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Indulge Mom: Luxurious Mother’s Day Brunch Extravaganza at Sandton’s Finest! Treat your mom to an indulgent Mother’s Day brunch at @Sandton Hotel on Sunday, 12 May from 11am to 2pm, priced at R345 per person. Our lavish spread features a delightful combination of Full English and Continental Breakfast options, including Eggs Benedict and an Omelette …
SA’s tourism sector continues on a positive trajectory
South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow and attract international arrivals from all over the world.
According to the latest official release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to March 2024, the country totalled 2.4 million, representing a remarkable 15.4% increase when compared with the same period in 2023.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has welcomed the increase in international travellers as it is a significant contributor to the economy and job creation.
“We are determined to continue with this momentum. South Africa remains attractive and accessible for all travellers to enjoy,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
South Africa welcomed 1.8 million tourist arrivals from the rest of the African continent between January and March 2024, marking a significant 74.5% of all arrivals.
Zimbabwe and Ghana stood out for their remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 21.8% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to the first three months of 2023, totalling 613 675 arrivals, while Ghana recorded a 249.4% increase when compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 7 904 arrivals for January to March 2024.
“Ghana’s immense performance can be attributed to the fact that South Africa and Ghana announced a visa-waiver scheme on 1 November 2023. The visa-waiver allows for travel for periods of up to 90 days within a calendar year, for purposes of business or tourism.
“This coupled with targeted integrated marketing initiatives executed by South African Tourism to attract visitors from this market makes for a winning formula for the growth of our sector,” de Lille said.
Travellers from other parts of the world also continued to show their interest in South Africa.
Tourist arrivals from the Americas registered at 118 194 from January to March 2024, reflecting a 12.4% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
Strength in European markets
From January to March 2024, South Africa saw 420 727 tourist arrivals from Europe, an 8.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
“The United Kingdom remains the top European source market, with 125 420 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 5.3% growth compared to 2023. Germany experienced a 9.9% increase in arrivals compared to same period in 2023, amounting to 98 954 tourists.
“This was followed by the Netherlands, which saw an increase of 9.9% when compared to 2023, amounting to 37 548 tourist arrivals between January and March 2024. Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 9.6% when compared to 2023, contributing 9 329 arrivals in 2024,” the Ministry of Tourism said.
Asia markets
The Asian markets also showed significant growth with a total 49 741 arrivals from the region, representing an astounding 25.4% when compared to the same period in 2023.
“We welcomed 16 209 tourists from India; 0.9% lower compared to 2023. Notably, South Africa received 11 017 visitors from China registering a massive 82% increase in the first three months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023,” the Ministry said.
Middle East arrivals
South Africa received 2 387 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in 2024, marking an increase of 31.7% when compared to 2023.
The United Arab Emirates saw 321 arrivals to South Africa between January and March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:52
The investment potential on the KZN South Coast is being uncovered with manufacturing identified as a key growth sector. Prominent South African babywear manufacturer, Shiva Clothing, exemplifies the opportunities for success in the region. Established in 1992 in a garage by husband-and-wife team Dolly and Siva Naidu, the small cut, trim, and manufacture (CTM) facility …
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns in the strongest terms a Democratic Alliance election advertisement which depicts the burning of the national flag.
The President believes this depiction is desperate and inciteful and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.
President Ramaphosa said: “All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.
“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.
“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice.
“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.
“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections free, fair and dignified.”
The President calls on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Just two weeks after achieving the second-fastest marathon time of her career, Neheng Khatala is gearing up for her first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race in 2024, the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, that will take place this Sunday, 12 May in the Mother City. Lesotho’s national record holder in the …
Western Cape government sends resources to help in collapsed building
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, says the provincial government is closely monitoring and sending resources to assist the emergency response to a building collapse in George, Southern Cape.
A multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street, collapsed on Monday afternoon with 75 construction workers on the site at the time of the incident.
Winde said all the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response.
“At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage. The Western Cape Government is sending personnel support as well as emergency response support,” Winde said.
The Premier has urged the public to allow emergency services officials the space to carry out their duties and not put their own lives at risk by traveling to the site.
Five declared dead
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Tuesday morning, George Municipality confirmed that a total of five people have been declared dead.
“Twenty-six patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site, leaving 49 persons unaccounted for. Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.
“Safety equipment including safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria,” the municipality said.
