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Nzimande conferred with honorary professorship
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has been awarded an honorary professorship by the Beijing Jiaotong University in China.
The awarding of the professorship is in recognition of his contributions to education, and is a symbol of strengthening ties between South Africa and China.
In his acceptance speech, Nzimande said he was deeply honoured and grateful for the honour bestowed upon him by such a prestigious institution.
“Professor YU Zujun, President of Beijing Jiaotong University and dear colleagues, it is with the greatest humility, cognisant of the significance of the award, and with gratitude for China’s friendship and support throughout my career, that I am privileged to accept the honorary professorship.
“This award is further evidence of the enduring friendship between South Africa and China, a strategic partnership in which the Beijing Jiaotong University could play an even more important role that I am determined to help facilitate,” Nzimande said.
The Minister said the university is a model of excellence in collaboration and innovation. This is demonstrated by the success in combining its capacities in transport systems, information and communication technologies, as well as the economics and management sciences, to support China’s progress in the development of one of the world’s leading rail networks for both passenger and freight transport.
“I am also eager to learn about Beijing Jiaotong University’s success in combining advanced scientific research and post-graduate programmes, undergraduate studies, as well as vocational training in a holistic manner.”
Over the past 120 years, the Beijing Jiaotong University has developed a comprehensive and coordinated education system, with strength disciplines in information and management, characteristic disciplines in transportation, and other diversified disciplines, including engineering, management, economics, science, liberal arts, law and philosophy.
The university's position in international rankings of world-leading universities and disciplines is steadily on the rise, maintaining its position in the top 500 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
Currently, the university has 16 888 undergraduate students, 2 763 Doctoral students, 9 933 Master's students, and 3 389 adult college students. The total number of international exchange students amounts to 1 142.
The Departments of Higher Education and Training, and Science and Innovation have congratulated the Minister on his conferral of the honorary professorship. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08
Celebrating South Africa's victory against New Zealand in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):
Dear Mighty Springboks,
Congratulations! We never doubted your greatness. We never doubted the results. From the very beginning, we knew that your indomitable spirit was in the right place. Your refusal to accept defeat was a testament to your character.
From the players who started the game to those who came off the bench, from the dedicated technical staff to the coaches, medics, and psychologists, we had faith. Losing was never an option.
On this day of greatness, with the ball that we love so much, which seemed to be drawn to YOU, following YOU and carrying YOU to this incredible victory.
All 1.4 billion of us followed YOU, pushed YOU on, sharing in your pain, knowing that YOU would lead us to victory.
To my dear friend and brother, Mark, congratulations.
To the coaches, the technical staff, and the dedicated support personnel, we extend our gratitude. To Siya, the greatest captain of this World Cup, and your entire squad, we thank you.
YOU have not only secured victory but offered hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and confidence to those who may have doubted themselves.
Africa thanks you, congratulations!
Herbert Mensah
President, Rugby Africa
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad
President Cyril Ramaphosa says to give full expression to the legacy of stalwarts like Aziz Pahad, their teachings must not be confined to history books but they must be frequently revisited and taken into the future.
“We have lost a comrade, a friend and a patriot who dedicated his life to the liberation of our country and its people,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.
Delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa described Pahad as a hardworking public servant.
“It is a sad day for the diplomatic community, particularly for the many men and women chosen to represent the country abroad, who had the privilege of being mentored, counselled and trained by our departed brother and comrade,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Pahad and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until this evening. Former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi, senior government officials, politicians and members of the public attended the funeral.
“Over the past few years, we have had to bid farewell to many dear comrades, men and women who were giants of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the departed stalwarts played an important role in the history of the country.
“They were there at all the high and low points in our struggle for liberation, and remained on to shepherd us along the difficult road to democracy. At times such as this, when we lose another stalwart, we are shaken, as would a tree whose roots have been damaged or lost.
“These great men and women, of whom Aziz Pahad was one, were the roots that nourished the tree of our democracy. It feels as though a part of us has gone with them.
