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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CASTS HIS VOTE IN THE 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, casted their votes at the Hyde Park High School in the City of Johannesburg in the Local Government Elections. |
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President Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994, declared Wednesday, 4 November 2026 as a public holiday throughout the country.
The President called on all registered voters to use the opportunity of the public holiday to exercise their democratic right and civic duty by voting in this election that empowers citizens to elect local public representatives and influence service delivery where they live.
– Source: www.thepresidency.gov.za |
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| MINISTER LAMOLA LAUNCHES GLOBAL AFRICA RESEARCH INITIATIVE AT WITS UNIVERSITY |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, delivered a public lecture and officially launched the Global Africa Research Initiative (GARI) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) on 28 October 2026. |
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In his address, Minister Lamola highlighted the importance of African-led research, critical scholarship and the development of ideas to strengthen Africa’s position in an increasingly complex and changing global order.
He emphasised the need for Africa to play an active role in shaping international developments, advancing its interests and aspirations, and strengthening continental integration. He also challenged the newly launched initiative to explore ways of connecting academic research with the everyday experiences of ordinary people and to contribute practical perspectives on the challenges facing South Africa and the continent.
Minister Lamola officially declared GARI launched, underscoring the importance of an engaged intellectual community in helping Africa shape its place in the world.
– Source: DIRCO Public Diplomacy Platforms |
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| DIRECTOR-GENERAL DANGOR LED SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THIRD RUSSIA–AFRICA SUMMIT |
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| The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mr Zane Dangor, led the South African delegation to the Third Russia-Africa Summit and Forum, held in Moscow, Russian Federation, from 28 to 29 October 2026. |
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On 28 October 2026, Mr Dangor attended a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of African regional organisations on the sidelines of the summit.
The summit brought together African leaders and delegations to discuss cooperation between Russia and African countries, including trade, energy, security, politics, defence and technology. The programme included high-level diplomatic engagements and an Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
– Source: DIRCO Public Diplomacy Platforms I www.afrinz.ru |
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| SOUTH AFRICA OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR FIRST REVIEW CONFERENCE ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROHIBITION |
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| In his capacity as President of the First Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo is leading efforts to advance international dialogue on nuclear disarmament and strengthen understanding of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. |
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These efforts include a stakeholder engagement convened under the theme Advancing the Imperative of Nuclear Disarmament: Broadening International Understanding of the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Explosive Testing and Nuclear War. Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the engagement brought together government representatives, regional and continental institutions, international organisations, scientific and academic experts, and civil society to discuss the devastating humanitarian, health, environmental and socioeconomic consequences of nuclear explosive testing and nuclear war.
The First Review Conference comes at a critical time for global nuclear disarmament, amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over the threat posed by nuclear weapons. It presents an important opportunity to strengthen the implementation of the Treaty and reaffirm the humanitarian and environmental imperative for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
South Africa’s priorities include promoting high-level political participation, advancing the universalisation of the Treaty and reviewing progress in implementing its commitments and the Vienna Action Plan. Key areas for consideration include victim assistance and environmental remediation, the role of the Scientific Advisory Group, verification of nuclear weapons elimination, and complementarity between the TPNW and other international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation instruments.
Through the Review Conference, South Africa seeks to contribute to renewed momentum for nuclear disarmament, strengthen international cooperation and advance efforts towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
– Source: DIRCO Public Diplomacy Platforms
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| SOUTH AFRICA, NETHERLANDS STRENGTHEN WATER MANAGEMENT |
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| South Africa and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening water management in South Africa with the signing of a Declaration of Intent to advance the Blue Deal partnership into Phase III. |
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Signed in Cape Town on Thursday, 29 October 2026, the declaration which covers the period 2027-2030, builds on the achievements of Phase II and sets the foundation for the next phase of collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen).
The declaration was signed by Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips and Dutch Water Authorities President Jeroen Haan, reaffirming both parties’ intention to continue working together to strengthen water management capacity and support sustainable water resource management in South Africa.
Delivering the keynote address, Phillips said the focus was on consolidating the proposed work packages for Phase III and establishing a sound foundation for the Multi-Annual Plan that will guide implementation from 2027 to 2030.
