| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES MIDDLE EAST CEASEFIRE, CALLS FOR LASTING PEACE |
|
| |
 |
|
| President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East, expressing hope that it will pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict. |
|
|
| |
Speaking during the Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports ongoing efforts to end hostilities.
“We note the current initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict in the Middle East.
“We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and are hopeful that it will lay the basis for a permanent resolution of the conflict,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s long-standing position that peace should be achieved through dialogue rather than force.
“South Africa once again calls for dialogue and mediation to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property and to ensure a just, sustainable and lasting peace,” he said.
South Africa has persistently stood at the helm of calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution, and that no military intervention can deliver lasting peace. The country has further urged for a universal and unequivocal recognition of United Nations resolutions on peace and conflict resolution, which are meant to advance civilian protection and broker ceasefire deals.
President Ramaphosa once again called on all countries to uphold international law and respect sovereignty.
“We further call on all countries to respect international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”
The President said South Africa’s international relations outlook is grounded in the values of its Constitution, including human dignity, equality and freedom.
“As a nation that emerged from a painful past of injustice and inequality, we seek a more just and equitable world order. We seek a global order defined by peace and friendship among all the nations of the world,” he said.
President Ramaphosa stressed that global peace and security should be achieved through cooperation and adherence to international agreements.
“We strive to ensure that global peace and security are secured through dialogue and negotiation and not through force of arms, where international laws, treaties and agreements are upheld and respected,” the President said.
He added that in a complex and interconnected world, global solidarity, multilateral diplomacy and respect for the multilateral system remain key to addressing challenges such as conflict, poverty and inequality.
“In a world beset by profound and interconnected challenges — whether they be conflicts, the climate crisis or the proliferation of poverty and inequality — we know that global solidarity and deepening cooperation are our surest means to overcome them,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA URGES NEW ENVOYS TO STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIC, ECONOMIC TIES |
|
| |
| President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to deepen diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between South Africa and their respective countries. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
The President received letters of credence from the newly appointed Heads of Mission from 20 countries across the world during a Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in in Pretoria on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
The ceremony saw the Heads of Mission-designate present their credentials to the President and pledge commitment to work with South Africa to further advance and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.
Addressing Heads of Mission, the President said South Africa stands ready to partner with nations for trade, development and peace.
“In South Africa you will find a ready, willing, able and capable partner for trade, development, progress and peace,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the envoys begin their tenure at a time when South Africa’s economy is recovering, supported by ongoing structural reforms.
“The structural reform agenda we embarked on in 2018 to overcome longstanding constraints to investment and growth continues to gain momentum,” he said.
He noted improvements in key economic indicators, including stabilised public debt and increased job creation, as well as progress made through investment drives.
“Last week, we held our sixth South Africa Investment Conference, where we secured R889 billion in cumulative investment commitments. This has encouraged us to set a goal of securing R3 trillion in new investment commitments over the next three years,” he said.
The President said government is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support growth.
“We will be investing approximately R1 trillion over the next three years to build roads, dams, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among nations, particularly in addressing global challenges.
“As we pursue our apex priority of inclusive growth and job creation, we are firmly committed to deepening our cooperation and collaboration with all countries. We hope that your time in South Africa will contribute to building meaningful, sustainable economic partnerships,” he said.
Expectations for Diplomats
He also outlined expectations for the diplomats, stressing the importance of mutual respect, non-interference and constructive engagement.
“As President, whenever I appoint ambassadors and high commissioners to your country, I expect them to promote good relations between our two nations. I expect them to respect your country’s sovereignty and promote trade and investment opportunities in our respective countries.
“I also expect them to promote South Africa’s culture and value system and strengthen people-to-people relations,” he said.
The President underscored the importance of diplomacy conducted with tact and discretion.
“I always make it a point to inform them that they should never criticise their host countries publicly and in a confrontational manner but should always seek to raise issues privately and constructively.
“They should always seek to build relationships with various stakeholders in the host country. They should always choose to preserve dignity and partnership between our respective countries,” the President said.
He said this approach aligns with principles of international diplomacy and fosters stronger bilateral relations.
“It is this approach that I believe builds strong relationships between nations and helps to advance the interests of our respective countries based on mutual respect.
