And the Next Lottery Operator Is…
Announcement comes after months of litigation by another bidder
ACT
Calls for Evidence-Based Accountability in Cape Town Council
GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido , GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Whip The GOOD Party Caucus will not support the Motion of No Confidence against Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis at tomorrow’s Council meeting. While we also have numerous concerns regarding Mayor Hill-Lewis and his administration, we believe that the matters raised in […]
The post GOOD CAUCUS CALLS FOR EVIDENCE-BASED ACCOUNTABILITY IN CAPE TOWN COUNCIL appeared first on For Good.
Drakenstein Municipality: Different Rules for Different Political Councillors
GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip 26 May 2025 The GOOD Party in Drakenstein Municipality is disappointed, though not surprised, by the outcome of the internal investigation into DA Ward 7 Councillor Ruth Arnolds. GOOD lodged a formal complaint after Arnolds was documented violating the Public Amenities By-law. Arnolds, accompanied by […]
The post DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALITY: DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT POLITICAL COUNCILLORS appeared first on For Good.
Tanzania’s New Foreign Policy Reaffirms Pan-African Leadership and Vision
In a landmark diplomatic step, Tanzania has launched a revised National Foreign Policy that reinforces the country's leadership in African diplomacy. The updated policy embraces Pan-African values, supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advances regional peace, integration, and sustainable development.
The launch event, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, was officiated by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was also attended by Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government leaders, and private sector representatives.
Rooted in the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania has historically championed unity, liberation, and non-alignment in African diplomacy. Under Nyerere's leadership, Tanzania became a moral compass for the continent and a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
“This policy speaks on who we are as a nation—firm in our values, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that advance peace, security, and shared prosperity,” President Samia said during the event.
The new policy reflects this legacy while responding to contemporary priorities like trade, migration, regional infrastructure, climate action, and digital transformation. It aims to deepen Tanzania's engagement with continental bodies like the AU, SADC, and EAC while emphasizing Kiswahili as a tool for regional integration.
President Samia noted that the revised policy was shaped through a broad-based participatory process involving Tanzanians from all walks of life. “It was high time we revised the policy to cope with global shifts in various spheres,” she said, citing the global scramble for strategic minerals and trade disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts as key motivators.
A core feature of the updated framework includes economic diplomacy and the creation of a Special Status for Tanzanians in the diaspora. The policy promotes legal reforms that would allow non-citizen Tanzanians abroad to own land, register businesses, and invest back home.
To strengthen implementation, President Samia called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to engage retired diplomats in training current officials, ensuring that Tanzania's envoys are equipped to promote national interests globally.
President Mwinyi welcomed the revised policy as a catalyst for unlocking social, economic, and political potential. “Tanzania continues to position itself globally, and the revised policy aligns with evolving global needs,” he said.
He urged the Ministry to encourage more countries to open consulates in Zanzibar and called on all Tanzanians to embrace and defend national interests through the policy. “This policy will benefit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar,” he emphasized.
President Samia's regional outreach began early in her presidency. In April 2021, she visited Uganda, where she and President Yoweri Museveni signed the Final Investment Decision for the $10 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
In May 2021, her visit to Kenya revitalized bilateral ties, followed by trips to Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Egypt, resulting in cooperation on trade, energy, security, and innovation.
At the June 2021 SADC Summit in Mozambique, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace by supporting the fight against insurgency in Cabo Delgado. In Ghana, she received the Africa Road Builders–Babacar Ndiaye Trophy for leadership in infrastructure development.
In Senegal, during the IDA20 Summit, and at COP27 in Egypt, she positioned Tanzania as a leader in climate resilience, presenting an $18 billion renewable energy plan.
From 2023 to 2025, she maintained strong continental engagement through AU summits, the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and diplomatic visits to Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco.
A key milestone in Tanzania's growing international stature was the invitation to the Lobito Corridor Development Project high-level meeting in Angola—part of the G7's Global Infrastructure Initiative. Although Tanzania was not originally a member of the project, its geographic and strategic relevance was recognized as critical to the corridor's success.
In February 2024, President Samia unveiled a statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia—a symbolic act that underscored Tanzania's foundational role in the Pan-African movement.
As Chair of the SADC Organ, she presided over the 2024 Troika Summit in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security initiatives and supporting Raila Odinga's candidacy for AU Commission leadership.
On May 18, 2025, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was elected as the next Regional Director of the WHO African Region, a milestone widely credited to Tanzania's rising diplomatic influence. His nomination followed the untimely death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in 2024. Janabi's appointment will be formalized by the WHO Executive Board later this month.