“Following the Steering Committee’s endorsement of the programme’s Phase III strategic direction on 7 October 2026, today’s focus is to ensure that the proposed Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) work packages translate that direction into practical activities, clear responsibilities and targeted institutional support - whilst ensuring that Phase II learnings and momentum are taken forward.
“In South Africa, the Blue Deal supports national water-sector priorities, including the National Water Action Plan,” Phillips said.
Previous phases of the partnership have supported skills development, community-based water monitoring and technical knowledge exchange. Reported achievements include monitoring activities such as river clean-ups, citizen science and youth action and the protection of biodiversity at the Klipdrift River, Palmiet River and Industrial Road Stream in Grabouw.
Other achievements include an educational exhibition highlighting the Vredefort Dome and the development of Sisterhood in Water. This South African platform promotes women’s leadership in the water sector.
Developed in collaboration with the World Water Academy, the Sisterhood in Water platform also offers a digital mentorship network to support professional development and knowledge-sharing.
“Through Phases I and II, our local projects within Crocodile River, Vredefort Dome/Parys, Blesbokspruit, Msunduzi River and Theewaterskloof have developed excellent partnerships, practical experience and valuable shared learning among municipalities, communities and other partners. These relationships and lessons provide an important foundation for Phase III,” Phillips said.
Projects in Theewaterskloof, Vredefort Dome, Blesbokspruit and the Msunduzi–uMngeni catchment area, from Phase 2, will offer practical examples and learning opportunities to strengthen water management and improve water quality going into the next phase.
Phase 3 will focus on strengthening CMAs through tailored support to improve institutional viability, develop and implement catchment management strategies, strengthen information systems and encourage inclusive stakeholder participation.
CMAs will play a key role in guiding the transition of relevant local initiatives in collaboration with their partners. The partnership aims to embed skills, knowledge and systems within South African institutions to support sustainable improvements in water-resource management.
Although each CMA will set objectives and projects suited to its specific circumstances, the next phase will focus on four interconnected priorities, including:
- Financial and organisational viability, including sound governance and sustainable institutional arrangements.
- Catchment Management Strategies that guide planning and action.
- Data, information, monitoring and digital systems to support evidence-based decisions.
- Stakeholder management, participation and collaboration across institutions, municipalities, water users and communities.
Phillips said that through Phase III, the partnership aims to build on progress from previous years, strengthen institutional capacity and promote local ownership to support more effective and sustainable water-resource management in South Africa.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRINCESS ROYAL TO VISIT CAPE TOWN FOR COMMONWEALTH AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE |
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| Cape Town is preparing to welcome a royal visitor, with the Princess Royal, Princess Anne scheduled to arrive in the Mother City on 3 and 4 November 2026 for a series of engagements celebrating agricultural partnerships, business opportunities and the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa. |
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The visit will see Princess Anne attend the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference in her capacity as president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), Cape {town} Etc reports.
Bringing together agricultural leaders and emerging farmers from across the Commonwealth, the conference will explore some of the biggest challenges facing the industry, including leadership, climate resilience and the future of global agriculture.
With agriculture playing an important role in South Africa’s economy, the conference provides an opportunity to discuss how the industry can adapt to changing environmental conditions while creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers. The gathering will also strengthen connections between agricultural organisations across Commonwealth countries, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Beyond the conference, the Princess Royal’s programme will include engagements highlighting the different ways South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK) continue to work together.
One of the stops will involve meeting township entrepreneurs supported by the UK-South Africa Tech Hub’s Township Digital Market Access programme. The initiative helps small businesses in underserved communities develop digital skills and use online marketplaces to reach wider audiences. Delivered by 22 on Sloan, the programme supports entrepreneurs in listing their products on e-commerce platforms, including Takealot.
The Princess Royal will also visit a Western Cape stud farm to learn more about a new bilateral trade protocol governing the import and export of horses between South Africa and the UK. The agreement represents another area of cooperation between the two countries, particularly within the agricultural and equestrian industries.
Another significant moment during the visit will be a meeting with South Africa’s last known surviving World War II veteran and his family. The Princess Royal is expected to thank him for his military service, adding a personal and historical dimension to a programme largely focused on agriculture, business and trade.
