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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO LEAD SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO UNGA80 |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025. |
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To be held under the theme Better together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights, this landmark session coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.
President Ramaphosa will use this critical platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful and equitable world order.
Advancing a vision for peace and multilateralism
President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. His address will champion robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the unwavering protection of human rights for all. He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.
The delegation will engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the (DRC) and the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions.
South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.
Championing UN reform and sustainable development
A central pillar of South Africa’s agenda is the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative, democratic and effective. South Africa will assertively advance the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy.
The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key engagements
On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several pivotal meetings, including:
- The inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
- The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
- A high-level meeting on the two-State solution in Israel/Palestine.
- Trade and investment discussions with leading US captains of the Industry and other key US decision makers.
The President will be accompanied and supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chukunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA BACKS CROSS-BORDER CONSERVATION TO UNITE AFRICA AND BOOST TOURISM |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has championed transfrontier conservation areas as a model that can foster African intra-governmental unity and boost tourism while safeguarding biodiversity across boundaries. |
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The President addressed the launch of the Africa Keystone Partnership held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York.
“Nature knows no political barriers, and we are united in a shared commitment to preserve nature for present and future generations.
“Nature is an intrinsic part of our cultural and social identity. It is vital to human well-being and progress,” he said.
The Africa Keystone Partnership advocates for the protection of some 162 additional areas in Africa.
“The 162 areas in Africa that are suggested for additional protection have been identified based on irreplaceability, connectivity, ecological integrity and resilience. Some of these areas are already supported by African Parks. |
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“However, all have funding and resource gaps. We have therefore come here to listen to the proposals on the African Keystone Partnership and to say that we are keen on further dialogue,” he said.
The President reflected on South Africa’s own conservation efforts in the Southern African region.
“As South Africa, we have a proud reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible nature conservation, as is our duty as one of the world’s mega-biodiverse countries.
“Over the past 25 years, in the Southern African region, we have undertaken a remarkable journey and witnessed the many achievements of our Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Programme.
“These wildlife areas that have been established across national borders have a transformative impact on conservation, regional integration and sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.
Expanding further on the TFCA Programme, the President said these areas have also sparked additional benefits with the idea being, “Nature knows no borders”.
The TFCAs in Southern Africa include:
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (Namibia and South Africa).
- Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe).
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana and South Africa).
- Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Areas (Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe).
“The Transfrontier Conservation Areas serve as critical ecological corridors, enabling the free movement of wildlife and preserving biodiversity across borders. These areas have unlocked sustainable tourism opportunities.
“Investments in conservation economies have created jobs, improved livelihoods and empowered local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage.
“These parks succeed when they are led by Africans and benefit the people who live near the parks. Such parks symbolise unity, cooperation and shared responsibility among our nations,” President Ramaphosa said.
He expressed confidence that the 162 earmarked areas will “serve the same noble purpose”.
“Let us continue to champion this model of conservation, integration and development for the benefit of our people, for our ecosystems and for future generations,” President Ramaphosa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER LAMOLA URGES GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AS SOUTH AFRICA STEERS G20 AGENDA |
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| International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has underscored South Africa’s leadership in the Group of 20 (G20), calling for greater solidarity, equality and sustainability to drive inclusive global growth. |
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Speaking at the International Peace Institute’s annual event, held alongside the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Minister Lamola outlined South Africa’s priorities as the current G20 Chair.
Minister Lamola said the longstanding partnership between South Africa and the International Peace Institute has led to the co-hosting of this year’s annual forum on Africa and the global order, focusing specifically on the G20. |
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The Minister said South Africa’s G20 presidency is guided by the philosophy of ubuntu and the UN’s principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. The core theme of South Africa’s G20 presidency is Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.
“Our four overarching priorities address challenges that undermine our continent’s ability to grow, diminish our capacity to develop, and stifle our aspirations for a prosperous future,” Minister Lamola told delegates.
These priorities include strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth.
Minister Lamola urged G20 nations to act collectively, warning that exploitation, inequality and poverty must not be normalised.