According to Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the revised policy focuses on ten strategic pillars:
- Economic Diplomacy
- Peace, Security, and Stability
- Ratification and Implementation of International Treaties
- Participation in Regional and Global Bodies
- Promotion of Kiswahili as a Diplomatic Tool
- International Resource Mobilization
- Blue Economy Development
- Diaspora Engagement
- Human Rights and Good Governance
- Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership
This updated policy reflects Tanzania's commitment to Pan-African unity while embracing innovation, inclusion, and global partnership. It sets the stage for the next chapter in Tanzania's regional leadership and sustainable development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Still No Answers on DA Fundraising at City-Sponsored Comedy Festival
GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Whip 24 May 2025 The GOOD Party has submitted an official letter to the Cape Town City Manager demanding an urgent investigation and accountability following deeply concerning revelations about the DA using a City-sponsored event, the Cape Town Funny Festival, for a political […]
The post DA FUNDRAISES AT CITY-SPONSORED COMEDY FESTIVAL, STILL NO ANSWERS appeared first on For Good.
FHS Africa 2025 Honours David Green, William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award.
The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact.
William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name ‘Minor'- a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission.
David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development - supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. “Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Green reflected.
“It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment.”
Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation - principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide. A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. “True leadership is not about titles or accolades,” she said. “It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.”
All three recipients will be featured in exclusive one-to-one interviews live on the FHS Africa stage, offering delegates a rare and intimate opportunity to hear their personal stories, leadership lessons and career highlights first-hand. These are not-to-be-missed sessions that will anchor the thought leadership agenda of FHS Africa 2025.
Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry - visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event.”
FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
Email: David@Tarsh.com.
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at www.TheBench.com
TotalEnergies to Drill in 2026, Regulatory Reform Gains Momentum
TotalEnergies is preparing to begin offshore drilling in South Africa in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals, according to Mike Sangster, the company's SVP for Africa Exploration & Production. Speaking at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Sangster emphasized the company's ambition to expand its multi-energy strategy on the continent, with South Africa poised to play a central role in that vision.
The announcement coincides with significant legislative developments in South Africa's oil and gas sector. In April, the government published the draft regulations for the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, inviting public comment and signaling a renewed commitment to reform. The regulations will outline the procedures for implementing the Act – approved in November but not yet in effect – ushering in a more modern, investor-oriented framework for hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Establishing a Fit-for-Purpose Framework
For years, the lack of a clear and sector-specific legal framework has impeded South Africa's ability to attract sustained exploration activity and unlock its offshore potential. The Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act aims to rectify this by establishing transparent licensing systems, defining state and Black Economic Empowerment participation and clarifying production-sharing mechanisms.
Crucially, the Act seeks to create an enabling environment that balances investor interests with national development goals. It provides detailed guidance on the application and granting of exploration and production rights, introduces more predictable fiscal terms and offers mechanisms to manage environmental and social responsibilities. By aligning South Africa's regulatory framework with international best practices, the government is positioning the country to compete more effectively for operator capital, particularly as global exploration budgets become more selective and carbon-conscious.
Igniting Interest in the Orange Basin
South Africa's offshore acreage, particularly in the Orange Basin, has been gaining momentum on the back of transformational discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Within South African waters, the Brulpadda and Luiperd finds in Block 11B/12B remain the most commercially significant to date, estimated to hold more than 600 million barrels of oil equivalent. While TotalEnergies has since exited the block, citing internal portfolio shifts, the company's re-engagement with the broader South African market suggests continued belief in the basin's long-term potential.
Last August, TotalEnergies officially became operator of offshore exploration Block 3B/4B, positioned southeast and on trend with neighboring oil discoveries, including the company's Venus discovery in Namibia. The Orange Basin represents one of the last untapped frontiers capable of delivering large-scale oil and gas volumes. With a more supportive regulatory backdrop taking shape, South Africa is well-positioned to attract the kind of deepwater investment needed to de-risk its acreage and build out its domestic gas infrastructure — a critical step toward energy security and industrial growth.
Positioning South Africa for Investment at AEW 2025
As the government works to implement the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town offers a high-profile platform to promote the country's renewed upstream vision. AEW is expected to convene regulators, IOCs and service companies to discuss the commercial implications of the legislative overhaul and chart a path forward for exploration and development in South Africa.
