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Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue Between the French Republic and the Republic of South Africa
- The 9th Session of the Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the Republic of France and the Republic of South Africa was held in la Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025.
- The French and South African delegations were led respectively by Their Excellencies Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Mr Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.
- The talks reflected the warm and cordial relations of cooperation between the two countries. Views were exchanged on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
On bilateral matters:
- The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the improved level of cooperation in the fields of basic and higher education, science and culture, environment, electricity and energy, trade and investment, transport and development and cyber criminality. The two parties highlighted the need for both countries to develop plans of action for the effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
- The two parties welcomed the ongoing negotiations and significant progress made in finalising bilateral agreements pertaining to cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, transport, protection of Crozet and Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Areas, maritime search and rescue as well as the creation of a Joint Ministerial Commission on international relations.
- The South African side expressed its continued gratitude to the French Republic for the numerous scholarship opportunities afforded to young South Africans to pursue educational opportunities in France. Both countries would continue to explore opportunities for further education and training, as well as the exchange of students and academics.
- To facilitate joint business trainings in South Africa and France, at the benefit of both countries, Their Excellencies Ministers Barrot and Lamola discussed a technical agreement in the field of Cooperation on Labour and Employment for Graduates and Young Professionals. The Ministers welcomed the development and look forward to the opportunities that will be created by the signature of the agreement.
- The South African side highlighted the important role played by France in terms of solidarity partnerships, particularly through the Just Energy Transition partnership (JET-P) and the Team Europe Initiative Manufacturing African Vaccines+ (MAV+). Both countries underlined the need for the JET-P to be continued and to contribute to South Africa's transition towards a decarbonized energy mix, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
On regional and international matters:
- The Ministers exchanged views on regional African issues of common interest, particularly the situation in Mozambique, the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Sudan. On Eastern-DRC, they agreed to pursue convergence of the various diplomatic efforts, towards a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.
- The two parties exchanged views on the current geopolitical environment and agreed on the need to uphold multilateralism, and a rules-based multilateral system based on international law, in line with the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT congratulated South Africa for its G20 Presidency and reiterated France's support to its priorities, summarized in the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, noting that these priorities converge with the objectives of the French initiative of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.
- Both parties addressed global issues, including climate change and biodiversity protection. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT underlined France's invitation to the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Mr Matalema Cyril RAMAPHOSA, to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, from 9 to 13 June 2025.
- Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both Ministers highlighted the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine and stressed the importance of supporting an inclusive and peaceful approach to the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both Ministers advocated for a negotiated settlement, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, which include respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
- The crisis situation in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East was discussed. The French side was briefed on the status of the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT invited South Africa to participate to the international conference on the Two-State solution, in June 2025 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
- The Ministers welcomed the upcoming visit by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Mr. Paul MASHATILE, to France from 21 May to 24 May 2025 a landmark opportunity to accelerate bilateral economic collaboration. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of key Ministers, this visit will spearhead the South Africa-France Investment Conference, a dynamic platform for fostering strategic partnerships and exploring innovative avenues for economic collaboration, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in France with robust participation from leading South African and French business entities. The Ministers are confident that this pivotal engagement will unlock new opportunities, deepen investment flows, and amplify trade synergies between the two nations.
- His Excellency Ronald O. LAMOLA expressed his heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, to the Government of the French Republic and people of France, for the warm and fraternal welcome, as well as the kindness and attention extended to him and his delegation during their stay in France. He further looked forward to welcoming the Minister to South Africa for the G20 Summit.
Done in La Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025
| For the French Republic | For the Republic of South Africa |
| H.E. Jean-Noël BARROT
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
H.E. Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Egypt Selected to Host Inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships
- Teams From Across Africa Will Feature in First-Ever IFAF Continental Championships in Region from June 20-21
- NFL Africa (www.NFL.com) to Host Football Development Events in Egypt Alongside IFAF Championships
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is delighted to announce Egypt as the host nation for the inaugural 2025 IFAF African Flag Football Championships – AFRICA FLAG 2025.