Acting British High Commissioner to South Africa, Lisa Weedon, said the visit would celebrate the people and partnerships connecting the two countries. She also welcomed the Princess Royal’s return to South Africa, describing it as her second visit in two years and sixth overall.
The engagements, she said, would highlight what the UK and South Africa could achieve together, from opening new trade opportunities to supporting township entrepreneurs.
– Source: www.capetownetc.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN PILOT ROWAN TOOTH HONOURED BY UAE OVER FLYDUBAI EMERGENCY |
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| A Northern Cape pilot has been named as one of the men who helped land a flydubai jet safely after a cockpit attack in September. His name is Rowan Tooth and he is from Kimberley, “Cape {town} Etc” reports. |
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What happened on flight FZ1073
On 30 September 2026, flydubai flight FZ1073 was heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the first officer attacked the captain, according to the UAE attorney general. Prosecutors described it as an attempted terrorist act. They later said the first officer had planned to crash the aircraft into a terminal at Ben Gurion Airport.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was struck repeatedly on the head. Accounts differ on how the cockpit door was opened, but the crew and passengers restrained the attacker. Pilots travelling on the flight then took over and diverted the jet to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Flydubai says all 172 passengers and crew are safe.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President confers the First Class Order of Zayed II on the flydubai crew members involved in September’s in-flight incident, in recognition of their courageous efforts to ensure the safety of passengers. The honours were presented by Hamdan bin Mohammed, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility.
The UAE’s official statements do not name everyone honoured. Reports now link Tooth to the award.
On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on the crew involved. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the honours in Abu Dhabi and praised the crew’s sense of responsibility, according to Gulf News. The same order went to six UAE ambassadors four days earlier.
For a month, most of the headlines have centred on Machchhar, the injured captain. A picture of the stitches on his head has been shared widely online, with many users thanking him. Tooth’s name only reached South African timelines this week.
The TikTok creator who identified him put it plainly: “The whole of South Africa needs to know this man’s name.”
It is easy to see why the story has landed at home. Kimberley is best known for its diamond-mining history and the Big Hole, not for its link to a Gulf airline cockpit. Yet a pilot from the Northern Cape was reportedly one of the people flying that aircraft when it mattered. Passengers rarely think about who is next to them in the cabin. This time, someone with a pilot’s training was.
– Source: www.capetownetc.com |
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| NINE-YEAR-OLD SHAKA MADIDA IS PUTTING SOUTH AFRICAN ART ON THE GLOBAL MAP |
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| Less than a year after celebrating his ninth birthday with his first solo art exhibition, young South African artist Shaka Madida is showcasing his talent internationally. |
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Most 9-year-olds celebrate their birthdays with cake and a party. Shaka Madida celebrated his with his very first solo art exhibition. And now, less than a year later, the young South African artist has taken another exciting step in his creative journey, with his artwork being showcased at an international exhibition in the Netherlands!
Shaka, the son of South African media personality Nandi Madida and Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Zakes Bantwini, is among the artists featured in Connecting the World Through Art, an international exhibition taking place at the historic Kapelkerk in Alkmaar. The exhibition brings together artists, students and communities from different cultural backgrounds, creating a space where creativity can be shared and celebrated across borders. |
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For Shaka, it is an incredible opportunity to introduce his work to an international audience at an age when most children are only beginning to discover their interests.
The youngster first captured South Africa’s attention in November 2025 when he celebrated his 9th birthday by hosting his first solo exhibition at Magugu House in Johannesburg. Rather than having a traditional birthday party, Shaka spent the occasion surrounded by his artwork, family and guests who had come to support his passion. He even made his very first art sale that evening, making the celebration all the more memorable. His parents have continued to encourage his artistic interests, giving him the opportunity to explore his creativity and develop his own voice.
Now, his work is being displayed alongside that of artists from around the globe. Connecting the World Through Art brings different cultures and creative perspectives together, inviting visitors to meet participating artists, enjoy live music and DJ performances, and take part in a printmaking workshop led by artist and designer Isi de Jongh. Students from Hogeschool Inholland Alkmaar organised the exhibition in partnership with art marketing agency Novus Arte, Hochschule Mittweida in Germany, and the Universidad de Zaragoza School of Arts in Spain.