“For companies like TotalEnergies – whose multi-energy strategy includes natural gas, renewables and decarbonized operations – a stable and transparent regulatory framework is key. Sangster's statement reflects growing confidence in South Africa's policy direction, and signals to the broader investor community that the country is preparing to welcome a new wave of responsible, large-scale investment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Court Declares Asylum “Filtering” System Unconstitutional
People must be able to access asylum system even if they don’t have valid transit visas
SA calls for Gaza ceasefire
SA calls for Gaza ceasefire
South Africa has reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and for the resumption of a political process to end the occupation in the Gaza Strip by Israel.
This comes after the killing of 143 Gazans by the Israel Defence Force on 15 May 2025, as Palestinians commemorated the 77th anniversary of Nakba Day, which marks the beginning of the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.
“The international community must act decisively to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, pertinently international humanitarian, and human rights law.
“This includes the implementation of effective measures to bring an end to the occupation, the ongoing policies and practices of collective punishment, and the illegal blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Friday.
Furthermore, DIRCO said there must be an immediate halt to the practices of arbitrary and administrative detention, as well as to acts of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly children.
“These actions are in clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and international human rights norms/standards as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
“It is imperative that all Palestinian detainees held without due process be released, and that all victims – especially children – be provided with adequate compensation and rehabilitation, in accordance with international law and justice.
“The credibility of the international order depends on the consistent application of international law and accountability for all violations, regardless of the perpetrator,” DIRCO said.
South Africa’s assertion during its recent presentations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the hearings regarding the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other international organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, were that Gaza has become a killing field and warned of the human-made famine in Gaza due to the deliberate blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli Government.
“As famine conditions worsen in Gaza, and the ceasefire efforts remain stalled, Israel’s complete blockade of aid into Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian access contravene Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
“Israel’s persistent grave violations are part of a broader strategy to remove Palestinians from their land by subjecting them to starvation and making the Gaza Strip uninhabitable,” DIRCO said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 13:48
72 views
Minister Kubayi travels to Ghana
Minister Kubayi travels to Ghana
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will travel to the Republic of Ghana to participate in a high-level Retreat on the Kampala Amendments and International Criminal Justice.
“The Retreat will bring together Ministers of Justice and senior officials from all 33 African States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), alongside representatives from the ICC Presidency, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, senior African Union officials, and international legal experts,” the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said on Sunday.
Her visit is scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 May 2025.
The event follows the successful pilot retreat in Johannesburg in October 2024, which raised awareness and fostered a sense of ownership among African States Parties to advocate for a crime of aggression regime that is both fair and legitimate and began the process of an amendment proposal being submitted by African States.
“The Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression are a set of legal changes adopted in 2010 at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), held in Kampala, Uganda.
“These amendments define the Crime of Aggression and establish the conditions under which the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over it. An act of aggression includes using armed force by one state against another in violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter, such as, invasion, military occupation, annexation by force, bombardment, or blockade,” the Ministry explained.
The meeting in Johannesburg laid the groundwork for an Africa-led amendment proposal and reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to a fair and legitimate international criminal justice framework.
“South Africa remains a committed advocate for international legal accountability. Minister Kubayi’s participation highlights the country’s support for multilateralism, the fight against impunity, and the advancement of an inclusive and balanced global justice system,” the Ministry said.
Organised in collaboration with the Ministries of Justice of Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Accra retreat will build on the Johannesburg outcomes and further deliberate on the amendment proposal submitted by the Group of Friends (GoF).
“The goal is to finalise a unified African position on the Kampala Amendments ahead of discussions at the Assembly of States Parties. The Ministry welcomes this opportunity for meaningful engagement and continental collaboration as African States continue to shape a credible and effective international criminal justice system.” - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:40
46 views
Minister condemns killing of eight people in Umlazi
Minister condemns killing of eight people in Umlazi
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has strongly condemned the senseless and brutal killing of eight people - six men and two women - in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal on Friday evening.
It is reported that the victims were indoors when an unknown number of suspects entered and opened fire, killing them at the scene.
“The attack which claimed the lives of innocent individuals is a horrific act of violence that has no place in our society. We condemn this heinous crime in the strongest possible terms. Such calculated and cold-blooded violence tears at the fabric of our communities.
“A dedicated team of investigators has been assigned to pursue every lead, gather critical evidence, and bring those behind this atrocity to book. We will not rest until those responsible face the consequences of their actions,” the Minister said on Saturday.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects.
“We call on members of the community to stand together with law enforcement during this time. If you have any information—no matter how small—that may assist in identifying or locating the perpetrators, we urge you to come forward,” the Minister said.