“South Africa’s interest is to advance a better, more peaceful, more equal world, anchored in human rights and with respect for the dignity of all,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
|
| |
| MINISTER LAMOLA MEETS UN SPECIAL ENVOY ON DRC AND GREAT LAKES REGION |
|
| |
| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, met with the Special Envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at DIRCO Headquarters in Pretoria. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
The meeting focused on the implementation of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region, as well as South Africa’s incoming Chairship of the Regional Oversight Mechanism. Discussions underscored the importance of continued regional cooperation and sustained efforts towards peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region.
– Source: Public Diplomacy Platforms |
|
| |
|
| |
| MINISTER CREECY OUTLINES PROGRESS IN EASING LEBOMBO CONGESTION |
|
| |
 |
|
| Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy says South Africa and Mozambique are entering a “solution phase” in efforts to resolve long-standing congestion challenges at the Lebombo Port of Entry. |
|
|
| |
Speaking during a visit to the border on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, Minister Creecy said the trip formed part of ongoing work to tackle delays in freight movement between the two countries, which have placed sustained pressure on transport routes such as the N4.
“We are visiting the Ressano Garcia/Lebombo Port of Entry today as part of our ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to the congestion challenges,” she said.
Minister Creecy noted that both governments have been working closely to improve traffic flow across the border, following a joint visit in December 2025 where officials assessed infrastructure at key freight processing sites, including Kilometre 4 in Mozambique and Kilometre 7 on the South African side.
Since that visit, several interventions have been implemented.
A joint “dry run” involving immigration officials from both countries demonstrated that co-location — processing traffic from a single point — significantly improves efficiency. This approach has since been maintained, with Mozambican officials now operating within the South African side of the port.
“These interventions have assisted in moving the traffic faster, thus reducing the pressure on the N4,” Creecy said, while acknowledging that a more permanent solution is still required.
Upgrades at the Kilometre 7 processing centre are central to the plan.
The facility will serve as a hub where key agencies, including border management, customs and law enforcement, will operate together. Enhancements include camera installations to monitor vehicle movement and infrastructure improvements to streamline cargo processing.
Customs systems are also being installed and are expected to be completed within the next few months, ahead of the busy December period.
Once fully operational, the facility will allow for prioritisation of pre-cleared cargo and provide dedicated space for inspections.
A detailed processing plan has already been agreed upon by stakeholders, outlining staged procedures at both Kilometre 7 and the main port of entry.
These measures are expected to support the rollout of a “one-stop border” system aimed at speeding up freight movement.
“With the implementation of these measures and systems, a one-stop border concept will be activated,” Minister Creecy said.
The Minister also highlighted plans to develop a “single window” platform, which would allow traders to interact with multiple government agencies through a single system, reducing duplication and delays.
However, she stressed that success depends on alignment between South Africa and Mozambique.
“These efforts will be in vain if our systems are not coordinated and aligned with those of our sister country,” she said, adding that similar progress is needed at Mozambique’s Kilometre 4 site.
Minister Creecy said the improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance trade and passenger movement, noting that transporters remain the most affected by border inefficiencies.
“We are now at a solution phase to a problem that has engulfed our two nations for a while and choking movements to the detriment of our economies,” she said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| CALL FOR GLOBAL FAIRNESS IN THE SHARING OF BENEFITS DERIVED FROM BIODIVERSITY |
|
| |
| Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for greater global fairness in the sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity. |
|
| |
Addressing delegates from across the world, Deputy Minister Singh described the setting, located within the Cape Floristic Region, as a reminder of both the value of biodiversity and the shared responsibility to conserve it and ensure its benefits are distributed equitably.
He emphasised that the work of the Steering Committee comes at a critical time, noting that issues of fairness, equity and justice are central to how benefits from biodiversity are shared globally.
“In Africa, biodiversity is closely tied to livelihoods, cultures and identities”, the Deputy Minister said, adding that decisions taken during the meeting would have real implications for Indigenous people and local communities who have protected these resources for generations.
He pointed to South Africa’s advanced Access and Benefit-Sharing system, which is aligned with international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, as an example of how equitable engagement between researchers, companies and communities can be achieved. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
Deputy Minister Singh said this made South Africa a fitting host for discussions on the multilateral mechanism and the Cali Fund.
Reflecting on progress made at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), Singh noted that countries had agreed to establish a multilateral mechanism to address the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the creation of the Cali Fund.