The exhibition runs from 29 to 31 October 2026 at Kapelkerk in Alkmaar, with free entry for visitors. It is an exciting platform for established and emerging artists alike but Shaka’s participation is particularly special because it highlights just how much young creatives can achieve when their talents are recognised and encouraged.
Art connects people without needing a shared language, and Shaka is already experiencing that on an international stage. His journey is an encouraging reminder that children have ideas, imagination and creative abilities worth taking seriously and that giving them opportunities to explore those interests can open doors they might never have imagined.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOFTWARE FOR THE CARIBBEAN'S CHARTER CAPITAL: A JOBURG FOUNDER'S UNLIKELY INDUSTRY |
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| In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), most of the tourism income comes from yacht chartering, not from hotels or cruise ships. It's an industry Mpho Montsho had never seen up close until a charter business asked him to build its platform. |
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Montsho, who lives in Johannesburg, is co-founder of Techbridge Innovations, a United States-based software development house, where he leads product, operations and the delivery teams. He matriculated from Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng and studied at Babson College in the United States, then spent two years in investment banking at Deutsche Bank before starting Techbridge.
"I'd never been on a charter yacht when we started," he says. "Most of the first month was me asking the client's team to walk us through a booking, step by step."
A market where price is never fixed
A crewed charter in the BVI typically costs from about US$ 15 000 to well over US$ 100 000 a week, depending on the yacht and the season. Demand peaks from December to April, when rates can be double those of the summer months. Cruising taxes, levies and fees add further variables.
That makes pricing one of the hardest parts of the business. Price Christmas week too low, and the boat books instantly at a rate it didn't need to accept. Price a quiet week in May too high and it sits empty.
The pricing engine behind it
The platform's pricing engine is the part Montsho talks about most. As product manager, he worked with the client's operations team to define how pricing should work and guided the engineers who built it. Charter companies can set prices by season, week and yacht, adjust them as bookings come in, and try out packages, bundles or longer-stay rates to see how bookings respond.
"The company shouldn't be leaving money on the table on its busiest weeks or losing bookings on its quiet ones because nobody had time to change the price," Montsho says. "If a package doesn't work, they change it the same day."
Over about 18 months, Montsho managed the product through the build of the full platform, with portals for brokers, customers and yacht owners, plus an operations console for staff. The pricing engine runs underneath all of them, so a rate change reaches everyone at once.
The platform is still in active development, and Montsho is leading new features for brokers this year.
– Source: www.briefly.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN STUNT WOMAN GETS EPIC PRAISE FROM HANNAH WADDINGHAM |
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| South African stunt performer Chanique Greyling has been publicly praised by world-renowned English actress, Hannah Waddingham, whom she doubles for. |
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Waddingham plays Judith, an assassin, in the British action-adventure comedy series Ride or Die, and Greyling is her stunt double in the series. During media interviews and promo appearances for the show, Waddingham gave Greyling a massive shout-out.
“As stunties, we absolutely LOVE what we do. We’re often the people working quietly behind the scenes, so when that work is acknowledged and shouted out like this, it genuinely means the absolute world.” Chanique responded on Instagram. |
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The two first met on The Fall Guy and later worked together in Prague on Ride or Die. Greyling says her main goal throughout was to contribute to the bigger picture and make Waddingham feel safe and supported through everything they had to do.
“Taking on the role of an assassin was no small feat, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work, commitment and heart that went into bringing Judith and Ride or Die to life.”
Greyling was born and raised in South Africa, speaking mostly Afrikaans, before her family moved to Australia when she was 12. Settling into Tumut wasn’t easy. She stood out, struggled to make friends and, in her words, felt lost after leaving her roots behind.
“I’ve always had a big personality, a love for adventure, and a curiosity to see what I’m capable of. I was the kid climbing things, trying new things, and saying yes to challenges that probably should have scared me a little more.” she says.
Greyling eventually became a professional model and did major brand shoots.
“Still, I felt like something was missing. Like I was a square block trying to squeeze into a triangular cutout.”
She then took gym training, nutrition, bodybuilding competitions and martial arts more seriously.
“And suddenly I felt a step closer to finding my true inner core.”