“We have a shared responsibility to provide stewardship, to raise ambition, and to secure tangible outcomes for future generations.”
Minister Lamola also highlighted recent multilateral efforts such as the Seville Commitment on financing for development and pointed to upcoming global meetings—COP30 on climate change and the World Summit for Social Development—as key platforms for advancing cooperation.
The Minister is further expected to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the UN today to continue shaping consensus on global economic challenges.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| MINISTER LAMOLA PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICAN DIGITAL FUTURES SUMMIT 2025 |
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| Minister Ronald Lamola delivered opening remarks at the African Digital Futures Summit 2025 ahead of the Road to G20 Dialogues session on the sidelines of #UNGA80 in New York, United States of America, on 23 September 2025. |
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Co-presented by ServiceNow, Africa House, and the G20 South African Presidency, the African Digital Futures Summit convenes Africa’s foremost policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, creative leaders, and global partners to shape Africa’s digital destiny. Together, this diverse community will establish Africa’s position as a critical voice in global digital governance, officially launch the Africa House Tech Sovereignty Framework, and generate actionable insights to carry forward on the Road to the G20. Designed as a forum that flows from the Africa House Action Platform, the summit is set to foster high-value connections, spark bold ideas, and advance concrete partnerships that will drive Africa’s digital future.
– Source: DIRCO platforms |
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| MINISTER LAMOLA CONCLUDES WORKING VISIT IN CALIFORNIA |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has concluded a successful Working Visit to Los Angeles, California. The visit forms part of South Africa’s priority of forward-looking economic diplomacy by actively building strategic partnerships. |
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The visit powerfully showcased South Africa’s dynamic film, music, and arts sectors, leveraging Los Angeles’s creative leadership to position the nation as a premier destination for international co-productions and cultural exchange.
Minister Lamola met with the influential South African diaspora in Los Angeles. This vital community, comprising executives, academics, entrepreneurs, and creatives, represents an underutilised cultural diplomatic asset. Mobilising this diaspora amplifies South Africa’s “soft power,” strengthens its global brand, and fosters invaluable business linkages.
Minister Lamola also had productive meetings with Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), who are key players in South Africa’s bid to shore up public-private partnerships in key sectors of mutual interest.
A core objective was to aggressively promote South Africa as an attractive investment destination. Minister Lamola highlighted a range of compelling investment opportunities in the renewable energy, technology and tourism sectors. These areas align with California’s innovation-driven, sustainability-focused agenda.
Finally, the visit culminated in an outreach at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. Minister Lamola used the occasion to reiterate that South Africa’s foreign policy is guided by its national interests: tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality; the need to advance global democracy; and the rule of international law and multilateralism and the need to attain international peace.
– Source: www.dirco.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA URGES GLOBAL COOPERATION FOR A JUST OCEAN TRANSITION |
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| South Africa has urged world leaders to put cooperation at the centre of building a sustainable ocean economy, warning that the future of trade, energy security and livelihoods depends on how nations manage the seas today. |
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Speaking at the High-Level Ocean of the Future Meeting at the United Nations (UN) in New York on Monday, 22 September 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said South Africa is ready to work with G20 partners to drive an ocean economy that is “environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and a true driver of resilience”.
With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency in 2025, under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, Minister George stressed that a just transition cannot be separated from the sustainable use of ocean resources.
“Ecological gains must be pursued alongside reducing inequality and exclusion. Fisheries, aquaculture and tourism must evolve equitably, supporting small-scale fishers and coastal communities, creating jobs in eco-tourism and aquaculture, and protecting marine biodiversity,” he said.
The Minister highlighted Marine Spatial Planning as a key tool to balance competing uses of the ocean while protecting ecosystems. South Africa’s priorities include tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Minister George also underlined the ocean’s central role in global trade and energy security, noting South Africa’s efforts to unlock opportunities in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism and offshore resources, “while embedding sustainability through stronger governance”.
As Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, South Africa is advancing cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean to safeguard shipping routes against piracy, IUU fishing, illegal dumping and cyber threats.
