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| RECORD INVESTMENT PLEDGES A TURNING POINT FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMY |
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| South Africa has entered a new phase of growth, with the country securing the highest-ever investment commitments at the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC). |
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Closing the conference in Sandton on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the scale of pledges, both in value and number of projects, marked a significant milestone since the launch of the investment drive in 2018.
“The cumulative value of the pledges made at this conference is the highest we have achieved since the first South Africa Investment Conference. It is also the highest number of projects.
“Much of this is domestic capital, demonstrating the strong and growing confidence of South African investors in our own economy,” the President said.
The large share of the commitments from domestic investors was complemented by a sharp rise in foreign direct investment and participation from development finance institutions.
President Ramaphosa said the breadth of investments across all nine provinces demonstrates that growth is no longer concentrated but increasingly distributed across the country’s economic landscape.
Major announcements included a R10.4 billion investment by Toyota in KwaZulu-Natal to support the automotive sector’s energy transition, while Sasol committed R60 billion to modernising operations in Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Other investments span mining, renewable energy, infrastructure and global business services, including projects expected to create thousands of jobs, such as Teleperformance’s R145 million investment set to generate 2 600 employment opportunities.
“These investments span across all nine provinces, affirming their potential as engine rooms of growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
Beyond the figures, the President highlighted South Africa’s structural advantages, including a sophisticated financial sector, advanced infrastructure, abundant renewable energy resources and a youthful population.
He also underscored the importance of the country’s constitutional democracy, noting that the rule of law remains a cornerstone for investor confidence.
“South Africa’s investment case is not in doubt, and the reform agenda has proven to be consistent and measurable,” he said.
However, the President cautioned that while sentiment has improved, the country must now translate commitments into tangible economic activity.
“As we leave this conference, let us carry forward the momentum. This is just the start — we still have much further to go. Let us turn commitments into projects on the ground and translate plans to progress,” he said.
The President reiterated government’s ambition to double fixed investment levels over time as part of efforts to unlock faster and more inclusive economic growth.
“South Africa is rising. Those who see our economy’s potential and invest now will be rewarded in years to come. We look forward to walking this journey of growth and change with you until the next investment conference,” the President said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA, CHINA LOOK TO EXPAND COOPERATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT |
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| With nearly 30 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, government has identified significant potential to expand cooperation in infrastructure development amid a growing investment footprint by Chinese enterprises in the country. |
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“We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday, 26 March 2026, in Cape Town.
Deputy President Mashatile was hosting his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, where both leaders were co-chairing the ninth South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC).
“Over nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
He emphasised that the BNC remains relevant today and continues to provide strategic direction for the implementation of partnership, particularly under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation (2020–2029).
“Therefore, my hope for today is that this meeting will guide us in consolidating progress since the eighth session, help us identify priority areas for future cooperation, and strengthen sectoral collaboration.
“As we meet under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, we are reminded that our partnership must respond to a rapidly changing global environment, while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress,” the Deputy President said.
He added that South Africa remains encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises and is committed to ensuring that the partnership delivers practical outcomes that improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.
“South Africa’s approach to international relations remains guided by its national interest, which is to advance the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.
“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
South Africa and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.
The BNC, established at the Deputy Presidential level in 2000, remains the highest structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the continued high-level engagements between the two nations reflect enduring friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development. He noted that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
“We recall with appreciation the strong momentum in our bilateral relations, including my Working Visit to China in July 2025, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, followed by the meeting held in November 2025 with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel in Sandton, which advanced South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance,” the Deputy President said.
Deputy President Mashatile added that since the establishment of the BNC through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, the platform has served as the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between South Africa and China.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA AND ANGOLA MOVE BEYOND DIALOGUE WITH ACTION-DRIVEN TOURISM PLAN |
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| The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has concluded a high-level working visit to Luanda, Angola, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, advancing tourism investment and positioning South Africa as a destination of choice within the Angolan market. |
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The visit was anchored on the theme: Growing the Travel Economy between South Africa and Angola. It forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to unlock growth in key African markets while strengthening regional collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth through tourism.