Her confidence grew and that lifestyle became part of who she was. Her first stunt gig was the a-ha moment where she realised martial arts and being in front of the camera could exist in the same world. From there, she earned her stunting grade in record time, then travelled the world to learn from the best.
Her credits include stunt double work on Ride or Die, The Fall Guy and NCIS: Sydney, and stunt performer roles in Balls Up, He Had It Coming, We Bury the Dead and Nautilus. She says that playing Halo on Gladiator is one of her proudest achievements.
“Stunts helped me realise that life gets pretty exciting when you stop focusing on what could go wrong and start focusing on what’s possible,” she says on becoming a stunt performer and double.
“If my journey proves anything, it’s that big dreams are possible when you’re willing to keep showing up, keep believing, and refuse to quit.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| PROUDLY SA: ROOIBOS SEEDS TRAVEL TO THE US AHEAD OF HISTORIC SPACE MISSION |
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| The Rooibos in Space project has taken another step towards space following a farewell hosted by Allison Areias, United States (US) Consul General in Cape Town, for South African school and university science experiments bound for the US. |
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The Rooibos seeds will travel alongside these experiments aboard the same spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).
Three batches
A total of 17 346 Rooibos seeds weighing approximately 74.2 grams will travel to Voyager Technologies in Texas, where the experiment will be prepared for spaceflight. The seeds are divided into three batches: untreated, scarified, and scarified and treated with a protective agricultural coating.
Secured inside a specialised Nanolab, the Rooibos experiment is designed to expose the seeds to microgravity and space radiation before they return to Earth for further testing. A Nanolab is a compact, standardised research module designed to accommodate experiments for spaceflight and the International Space Station (ISS).
These plug-and-play laboratories allow researchers to conduct experiments in space without requiring large, custom-built equipment.
Launch date between December 2026 and January 2027
The Rooibos Nanolab is scheduled to fly to the ISS aboard the Cygnus NG-25 commercial resupply spacecraft, with the mission currently expected to launch between December 2026 and January 2027.
The revised timing follows changes to the Voyager/NASA flight schedule, including broader adjustments to crew and resupply arrangements, which resulted in the October flight originally allocated to the Rooibos experiment being rescheduled.
“This is an exciting milestone for Rooibos and for South Africans who have followed this project from the beginning,” says Dawie de Villiers, Director of the South African Rooibos Council (SARC).
“The scientific objective is to explore what will happen to the Rooibos seeds when they are exposed to conditions beyond Earth, opening up new opportunities to learn more about this uniquely South African plant.”
4 to 6 weeks in space
The seeds are expected to spend four to six weeks in space before returning to Earth, where researchers will work with schools in the Cederberg region – Rooibos’ natural growing area – and Parklands College to plant the space-exposed seeds alongside control seeds.
Over the course of 18 months, learners and researchers will monitor, measure and analyse differences in germination, growth patterns and plant development as the plants mature.
Learner participation is central to the project, giving young people the opportunity to contribute to a real scientific investigation while developing practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills.
The broader Rooibos in Space initiative has included school engagement, STEM education and a national Mission Patch competition which challenged youth aged 12 to 18 to design a unique patch for the mission.
Rare opportunity
For Cyril Ngqwala, Rooibos seed technician, preparing the experiment has provided a rare opportunity to combine traditional Rooibos seed knowledge with space science.
“Working with the seeds from preparation through to assembling the Nanolab has been an incredible experience,” says Ngqwala.
“We have prepared the seeds in different conditions so that, when they return, we can compare their performance with seeds that have remained on Earth. It’s exciting to think that something as uniquely South African as Rooibos is now part of a space experiment.”
The Rooibos in Space initiative was conceived by the SARC and has been developed as a collaborative project with MaxIQ Space.
The mission will mark the first time a South African indigenous plant seed has been sent into space for this type of research, creating a unique opportunity to explore how Rooibos – a plant uniquely adapted to the Cederberg region – responds to the extreme conditions of space.
Updates about the project will be shared on the official website: www.sarooibos.co.za.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| TEMBA BAVUMA TOASTS PROTEAS' VICTORY IN “ICONIC” TEST SERIES AGAINST AUSTRALIA |
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| Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hopes his team has earned the respect it deserves after toppling Australia in what he described as "one of the iconic Test series" in South Africa. |
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The home team completed an epic comeback in the three-match series, beating the tourists by 176 runs at Newlands on Saturday in a game that ebbed and flowed throughout the five days.
