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Rugby’s Pathway to Africa’s Future
By President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah (www.RugbyAfrique.com).
Saturday April 6 marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As we reflect on this day, it is crucial to explore the potential impact of sport in Africa. The African Development Bank projects that Africa is set to grow to 2.4 billion people by 2050. Therefore, prioritizing an investment in human potential is crucial, as it will define the future of the continent. Africa can harness the power of sport to champion human potential, serving as a tool to drive the African continent towards greatness for generations to come.
Sport serves as a universal language, through popularity it can transcend cultural, social, economic and political barriers. This year's theme: ‘Sport for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies' holds particular relevance in Africa. The impact of sport has the power to unite individuals, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike. Yet the true power of sport, lies in its ability to transform societies. South Africa's Springboks, fourth time Rugby World Champions, are a testament of the unifying influence of Rugby. During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the entire African continent united in support of South Africa on the global stage, highlighting a collective passion to celebrate and develop talent emerging from the continent itself. Whether on the field or pitch, the power of sports is visible. It fuels economic development through the flourishing sports tourism industry. It empowers youth by instilling positive values. It champions gender equality, breaking down barriers and eradicating stigma. It fosters social inclusion, promoting tolerance and easing tensions in divisive environments.
The African Development Bank reports that Africa will remain the world youngest region, with a median age of 25. An investment in the youth is crucial for the sustainability of Africa, as a prosperous Africa paves the way to peace. Within the realm of sports, Rugby emerges as unique pathway to empower the youth. Anchored in values of teamwork, unity, integrity, passion, solidarity and discipline, Rugby serves as cornerstones for personal and professional development with enduring impact. Ultimately, early exposure to sports will prepare the youth of Africa to become leaders and ambassadors of positive change in their communities. It is our duty to equip the next generation to not only navigate the challenges of uncertainty and competitiveness but to thrive amidst them, fostering a brighter future for Africa and inspire generations to come.
In a society marked by divisions, sport cultivates an inclusive landscape. The passion for the games takes priority, differences are not seen as obstacles, but rather as opportunities for greatness. Rugby's embrace of diversity, turning differences into strengths has the powerful impact of breaking down the societal norms that women are often subjected to. For example, the South African women's national rugby team, where players exhibit a remarkable 33 cm height differential from the shortest to the tallest player, and a significant 61 kg weight gap separates the lightest from the heaviest members. When compared to the realm of football, the contrast becomes even starker. The South African women's national football team boasts a considerably more consistent size and shape among its players, with a mere 12 cm height range and a modest 27 kg weight variance. This inclusivity cultivates a sense of unity and belonging that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of humans, nurturing a sense of self-worth, fostering long term empowerment, while creating lifelong friendships.
Beyond social impact, sport can function as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and international dialogue. Through strategic investments in sports infrastructure and competition frameworks, we forge the way for economic opportunities, generating employment and awakening local economies in host nations. Sports tourism emerges as a magnet, drawing travellers from around the globe with the economic purchasing power to experience Africa's diverse and rich cultural heritage. It acts as a unifying force, fostering connections among people of different backgrounds and nationalities. As enthusiasm for sports grows, it not only attracts local spectators but ultimately attracting attention on regional and national stages. This shared love for sports becomes a platform for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. In this way, sport serves as more than entertainment; it is bridge that connects people and creates ties to the community, fostering unity and collaboration.
Aligning with the pursuit of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, Africa has the opportunity to tap into the transformative power of sports, acting as a key to unlock the full potential of the continent. This can only be achieved if governments take local action and assume accountability to harness the full potential of Rugby in reducing inequality, empowering the next generation and igniting a new age of inclusivity. We must collectively drive change, recognizing that investing in Africa's future is our shared responsibility. This calls for collaboration among all stakeholders, with a long-term commitment to funding, policy development, infrastructure enhancement and the advancement of competition structures. On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us not only embrace the power of sports to reshape our societies but let us actively engage on unleashing it. Sport possesses the remarkable ability to positively impact our world, a source of hope, uniting people in ways that few other forces can achieve.
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 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.
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Political parties, independent candidates sign Code of Conduct
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Political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections have signed the Electoral Commission’s Code of Conduct committing to abide by the set of rules that are meant to ensure free and fair elections.
The General Elections will be held on 29 May to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislature in each province.
This will be the seventh general election held in the democratic dispensation since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.
In total, 325 political parties will be taking part in this year’s elections.