AFRICA FLAG 2025 will take place from June 20-21 in Cairo, Egypt, welcoming elite men's and women's national teams from across Africa for the first time at an IFAF Continental Championships. As participation in flag football continues to grow rapidly throughout the continent, this inaugural event offers a pathway to qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships and represents a significant milestone on the journey towards flag football's historic Olympic debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
"With the announcement of the first ever IFAF Continental Championships in Africa, we are taking another step in the global development of our sport,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “Looking ahead to flag football's historic Olympic debut at LA28, our Continental Championships provide a fantastic platform to further accelerate the sport's regional growth at grassroots and elite levels. Egypt will be a great host, and we are certain AFRICA FLAG 2025 will play its part in inspiring new athletes and fans across a continent that has already produced a rich heritage of American football talent.”
Hosted in partnership with the National Football League and Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF), various youth football development events will take place in Cairo in conjunction with the upcoming Championships — expanding the league's NFL Africa program to Egypt for the first time, creating more opportunities for young athletes from across the continent to play American football.
In collaboration with IFAF and EFAF, U12 teams of boys and girls from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria will compete in a multi-day NFL Flag Continental Championship, facing off in the championship game on June 23. NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL — working to bring the non-contact version of American football to young athletes worldwide.
The NFL will also host a football talent identification event with prospects from across Africa. Athletes will showcase their skills and abilities with the potential to advance on through the NFL Academy Europe-Africa program in Loughborough, U.K. or the International Player Pathway (IPP) program — two core pillars of the NFL's global football development initiatives.
A number of current NFL players will join these events in Egypt, including New York Giants' Bobby Okereke (Nigeria), Minnesota Vikings' Brian Asamoah II (Ghana) and NFL free agent Dieter Eiselen (South Africa). Okereke, Asamoah II and Eiselen are supporting football operations for national federations in the lead up to and during the Championships, as well as NFL Africa's youth football programming.
“I'm excited and inspired to lead the NFL's efforts in Africa and to again expand our programming to a fifth country: Egypt — an innovative market for sport, with incredible talent,” said two-time Super Bowl Champion and NFL Africa Lead Osi Umenyiora. “Back-to-back days of NFL Africa events alongside the IFAF Continental Championships in Egypt helps showcase the aspirational pathways for talented young athletes across the continent, as we look ahead together to flag football in the LA Olympic Games in 2028. It will be a great weekend of football, and one that will create a powerful legacy as we introduce more and more young athletes to our game.”
AFRICA FLAG 2025 will reinforce the acceleration of flag football's growth across the continent. At the record-breaking 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, Cameroon made history as the first African nation to compete on the global stage. Since 2023 participation in flag football has surged with Egypt and Nigeria seeing increases of 149% and 85%, respectively. In Nigeria, the national federation's outreach program has already engaged more than 13,000 young people, highlighting the sport's expanding reach and appeal.
IFAF and the NFL are working hand-in-hand to develop and grow flag football across the continent, collaborating to create meaningful educational pathways for coaches and officials delivering flag across Africa. This commitment was reaffirmed at the recent three-day flag football coach education and officiating clinic in Ghana (April 11-13). The clinic welcomed new and experienced coaches and officials from 10 African countries — Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda — enabling further long-term engagement and participation in the sport in the region.
As part of the NFL Africa program, the league has also undertaken NFL Flag development, talent identification camps and fan events across Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria since 2022.
“We are extremely proud to be hosting the first ever AFRICA FLAG 2025 in Cairo and to be writing Egypt into flag football's history books,” said EFAF Founder Ali Rafeek. “Hosting this tournament allows us to put a spotlight on our talented athletes and to show the next generation what's possible in this sport — whether you're picking up a football for the first time or dreaming of the Olympics.”
“AFRICA FLAG 2025 is a huge moment for the continued growth of flag football across our continent,” said Egyptian Women's National Team Quarterback Amira Nader. “It's an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and passion rising throughout Africa and take a meaningful step towards making history at LA28. As the first-ever Continental Championships, this event will inspire the next generation to pick up a football and believe anything is possible.”
IFAF continues to reinforce structured and competitive pathways for flag football, with the Continental Championships as an important stepping stone in the journey towards the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. The record-breaking 2024 edition of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships was the culmination of IFAF's biggest-ever international cycle of flag football competition and brought together elite athletes representing 31 nations from five continents at the most competitive and thrilling tournament to date. Flag football is played by 20 million athletes in more than 100 countries, and with an ever-expanding African presence, these events will serve as key milestones on the road to LA28.