He described the decision as a milestone aimed at ensuring that benefits arising from genetic data used in research and innovation are shared more fairly, while strengthening corporate responsibility.
He traced the development of the issue back to 2016, when digital sequence information first gained prominence under the Convention, and outlined how ongoing discussions, including global dialogues initiated by South Africa and Norway in 2019, helped build consensus.
He highlighted South Africa’s role in convening these engagements, including key meetings in Pretoria, which contributed to the eventual agreement reached in Cali.
Singh stressed that in the African context, benefit-sharing is not only a technical issue but also a historical one, noting that Indigenous knowledge has long contributed to sectors such as medicine and agriculture without adequate recognition or compensation.
He said the work of the Steering Committee and the development of the Cali Fund present an opportunity to address these imbalances and ensure that both monetary and non-monetary benefits reach the communities that have safeguarded biodiversity.
The Deputy Minister added that South Africa’s own experience demonstrates how the use of genetic resources can deliver tangible benefits for both communities and conservation efforts and expressed hope that this experience could inform broader discussions on shaping a fair, inclusive and effective mechanism.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS WELCOMES BANK OF AMERICA RANKING AFFIRMING SOUTH AFRICA’S INVESTMENT APPEAL |
|
| |
 |
|
| The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) welcomes the recent ranking by Bank of America placing South Africa at the top of its regional equity market assessment. This recognition represents a strong vote of confidence in South Africa as an attractive and competitive investment destination. |
|
|
| |
This endorsement by a leading global financial institution reflects the underlying resilience and sophistication of South Africa’s financial system. Despite a challenging global environment, our financial markets continue to demonstrate stability, depth, and strong regulatory oversight, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a trusted hub for investment on the African continent.
This ranking serves as further evidence that the economic reforms undertaken by government are yielding positive results. Ongoing efforts to stabilise energy supply, improve logistics, and strengthen fiscal management are contributing to renewed investor confidence and improved market performance.
We are also encouraged by the recent investment commitments totalling R889.8 billion announced through the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), which signal growing domestic and international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. These commitments underscore the tangible progress being made to unlock growth and create an enabling environment for investment.
Government calls on investors, both local and international, to take note of these positive developments and to partner with South Africa in driving inclusive economic growth. There are significant opportunities across key sectors of our economy, and we remain committed to ensuring policy certainty, structural reform, and a conducive business environment.
South Africa is open for business, and this latest recognition affirms that the country remains a compelling destination for investment.
– Source: www.gov.za |
|
| |
|
| |
| TOURISM SECTOR CREATES NEARLY ONE MILLION DIRECT JOBS IN SOUTH AFRICA |
|
| |
| South Africa’s tourism industry is not just recovering; it is soaring to new heights, with new data showcasing how it has transformed into a robust engine of economic growth and job creation, reports “Cape {town} Etc.” |
|
|
 |
|
| |
According to the latest Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa report, the sector flourished in 2024, recording an impressive 953,981 direct jobs, which equates to 5.7% of the country’s labour force.
This translates to approximately one in every 18 workers being directly employed in tourism, a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy.
Furthermore, the report indicates that tourism’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 4.9% in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic contribution of 3.7% seen in 2019.
Remarkably, the tourism sector has outperformed key sectors such as agriculture, utilities and construction, signifying its vital importance in the country’s economic framework.
The financial footprint of tourism has also seen a remarkable resurgence, with a total expenditure reaching R779.2 billion.
This figure comprises both domestic and inbound tourism expenditures, with domestic tourists leading the charge at R665.3 billion, while international visitors contributed R113.9 billion.
“This once again reaffirms that domestic tourists are the bedrock of the sector in our country,” remarked Minister Patricia de Lille, highlighting the significance of local vacationers in bolstering the economy and creating jobs, all while noting the ongoing recovery in international tourism.
The momentum continues, as the country witnessed a record of 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025. Early 2026 has also seen a significant uptick, with nearly 2 million visitors welcomed in just the first two months:
- January 2026: 1,133,533 arrivals (12.4% increase compared to January 2025)
- February 2026: 864,534 arrivals (13.1% increase compared to February 2025)
Minister de Lille anticipates that these numbers will continue to rise, driven by the ongoing rollout of the Electronic Travellers Authorisation and a proactive marketing strategy that aims to position South Africa as a top choice for affordable holidays and a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
These impressive figures and positive forecasts are largely attributed to the effective implementation of the Cabinet-approved Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a strategic framework developed collaboratively by the government and the private sector.