A breakthrough achieved during the visit was the agreement to remove capacity and frequency restrictions on passenger and cargo flights between South Africa and Angola, effective 24 March 2026.
This development is expected to:
- Increase travel demand and accessibility
- Boost trade and tourism flows
- Strengthen business and investment linkages
- Support job creation across the tourism value chain
“Every additional flight between our countries is an opportunity for business, for tourism, and for deeper people-to-people connections,” Minister de Lille noted.
During the visit, Minister de Lille held bilateral engagements with Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, focusing on expanding cooperation across tourism, trade, and investment. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a three-year Action Plan on Tourism Cooperation, designed to unlock immediate and long-term opportunities across both markets.
The Action Plan prioritises the following:
Promoting bankable tourism opportunities, facilitating investor partnerships, and supporting infrastructure development. South Africa showcased its Tourism Investment Guidelines and pipeline of projects aimed at attracting strategic investors.
- Joint Destination Marketing
Coordinated campaigns to position South Africa and the Southern African region as compelling, accessible, and high-value destinations, while increasing awareness of improved air connectivity.
- Skills and Capacity Development
Strengthening collaboration on tourism skills, enterprise development, and MSME support to drive inclusive participation in the tourism economy. “Tourism is not only about travel, but also about investment, jobs, and opportunity. Through this partnership, we are unlocking new pathways for shared prosperity between South Africa and Angola,” Minister de Lille emphasised.
The visit also served as a strategic platform to promote Destination South Africa within the Angolan market, reinforcing the country’s appeal as a diverse, accessible and value-driven destination. Angola, which is the second-biggest economy in SADC, remains a key source market, with strong growth, recording 41,718 Angolan visitors in 2025 (up 10% year-on-year).
This underscores the importance of sustained engagement, targeted marketing, and improved travel access between the two countries. This message was carried through during Minister de Lille’s engagement with the tourism sector in Angola. South Africa has also committed, as part of the joint marketing efforts, to promote Angolan tourism offerings to South Africans and increase travel to the country.
As part of the programme, Minister de Lille also attended the launch of the Luanda E1 Grand Prix, underscoring the critical role that major international events play in advancing tourism growth across the African continent. The visit highlighted how global sporting and lifestyle events serve as powerful platforms to:
- Drive international visibility and destination awareness
- Attract high-value travellers and investors
- Stimulate local economies and job creation
- Strengthen Africa’s positioning as a competitive global events destination
“Major events such as the E1 Grand Prix demonstrate the immense potential of Africa’s tourism sector. They bring global attention to our destinations, unlock investment opportunities, and create shared economic value across borders, as witnessed during LIV Golf South Africa,” she added.
As South Africa continues to strengthen its presence in key African markets, partnerships such as this will be critical in delivering sustainable, inclusive tourism growth for the continent.
– Source: www.tourism.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST TABLE GRAPES SHIPMENT ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES |
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| On Thursday, 26 March 2026, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed the successful arrival of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone following the granting of market access in 2025. |
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The inaugural shipment represents the culmination of several years of sustained technical engagement between the South African and Philippine governments, underpinned by close collaboration with industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
It reflects a shared commitment to science-based phytosanitary standards and the steady expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries.
Minister Steenhuisen said the arrival of the first shipment is more than a commercial transaction.
“It is the opening of a new trade corridor between South Africa and the Philippines. It demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained cooperation, mutual trust, and a shared ambition to grow our agricultural sectors.” |
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The Philippines is among the top 20 global importers of table grapes, with imports estimated at approximately 74,000 tonnes in 2024, equivalent to around 16 million cartons (4.5kg cartons). With a population of over 118 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing urbanisation, the market presents a significant long-term opportunity for South African producers.
South Africa’s table grape industry continues to show steady growth. According to the department, in the current 2025/26 season to date, exports have reached 76.6 million cartons, reflecting both the resilience of the sector and its ability to respond to evolving global demand.
Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that South Africa views the Philippines not simply as a destination market but as a long-term partner in food security, trade, and agricultural development.