Details regarding AFRICA FLAG 2025's participating nations as well as the 2025 Continental Championships for other regions will be announced in the coming weeks, offering teams from around the world more opportunities to compete and prepare for the journey toward LA28.
For more details on the Championships, visit the IFAF website (https://apo-opa.co/42LiURK) or follow us on social media.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).
For more information on NFL Flag, the official flag football program of the NFL, visit here (https://apo-opa.co/3G70ylD).
For the latest NFL Africa activity, follow @ NFLAfrica on:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/43VmZnx
X: https://apo-opa.co/43QGKN7
About IFAF:
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) (https://apo-opa.co/42LiURK) is the international governing body for the sport of American football and is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game on a global level. Fully recognised by the International Olympic Committee and a signatory to the WADA Code, IFAF has 75 member nations across 5 continents.
About the National Football League:
The National Football League is America's most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world's biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL developed the model for the successful modern sports league, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence, and strong franchises across the country.
Three Common Myths About US Funding Cuts to South Africa
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Beijing+30: SA reaffirms commitment to women empowerment
Beijing+30: SA reaffirms commitment to women empowerment
South Africa has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), which commits to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, delivered the Country Statement at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), currently underway at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In her address on Tuesday, Chikunga emphasised the critical issues outlined in South Africa’s National Review of progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The country’s statement lays bare South Africa’s commitment to expedite the full realisation of the Beijing+30 agenda.
“From the onset, South Africa reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the full, effective and accelerated implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We pledge our support and congratulate the commission on the unanimous adoption of the political declaration yesterday.
“We recognise these as transformative blueprints for a future that will be just, equitable, sustainable and collectively prosperous. Moreover, we align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group, the Group of 77 plus China, as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC),” Chikunga said.
Gender equality and women empowerment, the Minister said, are fundamental constitutional imperatives enshrined in Section 9 of South Africa’s Constitution, with the Bill of Rights embracing a restorative approach to gender equality.
Key achievements
The Minister highlighted some of the country’s achievements in areas such as women representation, judiciary, higher education and social protection.
Women’s representation: South African women now make up 43.5% of the Parliament, a significant increase from 28% in 1994. Women also hold 43% of the Executive positions, compared to only three women in 1994.
Judiciary: As of February 2023, 45% of South Africa's 253 judges are women, up from only two women judges in 1994. Notably, South Africa appointed its first-ever female Chief Justice and Head of the Constitutional Court, the country's highest judicial authority, in 2024.
Higher education: South Africa has surpassed gender parity in higher education, with over 60% of graduates from colleges and universities being women. The country is now prioritising increasing women representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as well as in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
Social protection: Over the past three decades, South Africa has built one of the most comprehensive social protection systems in the developing world, providing critical support through social grants that lift millions of women and girls out of poverty.
The Minister further highlighted South Africa’s commitment to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), noting the National Council Act on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. It underscores South Africa’s whole-of-society effort to prevent, eliminate and respond to violence against all women and girls in public and private spaces, including online and offline.
South Africa has also completed a national GBVF prevalence study to ensure that the current and future interventions are evidence-based on sound scientific evidence.
Through its leadership role in the G20 Ministerial Working Group on the Empowerment of Women, the Minister said South Africa is shining the spotlight on the care economy, promoting financial inclusion through preferential public procurement for women-owned enterprises, and ensuring that women have access to land, productive assets and economic opportunities.
Despite the significant progress made, the Minister acknowledged that much more needs to be done.
“No democratic world or State can claim freedom unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression. Women and girls will be free and this is our commitment,” Chikunga said.
The 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) takes place from 10 to 21 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:16
13 views
South Africa to outline progress on Beijing+30 implementation
South Africa to outline progress on Beijing+30 implementation
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to present South Africa’s report on the country’s progress in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+30).
Chikunga is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which takes place from 10 to 21 March 2025.
The South African Beijing+30 report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in advancing gender equality from 2019 to 2024. It draws on data, statistics, and key trends to assess achievements and challenges in this area.
The report highlights the 12 critical areas of concern outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action, including women and poverty, education and training, women’s health, violence against women, women and armed conflict, and women and the economy.
