris, was named Coach of the Year.
The glittering event also highlighted other South African contributions to global rugby.
Selvyn Davids, captain of the Blitzboks, earned a spot in the Men’s Sevens Dream Team, while SA Rugby won the Rugby for All Award, which celebrates impactful initiatives that uphold rugby’s core values.
SA Rugby’s “The Bag That Builds” project was particularly commended for promoting sustainability by repurposing tournament waste into building materials for community housing projects.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander lauded all the players for being honoured in such a remarkable year for the Springboks, in which they registered an 84.6% win record after claiming the Rugby Championship title as well as the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, and Prince William Cup (against Wales), and said this was a just reward for their fine efforts on the field this season.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, I’d like to extend our sincere congratulations to Pieter-Steph and all the players named in the Dream Team for receiving this recognition for all the hard work they’ve been putting in on and off the field this year, as well as Selvyn for his consistently great performances during a challenging season for the Blitzboks,” said Alexander.
“For Pieter-Steph to become the first South African to win the World Rugby Player of the Year award twice is a notable achievement, and to have seven Boks in total feature in the Dream Team is simply remarkable.
“Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has built something special with the Springbok team and the way the players give their all week-in and week-out is an inspiration to us all and shows that hard work pays off.
“We are very proud of them and the entire Springbok coaching and management team for their tireless efforts to ensure that our players continue to shine on the international stage.
“Furthermore, the Rugby for All Award is testament to the hard work done away from the playing field by our staff at SA Rugby. It’s a project that has been ongoing for a number of years and we are humbled to be in a position to make a difference to the lives of South Africans who struggle to make ends meet.”
The recognition for their colossal performances in the green and gold this season, which contributed immensely to the team’s 11 victories in 13 matches, followed on nominations for Etzebeth in 2013 and last year, and Kolbe and Du Toit in 2019, respectively.
Other South Africans who received nominations for the Men’s 15s Player of the Year Award in the last decade are Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen (both in 2014), Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx (both in 2018), and Lukhanyo Am (2022).
Apart from Du Toit, only two other South Africans have walked away with top honours—Schalk Burger in 2004 and Bryan Habana in 2007.
Erasmus was also full of praise for the players and entire Springbok team and said, “To have so many of our players feature in the awards is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the team and the Springbok brand, and that’s what makes this such a special group.
“What makes this achievement even more significant is that we used 50 players in total this season and rotated our squad regularly, which shows the calibre of players they are. But rugby is a team sport, and it takes each one of the squad members to do their bit to place one another in positions to shine.
“With the vast player depth in our squad, I’m sure a few more players were close to being nominated, but each one of these players certainly deserves this recognition and we are very proud of them.”
Erasmus also thanked the entire Bok squad for their efforts this season: “It takes each person in a squad to perform their role proficiently to ensure that the players can deliver on the field, so thank you to the winners and Dream team players, as well as every other player who has been part of the squad this year, not to mention the coaches, medical team, and team management for their commitment to the cause and for allowing us to build such a special team. This is all thanks to the collective effort and well done to all involved.”
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
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| “IT WAS SURREAL!”: ZACH FOURIE ON MAKING IMPRESSIVE DEBUT AT F4 CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TEXAS |
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| Zach Fourie, a talented young South African-born racer, recently made his debut in the Ligier JS F4 Championship. Despite being a newcomer to the international stage, Fourie displayed immense skill and courage among some seasoned greats. |
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After qualifying, Fourie entered Race 1 with the sheer focus of a safe race and completing it in one piece. For a young man doing what he did out on that track in a first-generation car, there is no denying that it took a whole lot of courage and heart.
His determination to improve led to an even better performance in Race 2, where he finished just outside the top 10, securing 11th place against seasoned drivers.
While Race 3 ended prematurely due to an unfortunate incident with one of the other drivers, the overall experience and growth from this opportunity were invaluable for the 15-year-old teen.
Reflecting on the exhilarating experience, Fourie said:
“It was an incredible experience racing on the F1 track, just a week after the previous race. Driving and testing the F4 car versus the real thing (racing) is completely different.
“It all felt so surreal, and I wasn’t sure at first, but after a few laps around the track, it felt natural pretty quickly. Feeling those butterflies in the pit of my stomach and hearing the engine roar, drivers side by side on the track passing by at 120 miles per hour is intoxicating. You want to go back for more.”
The promising racer has redirected to focus on his school books but looks forward to seeing what the 2025 season has in store for him as well as securing more sponsors.
“Being part of this and following my dream to be a racing driver would not be possible without my parents and brother—thank you, ” the grateful young driver said.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| BRENDALI THERON CONQUERS DEADLIFTS AND SMASHES RECORDS, CLAIMS FOURTH AFRICA’S STRONGEST WOMAN TITLE |
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| South Africa’s Brendali Theron continues to dominate the world of strength sports, solidifying her legacy with another historic performance at Africa’s Strongest Woman competition. |
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Theron, already celebrated as the first South African to win the World’s Strongest Woman title this year, once again proved why she is considered one of the most formidable athletes in the sport.
This year’s Africa’s Strongest Woman competition was nothing short of gruelling, with athletes battling across six punishing events over two days. The competition pushed Theron and her competitors to their absolute limits, combining raw strength, speed, and mental grit. |
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Competing in the under-64kg division, she set a new continental record with an astounding 200kg deadlift, a lift equivalent to an impressive 3.12 times her body weight. This achievement places her in the top 99.4% of athletes globally.
This incredible athlete, known for her raw power and unwavering determination, conquered every event, including a mind-blowing 200kg Yoke Walk for speed and the strenuous 150kg Farmer’s Walk.
Every event tested a different aspect of the athletes’ capabilities, and Theron’s commanding performance shone through.
In addition to her record-breaking performance in every event, Theron claimed the overall competition title, making her a four-time Africa’s Strongest Woman champion. This incredible milestone cements her status as a dominant force in strength sports, both on the continent and globally.
Theron has also been a beacon of femininity in strength sports, a goal she has pursued relentlessly since the beginning of her journey 12 years ago under the guidance of her coach, Robin du Toit.
She added that “None of this would have been possible without God. Thank you to my team at ArtisticFit, who believed in me every step of the way.”
When asked about her goals outside of sports, Theron shared a dream she has held close to her heart for years.
“I’ve always been a huge Springbok fan,” she said with a smile. “It would mean the world to me to one day be a flag bearer for the Springboks.”
But her aspirations don’t end there. Theron also expressed a passion for supporting charities and giving back to the community.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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