The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment is a regional framework for maritime security cooperation signed in 2017 by 17 signatory States in the northwestern Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. It expands upon the original Djibouti Code of Conduct, broadening its scope from just piracy and armed robbery to include other illicit activities like human trafficking, IUU fishing and maritime terrorism.
On the domestic front, Minister George said South Africa is also focusing on other activities such as greening of ports, improving efficiency, and promoting low-carbon shipping.
“Together with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, these efforts show that secure and sustainable maritime transport is the backbone of trade security and a shared responsibility of governments and businesses.
“South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan provides a national framework that integrates resilience, sustainability and equity. It mainstreams adaptation across planning, ensures access to marine resources for vulnerable groups, and aligns closely with UN Global Compact Principles 7 to 9 and the G20 agenda,” Minister George said.
The plan promotes precautionary and technology-driven adaptation, elevates coastal resilience from a domestic priority to a global issue, and underscores the need for scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer and coordinated policy.
“Predictable finance is essential so that municipalities and communities can access the resources they need to strengthen early warning, invest in resilient infrastructure, and protect ecosystems.
“The UN Global Compact has a critical role. By embedding its Ten Principles into business practice and aligning innovation with public purpose, the compact helps ensure that finance, technology and markets serve people and planet, not profit alone,” Minister George said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, BRAZIL SIGN LANDMARK AGRICULTURE COOPERATION AGREEMENT |
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| South African Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and the Brazilian Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Luiz De Alcantara Rua, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent (MoI), marking a new era for closer cooperation in the agricultural sector. |
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The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG), currently underway at Somerset West, Western Cape.
Minister Steenhuisen welcomed the agreement, describing it as more than just a formal partnership, but “a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future.”
“By combining our respective strengths, we can unlock new opportunities, advance technological innovation, and build a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all our citizens,” Minister Steenhuisen said on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
The Minister explained that the agreement, which is non-binding, lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation to promote sustainable agricultural production and strengthen food security in both nations.
“The MoI establishes an agenda of mutual advantage and common development in priority areas, such as the exchange of information and expertise, technical tours, training programmes, and joint conferences.
“Under this partnership, we will share best practices in sustainable agriculture, livestock farming systems, and quality assurance, ensuring both consumer safety and product integrity,” the Minister said.
The agreement also provides for strategic trade facilitation, including trade missions and exhibitions, aimed at generating new market opportunities for agricultural products from both countries.
Bilateral agricultural trade relations between South Africa and Brazil have expanded significantly in recent years, rising from R5.4 billion in 2020 to R9.7 billion in 2024—an increase of 80.5%. South Africa’s agricultural exports to Brazil increased by 92.8%, from R142.6 million in 2020 to R274.9 million in 2024.
Meanwhile, imports from Brazil increased by 80.2%, from R5.2 billion to R9.5 billion over the same period.
South Africa’s top ten agricultural exports to Brazil accounted for 92.3% of the total, amounting to R253.7 million in 2024. Key exports included vegetable seeds for sowing (32.3% or R88.7 million), liqueurs and cordials (22.7% or R62.4 million), wine of fresh grapes (16% or R43.9 million), and dried grapes (6.3% or R17.3 million).
The MoI will remain in force for five years, after which it will automatically be renewed for additional five-year periods, unless terminated by either party.
A Joint Working Group will be established to identify focus areas and prepare a detailed work plan for implementation. This group will oversee planning, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that the cooperation remains effective and aligned with the strategic priorities of both nations.
Through this partnership, South Africa and Brazil reaffirm their commitment to harnessing their shared expertise and resources to confront the challenges facing global agriculture and to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of livelihoods in both countries.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, US STRENGTHEN TRADE RELATIONS |
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| Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has held talks with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, in Washington DC, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen economic ties with South Africa’s key trade partner. |
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The meeting, which followed three days of technical discussions between senior officials from both sides, focused on priority issues in the bilateral trade relationship.
Minister Tau and Ambassador Greer agreed on a roadmap to guide future engagements towards concluding ongoing processes.
“I will be briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes of the discussions and will then engage various stakeholders,” Minister Tau said after the meeting.