Members of the public can contact their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number anonymously at 08600 10111. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 10:49
171 views
Magudumana Must Stay in Prison
One of the four judges said he would have released her
Donkey Sanctuary’s Promised Land Turns Sour
Slaughter may await rescued animals if farm’s buyer obtains eviction order
Struggle icon, Duma Nokwe, awarded honorary title of Senior Counsel
Struggle icon, Duma Nokwe, awarded honorary title of Senior Counsel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has posthumously awarded struggle veteran human rights lawyer, Advocate Dumalisile (Duma) Philemon Pearce Nokwe, the honorary title of Senior Counsel (SC or Silk) for the Republic of South Africa.
Nokwe passed away in 1978 while in exile in Zambia.
“The posthumous honour bestowed on the first African advocate of the Supreme Court is a high honour that recognises Advocate Nokwe’s expertise and contribution to the legal profession.
“President Ramaphosa has conferred the status of Senior Counsel on Adv Nokwe in line with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act of 2014, which governs this status and sets out the criteria for its conferral.
“In this instance, the Legal Practice Council and the Duma Nokwe Group of Advocates made an application to the President for Advocate Nokwe’s posthumous appointment as a Senior Counsel,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Nokwe’s remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024 and his reburial will be held on Saturday.
“The President has bestowed this conferral on the late Adv Nokwe on the eve of the esteemed legal practitioner’s reburial in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, tomorrow, Saturday, 17 May 2025. He will be reburied along with his wife, Mrs Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.
“President Ramaphosa has accorded Advocate Nokwe a Special Provincial Official Funeral and the President will deliver a tribute at tomorrow’s ceremony,” the statement read.
Struggle icon
Nokwe held a BSc degree from the University of Fort Hare and a diploma in education, which he used to foray into teaching in Krugersdorp.
However, his political activities led his imprisonment during the Defiance Campaign aimed at the apartheid government in 1952.
He was banned and restricted in 1953 by the racist government following his participation in the World Youth Festival and visits to the then Soviet Union, China and Britain.
“He subsequently studied law, obtained an LLB degree and became the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates. The Native Affairs Department of the time debarred him from taking chambers with his white colleagues in the Johannesburg city centre and this development led to Adv Nokwe devoting himself to the liberation struggle.
“He was put on trial for treason and was subjected to banning orders, arrests and assault by the police,” the presidency said.
His political activism and fight for the freedom of South Africans led to him having to leave the country.
“He was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 1958 and mobilised communities against apartheid until the underground leadership directed him to leave South Africa in January 1963.
“Advocate Nokwe campaigned against the apartheid state on global platforms including those of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union and remained an activist until he passed in Lusaka in January 1978,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 11:02
1224 views
Respect the rights and humanity of LGBTQI+ community
Respect the rights and humanity of LGBTQI+ community
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mapaseka Steve Letsike, has called on South Africans to “resist hate” and show respect to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+ (LGBTQI+) persons.
The Deputy Minister was delivering remarks at a media roundtable discussion on the national Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Strategy.
This is part of South Africa’s commemoration of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), annually observed on 17 May.
The day is observed to bring awareness about violence and discrimination faced by members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex+ (LBGTQI+) community worldwide.
Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has moved to strengthen the protection of human rights – including those of the LGBTQI+ community.
“[During] these 31 years, we’ve seen decriminalisation of consensual sex between same-sex people, repealing laws that criminalises LGBTI people. We’ve adopted over 14 pieces of legislation that are expressing equality for LGBTI persons.
“What we have also done was to grant recognition in many other areas, including the equal basis of same-sex civil union Act, adoption laws and [human rights] policies. We have also strengthened transgender individuals who can now obtain identity documents to reflect their gender identity.
“We’ve passed these policies and we need to make sure that they are implemented fully and with urgency, so that persons can self-determine and also have autonomy without any abusive requirements,” she said.
The Deputy Minister added that training has been provided to civil servants at the coalface of service delivery – including police, healthcare workers, correctional officers and others – to “ensure non-discriminatory treatment to LGBTI persons”.
Letsike added, however, that visibility and public education is needed to draw attention to the rights of LBGTQI+ persons.
“We need more inclusive education that dismantles prejudice from an early age. Our curriculum must reflect the realities of diverse identities. We need accountability. Hate crimes must be prosecuted, discrimination must be addressed.
“Silence from institutions must no longer be an option. We need solidarity [because] government alone cannot shift society as a whole of society approach is required to enact meaningful change.