The municipality added that Victoria Street remains closed for access at the York Street intersection, as well as midway down the street and urged the public to access the municipal building via the Progress Street gate.
“The Victoria Street gate to the George Municipal Building is not accessible to pedestrians or vehicles. We request the public to please avoid this general area due to the constant presence of moving emergency vehicles and personnel,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:56
There are three changes to the Lionesses starting line up for Wednesday's Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash against South Africa at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
Faith Livoi is moved from the second row to the backline, starting at inside center as part of a midfield partnership with Esther Juma as Lewin Amazimbi does not feature in the match day squad.
Hesla Khisa, who came off the bench during Saturday's 29-22 defeat to Madagascar, starts in the second row alongside Naomi Jelagat in a rejigged pack that sees Enid Ouma move from the blindside to number eight. Mitchelle Akinyi is also handed a start in the backrow after coming on as a replacement on Saturday.
Diana Kemunto, a starter in the previous match, will come off the bench while Nolin Khaleyi and Hellen Anyango could make their first starts of the tournament after being named among the replacements.
This match kicks off at 1300 EAT and will be aired live on the Rugby Africa Facebook page.
Lionesses squad to face South Africa
15. Diana Omosso, 14. Diana Awino, 13. Esther Juma, 12. Faith Livoi, 11. Terry Ayesa, 10. Anne Ochieng, 9. Winnie Awino, 1. Rose Otieno, 2. Knight Otuoma, 3. Natasha Emali (C ), 4. Naomi Jelagat, 5. Hesla Khisa, 6. Mitchelle Akinyi, 7. Maureen Chebet, 8. Enid Ouma REPLACEMENTS 16. Mitchelle Atieno, 17. Jane Chanya, 18. Sheilah Wesa, 19. Nolin Khaleyi, 20. Diana Kemunto, 21. Mitchelle Alivitsa, 22. Hellen Anyango, 23. Carol Nyamwamu
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media Contact:
KRU Communications
Tel: +254 724 256 179
Email: media@kru.co.ke
Cape Town, South Africa – In a strategic move that marks a significant milestone in the digital marketing landscape, Ruby Digital, South Africa’s premier digital marketing agency, has announced its acquisition of web development house, WeDev.Africa. This acquisition reaffirms the Ruby Digital Group’s commitment to digital innovation and its AI transformation. Founded in 2011 by …
On Tuesday afternoon, community leaders were still coordinating relief efforts for fire victims at Doornbach informal settlement in Cape Town
As industries grow and logistics become more complex, the demand for efficient material handling solutions like forklifts has significantly increased. The rental market for forklifts is expanding, with more businesses opting for hire solutions to meet their temporary and long-term needs. Innovations in Forklift Technology The move towards electric forklifts highlights the shift towards sustainability …
As Cape Town welcomes the chill of winter, the sun-drenched afternoons of summer are starting to seem like a distant memory. But there’s no reason you can’t carry that sunny vibe into the colder months with an Aperol Spritz, which is celebrated as a versatile year-round cocktail across the globe. Famed for its citrusy lightness, …
Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which shows the burning of the South African flag.
The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.
“In the 30 years of South African democracy and freedom, it has been evident time and time again that our flag is a unifier and an integral component in the building of our nation. Those who choose to use our flag to divide us will not succeed. The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people,” the Minister said on Monday.
He explained that the South African flag symbolises unity in diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of the nation.
“As custodian of all national symbols, which include the South African flag, I strongly condemn the Democratic Alliance advertisement which depicts the burning of the South African flag.
“This action by the Democratic Alliance offends the gains South Africa has made as a free and non-racial democracy, and the blood, tears and sacrifices it took for the country to gain this freedom.
“It offends all South Africans who proudly raise our country’s flag sky high and appreciate its representation as the flag of a free, democratic and non-racial nation. I shudder to think what other South African compatriots such as Helen Suzman, Zack de Beer, and Van Zyl Slabbert would say about this act of desperation and recklessness demonstrated by the current ahistorical and unpatriotic leaders of the DA,” Kodwa said.
The launch of the DA’s election advert included the burning of the South African flag as an allegory of what could happen to the country if certain parties in a coalition were to govern South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:10
Roxtette will return to two venues in South Africa during 2025 – Ticketing info here. Roxette, a Swedish pop rock duo, has captivated audiences around the world with their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Formed in 1986, the band consists of two talented musicians, Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson. Over the years, Roxette has released […]
President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the relatives and friends of five people who have died in an incident where a building collapsed in George in the southern Cape.