In his keynote address at the signing ceremony held in Midrand on Thursday, Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya said violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct can cast doubt on the legitimacy of election results, and lead to disputes and legal challenges.
“By complying with the code, political parties help to ensure that election outcomes are accepted as legitimate by all stakeholders, thereby contributing to political stability and social cohesion,” Moepya said.
Click here for the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Moepya said with freedom comes great responsibility. The Constitution affords political parties, independent candidates and citizens the freedom to contest elections for public office.
“Today's signing ceremony holds profound significance, as the country witnesses leaders of parties represented in the National Party Liaison Committee publicly pledge to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct for the forthcoming elections.
“This code provides the framework for conduct consistent with the vision of democratic forebears, who envisioned a society at peace with itself and all its constituents. It is a statutory instrument for realising free and fair elections, requiring profound political leadership, as its observance reflects not only our commitment as democrats but also our collective dedication to orderly public affairs.
“As leaders, we bear the responsibility of guiding our nation towards a vision of peace and tranquillity,” Moepya said.
Rules and regulations
Moepya said beyond adherence to the code, political parties, independent candidates and citizens alike must actively promote awareness of the code's purpose and support efforts to educate voters.
Moepya said certain behaviours, such as inciting violence, intimidation, spreading false information or abusing positions of power, are strictly prohibited and must be met with swift accountability measures.
Moepya said upholding the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct reinforces democratic values such as tolerance, respect for diversity and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“These values are essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy and fostering trust between citizens and their elected representatives.
“We know that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and deter citizens from exercising their right to vote. By complying with the code, political parties help prevent such incidents and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
“The Electoral Code of Conduct also aims to ensure that all political parties and candidates have equal opportunities to campaign and communicate their messages to voters,” Moepya said.
30 Years of Democracy
Sy Mamabolo, the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, said as the country commemorates the 30th anniversary of democracy, it is vital to reflect on one of its abiding successes.
“Today, we stand before South Africa and her people to affirm our readiness to conduct an election which accords with the constitutional yardsticks and international norms.
“We give this affirmation of readiness, alive to the enormity of the challenge that rests on our hands. We stand ready to assiduously ensure that we do not let the motherland down for otherwise history will have a deleterious account of our charge of this task,” he said.
Most political parties had expressed their delight in taking part in the signing ceremony.
Sizwe Ummah Nation (SUN) party representative, Mondli Thulani Ncayiyane, commended the signing ceremony.
“The Electoral Commission has done a splendid job by coming with the Code of Conduct committing political parties to, among other things, denounce violence during the election period.
“As a party, we support the initiative and we hope that this is going to ensure peaceful elections in our country,” Ncayiyane said.
Echoing the same sentiments was Inayet Hussain Hassen from the Allied Movement for Change, who praised the IEC for the good work they have done in a bid to ensure peaceful elections.
“We are aware that it is not going to be easy for the voters as the ballot paper is going to be a big one, but we hope everything will be under control.
“The IEC has a good track record for conducting elections. We are confident that all the other political parties are going to uphold the Code of Conduct,” Hassen said.
Party lists
Last month, the Commission made available the lists of names of independent and political party candidates available for inspection at its national office, and at all its nine provincial offices and local municipal offices.
Parties intending to contest the elections were given an opportunity to revise their lists and inform the commission if they had nominated candidates who also appeared on the list of another party or who were nominated as independent candidates.
In all, there were 42 candidates appearing on more than one party list implicating 39 parties. Furthermore, one candidate was nominated as an independent candidate and also appeared on a list of a party.
The final list of candidates contesting the elections will be published by the Commission on 10 April 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in February that South Africa will head to the polls on 29 May 2024 for the General National and Provincial Elections. – SAnews.gov.za
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Judicial Matters Amendment Act signed into law
Judicial Matters Amendment Act signed into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act of 2023.
According to the Presidency, the amendment bill aims to “amend numerous Acts which are administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and are intended to address mostly practical and technical changes in various pieces of legislation”.
Some of the notable amendments to the act include:
- Amendments which provide for the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Master, some of which were not part of the legislation before. These changes will allow the Chief Master to play a greater supervisory role over the Masters of the High Court and will lead to improved service delivery to the public and to legal practitioners.
- A provision that allows the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, after due consultation, to determine certain categories of offences which, if the accused pays or has paid an admission of guilt fine, would not result in the accused receiving a criminal record.
The Presidency explained that following the Minister’s determination, “persons who already have received a criminal record for the identified categories of offences will have their offences expunged”.