“We need families, faith leaders, traditional authorities and communities to rise together against hate. Our Constitution must remain respected… and the LGBTI community must also be respected for their rights. Together, we must resist hate, restore dignity and respect humanity as we continue to walk proudly and loudly in direction of justice,” Letsike said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 12:03
1018 views
SIU further cracks down on Lotteries Commission corruption
SIU further cracks down on Lotteries Commission corruption
The Special Tribunal has granted an order to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) allowing the anti-corruption unit to freeze assets worth some R24.8 million related to alleged misappropriation of a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant.
According to the SIU, the order freezes two vehicles and a high-value Powerstar vehicle allegedly bought with money that was intended to fund the 2016 Rio Olympics “Roadshow Send-Off” campaign.
“The judgment follows an SIU investigation that uncovered a coordinated scheme involving the Mshandukani Foundation NPO, registered just four months before receiving the grant.
“In July 2016, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee [SASCOC] applied for funding on behalf of Mshandukani Foundation, claiming it would support Olympic awareness events nationwide. Despite the foundation’s lack of track record, the NLC approved R24.98 million within six days,” the SIU said.
The money was then transferred to the non-profit organisations (NPO’s) accounts in three tranches.
Within days those funds were allegedly diverted to entities linked to NLC officials, including:
• R15.35 million to Ironbridge Travel Agency, linked to former NLC chief operations officer (COO) Phillemon Letwaba, used for cars, goats, and personal expenses.
• R7.23 million to Mshandukani Holdings controlled by foundation member Mashudu Shandukani.
• Direct payments of R450 000 to Letwaba and R600 000 to former NLC legal manager, Tsietsi Maselwa.
“The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence.
“The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 14:17
628 views
8 Life Terms for Rape of Businesswoman
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Ms Jane Mananiso, welcomed the long-term sentence, of eight life terms, for convicted rapist Mr Moses Gqesha.
Mr Gqesha's charges included kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, theft, and multiple counts of rape to a gender-based violence activist, Ms Andisiwe Andy Kawa on 9 December 2010, at King's Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. Mr Gqesha was arrested in 2020 for an unrelated incident and forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010 linked him to the rape.
“Firstly, we want to applaud the South African Police Services for safeguarding the forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010, that linked the rapist later to these heinous crimes. It was because of this act that this criminal will not face years behind bars and pay for his crimes,” said Ms Mananiso.
“Furthermore, we want to commend the National Prosecuting Authority for a successful prosecution especially because the accused denied the charges even after he was linked with forensic evidence. This is truly commendable.
“In a country that experienced high rates of gender-based violence and femicide, this is a victory for those thousands of women either still struggling for justice and those who fear speaking up against perpetrators. This is a sign that the wheels of justice do indeed turn,” emphasized Ms Mananiso.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
President Confers Posthumous Senior Counsel Status on Adv Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the late struggle veteran and human rights lawyer Advocate Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe with the posthumous conferral of the honorary title of Senior Counsel (Silk) for the Republic of South Africa.
The President has bestowed this conferral on the late Adv Nokwe on the eve of the esteemed legal practitioner's reburial in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, tomorrow, Saturday, 17 May 2025.
He will be reburied along with his wife, Mrs Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.
She was a distinguished activist in her own right and had obtained a BSc and Bachelor of Education degree.
Advocate “Duma” Nokwe passed away in Zambia in 1978, at the age of 50. He had lived in exile since 1963. His mortal remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024.
President Ramaphosa has accorded Adv Nokwe a Special Provincial Official Funeral and the President will deliver a tribute at tomorrow's ceremony.
The posthumous honour bestowed on the first African advocate of the Supreme Court is a high honour that recognises Adv Nokwe's expertise and contribution to the legal profession.
President Ramaphosa has conferred the status of Senior Counsel on Adv Nokwe in line with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act of 2014, which governs this status and sets out the criteria for its conferral.
In this instance, the Legal Practice Council and the Duma Nokwe Group of Advocates made an application to the President for the Adv Nokwe's posthumous appointment as a Senior Counsel.
Adv Nokwe, who was born in 1927, obtained a BSc degree from the University of Fort Hare and a diploma in education with which he took up a teaching post in Krugersdorp.
His political activism led to imprisonment during the 1952 Defiance Campaign and his dismissal by the then Transvaal Education Department.
Following his participation in the 1953 World Youth Festival and visits to the then Soviet Union, China and Britain, the South African authorities imposed a banning and restriction order on him.
He subsequently studied law, obtained an LLB degree and became the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.