In addition, it covers vital topics, including women in power and decision-making, human rights of women, women and the media, women and the environment, and the empowerment of the girl child.
“The focus of the report will look at the priorities, achievements, challenges and gaps, while also demonstrating and highlighting the emerging and future priorities,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.
South Africa will join the global community in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, where women’s empowerment and gender equality are a priority.
The Minister is joined by Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe; Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe; Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts.
KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, including Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, and Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development, also form part of the delegation that will provide provincial updates on South Africa's progress in areas such education, health and social protection. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:41
121 views
#Justiceformuhsin: Gay Imam Remembered at Cape Town Pride
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SA participates in UNGA meeting marking Russia, Ukraine conflict anniversary
SA participates in UNGA meeting marking Russia, Ukraine conflict anniversary
South Africa has voted in favour of a General Assembly resolution, presented by the United States of America with amendments by the European Union, which reiterates that the principal purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security and to peacefully settle disputes.
It further reaffirms the commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters; and implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Ukraine and Russia, in line with the United Nations (UN) Charter and the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
This comes as the United Nations General Assembly met in New York on Monday - on the third anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“South Africa continues to call for the urgent cessation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in order to prevent the further loss of life and the destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure. Every effort must be made to de-escalate the conflict.
“South Africa remains firmly committed to the need for a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict within a rules-based system centred on international law, including the respect for human rights, and the principles of the UN Charter,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in a statement.
It said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states remain inviolable.
Consequently, South Africa supports all efforts to bring the conflict to an end and welcomes all efforts to bring about negotiations.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict through a negotiated settlement with all parties to the conflict having a seat at the table.
“Consistent with the African Peace initiative we have always maintained that a commitment to inclusivity is key to deliver the buy-in of all Parties to the conflict, and to provide acceptable solutions to both parties,” said the department.
It added that countries are at a point of inflection in this conflict with the urgency to seize the momentum towards a negotiated settlement.
Head of UN Peacekeeping and Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, emphasised that the Russian invasion has “undermined the very foundations of the international order”.
She also reminded delegates that since 24 February 2022, the conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 12 654 Ukrainian civilians, including 673 children.
In light of the recently adopted Security Council resolution, UN News reported that DiCarlo stressed the need for peace in Ukraine to be “just, sustainable, and comprehensive”.
She said such peace must align with the Charter of the UN, international law, and the resolutions passed by the General Assembly, including those enacted during Monday’s emergency special session. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 09:51
136 views
African countries urged to address climate change
African countries urged to address climate change
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George has called on African countries to act with resolve and clarity of purpose on issues of climate change.
This as the Minister attended the annual Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 16 February.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, is where Heads of African States and Government consider climate issues of strategic importance to the Continent.
During this session, the Coordinator of CAHOSCC, Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya delivered his report which highlighted various developments since the last meeting in 2024.
The report included reflections on the outcomes of the 29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2024 and the implications for Africa, the CAHOSCC report from the meeting held on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, in September 2024, updates from the Africa Climate Initiatives and Commissions, and the operationalisation of the Africa Climate Summit outcomes.
The CAHOSCC meeting also considered and submitted a draft decision on key climate change issues for adoption by the AU Assembly.
While delivering his intervention at the meeting, Dr George reiterated the need for African countries to "act with resolve and clarity of purpose" and went on to highlight the opportunities to do so through South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
“The Minister is leading on the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) which has the overall objective to advance the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through focusing on a number of priorities and deliverables,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said in a statement on Saturday.
These include focusing on adapting to climate change and building resilience, addressing loss and damage, the just transition and mobilising climate finance.
The other priority areas include biodiversity and conservation, addressing land degradation, desertification and drought, sustainable chemicals and waste management as well as oceans and coasts.
Following a request by Dr George in his intervention, the meeting resolved to request the AU Commission to convene a consultative meeting with AU Member States to deliberate about the priorities and proposed deliverables for the ECSWG prior to the first virtual meeting of the Working Group in March 2025. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 12:18
16 views
KZN Inland Rural Remain The Only Unbeaten Team Left At Rural Week
VEREENIGING: Day two saw the KZN Inland Rural team finish as the only undefeated team left in the CSA Inland Rural...