“We see this as the beginning of a sustained partnership. South Africa remains committed to being a reliable, predictable supplier of high-quality, safe agricultural products and to working closely with our Philippine counterparts to build a consistent and growing presence in this market over time,” Minister Steenhuisen said.
The Minister also noted that expanding into new markets such as the Philippines forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations, strengthen resilience, and reduce over-reliance on traditional trading partners.
“Southeast Asia represents a dynamic and increasingly important region for South African agriculture. Our approach is not to replace existing markets, but to broaden our footprint in a way that supports long-term growth, stability, and opportunity for our producers,” he said.
The Minister said the table grape industry will now focus on establishing a firm foothold in the Philippine market during South Africa’s supply window, with a view to expanding volumes, varietal offerings, and market integration over the next three to five years.
Minister Steenhuisen expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this achievement, including the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI); the Department of Agriculture; the South African Embassy in the Philippines led by Her Excellency Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe; as well as the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
“This milestone is the result of coordinated effort across government and industry. It lays a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, expanded trade, and shared prosperity between our two nations,” the Minister said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in collaboration with North-West University, commemorated the 29th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) at North-West University, Mahikeng, on Thursday, 27 March 2026. |
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IORA’s 29th anniversary was celebrated under the theme Strengthening Connections Amongst the People of IORA. The theme reflects the resilience of member states and their shared commitment to deepening people-to-people ties, enhancing cultural understanding, and fostering a stronger sense of regional unity.
Mr Ben Joubert, Acting Chief Director from the BRICS Desk, led the DIRCO team. During his address, Mr Joubert emphasised that despite today’s uncertainties, the guiding principles of IORA — respect for international law, consensus-building, and peaceful resolution of differences — continue to serve as a foundation for nearly three decades of constructive regional engagement within IORA. These principles remain essential as we navigate complex challenges and work towards mutually beneficial outcomes for all member states. They also reflect the enduring legacy of cooperation championed by South Africa and the association’s founding father, President Nelson Mandela.
– Source: Public Diplomacy Platforms |
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| GROWING RELATIONS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC |
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| Distinguished trauma surgeons travelled from South Africa to Athens during the month of March 2026 to lead medical training sessions and participate in a conference that was held at the Attikon University General Hospital. |
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Addressing the Trauma Conference in early March 2026, the Ambassador of South Africa to Greece, Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, recognised the role of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Marios Themistocleous and acknowledged the Ministry of Health for this collaboration. She applauded the Conference Co-Presidents (Prof. Koulouvaris and Prof. Vassiliu) and health practitioners for taking practical steps to strengthen public health systems and promote excellence in trauma surgery in academic hospitals of both countries.
Also participating in the conference were the President of the Hellenic Surgical Society, Prof. Manos Pikoulis, and the President of the Scientific Committee, Prof. Michalis Chrisophos.
The Ambassador thanked the following specialist surgeons for travelling to Athens for this purpose:
- Dr Chico Nyatsambo practices at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto, which is also the largest trauma centre in South Africa.
- Dr Riaan Pretorius, the Head of Trauma Surgery at CHBAH.
- Dr Tamsanqa Mazibuko from Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.
- Dr Shabaan Kaikai from Namibia.
South Africa is world-renowned for its advances and innovations in trauma care from the above-mentioned institutions, and from hospitals such as Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, and iNkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban.
Academic research indicates that approximately 84% of international medical trainees from Europe choose South Africa for their trauma electives. Our institutions also collaborate with health partners in countries of the SADC region and the rest of the African continent.
However, there are stubborn disparities in access to trauma surgical care in South Africa. These are being addressed by the Department of Health and the rest of government. They emanate, in large part, from the legacy of apartheid and under-development in disadvantaged areas.
Despite these challenges, medical students from different backgrounds are now able to access surgery training from institutions such as the Trauma Society of South Africa, the Colleges of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) and public universities, such as the University of Cape Town’s Global Surgery Division and the University of Witwatersrand (Wits). The latter has also recently signed an MoU and a collaboration agreement with the University of Athens.