Other areas that the Amendment Act speak to include:
- A provision for the expungement of the criminal record of a person who paid an admission of guilt fine for violating the State of Disaster Regulations which were imposed during the COVID pandemic;
- A new mechanism to fight corruption, by creating an additional offence to be included in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) regarding the failure of members of the private sector or state-owned entities to prevent corrupt activities. This is in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission).
- A provision that relates to when a person willfully makes a false declaration in support of an application for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998). The new provision penalises the making of such a false declaration and such a person will have committed an offence. The amendment also enables applications for a protection order to be made without an affidavit.
- A repeals of common law relating to the crime of defamation. Various international and local stakeholders and interested parties have expressed concerns about the alarming effect of such offences on journalists and have advocated for their abolition. The crime of crimen injuria and civil remedies for defamation however continue to be applicable.
“Whilst the amendments may appear to be minor and technical in nature, they will significantly improve service delivery and the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system in the related matters,” the Presidency said. - SAnews.gov.za
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President Ramaphosa assents to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act, 2023. The Judicial Matters Amendment Bills aim to amend numerous Acts which are administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and are intended to address mostly practical and technical changes in various pieces of legislation.
Some of the notable amendments include amongst others:
• Amendments which provide for the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Master, some of which were not part of the legislation before. These changes will allow the Chief Master to play a greater supervisory role over the Masters of the High Court and will lead to improved service delivery to the public and to legal practitioners.
• A provision that allows the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, after due consultation, to determine certain categories of offences which, if the accused pays or has paid an admission of guilt fine, would not result in the accused receiving a criminal record.
Following the Minister's determination, persons who already have received a criminal record for the identified categories of offences will have their offences expunged.
• A provision for the expungement of the criminal record of a person who paid an admission of guilt fine for violating the State of Disaster Regulations which were imposed during the COVID pandemic;
• A new mechanism to fight corruption, by creating an additional offence to be included in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) regarding the failure of members of the private sector or state-owned entities to prevent corrupt activities. This is in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission).
• A provision that relates to when a person willfully makes a false declaration in support of an application for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998). The new provision penalises the making of such a false declaration and such a person will have committed an offence. The amendment also enables applications for a protection order to be made without an affidavit.
• A repeals of common law relating to the crime of defamation. Various international and local stakeholders and interested parties have expressed concerns about the alarming effect of such offences on journalists and have advocated for their abolition. (The crime of crimen injuria and civil remedies for defamation however continue to be applicable.)
Whilst the amendments may appear to be minor and technical in nature, they will significantly improve service delivery and the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system in the related matters.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
North West opens newly built school in Vryburg
North West opens newly built school in Vryburg
North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will today open and hand over the newly constructed Saruchera Primary School in Huhudi, Vryburg, in the Naledi Local Municipality.
The Acting Premier will be accompanied by the MEC for Education, Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, the department’s senior managers and executives from the local and district municipalities.
The school will enroll approximately 1 380 students from Grades R to 6 when it opens for the second term on Wednesday, 3 April 2024.
“These learners were previously attending various schools around Huhudi township, and the official opening of this new school is set to bring the much-needed relief to the releasing schools as they were already overcrowded,” the Office of the Acting Premier said.
This state-of-the-art primary school comprises, amongst others, 24 classrooms, a library, computer centre, Grade R facilities, a multipurpose hall, toilets and changing rooms.
The learning institution will also employ 33 educators, including a principal and two deputies, the majority of whom are from the surrounding releasing schools.
According to the statement, the construction of Saruchera Primary School was necessitated by the establishment of a new settlement and the building of government-subsidised houses in extensions 25 and 28 in Huhudi, which resulted in overcrowding in the already existing schools around the township. – SAnews.gov.za
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"We are excited to join forces with Trina Solar on this landmark project," said Hu Yuhong, General Manager at China Energy International Group South Africa. "This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving our shared goal of promoting clean energy and sustainable development in South Africa."
Chen Zhipei, Project Manager of Mooi Plaats project, at China Gezhouba Group, commented, "As a leading player in the global energy sector, we are proud to contribute our expertise to this project, which will not only deliver clean, reliable power but also drive economic growth and job creation in the region."
The Launch of 283MWdc Mooi Plaats PV Power Plant project represents a major milestone in South Africa's new energy market, Trina Solar is honored to contribute its expertise and technology to this transformative project, which will not only accelerate South Africa's transition to clean energy but also create new opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.
About Trina Solar:
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.
On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.