The Native Affairs Department of the time debarred him from taking chambers with his white colleagues in the Johannesburg city centre and this development led to Adv Nokwe devoting himself to the liberation struggle.
He was put on trial for treason and was subjected to banning orders, arrests and assault by the police.
He was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 1958 and mobilised communities against apartheid until the underground leadership directed him to leave South Africa in January 1963.
Adv Nokwe campaigned against the apartheid state on global platforms including those of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union, and remained an activist until he passed in Lusaka in January 1978.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa’s Electricity Minister Joins AEW 2025 Amid Bold Infrastructure Plans
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa, will speak at this year's edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 4 in Cape Town. As the country targets large-scale power and renewable energy rollout, Dr Ramokgopa's participation will support greater collaboration with international partners and investors.
Faced with an energy deficit challenge, South Africa has been implementing bold changes across its electricity and energy sectors, seeking to strengthen infrastructure development and broader energy access. In 2025, the country implemented its newly enacted Electricity Regulation Act, aimed at creating a more competitive power market in the country. Designed to address the country's longstanding power supply challenges by restructuring the sector, the act enables independent power producers to play a larger role in the country's industry. Additional policies include the Renewable Energy Masterplan – approved in March 2025 and aimed at incentivizing investment across the renewable energy value chain – and the Energy Action Plan – aimed at mitigating power outages by securing energy supply.
On the back of regulatory reform, the country has seen several milestones achieved across its electricity and energy sectors in recent months. In March 2025, the country brought the sixth and final unit of the Kusile Power Station online. Following the requisite testing and optimization over a six-month period, the unit will add 800 MW to the South African national grid. Once all units at the station are operational by H2, 2025, the station will contribute 4,800 MW to the grid, representing the country's largest infrastructure project. Meanwhile, a second new-build power station is on track for commissioning its fourth unit shortly. The Medupi station – a greenfield coal-fired plant – will produce 4,800 MW once all six units are online.
While these projects represent strategic steps towards improving generation and transmission capacity in South Africa, much more investment is required to achieve the country's power and energy goals. The Ministry of Electricity and Energy estimates that South Africa requires up to R440 billion to finance transmission development over the next ten years. To enhance energy access, the country seeks to modernize and expand the national electricity grid by 14,000 km during this timeframe, highlighting a major investment opportunity for global financiers. In March 2025, Minister Ramokgopa announced short-term plans to acquire up to 1,164 km of 400 kV transmission lines, covering the Northern Cape, North-West and Gauteng. The acquisition falls under the country's broader Integrated Resources Plan – which provides a roadmap for achieving South Africa's forecasted electricity demand - as well as the 2024 Transmission Development Plan, which seeks to expand the grid and achieve greater access rates across various provinces.
Meanwhile, spearheaded by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the country is making significant strides towards scaling-up its renewable energy sector. A key driver of this is the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program (REIPPP) – an initiative aimed at increasing generating capacity through private sector investment in solar, onshore wind and hydropower. The REIPPP has successfully channeled substantial private sector expertise and investment in the renewable industry, with 16 winners selected under Bid Window 7 in December 2024. This window targets 5 GW of renewable energy capacity, with the winning projects featuring 1.76 GW of solar – representing a combined investment of ZAR 31.4 billion – as well as 615 MW of battery energy storage - a combined investment of ZAR12.8 billion.
Nuclear energy has also been identified as a strategic sector by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy. South Africa currently hosts the only operational nuclear facility in Africa and has plans to scale-up capacity in support of anticipated rising demand. The Ministry of Electricity and Energy plans to spend R60 billion on its nuclear-build program and is seeking support from international nuclear experts to enhance capacity. At AEW: Invest in African Energies, insights into South Africa's power and energy advancements will highlight key investment opportunities for global players.
“South Africa has put the requisite policies in place to advance large-scale power and energy projects. What the country now needs is action. International investors should take advantage of regulation and drive impactful projects,” states Oré Onagbesan, Program Director, African Energy Week.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Africa’s Leading Hospitality Investors and Visionaries Come to Cape Town in June
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 comes to Cape Town from 17–19 June 2025, bringing together the most influential voices in hospitality investment, development, and sustainability from across the globe.
This year's speaker lineup features major investors, visionaries, strategists, and dealmakers who are actively reshaping the landscape of hospitality across Africa.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will headline the summit. A self-made entrepreneur who launched his first business at 17, Mr Heinecke has built one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. His keynote will explore the lessons behind that legacy and what's next for hotel expansion in Africa.