Bavuma now joins Faf du Plessis as the only South African captain to beat Australia in a home Test series since readmission, while the series win also saw the Proteas go to number one in the Test rankings for the first time in a decade.
"I think this will be remembered as one of the iconic Test series, at least in this century, I'd like to believe," Bavuma said. "Two quality sides who came up against each other and really forced each other to play their best cricket.
"It'll be important for us to acknowledge what we've achieved and really bask in what we've achieved. I think for me, it's really soaking all of it in. I think coming into this series, we were tested from all angles every day. We were under pressure.
"If I think before the series against Australia, if we were given the favourite tag, I'm not too sure about that. But I do hope with the way that we perform, not the result, but the way that we performed, it's given that belief.
"And I guess in a cheeky way, we answered certain critics, saying that, you know, what we did at the WTC final was no fluke. So, yeah, sky's the limit for the team."
What would please Bavuma and the Proteas management is how they managed to turn the series around after being outplayed in the series opener in Durban.
Bavuma led the comeback charge in Gqeberha in the second Test, before the finale in Cape Town delivered an absorbing five days of Test cricket that would have tested the mental strength of both sides, with the home skipper describing the series as "15 days of just pressure".
"You wake up every day asking yourself to be at your best," he said. "Physically, there are times when you feel like you can't go at 100%, but you need to dig deep, and if the opportunity's there, make sure you're in the best mental space to make the play for the team.
"Even if things don't go well for you with the ball or the bat, you still need to be looking at ways as to how you can contribute within the team. There were two quality sides who came up against each other and really forced each other to play their best cricket.
"It will be important for us to acknowledge what we've achieved, celebrate whatever milestones, take whatever learnings that come with it, and really bask in what we've achieved. In the two-and-a-half years, if you look at the team, we've been able to squeeze out every inch of every individual."
Bavuma believes "the sky is the limit" for the Proteas as they celebrate the epic victory against their great rivals before turning their attention to a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh that starts on 15 November at the Wanderers.
– Source: www.sabcsport.com |
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| LEAH MARKGRAAFF GETS TEAM SA ON THE MEDAL BOARD |
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| The 17-year-old swimmer claims South Africa’s first medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with an impressive 400 m freestyle performance. |
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South African teenager Leah Markgraaff has made a splash at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after becoming the country’s first medallist at the 2026 event.
The 17-year-old Tuks swimmer claimed silver in the women’s 400 m freestyle, producing an impressive performance to finish second in 4:26.13.
Ecuador’s Elvira Espinosa took gold in 4:22.87, while Belgium’s Celya Paques completed the podium in 4:28.37. |
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Markgraaff got off to a flying start, leading the race over the opening 100 metres before Espinosa moved ahead on the third lap. The South African held on for silver, finishing just 0.02 seconds outside her personal best.
Speaking shortly after climbing out of the pool, Markgraaff admitted that the achievement had not quite sunk in.
“I do not think it has quite sunk in yet, but I think it is quite a good achievement and I am very happy about it. I really focused on getting out ahead early to get a good feel for the water. I enjoy getting out quickly to get ahead and settle into the race.”
She said she had focused on getting ahead early to settle into the race and get a good feel for the water, adding that she was incredibly proud to have brought home South Africa’s first medal.
Swimming is clearly a family affair for the Markgraaffs. Her father, Henk, represented South Africa in junior triathlon, while her uncle Ryno competed internationally as a swimmer.
Leah has also shared the international stage with her younger brother, Carter, with the pair representing South Africa at last year’s World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Argentina.
Although swimming remains her biggest passion, Markgraaff is no stranger to other sporting and creative pursuits. She has played hockey, competed in athletics and netball, and even trained in ballet, tap and modern dance.
But it is in the water where she feels most at home.
She has previously described swimming as a place where she can relax, regardless of how challenging her day has been.