The Minister remains in the United States (US) this week to support President Ramaphosa in trade-related engagements with American stakeholders, including members of Congress. President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025. |
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The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$15.1 billion in 2024. South Africa exported goods worth US$8.2 billion to the US last year, while imports from the US stood at US$6.9 billion. More than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, while over 22 South African firms are based in the US.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za
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| SOUTH AFRICA, CHINA TO HOST TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CONFERENCE |
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| Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, addressed the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Promotion Conference held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. |
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“The conference aimed to foster strategic partnerships, enhance bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities between South Africa and China.
“It will also bring together senior business leaders and government representatives from China, and prominent South African companies across key sectors,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in a statement.
The Chinese delegation included 400 leading enterprises, which also exhibited their products at the venue from 23 to 25 September 2025.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GLOBAL LEADERS URGE ACTION AGAINST HUMANITARIAN LAW VIOLATIONS IN CONFLICTS |
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| Leaders from Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa, along with representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have expressed concern about the widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) happening in conflicts around the world. |
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The leaders said the violations are causing significant human suffering and are urging States and the international community to take action.
This call comes one year after they launched the Global IHL Initiative, aimed at fostering political commitment to uphold IHL.
“We were driven by a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to act decisively to stem the tide of violations of international humanitarian law the world is witnessing,” a joint statement issued on Sunday read.
As of now, 89 States from various regions around the world have officially joined the Global IHL Initiative to promote humanity in times of war.
In addition, 27 States are collaborating as co-leaders on seven thematic workstreams. Their goal is to develop practical recommendations for enhancing compliance with IHL and addressing the challenges brought about by the evolving nature of warfare.
Over the past year, over 130 States engaged in global and regional discussions on enhancing compliance with IHL.
“A common theme emerging from these consultations is a call from States for a protective interpretation of IHL,” the statement said, noting that the findings will be published in an interim report next month.
The leaders mentioned that this movement relates to all global conflicts, engages all relevant stakeholders, and aims to ensure a fair and universal application of IHL.
“It also recognises that the primary responsibility to uphold, implement and apply the Geneva Conventions in practice lies with States.
“We call on all parties to armed conflict to uphold IHL. We reaffirm that all States, including in situations of occupation, are bound to fully respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including the rules related to the protection of civilians, civilian objects, medical and aid workers and journalists.”
The Global IHL Initiative leaders believe that the United Nations (UN), in line with the UN Charter and the wider multilateral system, plays an important role in this regard.
They also announced that they will co-host a global high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war in 2026.
Leading up to the meeting, all States are encouraged to prioritise IHL at home. This includes officially allocating sufficient resources to invest in and ensure compliance with IHL, particularly in ongoing conflicts.
In addition, they are urging States to incorporate IHL into national legislation and conflict preparedness. This can be achieved through proper training for military and security forces, empowering national IHL committees, and formally joining the Global IHL Initiative.
They also believe that active participation in consultations is essential, and States are encouraged to motivate others to do the same.
“Seventy-six years after the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, we call on all world leaders to unite around a shared responsibility to prevent atrocities and protect humanity in times of war.
“The world cannot stand idly as the basic tenets of international humanitarian law are routinely and deliberately being violated.
“Together, we can put an end to the inconceivable and unconscionable suffering and destruction that is the mark of today’s conflicts and steer the latter towards peaceful resolution,” the leaders said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PATRICIA DE LILLE WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT THAT ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION VISA SYSTEM WILL BE ROLLED OUT IN TIME FOR G20 LEADERS’ SUMMIT |
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| Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomes the announcement that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa system will be rolled out in time for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. |
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In its first phase, delegates from China, India, Mexico, and Indonesia, the only G20 countries whose citizens require visas to visit South Africa, will be able to apply digitally from the comfort of their homes. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the second phase will see the ETA extended next year to the general public of these countries, followed by a full rollout to non-G20 nations.
“We must now, as the tourism sector, up our marketing in those countries because it is definitely going drive up the demand for more flights coming to our country” said Minister de Lille.
