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Eastern Cape government to ensure faster service delivery

Location: News

Eastern Cape government to ensure faster service delivery

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured the people of the province that the provincial government will do more, better and faster, to ensure that it delivers on its 2024 manifesto commitments.

Announcing the province’s new Members of the Executive Council on Friday, Mabuyane said: “I wish to inform the people of our province that we have reconfigured government departments by separating Finance and the Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs, and Tourism.

He explained that the reconfiguration was done to ensure that economic development matters receive special attention to build an economy that creates new jobs.

“We want to ensure that special focus is paid to retaining and attracting new investments into our province. After all, it is the investors that will create the much-needed jobs in our province,” Mabuyane said.

He announced that the Departments of Public Works and Human Settlements have been combined.

“These two departments are mainly about the built environment which is critical for the development of our province and communities. It makes sense to place the under one Executing Authority for seamless planning and execution of projects,” the Premier said.

Mabuyane announced the Members of the Executive Council as follows:

• MEC for Finance is Mlungisi Mvoko

• MEC for Education is Fundile Gade

• MEC for Health is Ntandokazi Capa

• MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Zolile Williams

• MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism is Nonkqubela Peters

• MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is Sibulele Ngongo

• MEC for Social Development is Bukiwe Fanta

• MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements is Mani-Lusithi

• MEC for Transport and Community Safety is Xolile Nqatha

• MEC for Agriculture is Nonceba Kontsiwe

Mabuyane said the MECs would be heading stable portfolios with experienced HODs, established CEOs of public entities and highly skilled employees.

“They will be supported by their administrative teams to build on the progress of the past five years.” – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 11:56

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Read moreEastern Cape government to ensure faster service delivery

Bring Happiness Home

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

This Winter, bring happiness home with tabletop games that the whole family will love. Add the marshmallows to the hot chocolate, find your favourite blanket, pull your beanie snug over your head and get the table ready for the season’s top boardgames. With cooler days and longer nights, there is every reason to socialize over …

Read moreBring Happiness Home

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade – 5 things you need to know

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Twilight Masquerade is the sixth set to be launched in the Scarlet & Violet series. The expansion builds on the themes and mechanics introduced in the earlier sets and adds a distinctive twist with the masquerade ball motif. There is a focus on Ogerpon, a character that fully captures the depths and nuances of the …

Read morePokémon Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade – 5 things you need to know

African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Drive Investment in African Energy, Announces Second Speaker Lineup

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant opportunities in solar, wind and green hydrogen, Africa has the potential to become a global hub for energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that to meet energy and climate goals, Africa requires over $200 billion in annual investment, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global financiers and project developers.

As such, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa's premier event for the energy sector – will drive a new wave of investment in the sector. The conference convenes under the mandate of making energy poverty history by 2030, with industry experts and thought-leaders, African governments and NOCs, and energy investors and developers leading discussions on the challenges and opportunities in Africa's energy sector. Taking place from 4–8 November in Cape Town, the event offers unparalleled access to the African industry.

AEW: Invest in African Energy 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.

African governments are revamping fiscal policies and launching new licensing rounds to attract investments and partners, aiming to unlock the full potential of the continent's energy sector. Over 11 licensing rounds are planned for sub-Saharan Africa between 2024 and 2025, all of which aim to attract new investment and bolster project development. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, government representatives will outline optimal energy financing mechanisms and incentives aimed at advancing energy investments. Key speakers include:

  • Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal
  • Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia
  • Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
  • Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola

African state-owned energy entities have positioned themselves as reliable partners for global energy firms, driving the continent's energy market expansion. During this year's AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, African NOCs and energy associations will discuss investment and partnership opportunities in Africa's energy value chain. In addition to the first AEW: Invest in African Energy speaker lineup, featured speakers include:

  • Proscovia Nabbanje, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company
  • Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO, South African National Energy Development Institute

Across Africa, international energy companies are driving a series of large-scale project developments under efforts to unlock high returns, increase energy access while driving sustainable economic growth. Projects such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development – on track for first production this year -; the trio of LNG projects in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin; South Africa's offshore exploration campaigns and onshore gas projects and many more are set to transform the African oil and gas landscape. This creates newfound opportunities for regional and international technology providers, which also play a crucial role in driving Africa's energy renaissance. A strong lineup of IOCs, technologies companies and service providers will discuss ongoing projects, future prospects and efforts to maximize Africa's energy resources at the conference. These include:

  • Ainojie Alex Irune, CEO of Oando Energy Resources
  • Dave Campbell, Senior Vice President of bp in Mauritania and Senegal
  • Dennis Bauer, Senior Executive: Energy Transition Advisor, Neuman & Esser
  • Dennis Malkoc, Business Development Manager, Universal Africa Lines
  • Dmitry Khandoga, Head of International Department, Gazprom PJSC
  • Marica Calabrese, Managing Director and General Manager, Eni Mozambique
  • Matthieu Milandri, Head of Upstream Finance at Trafigura Group
  • Mikhail Chudakov, Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Nikki Martin, President & CEO,EnerGeo Alliance
  • Nosa Omorodion, Executive Director, SLB
  • Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations, Afreximbank
  • Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, bp South Africa

During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, speakers will showcase projects, highlight energy financing mechanisms and government incentives, and provide insights on best practices for a just and inclusive energy transition, addressing the continent's goals for eradicating energy poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.