With her first Youth Olympic medal now secured, the young swimmer has another special achievement to add to her growing journey in the pool. And for Team SA, it is a wonderful way to get the medal celebrations started.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA'S U17 SEVENS SIDE STRIKES SILVER AT YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES |
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| The South Africans fought back from behind to beat Argentina in the semi-finals before a late comeback against France fell just short in the gold medal match. |
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South Africa’s U17 Sevens team claimed the silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after an impressive run to Monday’s final on 3 November 2026.
The young South Africans showed plenty of character to book their place in the gold medal match, producing a strong comeback to defeat Argentina 24-12 in the semi-finals. However, despite another determined fightback against France, they eventually went down 26-19 to settle for second place.
The semi-final looked challenging for South Africa after Argentina raced into a 12-0 lead. Darnell Delport gave the South Africans a way back into the contest with a try just before half-time, leaving them trailing 12-5 at the break.
They returned with renewed purpose in the second half, with Kingsley Pule crossing the line before Rosco Williams added two tries of his own. Both of Williams’ efforts were converted by Jake Dave as South Africa scored four unanswered tries to turn the match around and secure their place in the final. |
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France, meanwhile, booked its spot in the decider with a commanding 58-0 victory over Canada.
The final proved a tougher challenge for the South Africans, with France opening the scoring in the second minute. Delport responded almost immediately, but the French side continued to apply pressure and went into half-time with a 21-5 advantage.
South Africa refused to give up, though. Dave crossed for a try with two minutes remaining and added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 21-12.
The comeback gathered further momentum when Dave found another gap in the French defence following a scrum, scoring and converting to bring South Africa within two points at 21-19 with just a minute left.
Unfortunately, a costly error from the restart gave France one final opportunity, and the Europeans crossed for a try on the hooter to seal the 26-19 victory and claim gold.
While the final result did not go their way, the South African youngsters can take plenty of pride from their silver-medal performance and the fighting spirit they displayed throughout the competition.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S YOUNG BASEBALL STARS ARE READY FOR THE WORLD STAGE |
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| South Africa’s next generation of baseball talent is getting ready for one of the biggest tournaments in the sport. |
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A 24-player squad has been named for the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, where they’ll take on some of the world’s strongest baseball nations.
The squad features a blend of familiar faces returning from previous World Cups and exciting young players eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Several players already have impressive overseas experience. Pitcher Josh Tribe recently completed his junior year at the University of Arkansas-Monticello and also represented South Africa at the World Baseball Classic Qualifier.
Tyron Brickhill played college baseball at Philander Smith College in Arkansas, while Darian Pretorius continued his development at Minnesota North College. Robert White spent another season at Central Christian College in Kansas, and Stiaan Henning completed his senior year of high school in Canada.
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That growing international exposure gives the squad valuable experience heading into one of baseball’s toughest competitions.
Manager Clive Pretorius also brings plenty of international coaching experience, having previously led South Africa’s U-15 World Cup campaigns before stepping up to guide the U-23 side.
South Africa has been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside world No. 1 Japan, Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and Great Britain. While the opposition includes some of baseball’s traditional powerhouses, the squad has already shown it can compete on the international stage.
And with returning World Cup players, rising stars and growing international experience throughout the squad, South Africa’s young baseball players will be hoping to showcase just how far the sport has come back home and inspire the next generation to pick up a glove.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN PAIR WIN WORLD RELAY GOLD BY JUST 0.10 SECONDS |
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| Nine-year-old Karlo Marais and ten-year-old Misha Meyer claimed the under-11 mixed triathle title in Madeira, adding gold to the silver they won earlier in the week. |
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Madeira, Portugal (30 October 2026) – South Africa’s Karlo Marais and Misha Meyer secured a world title in Madeira on Wednesday, with just one tenth of a second separating them from their Portuguese rivals in the under-11 mixed triathle relay.
The young pair crossed the finish line in 7:59.20 at the UIPM 2026 World Championships in Funchal, narrowly beating Portugal’s Gabriel Ferreira and Maria Francisca Serrano, who finished in 7:59.30. Great Britain’s William Wiggans and Maddie Williams took bronze in 8:16.60. |
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The victory followed another podium finish for the South Africans on Monday when they claimed silver in the under-11 mixed biathle relay. Their time of 8:27.40 placed them behind Great Britain’s Chester Bailey and Pippa Burge, while finishing ahead of the bronze medallists.