The presentations from the four surgeons were well received, pointing to their exceptional expertise and dedication to trauma care. In his remarks at the conference, the President of the School of Medical School of Athens, Prof. Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, thanked the Ambassador and all colleagues from South Africa for providing excellent educational opportunities for Greek doctors in the major trauma centres of South Africa.
The South African Embassy in Athens is committed to facilitating initiatives that can expand knowledge sharing between medical experts and supporting the building of equitable systems that can bring about positive health outcomes for all.
– Source: www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za |
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| MEC NONCEBA KONTSIWE SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE STATE OF LOWER SAXONY |
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| Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection, Miriam Staudte of the State of Lower Saxony, Germany. |
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This joint declaration of intent (JDol) represents the common understanding of the Department of Agriculture (DoA) of the Province of the Eastern Cape and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (ML) of the State of Lower Saxony. The DoA and the ML recognise the mutual benefit to be gained through partnering and cooperating programmes and projects. They have thus come to the following understanding:
The main areas of the partnership will be agriculture development, institutional capacity development, and human capacity development as well as research and technology development. This will include production agriculture, professional staff development, agricultural infrastructure development according to required specifications, implementation and management, and social and rural development. Both sides intend, based on reciprocity and their respective competences, to support and promote the spirit of this JDol to enhance the success of this partnership.
– Source: www.gov.za |
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| STELLENBOSCH SCIENTIST JOINS US$60 MILLION GLOBAL DRIVE TO RETHINK ANTIBIOTICS |
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| As antibiotic resistance continues to rise worldwide, a Stellenbosch University scientist is helping to pioneer a radically new way to fight some of the world’s deadliest bacteria. |
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Prof. Erick Strauss from Stellenbosch University (SU) has been selected to lead one of only two African research teams participating in a major US$60 million global consortium focused on transforming antibiotic discovery.
The initiative targets Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae — one of the leading causes of antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) deaths globally — and represents a significant international investment in new approaches to drug development.
A global consortium with a new model
The funding was announced by the Gates Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation and Wellcome, which together committed US$60 million over three years to support 18 research projects across 17 countries.
The projects form part of the Gram-Negative Antibiotic Discovery Innovator (Gr-ADI), a first-of-its-kind consortium designed to accelerate antibiotic discovery through open collaboration. Participating teams will share data, tools and findings rather than working in isolation.
Gr-ADI is also the first investment of a broader US$300 million global health research and development partnership launched by the three philanthropic organisations in 2024.
Why new antibiotics are urgently needed
Traditional antibiotics work by blocking processes that bacteria need to survive, such as building cell walls or making proteins. When used correctly, these drugs can stop bacteria from multiplying, giving the immune system time to clear the infection.
However, many Gram-negative bacteria have developed resistance to existing antibiotic classes, making infections increasingly difficult to treat. This has created an urgent need for therapies that work in fundamentally different ways, reducing the likelihood that resistance will emerge again.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a particular concern, as it is a major driver of AMR-related deaths worldwide.
Turning bacteria against themselves
Strauss’s team will explore a novel strategy inspired by advances in cancer research: targeted protein degradation. Instead of merely inhibiting a harmful protein, this approach hijacks a cell’s natural protein-degradation machinery and forces it to destroy the target protein entirely.
This is achieved using specially designed bifunctional molecules called PROTACs. When applied to bacteria, they are known as BacPROTACs — molecules that cause pathogenic bacteria to degrade their own essential proteins.
While PROTACs have been studied as cancer therapies for more than two decades, BacPROTACs were only first described as potential treatments for mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis, in 2022.
In 2023, a team led by Strauss received Gates Foundation and LifeArc funding to apply this strategy to multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis through the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator.
One potential advantage of BacPROTACs is that the drug is not consumed in the process. Strauss compares it to a “fishing rod with a baited hook”, suggesting lower doses may be effective and that the effects could be longer lasting.
Building African drug-discovery capacity
Strauss’s Gr-ADI team includes collaborators from SU, Rhodes University, the University of Ghana, and the Ersilia Open-Source Initiative in Spain. The second African project is led by Prof. Stephen Dela Ahator of the University of Ghana.
The work will begin with Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the longer-term aim of developing a workflow that can be adapted to other validated bacterial drug targets.