Keep following for more exciting announcements about the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 speaker lineups! For more information, visit www.AECWeek.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Read moreAfrican Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Drive Investment in African Energy, Announces Second Speaker Lineup

Basketball Africa League To Participate in Quai 54 Streetball Tournament in Paris

Location: Sport

Basketball Africa League (BAL)
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For the second consecutive year, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://TheBAL.com/) will participate in the prestigious Quai 54 (https://apo-opa.co/3RBcBdH), the world's biggest streetball tournament, which will take place on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 at Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, France.  The BAL's participation is part of the league's year-round strategy to engage new and existing fans across the African Diaspora and around the world.

The team representing the BAL will feature standout players from the 2024 season, including 2024 champion and Angolan basketball legend Carlos Morais (Angola's Petro de Luanda), 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team member Samkelo Cele (South Africa's Cape Town Tigers), and 2024 BAL 3-point leader Kelvin Amayo (Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers).  Below is the complete list of participating players:

First Name

Last Name

2024 BAL Team

Makhtar

Gueye

Dynamo Basketball Club (Burundi)

Samkelo

Cele

Cape Town Tigers (South Africa)

Kelvin

Amayo

Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)

Jean Jacques

Boissy

AS Douanes (Senegal)

Carlos

Morais

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

Yannick

Moreira

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

George

Williams

US Monastir (Tunisia)

John

Wilkins

Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)

The team will be coached by Karim Nesba (Morocco), who served as head coach of the City Oilers (Uganda) during the 2024 BAL season, and Victor Samnick, who won the French National League (LNB) championship in 2008 and 2011 and played collegiately at Georgetown University. 

Quai 54 is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere and top-tier competition, bringing together the best streetball talent from around the world.  Last year, the BAL team that reached the semifinals featured 2023 BAL champion Ehab Amin (Egypt's Al Ahly), 2023 All-BAL First Team member Chris Crawford (Senegal's AS Douanes), and 2023 All-BAL Defensive Team member Ater Majok (Petro de Luanda).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Read moreBasketball Africa League To Participate in Quai 54 Streetball Tournament in Paris

Mpox cases rise to 13

Location: News

Mpox cases rise to 13

South Africa has identified six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, taking the total number of cases from seven to 13 since the first case was reported last month.

The Department of Health reported new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The death toll is still at two. 

The first case of Monkeypox, now known as Mpox, was reported in South Africa on 9 May 2024, when a 35-year-old male living in Gauteng tested positive.

In the latest statement, the department said it has received a batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat - also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for treatment of patients who experience severe health complications because of Mpox disease. 

“The process to secure more treatment, including vaccines, is underway in case the need arises. However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections,” the department explained. 

READ | Mpox cases rise to seven in SA after new infection recorded in W Cape

Government is urging all people regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation, with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at a healthcare facility because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease. 

The department stated that hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of diseases. 

“People are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.”

Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands. 

“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, and so on.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:25

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Read moreMpox cases rise to 13

My Prepaid Meter Does Not Take Any Number for Tokens or Codes. What Now?

Location: MyPR

With the looming KRN (Key Revision Number) rollout Straton Prepaid report that they are receiving more and more inquiries from people saying that their prepaid meters (electricity, gas and water) do not accept any number for tokens or codes. If your prepaid meter does not accept any tokens or codes, Straton Prepaid suggests several possible …

Read moreMy Prepaid Meter Does Not Take Any Number for Tokens or Codes. What Now?

Government thanks SA for tuning into Presidential Inauguration

Location: News

Government thanks SA for tuning into Presidential Inauguration

Government has extended its deepest and most sincere appreciation to all South Africans who joined the 2024 Presidential Inauguration in person, on television, radio and online to witness a very important and momentous occasion in the nation's history.

“Your participation has been very instrumental in making the event successful and memorable,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Wednesday.

Government also extended its deepest gratitude to all visitors and dignitaries who graced this auspicious occasion with their presence and support.

“The presence of all attendees added significance to the Presidential Inauguration, and it showed continued commitment to the country's growth and development. The attendance by various Heads of State and Government was a testament to the solidarity and support the country receives from the global community,” GCIS said.

GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said government will continue to work tirelessly to build a brighter future for all South Africans in the seventh administration and beyond.

"Today, we celebrated not just a new President, but a new chapter in our nation's history. We recognise that this moment is not just about individuals, but also about the collective progress that we have made and continue to make as a nation.

“The Government of South Africa is dedicated to building a capable and honest administration that serves all South Africans and remains steadfast in its mission to work together to overcome any challenges that face us,” Mnukwa said.

South Africans are encouraged to continue to work with government to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation, where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive.

“Working together, let us continue to move forward with renewed purpose and commitment to build a better South Africa for all,” GCIS said.

READ | ‘We have heard you’ – President

–SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:48

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Read moreGovernment thanks SA for tuning into Presidential Inauguration

The ultimate celebration of design excellence, 100% Design Africa will set Joburg’s design scene ablaze

Location: MyPR

Where brands are launched, trends are set and the future of design is shaped: 100% Design Africa is the peak of innovation and inspiration, igniting passion and pushing boundaries in the world of design. This beacon of contemporary design, well known as a launch pad for exciting new products and rising local brands, as well …

Read moreThe ultimate celebration of design excellence, 100% Design Africa will set Joburg’s design scene ablaze

City of Johannesburg, City Power ordered to pay Eskom debt

Location: News

City of Johannesburg, City Power ordered to pay Eskom debt

Eskom has obtained a court judgement against the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Power for the payment of their R1.073 billion debt.

According to Eskom, the city and its local power utility have been defaulting on their account since October last year.

“When the matter was heard on 4 June 2024, the total amount owed to Eskom by CoJ/City Power was R3.4 billion.

“The city in response to Eskom’s application, brought a counterclaim against Eskom for R3.4 billion alleging potential over-billing and that as a result it has applied an automatic set-off against Eskom electricity account.

“Furthermore, the court dismissed the counterclaim by the city with costs, consequently dismissing the automatic set-off claim.

“Eskom has written a letter to COJ/City Power demanding payment of the full amount of R3.4 billion by 21 June 2024 and we hope they will respect the court decision and settle all outstanding debts to Eskom,” the national power utility said.

Last month, Eskom said it had been left with “no choice” but to approach the courts to have the debt paid.

“The debt owed by City Power has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating Eskom’s already strained financial situation.

“This dire situation not only undermines Eskom’s financial sustainability but also threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure, invest in new technologies and meet the growing energy demands of the province,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:36

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Read moreCity of Johannesburg, City Power ordered to pay Eskom debt

Very important news for everyone who does the GroundUp Target!

Location: News

Although GroundUp won awards for exposing corruption in the Lottery and for uncovering the Thabo Bester prison escape, by far the most important public service we do is publishing the Target on Mondays and Fridays. Exposing shenanigans at the provincial social development departments, answering readers’ questions about social grants, exposing the poor state of sanitation, …

Read moreVery important news for everyone who does the GroundUp Target!

World leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

Location: News

World leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

Leaders around the world have rallied behind President Cyril Ramaphosa and offered their congratulations after his inauguration as President of South Africa for a second term, on Wednesday.

Yesterday, international and local guests filled the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre in Pretoria to witness President Ramaphosa take his oath of office.

This, after he was re-elected to serve for a second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections in May where he won 283 votes, against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema who received 44.

United States Ambassador Reuben Brigety congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his inauguration as the President of South Africa.

“Witnessing your vibrant democracy is an honour,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Speaking to SAnews yesterday, the diplomat described the Presidential inauguration as “historic” and wished the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nation.

Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden applauded President Ramaphosa on his re-election as President of South Africa.

President Biden commended all the political parties for working together to form a government of national unity (GNU).

“I also send my warm wishes to the people of South Africa. This year – as South Africa celebrates 30 years of all citizens having the right to vote – they have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“I look forward to the United States and South Africa continuing our work together, to expand economic opportunity, invest in clean energy solutions, and demonstrate that democracy delivers,” President Biden added.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, took to X to wish South Africa’s First Citizen all the best as he leads the new administration.

“Today, I had the immense honour of attending the Presidential inauguration of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Congratulations, President Ramaphosa, on this remarkable achievement. It is a privilege to be part of this historical event and I look forward to working with you for the continued strength and unity between our nations,” he wrote.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Ramaphosa on his re-election.

“Warm congratulations, Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa on your re-election as the President of the Republic of South Africa. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the India-South Africa strategic partnership,” said the Prime Minister of India.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President Ramaphosa to congratulate him on his re-election.

“The President expressed hope that Russia and South Africa would continue their joint work to further strengthen their strategic partnership across the board. Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory telegram to Cyril Ramaphosa,” his Office said on his official website.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also extended his warm congratulations to the President on his re-election.