– Source: www.capetownetc.com
|
|
| |
|
| |
| SIX SOUTH AFRICANS PICKED FOR TOP SCIENTISTS’ MEETING IN GERMANY |
|
| |
 |
|
| Six brilliant South African scientists have been selected for the prestigious 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. |
|
|
| |
Six young South African scientists have been selected to attend the world-renowned 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany, scheduled for 28 June to 3 July 2026.
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) announced the selections for the interdisciplinary event, which brings together early-career researchers and 75 Nobel Laureates.
South African scientists on the global stage
This milestone follows the recent appointment of another exceptional South African, Professor Vukosi Marivate, to the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
Marivate, a prominent computer scientist from Pretoria, joins 40 global experts assessing the real-world impact of artificial intelligence (AI), proving that South Africans continue to do big things internationally.
Meet the exceptional 2026 cohort:
- Dr Itumeleng Baloyi: A postdoctoral fellow at the Agricultural Research Council, her research focuses on natural products and innovative methods to tackle global health challenges. She earned her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria in 2023.
- Dr Jaymi January: Affiliated with SensorLab at the University of the Western Cape, her work intersects nano electrochemistry and point-of-care diagnostics to develop portable, low-cost diagnostic platforms for disease biomarker detection.
- Fannie Masina: A PhD candidate in Biology at the University of Mpumalanga, his vital research focuses on freshwater ecosystems and the impacts of human activities and invasive species on aquatic communities.
- Dr Xoliswa Lindokuhle Dyosiba: A University of Pretoria postdoctoral researcher, she develops advanced materials and processes for clean energy, emphasising hydrogen technologies and scalable, low-carbon solutions.
- Dr Patrick Mwanza: Based at Nelson Mandela University, his postdoctoral research applies molecular science to address global health challenges, with a focus on wastewater-based epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance.
- Dr Chevarra Hansraj: A mathematical physics lecturer at Stellenbosch University, her research solves Einstein field equations to explore gravity, black hole geometry and stellar modelling. She earned her BSc, BScHons, and MSc summa cum laude.
The 2026 cohort follows in the footsteps of previous outstanding local researchers. Dr Sarah McKee recently represented the country at the 73rd physics-focused meeting, while rising stars like Dr Unathi Thango, Nyemwererai Blessing Matshaka and Letshego Mancoe were selected for the 8th Lindau Meeting in Economic Sciences.
About the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Since their founding in 1951, the annual Lindau Meetings have developed into a unique international scientific forum. The gathering aims to educate, inspire and connect different generations, cultures and disciplines.
For these emerging researchers, the meeting offers a career-defining opportunity to gain direct access to the most celebrated minds in global science.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| NANDI MADIDA JOINS GATES FOUNDATION’S GLOBAL CREATIVE COUNCIL |
|
| |
 |
|
| South African media personality, podcaster and singer Nandi Madida has been named one of the Global Creative Councillors at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. |
| |
Madida shared the exciting news with her followers on Instagram, reflecting on the work that has long shaped her passion for supporting mothers across the continent.
In her caption, Madida explained that advocating for mothers has always been at the centre of her mission.
“This continent’s mothers have always been my why. Long before any title, showing up for mothers has been my purpose. Through The Motherhood Network and in every space I have been given access to, I have tried to tell their stories, hold their experiences with care, and advocate for the women who carry so much, so quietly.”
Her advocacy work through her platform, The Motherhood Network, continues to amplify the voices and experiences of mothers while highlighting important issues affecting families. |
|
|
| |
Madida said the appointment as a Global Creative Councillor marks an important moment in her journey of advocacy.
“Being named a Global Creative Councillor at the Gates Foundation feels like the work being seen. And I do not take that lightly.”
She revealed that she recently spent time in South Africa working alongside an international team focused on improving the lives of mothers and children.
“Last week I spent time in South Africa with an incredible international team, inside spaces doing real, urgent work for mothers and children. It moved me in ways I am still processing.”
Despite receiving global recognition, Madida said her commitment to advocating for mothers remains unchanged.