The collapse occurred yesterday afternoon, Monday, 6 May 2024.
The President's thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble.
President Ramaphosa wishes rescue teams the best as they go about their operations and says investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon is set for another thrilling finish, with over a thousand runners expected to line-up to celebrate the 10th edition at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, on the 1st of June. Race director, Mike Mbambani confirmed that his local organising team is ready to deliver the 10th edition of this successful race. …
Knysna – The Simola Hillclimb fully lived up to its status as one of South African Motorsport’s favourite racing weekends as Volkswagen Motorsport enjoyed a most successful and thoroughly satisfying weekend of racing up Knysna’s Simola Hillclimb. Daniel Rowe and Jonathan Mogotsi delivered a giant-killing SupaPolo 1-2 in the B2 class, while Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the dishonest and desperate comments made by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in defence of his planned ANC/EFF Doomsday Coalition, which will burn South Africa to the ground. Ramaphosa’s comments came in response to the DA’s latest ground-breaking political advertisement, which has been viewed …
Dear Editor “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”, said Eric Arthur Blair, otherwise known as George Orwell, the most insightful political analyst of the 20th Century. This aphorism has accompanied me through decades of politics. Every time the DA has had the guts to tell a hard, inconvenient truth, …
Selecting a wedding venue is often the first and biggest decision a newly engaged couple has to make. Exquisite scenery, an inviting climate, great service, and affordability are all major deciding factors, making the KZN South Coast a top wedding destination. “From our Blue Flag beaches and coastal forests to the sprawling farmlands and majestic …
The following speech was delivered today by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, during his Rescue South Africa Tour in East London in the Buffalo City Municipality: Democrats, residents of Buffalo City, my fellow South Africans, It is wonderful to bring the DA’s Rescue Tour to the beautiful city of East London, in …
Premier Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell; Executive Mayor of George Municipality Leon van Wyk and Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz; and Colin Deiner, Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) today gave an update on the work undertaken by the Western Cape Government (WCG) …
A 27-man DHL Stormers squad left Cape Town today for a crucial two-match Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour. The DHL Stormers are currently in fifth position on the overall standings and will take on Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade in Newport on Friday, before facing Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway on the following Saturday. …
President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo
Through the use of innovation, the Department of Home Affairs aims to offer its services at a quicker pace and closer to where people reside, says President Cyril Ramamphosa.
“The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper.
“For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach government services can take a lot of time and be expensive,” the President said on Tuesday.
This as he officially opened the new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.
“The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM.”
President Ramaphosa said once the system is up and running, people will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate.
“You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card. Another way we have taken government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations.
“This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations, and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.”
Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department of Home Affairs has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with the banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one launched in Mokopane today.
“I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. Take pride in them and help us to care for them. These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.”
He also told those at the venue that 2024 marks 30 years since South Africa attained freedom.
“With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans. During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.”
He added that since 1994, government has progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally residing in South Africa.
“By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the department is helping them to lead lives of dignity.
“It ensures their right to access public services and social protection. It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.”
Since the dawn of democracy, government have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.
“The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, echoed the President’s call in urging communities to look after the mobile offices as they exist to serve them.
“These are for you. They are there to serve you,” the Minister said.
Services closer to home
The launch of the new Home Affairs office and the unveiling of the mobile offices was welcomed by the locals.
Rethabile Masunke from Mahwelereng told SAnews that she is happy that she is now going to get Home Affairs services closer to where she stays.
“I am happy that now I don’t have to spend money to travel to Home Affairs offices which are far,” Masunke said.
Echoing the same sentiments, was Thabo Rabotho who said he is happy with what government has done in bringing services closer to where he stays.
“Now I just walk to Home Affairs offices and apply for whatever document I need,” he said.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the new 100 mobile offices will extend the reach of the department’s services, especially in remote areas and that the unveiling of these mobile offices is part of Home Affairs’ Hybrid Access Model which expands services in areas where the department’s footprint is limited.
The purpose-built office offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:16
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL says operators seek sites to the north and east of Johannesburg, in well-located nodes with power supply, while in the smaller Cape Town market data centres are expanding, and there’s growing interest in Nigeria and Kenya. The surge in AI technology deployment and demand for more efficient cloud storage drives …