Karlo, a Grade 3 learner at Curro Langebaan, is only nine and competing against athletes who are older than him in the under-11 category. His two medals in Madeira have added to an impressive week for the young athlete and his relay partner.
Getting to the championships was also a significant undertaking for Karlo and his family. After qualifying to represent South Africa, they needed to raise R108,000 to cover the trip.
His parents, local supporters, businesses and corporate sponsors helped make the journey possible, with support from CG Sport. Karlo left South Africa on 23 October and joined the rest of the competitors in Madeira.
The two events require athletes to demonstrate different skills. Biathle combines running and swimming, while triathle adds laser shooting to the competition, testing both physical endurance and accuracy.
The gold medal is the latest achievement in a week that has already brought them two world championship podium finishes. Their narrow victory over Portugal also gave South Africa another title to celebrate on the international stage.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| CALLUM DREYER ROWS HIS WAY INTO YOUTH OLYMPIC QUARTER-FINALS |
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| Following a great start to the Games for South Africa’s young athletes, the coastal rower produced a strong finish to book his place in the last eight. |
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South Africa’s young sporting stars continue to make their presence felt at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with another promising performance giving the country plenty to cheer about.
After swimmer Leah Markgraaff opened Team SA’s medal account with silver in the girls’ 400 m freestyle and the boys’ rugby sevens side also secured a place on the podium, attention now turns to coastal rower Callum Dreyer, who has powered his way into the quarter-finals of the boys’ solo beach sprints.
The 16-year-old produced a determined performance in Monday’s knockout round, overcoming Lithuania’s Justas Domarkus to secure his place in the last eight.
Dreyer was behind after the opening run but showed impressive composure on the water, finishing strongly to clock 2:19.71 and beating Domarkus, who crossed in 2:21.43. |
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It was another encouraging step forward for the young rower, who is making his Youth Olympic debut alongside coach Avlyn Gallwey.
The journey to the knockout stages has already been an impressive one. Dreyer qualified fourth overall in the opening time trials, earning an automatic place in the last 16 before producing another strong performance when it mattered most.
Having made the trip to Dakar from KwaZulu-Natal, the South African now has an opportunity to take another step towards the medal races when he returns to the water on Tuesday.
With Team SA already enjoying some memorable moments in Senegal, there is plenty of green and gold excitement building around the young athletes. Dreyer will be hoping to add another chapter to that story as he takes on the quarter-finals and continues his push for a place in the next round.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| A NEW CHAPTER FOR RUNNING, WITH CAPE TOWN IN THE PICTURE |
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| Cape Town’s growing reputation as a destination for major running events could receive another boost following World Athletics’ decision to establish a dedicated department focused on running and mass participation. |
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The international governing body has created a standalone Running & Mass Participation department, which will oversee a broad portfolio of activities, including road running, marathons, cross-country, mountain and trail running championships. Cape Town is among the destinations included in its championship portfolio.
The move is particularly significant for South Africa, where mass participation events have become an important part of the sporting landscape, bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners and entire communities.
World Athletics says the new department will help strengthen its involvement in the global running ecosystem, with a greater emphasis on growing participation, improving safety and protecting the integrity of the sport.
The department will be led by Jakob Larsen, an experienced sports administrator who has been involved in developing major international events, including the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen and the 2019 World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus.
He will work alongside Alessio Punzi, who has helped establish World Athletics’ presence in the global running space over the past decade.
According to World Athletics, research suggests that at least one billion people worldwide participate in running in some form, making athletics the most widely participated sport in the world.
They believe mass participation running has an important role to play beyond competition, contributing to mental wellbeing, public health, social connection and economic development in host cities.
More than 320 road races around the world currently carry a World Athletics road race label.
Its work extends to research into the effects of heat on endurance athletes, helping organisers better understand and manage the health risks associated with running in increasingly warm conditions.
With Cape Town featuring in World Athletics’ championship portfolio, the establishment of this new department is an encouraging development for the local running community and the country’s broader athletics industry.
For a country with a strong road-running culture, the renewed international focus on mass participation could create further opportunities to grow the sport and strengthen South Africa’s place on the global running map.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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