“I will keep showing up. That has never changed. This just means I get to do it in bigger rooms.”
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that works to reduce disease and poverty while helping build a more equal world.
– Source: www.thesouthafrican.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| JOHANNESBURG LEARNER SELECTED TO REPRESENT SOUTH AFRICA AT INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH OLYMPIAD |
|
| |
| Ten-year-old Kitana Inderpal will compete in Bangkok after standout performances at the national level, with support needed to make the journey possible. |
| |
A bright young learner from Johannesburg is set to take her talents to the global stage, and she’s making South Africa proud while doing it.
Ten-year-old Kitana Inderpal has been selected to represent the country at the AsiaRope International English Olympiad in Bangkok, Thailand, following an impressive run at the national level. Her results speak volumes: she achieved Gold status, placed third in the South African Olympiad national round, and secured second place in the AsiaRope national round.
Now, she’s preparing to compete against learners from across the world, with participants expected from between 10 and 20 countries. It’s a massive opportunity to test her academic skills and to gain international exposure and experience at a young age. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
But Kitana’s achievements don’t stop in the classroom. She’s a well-rounded learner who continues to shine in different spaces. Her English work has already been featured in her school’s quarterly newsletter, and she was recognised as one of ten winners in the Yokico competition. On top of that, she also volunteers her time at a local veterinary practice.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| SOUTH AFRICA’S KEY ROLE IN THE ARTEMIS II MOON MISSION |
|
| |
| A South African National Space Agency ground station in Hartebeeshoek plays a key role in the ongoing historic mission to the moon. |
|
| |
 |
|
The Artemis II mission is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. Currently, four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen – are on the second leg of their 10-day journey around the moon and back.
The crew on board the Orion spacecraft made history this week when they set the record for the farthest anyone has travelled from Earth, breaking the current record set in 1970 by the Apollo 13 crew.
The Artemis II astronauts have already begun their trajectory home after swinging around the far side of the moon, where they became the first people to see what no human eyes have seen in person before.
The world has followed the crew in their mission and we’ve already cried all the tears, too.
This week, the astronauts left a mark on our hearts and on the moon when the crew proposed a name for a bright, unnamed lunar crater they had observed. They called it Carroll, honouring mission Commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife, who in 2020 passed away after a battle with cancer.
South Africa has been watching closely, too. |
|
|
| |
In its key involvement in the Artemis II mission, a ground station based in Hartebeeshoek has been tracking and monitoring the Orion spacecraft and reporting directly to NASA, Vox Weather Girls share.
The South African National Space Agency has supported international space missions for decades now. The Hartebeeshoek facility, in particular, was established in the 1960s as a NASA tracking station and has since become a key player in global space operations.
The station provides tracking and communication support for satellites and space missions, including those travelling beyond Earth and even missions like this one, involving astronauts.
What’s more is that South Africa is currently building one of only three antennas on the planet that will help NASA in future moon missions, based in the Karoo near Matjiesfontein.
Now on their path back to Earth, Artemis II is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, 10 April, completing their historic 10-day mission to the moon and back.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| TEAM FROM SOUTH AFRICA WINS EIGHTH AFRICAN SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONSHIP IN ZIMBABWE |
|
| |
| A team from South Africa took first place in the eighth African Spelling Bee championship, held this year in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. The African Spelling Bee competition has three categories: junior and senior, in which participants compete individually, and a team category for national teams. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
Based on the overall team results, first place went to the participants from South Africa, second to Nigeria, and third to Zimbabwe.
The winner in the senior age category was a participant from Rwanda, with Zimbabwe and Malawi taking second and third place. In the junior age category, gold and bronze went to children from Nigeria, whilst silver was won by a participant from South Africa.
“The competition builds confidence and character, especially in public speaking, and at an African level it creates a sense of community and Pan-Africanism. It is not just about spelling; it is educational, cultural, and brings us together,” said Love Joshua, programme director of the Spelling Bee competition in Nigeria, as reported by ZBC News, a partner of TV BRICS.
The organisers emphasise that the aim of the championship is not merely to identify the best spelling experts. It is designed to boost participants’ self-confidence, promote unity among African nations and celebrate the intellectual potential of young people across the continent.