“And yet, such were the legacies they left behind that this great tree that is our democracy, abides. We may at times be battered by strong headwinds. Times can be hard.”
President Ramaphosa said the democracy that Aziz Pahad and his generation worked so hard to achieve remains firm, steady, well-anchored and strong.
“Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his many fine attributes and we will have reflected on some of them today.
“He was an activist who played a formative role in the liberation movement in exile in the 1960s and beyond, and was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement in Europe and the United Kingdom.
“As Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was involved in peacebuilding and mediation efforts in a number of conflicts on the continent and in the Middle East,” the President said.
Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82. He served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) -from 1994 to 2008.
Pahad's passing follows that of his brother and former Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, in July 2023.
Former colleagues hailed Pahad as a fine diplomat. He has also been hailed as one of the key architects of South Africa’s foreign policy.
In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature for his contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity.
“Pahad's contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa's challenges,” the University of Pretoria said at that time.
Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs. In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by then Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic, and a world that is fair and just. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 13:03
SA, Tunisia bolster relations
South Africa and Tunisia should increase their political consultations to ensure a robust and dynamic utilisation of opportunities that exist between the nations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
Pandor on Friday hosted Tunisian Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar.
“I'm really pleased, Minister and brother, to welcome you to Pretoria today on the occasion of our political consultations, which gives us a chance to discuss our bilateral relations - regional, continental and international issues - of mutual interest,” said Pandor.
Today’s political consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for the two Ministers to reflect on the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Tunisia and discuss further strengthening bilateral cooperation in several areas.
These include economic cooperation, security, health, science and technology.
“The meeting we're going to have today is also going to lay the ground for the future meeting of our Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC), which we established in 1996.
“However, the last meeting of JBCC was held in 2008. A further meeting is long overdue to revitalise its mission to ensure that we have focused programme areas of cooperation and projects that we execute together,” Pandor said.
The Minister said she hopes that officials in both countries are going to work hard to ensure they meet these ambitions and come up with concrete programmes of cooperation to work together.
“I do believe we have opportunities to expand and explore, and that these will benefit both our countries, as well as the people of our country. I've made reference to stronger cooperation between our business sector as well as stronger cooperation in skills, training and development.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, has a great ambition to enhance innovation and research capacity and has developed programmes in nanoscience and space science.
“I know on satellites, previously, our researchers had been collaborating and it would be wonderful to revive that collaboration.”
She also told Ammar that she was pleased his country has taken an interest in establishing the business forum, who was accompanied by the President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, who also has business interests locally.
“So dear Minister, please know that we are absolutely committed to the relationship between South Africa and Tunisia.
“I assure you that I would like to walk together with Tunisia as we advance the goals of Agenda 2063 as well as implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, and together, support our continent to achieve its Developmental Goals.”
Pandor also took the time to express her gratitude to Ammar for attending South Africa’s 15th BRICS Summit last month and leading his country's delegation.
“We were thrilled that your country was in attendance,” she said.
She also applauded her counterpart after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced it was adding the Tunisian resort island of Djerba to its list of World Heritage Sites because of its ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, mosques, churches and synagogues.
“Minister, our bilateral relationship continues to be one that is strong and solidified through bilateral mechanisms which provide for political, economic, scientific and socio-cultural engagement,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 13:44
Pandor pays tribute to the late Aziz Pahad
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid and life-long commitment to the promotion of human rights on the international stage.
Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82.
Pahad served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 1994 to 2008.
“In this role, Pahad became one of the first people at the forefront of establishing relations with the international community after many countries had severed ties with South Africa during the apartheid years,” the department said.
The department described the former Deputy Minister as a fierce proponent of an independent foreign policy for South Africa.
“He was a principled champion for human rights, especially the oppressed and marginalised people. From Palestine to Western Sahara, he spoke for the voiceless and was unwavering in his implementation of South Africa's foreign policy, which recognises the right to self-determination of the aforementioned peoples.”
In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred him an honorary doctorate in Literature for his “contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity”.