For SU, the grant marks a significant investment in its capacity to develop novel therapeutic drugs, and places African science firmly within a global effort to tackle one of modern medicine’s most pressing challenges.
– Source: www.thenewspaper.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA TAKES TOP HONOURS AT SHENZHEN FLOWER SHOW |
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South African designer Leon Kluge and his team secured both Grand Gold and Best on Show at the Shenzhen International Flower Show, held in Shenzhen, China, with unique designs. |
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What started as a behind-the-scenes build in a foreign country has now turned into a major win. South African designer Leon Kluge and his team have officially taken top honours at the Shenzhen International Flower Show, walking away with both the Grand Gold Award and Best on Show.
It’s a massive achievement at one of the biggest flower shows in Asia and a proud moment not just for the team on the ground, but for South Africa as a whole.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Kluge shared just how much the moment meant:
“South Africa won the Grand Gold Award. Not only the Grand Gold, but also Best on Show. That means South Africa’s garden here at the Shenzhen Flower Show is number one.”
From the architecture right through to the plant selection, the winning garden stood out for its unique blend of influences, combining Asian design elements with strong African inspiration. It’s a fusion that clearly resonated with judges and visitors.
“Representing a mixture of Asian design and African influence in the design. Not only the architecture, but also the plants. And I’m very proud to take this on.”
Just days ago, the team was still deep in the build phase, working against time, language barriers, and the challenges of creating something world-class far from home. Now, that hard work has paid off in the best way possible.
“Thank you so much for all the encouraging messages from everybody back home every day; we managed to pull it off.”
After conquering one of the world’s biggest flower shows with two major awards secured, the team will soon be bringing their success back to South Africa.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO STATIONS FEATURE IN "OSCARS OF RADIO AWARDS" |
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| South Africa has eight entries on the New York Festivals (NYF) 2026 Radio Awards shortlist, with seven for Hot 102.7 and one for Metro FM. |
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NYF’s Radio Awards welcomes entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers across 30+ countries. Its mission is to recognise and elevate the exceptional work of the creators shaping today’s global audio storytelling landscape.
South Africa’s finalists:
- News programme: News documentary/special: Hot 1027, Childhood Matters.
- News report/feature: Special report: Hot 1027, Crater City.
- Morning drive/Afternoon programming: Music/Personality show Hot 1027: Hot 1027 Drive.
- News report/Feature: Human-interest feature: Hot 1027, Lost on Memory Lane.
- News report/Feature: Heroes feature: Hot 1027, Remembering Dr Jane Goodall.
- News report/Feature: special report hot 1027: Robot wars.
- On-air talent: broadcast journalist Hot 1027: Tara Penny.
- Talk programme: South African Broadcasting Corporation – Metro FM, Holding Power To Account.
This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of the medium, featuring entries across audiobooks, podcasts, drama, documentary, breaking news, entertainment, and music, submitted by global networks, production companies, and independent storytellers.
Podcast entries continued to gain momentum in 2026, spanning a wide range of categories, including culture, drama, news, sports, social justice, education, investigative journalism, health, comedy, business, and technology. Audiobook entries were also up.
Rigorously evaluated
For 69 years, the New York Festivals Radio Awards has provided a global platform to celebrate world-class storytellers. Since 1957, the competition has honoured innovation and excellence in broadcast audio content across all genres and platforms, continuously evolving alongside industry developments and global trends.
Entries for the 2026 Radio Awards were rigorously evaluated by the Radio Awards Grand Jury, a panel of 100 standout audio innovators from 20 countries, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of global storytelling.
Submissions were judged on the following set of criteria: production values, creativity, content presentation, direction, writing, achievement of purpose and audience suitability.
Winning entries
Award-winning entries will be announced during the New York Festivals 2026 Storytellers Gala virtual event on 21 May 2026.
The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers.
Award-winning entries for the 2026 competition will be showcased at the Radio Awards winners gallery.