SA’s Land Expropriation Act is constitutional
SA’s Land Expropriation Act is constitutional
South Africa’s much talked-about Expropriation Act is something that should be looked at in the context of its painful past wherein land was a commodity not afforded to the majority.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.
In a statement, The Presidency said the new legislation, which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution.
Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid.
Honorary Professor of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, Professor John Stremlau, gave his thoughts on the signing into law of the act which is the culmination of a five-year process of public consultation and Parliamentary deliberation.
“It is constitutional, reflecting a long-standing asymmetry between white ownership in the majority of the land and black ownership for the majority of the people being confined to marginal lands and so there is that position that is reflected in the document. But it’s not precipitous in any way and calls for due process,” he told SAnews.
The Act allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.
This as the recently signed act, drew the ire of the United States of America President, Donald Trump.
Reports this week emerged that the US President has moved to halt future funding to South Africa as his administration investigates allegations of "land confiscation" - following President Ramaphosa’s assent of the Expropriation Act.
US funding to South Africa is related to PEPFAR (US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) Aid and constitutes some 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS programme.
The Professor further stressed that South Africa “has a right of eminent domain…overriding private property.”
This as Minister Lamola earlier told SAnews that expropriation laws are not unique to South Africa.
“We trust President Trump’s advisors will make use of the investigative period to attain a thorough understanding of South Africa's policies within the framework of a constitutional democracy. This approach will promote a well-informed viewpoint that values and recognises our nation's dedication to democratic ideals and governance,” the Minister said.
The New York Times The Learning Network defines eminent domain as the right of the state to take private property for public use adding that the Fifth Amendment that was added to the Constitution of the United States requires that just compensation be made.
“And South Africa is struggling to overcome the apportioning of land to the settlers and not to the natives. I didn’t think that the parts that I read were in any way unreasonable and reflected the painstaking negotiations…with the communities to reassure those who have properties that they will be full compensated, but, and that at the same time they may be subject to pressures from the government but also government land. It strikes me as a very reasonable approach and I don’t mind being quoted on that,” said the Professor.
Stremlau added that “there are Americans like me who are offended by Trump’s arbitrariness.”
The expert’s comment come on the heels of a Presidency statement stating that the Act is “not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution”.
The Act states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.
SA-US relations
Asked about whether the act will likely sour relations between South Africa and the US, Stremlau said: “America is a complicated place, and there are Americans like me who are offended by Trump’s arbitrariness.”
“It is very much about where the body politic will land as is the case here. And President Ramaphosa should be congratulated for a Government of National Unity.”
On whether the alarm bells raised by the US could see South Africa kicked out of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), he said he was hopeful that cool heads will prevail.
AGOA is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market.
“Congress has by a partisan majority supported the AGOA but South Africa is a standout nation because it is a middle income country and AGOA is intended for poor African countries. South Africa has been a critical member of AGOA and I would hope that cool heads would prevail,” he said.
Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has been at the core of US economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa. The act is an initiative of the United States and is aimed at giving duty-free market access for producers in eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
He further added that “colleagues” at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have “a really tough job ahead.”
“I wouldn’t be second guessing them; I think the country should get behind them. But the average South African voter cares about pocketbook issues and getting a job, that has got to be President Cyril Ramaphosa’s total preoccupation,” he said.
Earlier, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson reiterated government's stance on the Act, stressing that no one in South Africa will "have their land confiscated".
“The Expropriation Act sets out a clear legal framework under which expropriation may take place, always with due process and court oversight,” Macpherson said, adding that the Government of National Unity will always put the interests of South Africa first.
Professor Stremlau’s comments come ahead of the seventh administration’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) which President Ramaphosa will deliver before a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, 6 February.
In mapping out South Africa Inc’s path for the year ahead, President Ramaphosa will reflect on the year that was and is likely to include legislation that has been passed, including the Expropriation Act.
“Americans respect what South Africa is trying to do in the aftermath of the terrible Apartheid era,” said Stremlau. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:32
21 views
DRC Emergency: Next 24 Hours Are Critical, Warn UN Agencies
Dead bodies lie in the streets, hospitals are overwhelmed and there has been an uptick in reports of sexual violence, rape and looting.