The university said: “Pahad’s contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and, above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa’s challenges”.
Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs.
In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
“As a result of the report, DIRCO initiated a number of changes aimed at enhancing the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.”
Post-retirement, Pahad also maintained close ties with those pursuing the Palestinian and Saharawi causes.
“These were causes he would remain dear to, for as long as he lived.”
At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic and a world that is fair and just.
“On behalf of all South African diplomats at home and abroad, and all freedom-loving people of the world, we pass our deepest condolences to the Pahad family.
“May the indomitable spirit of Pahad continue to guide our country as we continue the search for a better South Africa and a better world.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:50
India 'fully supports' BRICS expansion
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has thrown his weight behind the expansion of the BRICS membership.
“India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership and welcomes moving forward based on this consensus.”
Modi was speaking on Wednesday at the opening plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, which is currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The leaders of the emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - met for the second day of the BRICS Summit.
Under its chairship in 2016, the Prime Minister said India defined the block as a group building responsive and inclusive collective solutions.
“Seven years later, we can say that BRICS will be breaking barriers, revitalising economies, inspiring innovation, creating opportunities and shaping the future.
“Together, with all BRICS partners, we’ll continue to actively build and make this new definition meaningful,” he said on day two of the three day summit.
Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the bloc.
Modi also noted that global south countries have been given “special importance” in BRICS under South Africa’s chairship.
“This is not just an expectation of the present times but a necessity as well,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said he also proposed that all the BRICS nations and the African Union be permanent members of the G20.
“Under a G20 Presidency, India has given this subject the highest priority based on our core value of one heart and one family and we’re moving forward together with all countries.
“I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20 and all will support our proposal.”
He has described the last two decades as long and magnificent for BRICS.
Modi also highlighted some of the bloc’s achievements, including the New Development Bank (NDB).
According to Modi, the NDB plays an important role in the development of the countries in the global south through contingency reserve arrangements.
He also spoke briefly about initiatives such as the BRICS satellite constellation, vaccine R&D centre and mutual recognition of pharma products.
“We’re bringing about positive [change] in the lives of ordinary citizens in BRICS countries through initiatives such as the youth summit, BRICS Games, BRICS Think Tanks Council and strengthening people-to-people ties between all countries.”
However, to give the BRICS agenda a new direction, he believes the leaders should push for a railway research network, an online BRICS database and close cooperation between start-up forums.
“I am pleased that significant progress has been made in all these areas.”
He also suggested creating a space exploration consortium that could focus on space research and weather monitoring for global good.
Call for cooperation
Modi also called for cooperation in the areas of education, skills development and technology to make BRICS a future-ready organisation.
To identify each other’s strengths, Modi proposed a skills mapping exercise to complement each other in their development journey.
He also advocated for the protection of big cats between the five countries and building a repository for traditional medicine.
The Prime Minister also congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting a successful summit.
“Congratulations and thanks to my dear friend President Ramaphosa for the wonderful arrangements made for the organisation of the 15th BRICS Summit and his hospitality.”
He also reflected on Mahatma Gandhi’s role in South Africa.
“He laid a strong foundation for our unity and mutual harmony,” he said.
In response, President Ramaphosa congratulated India for successfully landing a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, making it the first country to do so. This as India successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3.
“This for us as the BRICS family is a momentous occasion and we join you in the joy of this achievement.”
He said the bloc also supports the skills development proposal and said South Africa was pleased that it donated cheetahs to India and is prepared to provide more.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa said the global south should continue to be an area of focus.
“We want to wish you well as you continue to prepare to host the G20 summit… and we will surely participate,” he said.
“We’re heartened to hear that India supports the expansion of BRICS. This is the matter we are discussing and we hope to find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it amongst ourselves as BRICS leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 16:04
Up-and-coming South African singer, Deard, digs into uncomfortable truths for his debut single, Antisocial, which drops today across all digital platforms. The Pretoria-born, Limpopo-raised musician grew up with a love of music and has decided to chase his dreams with the release of his single – which he is excited to share with South African …