Research shows that the ETA could increase international arrivals by up to one million per year and create between 80 000 and 100 000 new jobs in the tourism sector.
Minister de Lille expressed her appreciation to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for their commitment and hard work in making the ETA system a reality.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, State Security Agency, and the Presidency, the ETA is designed for efficiency, with applicants receiving outcomes within two hours. The system also introduces enhanced security features, reducing the human element in processing and strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s borders.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| CAPE TOWN BREAKS RECORDS WITH R1.79 BILLION CRUISE BOOM IN 2024/25 |
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| Cape Town and the Western Cape have recorded their most successful cruise season to date, setting new benchmarks for cruise-liner visits, passenger numbers, and economic contribution in 2024/25. |
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Surge in Passenger Numbers
Preliminary data from the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report, commissioned by Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, has shown that the cruise season contributed R1.79 billion to the Western Cape’s GDP-R, up from R1.32 billion in 2023/24. This is a result of 79 cruise ship arrivals (83 vessel arrivals) between September 2024 and June 2025, representing an 18% increase on the 67 ships recorded the previous season. Passenger numbers also rose to 127,000, up 16% on 2023/24. Long-haul “world cruises,” which link multiple continents, accounted for 42 port calls, further strengthening Cape Town’s reputation as a premier stop on global itineraries. |
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Economic Impact
Cruise tourism has proven to be a powerful catalyst for visitor spending. Each vessel brings thousands of international travellers whose spending spreads across accommodation, restaurants, cultural attractions, retail, and wine farms. According to the report, the 2024/25 season total expenditure generated by vessels and passengers reached R1.99 billion, representing a 32% increase compared to the previous season’s R1.5 billion.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander celebrated the findings: “The 2024/25 season has been a successful year for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s cruise industry. With record passenger numbers and expenditure, the industry is showing its ability to create jobs and stimulate growth across the province.”
Employment growth was a major highlight. The 2024/25 season created 1,234 direct full-time equivalent jobs in the Western Cape, rising to 2,345 once multiplier effects were included. The largest share was in retail and markets (44%), followed by hotels and restaurants (27%), tour operators and other services (9%), and fuel bunkering (8%). At national level, nearly 3,000 jobs were supported, with international passenger spending responsible for almost two-thirds.
Importantly, the benefits extended beyond Cape Town. Smaller municipalities such as Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay welcomed 32,000 passengers across 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million in local spending. This supported small businesses, created temporary employment, and boosted visibility for these towns as tourism destinations.
Stander added, “What is particularly encouraging is how the benefits of cruise tourism are being felt across the province. From Mossel Bay to Saldanha, local businesses are gaining exposure and income from international visitors, which strengthens the overall tourism ecosystem.”
Growth of Cruise Tourism
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the report’s findings, noting the broad-based benefits: “The cruise industry is a catalyst for growth across the Western Cape. These results highlight its vital role in supporting our world-class restaurants, hotels, wine estates, and cultural attractions. From small family-owned businesses to major enterprises, every visitor who steps ashore contributes to livelihoods across the province. The sector’s growth is a strong signal of global confidence in our destination.”
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said: “The City is proud to be part of the Cruise Cape Town initiative that continues to attract vessels and unlock extraordinary benefits for our economy. Each ship that docks injects millions into local businesses, sustains jobs, and enhances Cape Town’s global profile as a tourism hub. With another record-breaking season behind us, our focus remains firmly on building on this success.”
The arrival of MS The World this week is one of more than 70 vessels scheduled to call at Cape Town in the coming year.
V&A Waterfront CEO David Green underlined the significance of this milestone: “The arrival of The World is a proud milestone for Cape Town. With our cruise terminal ranked among the most attractive globally, each vessel docking here supports our hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors while showcasing the city as a leading international port.”
Captain Alex Miya, Transnet National Ports Authority Acting Port Manager for the Port of Cape Town, concluded: “These results confirm that the cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s gross domestic product through tourism. Cape Town’s strategic location on global shipping routes makes it a natural gateway for cruise tourism. TNPA is committed to providing world-class marine services to support this growth and to working with Cruise Cape Town and partners to position the port and province as Africa’s premier cruise destination.”