He applauded South Africans on the peaceful and successful conduct of the General Elections.

“While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu calls for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent,” Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 12:13

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Read moreWorld leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

Location: News

GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

The Government of National Unity is keen on advancing the interest of all South Africans while also creating employment, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.

“We want to create jobs. We are going to get everyone in the Government of National Unity to create jobs. I am going to make sure that it happens,” the President said in his address to the crowds gathered on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings.

This after taking his Oath of Office as President, marking the advent of the seventh administration.

In his address to those gathered at the South Lawns, the President said the Government of National Unity (GNU) will advance the interests of all South Africans.

“Today we are opening a new chapter in the life of our country. We are going to have a government of national unity where we are going to work together united so that we can advance your interests. Let us not be afraid of what this government of national unity is going to be all about.”

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the President’s oath during Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony.

President Ramaphosa also called on all political parties in the GNU to join hands in advancing the interests of all South Africans.

“The people of South Africa did not give one political party power to rule this country, the people of South Africa wanted a Government of National Unity to rule this country,” President Ramaphosa said.

Many ordinary South Africans turned out to witness the inauguration ceremony attended by the country’s former Presidents as well as members of the international community.

READ | Government of National Unity: A moment of profound significance

While this year's General Election results produced no outright majority winner, the requirement for leaders of different formations to work together is not too unsimilar to what the country had to do to find its way at the inception of democracy.

Addressing the public in his inaugural speech, and essentially the world at large who had been following developments in the country, President Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the formation of the Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.

“It is the beginning of a new era,” the President said in his earlier address.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 10:14

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Read moreGNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

Embracing One-Bag Travel: The New Trend Re-Defining Travel Convenience

Location: MyPR

Ever heard of the one-bag travel trend? Well, it’s gaining momentum worldwide! It began to gain significant popularity and visibility around the mid-2010s, coinciding with the rise of social media platforms and travel blogs where influencers and travellers started sharing their experiences and tips for packing light and efficiently. Now, almost a decade later it …

Read moreEmbracing One-Bag Travel: The New Trend Re-Defining Travel Convenience

Government of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

Location: News

Government of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

Gender activist, Dr Lesley Ann Foster, has expressed hope that the government of national unity will provide an opportunity for political parties to collaborate in addressing South Africa’s unemployment, slow economic growth and inequalities.

“This is a very significant moment. I feel quite emotional about it…We have had so much negativity and so many challenges that we have been facing that this gives us a ray of hope for change that will take us forward as a country,” Foster told SAnews on Wednesday at the Union Buildings.

Foster who is the founder and executive director of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Masimanyane Women's Rights International made these remarks ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

“We are excited about the possibility that this new administration [brings].  The most important thing about the government of national unity is that it is not about a particular party but about national unity. How do we bring all these people together to bring about progress and development? The most critical thing is about what can take the country forward,” she said.

Foster said the presence of dignitaries at the inauguration signifies that the international community honours and respects South Africa.

“They are coming to pay their respects to our new President and that is very significant for us that they are here to say we stand with you; we support you.”

With the inauguration representing the beginning of the seventh administration, Foster called for government to address corruption, unemployment and gender inequality.

“Government needs to deal decisively with corruption. They also need to work on the economic policies and look at how they can create jobs, particularly for the youth and the unemployed of our country; there is so many of them.

“I work in the gender sector. We have a huge challenge to address gender-based violence in this country. We have had very strong political commitments from President Ramaphosa in his previous administration. We are praying that it will happen again.”

She added that she was part of a collective of women that have written a statement to all political parties requesting that they address gender equality issues in this administration.

“We want them to address gender equality. We want the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to be put in place. We want issues on empowerment and our status in society to be addressed

“South African women still have very low status, even though they has been massive progress, we still have low status. They need to address that because until we are an equal society, poverty is going to be the big issue.

“We have a big problem around poverty, food insecurity and water insecurity. They have to address those issues very decisively because we are sitting on a smouldering peg and we can have an explosion at any time from the youth because they are dissatisfied,” Foster said.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

READ | SA marks Inauguration Day

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:16

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Read moreGovernment of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

Sandton Sun Launches New Menus: A Feast for Every Guest’s Palate

Location: MyPR

Sandton Sun is excited to unveil its vibrant new updated menus across its dining experiences. This comprehensive revamp includes a delectable breakfast menu, an elevated banqueting menu, and a sophisticated San Deck menu. Crafted to cater to the diverse tastes of hotel guests, conference attendees, and local diners, these menus promise to enhance guests’ overall …

Read moreSandton Sun Launches New Menus: A Feast for Every Guest’s Palate