Guy Hutchinson, President of Hilton MEA, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG for MEA & Southwest Asia, will delve into how global hotel groups adapt their strategies for Africa's evolving markets. Meanwhile, Jerome Briet (Chief Development Officer EMEA, Marriott International), Jean-Baptiste Recher (CDO Luxury Brands, Accor), and Esteban Lozada (MD North, West & South Africa, Hilton) will highlight expansion plans and pipeline insights from the region's top brands.
On the investment side, the programme features heavyweights like Folaseto Akin-Olugbade (Principal, Actis), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital Management), Rahul Chaudhary (MD & CEO, CG Corp Global), Magdaline Osei Baffour (Investment Director, Westmont Hospitality Group), Nyawira Kariuki (CEO, Janus Continental Group), and Jameel Verjee (Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels). They'll share unfiltered insights on how they evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and unlock long-term value in different African markets.
Graham Wood (CEO, Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Managing Partner AMEA, Valor Hospitality Partners), David Green (CEO, V&A Waterfront) add further firepower to the operator perspective, joining sessions on operating strategies, sustainability, and navigating development constraints.
Conservation and tourism sustainability will also take centre stage with Dr Morne du Plessis (CEO, WWF South Africa) and Mark Read (former WWF SA Chairman) exploring how hospitality can be a vehicle for positive environmental impact. Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino will share field perspectives on ecotourism's potential.
Other voices enriching the dialogue include Gillian Saunders, one of Africa's leading tourism consultants, Kevin Teeroovengadum (Proptech Africa), Thami Nkadimeng, Paul Gardiner (CEO, Terra Nova), Bani Haddad (Aleph Hospitality), Tadiwos G. Belete (Kuriftu Resorts), Euan McGlashan (Valor Hospitality), Wayne Godwin (JLL Africa), and many more.
An Investor Powerhouse
FHS Africa 2025 will once again host the region's most active capital partners, including:
Berkeley Properties, Cameroon Hotels Corporation, CityBlue Hotels, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, DEG, FROS Capital, Fundo Soberano de Angola, IFC, Janus Continental Group, Oak & Satin Properties, Proparco, Rockshieldburg-City, The Midwest Company, and UAG Investments.
Together, these investors represent billions in active projects, acquisitions, and greenfield development across the continent. With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed at FHS Africa since its inception, the event remains a catalyst for serious deal-making and investment.
Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: “We're incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It's a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth — the perfect backdrop for an event that connects the brightest minds in hospitality and drives real investment across the continent. The 2025 programme is bold, dynamic, and focused on action."
FHS Africa 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to build meaningful relationships through various formats tailored for real engagement. From high-energy speed networking sessions and curated closed-door investor councils to exclusive offsite visits showcasing Cape Town's latest hospitality developments, every moment is designed to foster strategic connections. The event also features a community-focused charity Run, offering a lighter way to meet other delegates while supporting a worthy cause.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
Further Information:
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
email: David@Tarsh.com
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at TheBench.com
Africa Energies Summit in London Must Prioritize Hiring Black Africans
In the evolving and competitive energy landscape of Africa, the Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London holds a critical position, drawing substantial revenue from the continent's thriving markets. However, there is a glaring issue that the organization cannot afford to ignore: the lack of Black Africans in its workforce. This absence raises serious concerns about the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it's time for Africa Energies Summit to address this inequality. The African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org) has issued a direct call for action, urging the summit to rectify this imbalance by hiring Black Africans.
It is deeply disappointing that, despite reaping significant benefits from Africa's economic contributions, Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London has failed to reflect the continent's rich diversity by hiring Black employees. The company continues to prioritize personal networks in its hiring practices, which perpetuates exclusionary systems. As a result, many highly qualified Black Africans, with the necessary skills and experience, are left outside the company's inner circle.
This issue becomes even more perplexing when we consider that Black Africans are not merely passive participants in the success of the Africa Energies Summit; they are active sponsors and contributors to its events and programs. This contradiction calls into question the sincerity of the company's commitment to inclusivity and raises concerns about the integrity of its diversity policies.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, has highlighted the remarkable progress of the Oil and Gas industry in promoting Africans, especially women, into leadership positions. He praises the industry for fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for Africans to rise to the top. This success serves as a stark reminder that Africans, especially African women, are not only capable but essential to the success of organizations operating within the continent.