– Source: thenewspaper.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S DR ZANELE NTSHIDI SHINES AT GLOBAL IRRIGATION FORUM |
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| Dr Zanele Ntshidi’s Smart Irrigation Tool helps farmers save water and boost yields, putting South Africa in the spotlight at the Fourth World Irrigation Forum. |
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South Africa made waves at the Fourth World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 7 to 13 September 2025, picking up awards in six categories. Leading the charge was Dr Zanele Ntshidi, Research Manager at NRF-SAEON’s Arid Lands Node, whose team’s Decision Support System (DSS) for irrigation scheduling earned the Forum’s Wastage Award for Innovative Water Management. The tool helps farmers use water more efficiently by calculating exactly how much their crops need. Taking into account plant water requirements, crop type, local climate conditions, and expected yield. By giving precise irrigation recommendations, it not only saves water but also helps farmers get the best possible harvest.
Dr Ntshidi is familiar with the spotlight. She first showcased this smart tool at the 2nd Kenya National Research Festival in August 2025 and has been championing digital solutions for sustainable agriculture ever since.
Her work has earned international recognition but also demonstrates the real-world impact of science. Her efforts are helping to secure both water and food resources for communities.
“This recognition is a result of consistent efforts put into agricultural water management to save the irreplaceable natural resource that is water and advocating for water use efficiency without compromising crop yields. This ensures both water and food security—two of the most important necessities for human survival and bodily functions. This recognition is also an encouragement to do more. I will not only continue long-term research but also ensure that the impact of such efforts is felt across society, that science is conducted for the improvement of people’s lives.”
Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, NRF-SAEON Managing Director, said Dr Ntshidi’s work shows how local science can make a global impact, tackling real-world challenges while improving lives.
To top it off, South Africa also celebrated four dams being added to the World Heritage Irrigation Structures Register (Darlington, Hartbeespoort, Koppies and Woodhead dams) and the WRC winning Best Paper, bringing the country’s total awards to six.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| DRAKENSBERG BOYS AND SWEDISH CHOIR BRING EVERYBODY TO THEIR FEET WITH SHOSHOLOZA |
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| The Drakensberg Boys Choir (Drakies) alongside a Swedish choir, performed South Africa’s “Shosholoza” in Stockholm, and it earned a well-deserved standing ovation. |
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The Drakies have been lighting up the international stage on their Scandi tour, after departing from South Africa last week. Their first stop on the Scandi tour was Norway, where they opened the tour with stirring performances at Bergen’s Church Music Festival. From there, their voices carried all the way to Sweden, where they shared the stage with some of the country’s most celebrated choirs.
In Stockholm, the Drakies joined an international service at Immanuel Church, performing alongside Prismakörerna Knivsta, Spektrumkören Botkyrka, and the Kulturama Youth Choir.
Later, the choir teamed up with the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, bringing audiences to their feet with a joint performance that was nothing short of incredible. One of the most powerful moments of the show came when both choirs united to sing Shosholoza.
The anthem rang out with so much energy and South African pride that even Swedes who didn’t really know the words found themselves swept up in the rhythm.
On Heritage Day, the Drakies will take to the stage at St Lars Church in Linköping. This week’s diary is full, with a return to Stockholm on Thursday for a performance at Kungsholms Church, followed by stops in Örebro and Uppsala. Each performance adds another notch to their growing international footprint, and another chance to fly the South African flag high.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| FLYING THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG AT THE AGILITY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS |
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| Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town’s Head Vet, Dr Leandre van der Merwe, and her amazing dog, Sayra, will be representing Team South Africa at the Agility World Championships 2025 in Sweden. This event is one of the biggest in the world of canine agility, where dogs and handlers from across the globe showcase their speed, precision, and unbreakable bond. |
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Dr van der Merwe and Sayra’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. To see them reach this level is not just a proud moment for us, but also the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL).