“Roads are blocked, ports are closed and those crossing Lake Kivu risk their lives in makeshift boats,” said Shelley Thakral, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP) – one of many UN agencies on the ground striving to provide assistance and protection wherever possible. “I spoke just moments ago to an activist In Goma and he told me, ‘We're here, we're hiding. We don't know who will come to help us.'”
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, echoed the humanitarian community's deep concerns about the spiralling violence across the resource-rich region that has uprooted some 300,000 people from camps around Goma in a matter of days.
Aid targeted
“Our colleagues in the DRC report heavy, small arms fire and mortar fire across the city and the presence of many dead bodies in the streets,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. “We have reports of rapes committed by fighters, looting of property, including of a humanitarian warehouse and humanitarian and health facilities being hit.”
The emergency has left hospitals in Goma reportedly overwhelmed by the influx of wounded people, electricity and water supplies “compromised” and internet services cut off on Monday. “Goma is still offline this morning,” Mr. Laerke told journalists in Geneva.
The development came amid urgent calls from the international community including the Security Council in New York, where ambassadors on Tuesday demanded an immediate halt to the M23 rebel offensive and called for the group to withdraw from territories it has seized.
The ambassadors reiterated their support for the UN peacekeeping force in the DR Congo, MONUSCO, and paid tribute to blue helmets who have lost their lives from South Africa, Malawi and Uruguay in recent days.
The Council also condemned the presence of “external forces” in eastern DRC – amid reports Rwandan troops are heavily involved in the offensive – and called for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and return to diplomatic talks.
Years of crisis
Before the latest escalation in violence in eastern DRC's Kivus, some 5.1 million people had already been displaced by years of insecurity in the mineral-rich region and forced to live in overcrowded camps with little food and no security.
UN agencies and partners continue to monitor the highly unstable situation which has forced WFP to temporarily pause food assistance activities in around Goma. “The airport and major access roads within the region have been cut off…Depending on the duration of violence, the supply of food into the city could be severely hampered,” said WFP's Ms. Thakral.
“This is a huge test for Congolese trapped by fighting in Goma and surrounding areas…the next 24 hours will be critical as people start to run low on supplies and will need to see what they can find to survive.”
Disease fears
The highly mobile nature of the emergency has prompted additional fears that existing diseases may spread quickly among uprooted populations, although preventive measures were taken before the latest escalation, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said.
For the moment the immediate concern is to help victims of the violence.
“There are currently hundreds of people in hospital, most admitted with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, with secondary infections becoming a health risk,” said Dr Adelheid Marschang, Emergency Response Coordinator for the DRC.
She noted that before Goma airport closed on Saturday, WHO had sent critical medical supplies for trauma and emergency care, infection prevention, cholera and more.
The UN agency's response to the crisis has also included providing tents for hospitals to cope with the increasing number of injured. It has medical hubs in North and South Kivu, in the cities of Goma and Bukavu to support health care needs in eastern DRC.
Last year the provinces of North and South Kivu reported high numbers of cholera, measles and malaria cases and deaths, Dr. Marschang said, warning of a “heightened risk for spillover of cholera” into neighbouring countries and provinces.
The area was also the epicentre of an outbreak of a new strain of mpox, declared a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024. Dr. Marschang warned that the new wave of displacement will make it increasingly hard to track and treat the disease.
Amid the lethal violence, hospitals and health workers themselves are in danger, the WHO official said, with “reports of health workers being shot at and patients including babies being caught in crossfire”.
“Attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Healthcare must be protected at all times,” she insisted.
Sexual violence alert
WHO and other UN agencies and partners said that they are especially worried about the increasing risk to women and girls from violence, including rape.
“Pregnant women are at risk, with very high maternal death rates, even before the violence escalated,” WHO said.
“Sadly, hospitals and health workers are in danger. We are hearing reports of health workers being shot at, and patients, including babies, being caught in the crossfire. WHO reminds everyone that attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Health care must be protected at all times.”
Echoing those concerns, WFP's Ms. Thakral reported that mobile teams and mobile clinics are at work amid reports that women had been raped multiple times while searching for firewood or after leaving the perimeter of their camp.