“We were in Nigeria last year and Uganda in 2023. It is important for us to be here because it gives our country, our team, a chance to showcase their talent. […] This contest is really important; it builds confidence in children and improves literacy,” noted Eneresi Chomusora, National Director of the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee Competition.
The African Spelling Bee was launched in 2016. It was founded by 10 organisations running national Spelling Bee competitions from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The first competition took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. In subsequent years, the championship has also been held in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Nigeria.
This article has been published in partnership with the African Times.
– Source: spotcovery.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| AMAWHEELA TEAMS PUSH SOUTH AFRICA CLOSER TO GLOBAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL STAGE |
|
| |
 |
|
| South Africa’s wheelchair basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships, keeping their hopes alive for a spot at the World Championship. |
|
|
| |
South Africa’s national wheelchair basketball team, the Sasol AmaWheela Boys, are making their mark on the continental stage after securing a place in the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships in Angola. Guided by head coach Siphamandla Gumbi, the team delivered a commanding 58–46 victory over the host nation.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Gumbi highlighted both the competitive and organisational aspects of the tournament.
“On the court, I’ve had nothing but compliments from teams,” he said. “Off the court, there have been logistical concerns as experienced in any competition of this magnitude, but nothing that could not be overcome, and the Angolan LOC must be complimented on hosting.”
The significance of the tournament is not lost on the team. Serving as the African qualifiers for the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, the stakes are incredibly high.
“The country that wins this tournament is the representative of Africa at the World Championship; therefore, it is an absolute privilege and honour for South Africa.”
South Africa’s journey has not been without its challenges. In their win over Angola, the team was forced to adapt quickly after losing two players to disqualification fouls. The level of competition has also tested the squad, with powerhouse nations such as Morocco, Algeria and Senegal all in contention. Gumbi acknowledged the balance across the tournament, saying there have been strong and weak teams participating, while pointing out that both the men’s and women’s competitions have produced tightly contested matches.
South Africa’s women’s team has also impressed, currently sitting second in their pool behind Algeria. Gumbi highlighted some of the standout moments so far.
“The South African women’s game against Algeria and the men’s Algerian-Senegalese game… both games went down to the wire with Algeria winning in both men’s and women’s pools.”
Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where South Africa will face an unbeaten Algerian side. Beyond the results, Gumbi emphasised the importance of continued support and visibility for disability sport.
“Very important for all disability sports, not only wheelchair basketball. Without them, we would never have reached the exposure and visibility that have elevated the sport in South Africa and across the continent.”
For the AmaWheela Boys and Girls, success in Angola would mean more than continental glory.
“The Sasol AmaWheela Boys and Girls would be crowned champions of Africa and be Africa’s representatives at the World Games,” Gumbi said. “This not only provides the sport with more marketing opportunities but also elevates South Africa as the dominant force in wheelchair basketball across Africa.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
| KOKSTAD’S OWN MBALI DIPHOKO TAKES HER NETBALL TALENT TO MALAYSIA |
|
| |
| KwaZulu-Natal’s netball star brings her sharp shooting and Baby Protea talent to Malaysia in a professional netball league. |
|
| |
From the courts of Kokstad to the international stage, Mbali Diphoko is taking her talent global.
The rising netball star from KwaZulu-Natal has secured an exciting move to Malaysia, where she’ll be turning out for the Selangor Angels in a professional league stint that marks another big step in her journey.
Hailing from the Harry Gwala District, Mbali has built a reputation as a calm and clinical shooter, known for delivering when it matters most. Whether it’s her accuracy, confidence under pressure, or natural flair on court, she’s become one of the standout young talents coming through South African netball.
This opportunity may be a short-term stint, but it speaks volumes about just how far her game has come. It’s also a proud moment for KwaZulu-Natal netball.
In the past, Mbali has shared that her playbook for success is built on hard work, resilience, and self-belief. She emphasises the importance of putting in the time to improve your skills, persevering through tough times, and trusting in your abilities to achieve your dreams. From her roots in Shayamoya to representing South Africa on the international stage, Mbali continues to inspire young netballers across the country. |
|
|
 |
|
| |
As a Baby Protea shooter, Mbali has already shown glimpses of her potential, and now she carries that same promise onto an international platform. Now it’s all about representing where she comes from and inspiring others who dream of following a similar path.
For KZN Netball, this is a celebration of one of their own.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