Founded in 1956, the AACL has always stood for compassion and care for animals. As South Africa’s second-largest independent animal welfare organisation, they worked tirelessly to protect and uplift the lives of countless animals. Stories like Dr van der Merwe’s remind us why they do what they do.
So, as Dr van der Merwe and Sayra step onto the global stage, we celebrate their incredible achievements.
Let’s all cheer them on as they proudly fly the South African flag high in Sweden.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| TEAMSA SECURE THRILLING BRONZE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS |
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| South African sprinters ended their World Athletics Championships campaign on a high, securing bronze in the men’s 4x400m relay in Tokyo on Sunday, 21 September 2025. |
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Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene completed the race in 2:57.83, sharing the same official time as the US, who took silver. The quartet were edged into third by just 0.002 seconds, with Botswana holding on for gold in 2:57.76 in a thrilling blanket finish.
“It’s still sinking in. I’m chuffed and we couldn’t have done it without this team,” said Pillay, a former world junior champion, in a statement released by Athletics South Africa.
He praised the contributions of heat runners Leendert Koekemoer, Gardeo Isaacs, and reserve Mthi Mthimkulu.
“Even behind the scenes, they were part of this medal. It was a team effort from the seven of us.”
Nene, who finished fifth in the individual 400m final, said, “The guys ran well, set me up, and I was glad I was able to deliver my side of the job. |
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"I’m proud of my brothers, and we’re looking forward to the journey ahead.”
The men’s 4x100m team, featuring Shaun Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine, narrowly missed the final after a collision with Italy in the heats. Given a rerun in a solo time trial, they clocked 38.64 seconds—short of the 38.34 needed.
“This is the moment when one doesn’t know whether to cry or to celebrate as if we’ve won gold,” said Athletics South Africa president James Moloi. “The medal shows there’s more to come for South Africa on the world stage.”
Meanwhile, across the track, history was being made in the sprints. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden became only the second woman to claim a world sprint treble after leading the US to 4x100m relay gold, adding to her 100m and 200m titles. She led off in driving rain before handing to Twanisha Terry, with Kayla White running the bend and Sha’Carri Richardson crossing the line in 41.75 seconds.
“I did what I wanted to do individually and then came back together with my girls, my training partners, and we were all able to walk away with the gold medal, so I’m really happy about that,” Jefferson-Wooden said.
For South African sprinters, Jefferson-Wooden’s treble and the US relay’s precision offer a benchmark: individual brilliance is not enough at the global level—cohesion, preparation and teamwork are key.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICANS HAD THE WORLD TALKING AT WORLD ROWING MASTERS REGATTA 2025 |
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| A spirited group of South African Masters rowers made their mark at the World Rowing Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Catalonia. The very same lake that famously hosted the 1992 Olympic rowing events. Representing a mix of clubs, including Ravens Rowing Club, Midmar, Victoria Lake, and Vikings, these rowers carried their oars and the unmistakable pride of South Africa. |
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One standout feature of Team South Africa’s appearance was their custom-made blazers. Janice Richardson of Ravens Rowing Club explained why the blazers were so important.
“We had the World Rowing Masters Regatta in 2023 in South Africa, and a lot of participants globally came to row here and fell in love with our country, our culture, our way of life, our spirit. Even though we were going as individual clubs, we wanted to, certainly for the opening ceremony, stand up as South Africans.” |
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The blazers symbolised style and reflected South Africans’ vibrant, welcoming spirit. The team’s presence sparked conversations and admiration wherever they went. Fellow athletes from the 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta, held in South Africa, instantly connected with them, and international rowers were also eagerly waiting to try on the blazers for photos.
On the water, Team South Africa demonstrated the same determination and excellence. Facing seasoned European competitors, including former Olympians, the rowers brought home multiple gold medals, proving that their pride wasn’t just for show. There was also a beautiful mix of cultures as international teammates like Anna Fisher from Hong Kong joined the South African contingent, united under the green and gold.
Richardson reflects on the journey by saying that “We show up as South Africans wherever we go. We bring our energy, our pride, and our love for rowing. And the world notices. It’s about passion, performance, and gees. South Africans just shine a light wherever they are.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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