Other reports indicated “an increase in rape along the pathways that some of the conflict partners are now taking into South Kivu,” she said, underscoring the agency's efforts “to have some solutions to follow the populations as they move”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare
No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare
By: Bongani Lukhele
In 1993 Andrew Lebitsa, a Free State Black Industrialist, participated in an empowerment and capacity building project that he said was initiated by South Africa’s first Black President, Nelson Mandela, and New York’s first Black Mayor, David Dinkins.
The objective of the programme was to develop a pool of black corporate bank managers to equip them with skills, knowledge and information that would empower them to play a critical role in the transformation of the banking industry after the country had transitioned to democracy.
Lebitsa spent six months at the Chase Merchant Bank and Baruch College in New York honing his corporate management skills in the bank and acquiring knowledge through the college’s Executive Management Development Programme.
At the time, little did Lebitsa know that he was bound to follow in the footsteps of the two visionary leaders and blaze his own trail, as he attests that his No.1 Hair company is the only black-owned hair braids manufacturing company in the country.
This was made possible by the support he received from the Black Industrialists Programme of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
In line with the vision of Mandela and Dinkins, the objective of the scheme is to produce a pool of capable and successful Black Industrialists who will actively and meaningfully participate in the manufacturing industry and contribute to growing the economy, creating jobs and transform the sector in particular, and the country’s economy in general.
Today, No.1 Hair, which operates from the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Harrismith, is providing employment to 60 people who are producing the synthetic hair braids, or hair extensions as they are commonly known, for both domestic and Southern African markets.
“After a long spell in the petroleum franchise and retail industries, I got into a hardware products import and distribution industry. Many of my retail clients requested me to import hair as well. This was initially never in my mind. But after conducting a research I realised that it was a R9-billion industry in South Africa that these people were indirectly encouraging me to participate it. I decided to get into it,” recalls Lebitsa.
After bouncing off the idea with the late prominent businessperson, Don Mkhwanazi, he advised Lebitsa to consider setting up a plant and manufacture hair in South Africa, instead of importing it.
He connected him with two South Korean businessmen who assisted him to set up the factory in the Maluti-a-Phofung SEZ. The location was an obvious choice for Lebitsa as he once worked in the zone while he was employed by the Free State Development Corporation as a property manager.
“That is how No.1 Hair was born,"he said.
R60 million state-of-the-art plant
The R60 million state-of-the-art plant was set up with assistance from the dtic and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
“After a delay caused by the COVID-19 [pandemic], we eventually started the production of our brand of hair braids in January 2021. We started with black hair braids and extended our range to numerous other colours over a period of time,” said Lebitsa.
He concedes that penetrating the hair market as a black manufacturer has been and remains a steep challenge.
“Firstly, consumers of this product are used to particular famous brands that are all imported. It is not easy for them to warm up to and embrace a new, unknown product. Secondly, but more importantly; it is the problem of perception and stereotypes that one has to deal with in the industry.
“As a black manufacturer, you are already disadvantaged when approaching buyers who source products for big companies and retail stores.
Summer season
“From not even giving you a chance to present your products to them, to doubting both your capability as a businessperson to deliver on orders, and the quality of your products. It is a big challenge. However, one order at a time we have managed to build quite [a] sizeable number of clients,” he adds.
Lebitsa’s spirit lifts when he starts speaking about the summer season that he says sparks a high demand in hair braids. To this end, he has received huge amounts of orders that will soon see all of his production lines running at full capacity.
“Despite all these market penetration challenges, we are making steady progress and continue to grow the company. Slowly but surely, we are increasing our own market share.
“We pride ourselves in being a proudly South African company whose products and raw material are produced in the country.
“We are hopeful that the Buy Local Campaign will instil patriotism in consumers of our products and enable them to choose locally-produced quality products instead of poor quality imports.”
He revealed that his plan is to expand his business by diversifying his product range and venturing into the manufacturing of hair care products. - SAnews.gov.za
*Bongani Lukhele is the Director: Media Relations for the dtic
DikelediM
Thu, 12/26/2024 - 07:00
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POWERADE Launches the Athletes Code, a Commitment to Supporting Mental Health in Sports
POWERADE (www.POWERADE.com) today announced The Athletes Code, a commitment to a more inclusive and progressive relationship with athlete partners to support their mental well-being. Launching in partnership with Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion Alex Morgan, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tatjana Smith, South African footballer Linda Motlhalo, and Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Douglas Matera, The Athletes Code is a contractual provision that allows athletes to pause their partnership commitments to focus on their mental well-being, without losing their sponsorship.