The African Energy Chamber believes firmly that Black Africans possess the expertise, leadership qualities, and vision required for positions at the highest levels within the Africa Energies Summit. Inclusion is not just a matter of social justice—it is a strategic necessity for a company that depends heavily on Africa's energy market for its revenue. It is time for Frontier and Africa Energies Summit in London to move beyond lip service and show real, meaningful commitment to diversity by empowering Africans within its workforce.
The issue at hand goes beyond tokenism; it speaks to the very principles of fairness and equal opportunity. The idea that Africans can contribute to the financial success of the company through large exhibitions, yet are denied equal representation within the organization, is both unacceptable and unsustainable. The time to act is now, and this imbalance must be addressed without delay.
While it may be uncomfortable to raise these concerns, the African Energy Chamber is committed to shining a light on uncomfortable truths within the industry. The progress made in the Oil and Gas sector—particularly in the hiring, training, and promotion of Africans—demonstrates that genuine diversity efforts lead to entrepreneurial success and organizational growth. The African Energy Chamber urges Africa Energies Summit in London to adopt similar practices and take lessons from the success stories in the Oil and Gas industry.
Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, and Tanzania—along with others that actively support the summit and participate in its events—deserve to see their talent represented at the highest levels of the organization. Africa Energies Summit must step up and ensure that the diversity it benefits from in its African markets is reflected in the diversity of its workforce.
"Frontier makes a huge part of its revenue from Africa, yet no Black people are hired within the company. They hire people they know, trust, and like, but we are not part of that circle. I am deeply disappointed. Black Africans are major participants and sponsors of their programs. I believe we are more than capable of doing the job, but there has been no true commitment to hiring or promoting us. We also need to have a serious conversation about why Africa Energies Summit in London isn't hosted in Africa," said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
The African Energy Chamber calls on Africa Energies Summit in London to recognize the urgent need to address the underrepresentation of Black Africans in leadership roles within its organization. This is a critical opportunity for the summit to prove its commitment to true diversity and inclusivity by embracing the talents, skills, and potential of Africa's brightest minds.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Parliament Ready to Process Revised Budget
The Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Ms Thoko Didiza, today reiterated Parliament's readiness to process and adopt the revised Budget and Fiscal Framework swiftly and responsibly within the legally prescribed timeframe and in full compliance with its constitutional and legislative obligations.
Chairing the National Assembly's Programme Committee this afternoon, the Speaker confirmed that the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, will table the revised Budget and Fiscal Framework in the NA on 21 May 2025. The committee agreed that the sitting would be a physical meeting.
The Speaker reaffirmed the timeframes for budget approval prescribed in the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act and emphasised that every effort will be made to ensure that government operations continue seamlessly and that the principles of accountability and sound financial governance are upheld.
She assured the public that the process in Parliament will be transparent and in full compliance with the law as the institution fulfils its constitutional mandate.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Tourism Committee Calls on Department to Provide Committee With a Briefing on Its Partnership Model
The Department of Tourism and its entity, South African Tourism (SAT), appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Tourism yesterday to present their annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year and their strategic plans for 2025–2030, which aim to situate South Africa as a preferred and competitive tourism destination regionally, continentally and globally.
The department assured the committee that, unlike before, its strategy is aligned to the government's Medium-Term Development Plan and will have the capacity to deliver the strategy as planned.
The department said it provides small, medium and micro enterprises in the sector with financial and non-financial capabilities required for them to become financially literate. It also helps these enterprises to develop business plans, market their products and run their businesses profitably while using digital technology to bring about transformation, inclusivity and beneficiation of youth, women and people living with disabilities in the tourism sector.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, told the department to brief the committee on the partnership model it has with critical stakeholders and how it intends to use its marketing budget to leverage these partnerships and synergies to enhance its tourism assets, products and services. The briefing must also include a timeline on when it intends to implement its digital transformation strategy.
Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe also urged the department to set clear guidelines and milestones on when it intends to present the Tourism Amendment Act before the committee and when it will be introduced as an act of law.
In its presentation, SAT stated that its 2025–2030 strategic mission is to enhance South Africa's profile as leading regional, continental and global tourism destination. This it will achieve by ensuring that its platforms provide a high quality and inclusive visitor experience, while ensuring organisational excellence and a high-performance culture along with knowledge-driven marketing and quality assurance strategies.
Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe reiterated that digital marketing should be at the core of SAT's marketing strategy given its unparallel reach in disseminating tourism products and assets regionally, continentally and globally.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Maiden ODI Call-up Excites Meso Ahead of Proteas Women’s Tri-Series in Sri Lanka
JOHANNESBURG: At just 17 years old, Karabo Meso is already making waves in the cricket world. Despite her academic commitments in...