– Source: www.bizcommunity.com |
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| PROTEAS WOMEN CLAIM LAST BALL VICTORY AGAINST NEW ZEALAND IN FIRST ODI |
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| South Africa defeated New Zealand by two wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, 29 March 2026. |
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The visitors won the toss and decided to bowl first, with openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer putting on a 42-run partnership before Tumi Sekhukhune dismissed Bates in the tenth over.
Nadine de Klerk bowled out Plimmer in the 17th over, which brought top scorer Maddy Green (85) to the pitch; however, the partnership only produced 38 runs in ten overs before Ayabonga Khakha dismissed captain Amelia Kerr for 36 off 60 deliveries.
Next to fall was Brooke Halliday in the very next over after being caught by Sinalo Jafta off Chloe Tyron's bowling to leave New Zealand at 112/4 after 28 overs.
Green and Izzy Gaze (37) consolidated the innings with a 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket before the latter was caught off the bowling of Chloe Tyron.
New Zealand continued to lose wickets regularly but managed to put on a decent total of 268 after Jess Kerr was bowled out on the last ball by Khakha.
In response, South Africa had a terrible start, losing Tamsyn Brits in the first over for a duck before skipper Laura Wolvaardt was bowled by Breearne Illing to leave the visitors struggling at 30/2 after six overs. |
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Annerie Dercksen (72) and Sune Luus (53) combined to steady the ship with a 123-run partnership for the third wicket before both batters fell in successive overs to leave the Proteas at 154/4 after 30 overs.
Amelia Kerr got out Sinalo Jafta and Chloe Tyron as the home side slowed the run rate and seemed to take control of the match.
However, Nadine de Klerk (39) and Kayla Reyneke (42 not out) put on an impressive seventh-wicket partnership to take the Proteas to 238/7 after de Klerk was caught off Rosemary Mair's bowling.
Despite Ayabonga Khakha being dismissed with her team needing 22 runs off the final two overs, debutant Reyneke held her nerve, managing to smash a six off the last ball of the innings to claim the victory and the series lead.
– Source: www.sabcsport.com |
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| PIETER COETZÉ COMPLETES TRIPLE CROWN AT 2026 CHINA SWIMMING OPEN |
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| Pieter Coetzé continues his unstoppable run at the 2026 China Swimming Open, claiming gold in three backstroke events. |
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South Africa’s backstroke king, Pieter Coetzé, has made it three from three at the 2026 China Swimming Open in Shenzhen, cementing his dominance on the global stage. From the 50m to the 100m and the 200m backstroke, Coetzé has left the world’s best in his wake.
Pieter Coetzé claimed gold across the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke events at the 2026 China Swimming Open, delivering commanding performances against world-class competitors, including Olympic champion Thomas Ceccon.
At Longgang Universiade Centre, in the 50m, he clocked 24.83. But he wasn’t done. Moving up to the 100m backstroke, Coetzé once again held off Ceccon, stopping the clock at 52.73 to claim another gold medal. His final act of dominance came in the 200m backstroke, where he powered through once again.
Reflecting on his performance, Coetzé shared his joy and appreciation for the atmosphere in Shenzhen.
“It’s been amazing, so much fun, and having everything organised so well made it easy to perform.” |
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He also made sure to give a shoutout to the fans.
“I love Shenzhen, and I love the fans. Thank you all for all the support and for everyone who made this possible.”
The victories don’t just add medals to his collection; they also secure his spot at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His clean sweep at the inaugural China Swimming Open 2026 has certainly set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year on the world stage.
His achievements in China mark him as a consistent force in international swimming. From a commanding 50m sprint to a gruelling 200m battle, Pieter Coetzé has proved he’s unbeatable in the pool.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| BOK WOMEN SEVENS FIGHT BACK AFTER DOUBLE BLOW IN SAO PAULO |
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| The Springbok Women’s Sevens endured a bruising start to their HSBC SVNS 2 campaign in Sao Paulo on Saturday, 28 March 2026, but showed admirable resolve to finish the day on a high with a convincing win over the hosts. |
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South Africa opened with back-to-back defeats, going down 19-5 to Spain before suffering a 14-5 loss to Kenya in a frustrating double setback at Estádio Nicolau Alayon. However, they regrouped impressively to beat Brazil 26-12, restoring pride and momentum heading into Sunday’s fixtures.