The Athletes Code launches at a time when athletes are under immense pressure to perform, often at the cost of their mental health, as stepping away to address these needs could risk their sponsorships. This new contractual protection developed by POWERADE provides athletes with the time and space they need to care for their mental health, and most notably, ensures the continuation of their sponsorship with POWERADE.
Inspired by athletes and their courage to speak up openly about such an important topic, The Athletes Code underscores POWERADE's core values of inclusion and dedication to fully protecting their athletes who need to pause their partnership commitments to support their mental wellbeing.
The Athletes Code launches with support from Team Powerade, a global roster of international athletes who represent the embodiment of strength, resilience and dedication.
Alex Morgan, Tatjana Smith, Linda Motlhalo, and Douglas Matera bring The Athletes Code to life through powerful storytelling that captures their firsthand experience with navigating the intense pressures of unrelenting performance demands and the impact it can have on mental health. In addition to sharing their personal stories, these athletes reflect on the role of mental health support in sports, their appreciation for sponsors who champion athlete well-being, and the meaningful change they believe The Athletes Code will create for current and future partners.
“POWERADE'S new commitment creates a platform that gives athletes the peace of mind to know they'll be supported unconditionally,” said Alex Morgan. “What POWERADE is doing offers a level of support and reassurance to athletes at all stages of their journey, whether they're an up-and-coming star chasing their dreams or a new mom balancing her sport and motherhood. With the incredible pressures athletes face today, whether student athletes to professionals, I couldn't be prouder to help create the space for athletes to take the time they need without the fear of consequences.”
Tatjana Smith added: “I'm so grateful to be a part of The Athletes Code, because I know how much pressure has been put on me in the past and how it has impacted me. This level of protection is something athletes definitely need, and that unwavering support – that is what athletes want.”
Said Linda Motlhalo,“The Athletes Code is an amazing thing. It's something that fully protects players; it doesn't focus only on our performance on the field, it also takes into account what we might be facing in our day-to-day lives off the field. Having a partner who cares enough about what you might be experiencing outside of your sport – that's the type of support that can improve athletes' lives everywhere.”
“Athletes face immense pressures, both on and off the field,” said Douglas Matera. “Knowing that my sponsor has my back if I ever need to pause is a game-changer. It gives me and so many others the freedom to focus on ourselves when needed.”
Additional Team POWERADE athletes supported by The Athletes Code include Alberto Abarza (Chile), CJ Bott (New Zealand), Dmitrij Ovtcharov (Germany), Emma Twigg (New Zealand), Florian Jouanny (France), Harrie Lavreysen (Netherlands), Ji So-Yun (South Korea), Kaylene Corbett (South Africa), Lydia Williams (Australia), Mathilde Gros (France), and Tyler Wright (Australia).
An extension of POWERADE's “Pause is Power” platform, The Athletes Code continues to challenge the “win at all costs” mentality and continues the conversation around fully protecting athletes' wellbeing.
“POWERADE has been a long-time partner to athletes around the world, supporting their journeys on and off the field,” said Matrona Filippou, President, Global Hydration, Sports & Tea. “Following the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we recognized the opportunity to be a stronger ally to our athlete partners. We believe that true strength comes from knowing when to pause to comeback stronger, and we're proud to encourage this belief by formally giving them the ability in their contracts to prioritize their mental health. We look forward to continuing to support athletes at every stage of their journey."
POWERADE's "Pause is Power" platform, which first debuted in 2022, defines pausing as the key to powering and prioritizing life over winning. Now in the brand's third year of this journey, POWERADE consistently advocates the "Pause is Power" narrative through creative campaigns and community-level activations that inspire passionate people around the world to experience the power in pause.
The Athletes Code was created by WPP Open X, led by Ogilvy and supported by Burson, EssenceMediaCom, Hogarth and VML. The hero film and supporting creative was developed by Ogilvy New York, and directed by Let It Rip Pictures director Babak Khoshnoud.
For more information, visit https://apo-opa.co/49qP2Mv.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of POWERADE.