The early signs were worrying. A revamped starting line-up struggled to find cohesion in the opener against Spain, with a combination of system errors and poor execution stalling any attacking fluency. Spain, by contrast, was clinical, making the most of limited chances as South Africa failed to gain a foothold.
The situation on day one was compounded by injury concerns, most notably to captain Nadine Roos, whose knee problem disrupted an already disjointed performance. The Bok Women never truly got going, lacking their usual intensity and sharpness.
Their second clash, against familiar rivals Kenya, followed a similarly scrappy pattern. In a typically physical encounter, Kenya edged the first half through the only try, capitalising on South African errors. Although Asisipho Plaatjies responded midway through the contest, a long-range effort from Freshia Oduor ultimately proved decisive as the African bragging rights slipped away.
With confidence wavering and the injury list growing – Shannon-Lee Windvogel and Simamkele Namba also sidelined, while Maceala Samboya limped off early – South Africa needed a response against Brazil. They duly delivered. – Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN KUNGFU TEAM IMPRESSES AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH TOP FIVE FINISH |
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| Competing against 22 countries, the four-member South African team overcame travel challenges to secure 13 medals and a top-five finish. |
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South Africa’s Kungfu scene is having a serious moment, and at the centre of it is the electrifying rise of the South African Chin Woo Kungfu team, affectionately known as “The BlitzFus.” Currently competing at the 21st Hong Kong International Wushu Kungfu Championship, the team has already secured an incredible 13-medal haul.
For coach and team captain Muhammad Junaid “M.J Li” Chafeker, the achievement is about representing with pride.
“This was about representing South Africa with pride and delivering our best.”
What makes this performance even more powerful is the journey behind it. The team’s final preparations took place during the holy month of Ramadan, balancing intense training sessions while fasting.
“I think it’s a tribute to the difficulties that the athletes faced with the build-up to the championship. We were completing our final preparation in the holy month of Ramadan while we were fasting.”
And the challenges didn’t stop there. Travelling through the Middle East during a period of uncertainty added further strain to the trip.
“That was a strenuous experience, but nonetheless, we arrived safely and we were just very happy to do our country proud.”
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Despite being a small squad of just four athletes, Team South Africa managed to finish in the top five.
“Out of the 22 countries, we managed to finish top five, which I think is very significant, considering that a lot of the top countries come with a few dozen athletes.”
On the mat, the performances were just as impressive. Junaid himself claimed three gold medals in the professional adult division, while also earning the highest individual score among all foreign athletes. The next generation also stepped up in style. Teenage athletes Saifullah Chafeker and Luqmaan Slarmie each secured three gold and two silver medals, showcasing both experience and composure under pressure.
Off the mat, the accolades continued, with team manager Salma Natalie Doran being named Best Foreign Team Manager. For Junaid, who was inducted into the World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, this moment is part of a bigger mission.
With the team set to host the Africa International Youth Kungfu Championships in Cape Town next, the focus now shifts to inspiring the next generation.
“We are hoping it inspires our youth, despite the circumstances, we were still able to focus and produce the goods for the country.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS WATER POLO TEAMS READY FOR BIG TEST IN AUSTRALIA |
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| Passports are ready as four teams made up of 57 athletes and 13 staff members will represent South Africa at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane, Australia. |
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Two U16 squads and two U18 squads will be flying the South African flag, with a group made up of 57 players and 13 staff members all heading across for the competition. It’s a reward for months (and years) of hard work, early mornings, and serious commitment in the pool.
But this tour is about more than just what happens in the water.
“Tours like this are about so much more than results.”
For many of these players, it’s their first taste of international competition and a chance to go up against top global talent, learn new styles of play, and grow both as athletes and as individuals.
And while the competition will be tough, there’s just as much focus on the experience off the pool deck. New friendships, team bonding, and representing South Africa on a global stage all form part of the journey.
“It’s an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, represent South African schools with pride, and create memories that will last forever.”
From intense matches to moments in between, this is the kind of experience that shapes young athletes long after the final whistle.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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