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Driven by the agony of last season’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final defeat at their fortress in Cape Town, the DHL Stormers are determined to hunt down Munster in Saturday’s rematch in Limerick. Munster wrote themselves into rugby folklore by ending the DHL Stormers’ record winning run at DHL Stadium in April, before the …
It’s been a tale of tight affairs and close contests in the Vodacom URC so far this season. In the first four rounds, there have been no fewer than 18 matches where the margin between the sides was seven or less points, including one draw. That has seen a host of losing bonus points being …
In 2017, Shona-Leah Weston’s rugby career with the Springbok Women took a tumble, literally and figuratively. Weston, a dual Springbok Women’s player with five Test caps to her name and a member of the national sevens squad who had just secured World Series status in 2014, stepped into a manhole and seriously injured her ankle. …
Fighting the harmful effects of alcohol
By Dr Ntombifuthi Nala
Many South Africans thrive on celebrations, whether it is a national accomplishment such as winning the Rugby World Cup, or a personal achievement such as passing an exam. These celebrations are often accompanied with dancing, singing and of course alcohol.
While alcohol is a means of celebrations and enjoyment, it can be open to misuse or abuse that can lead to the destruction of lives.
Every year the lives of 3 million individuals are lost due to alcohol, representing 5 per cent of all deaths. This is worrisome in South Africa where alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance and high levels of binge drinking and associated harms prevail.
In characterising the challenge, Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, stated that “alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country”.
Alcohol abuse not only harms the health of an individual by affecting their vital organs and increasing susceptibility to life threatening diseases, it also jeopardises the safety, well-being and lives of others.
In searching out solutions to reduce alcohol-related harms and best practices for regulating alcohol, South Africa recently hosted the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC).
This is the first time that the conference was held in Africa, which brought together policy makers, academics, representatives of community-based organisations and NGOs from across the globe.
The conference made strong inroads in the formulation of a global alcohol policy that protects children and vulnerable adults. It also engaged on how further the regulation of alcohol marketing could help fight the abuse of alcohol.
During the conference Minister Zulu committed to reviewing the Liquor Amendment Bill which seeks to strengthen regulations on alcohol trading, marketing and sales. The bill put forward strong interventions which includes increasing the legal age of drinking to 21 and introducing an increased radius limitation for the trade of alcohol around educational and religious institutions. It also places liability on alcohol retailers and manufacturers for harm resulting from contravening regulations.
These proposals are important in advancing our fight against alcoholism, particularly in curbing access for young people as one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in our country.
The plight of underage drinking and non-compliance with alcohol-related laws were recently brought to the fore at the Enyobeni tavern tragedy that resulted in the loss of 21 young lives.
In strengthening our efforts to address the challenges caused by alcohol and substance abuse in the country, the Department of Social Development has drafted a policy framework on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, which will soon be gazetted for public comment. Cabinet also recommended an inter-Ministerial Committee for prevention, reduction and treatment strategies for alcohol and substance abuse.
Whilst government strives to reduce alcohol-related harms by reinforcing our laws and developing new strategies, we urge South Africans to be responsible citizens by adhering to current legislation.
The National Liquor Act prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, which calls for the co-operation of parents, community members, and liquor outlets to ensure that alcohol is not sold to children.
Establishments with liquor licences must perform verification checks against identity documents to ensure a person is of the legal age to consume alcohol. These checks are essential, especially as pens down parties, rage festivals and a host of social gatherings will occur as exams come to an end and the festive season approaches.
South Africans are urged to act responsibly this festive season should they choose to consume alcohol, and to always say no to the use of drugs. Excessive alcohol intake is widely linked to an increase in accidents, violent behaviour, fights and domestic violence.
Alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime, especially gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. We ought to make it our duty to report incidents of GBVF, alcohol–related and other crimes, to law enforcement authorities.
Reducing alcohol-related harms requires the combined efforts of everyone. When we do our part by practising responsible drinking and adhering to our laws, we can celebrate without putting our health, safety and the lives of others at risk.
*Dr Ntombifuthi Nala, Director: Research and Knowledge Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Janine
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:24
Dan Sheehan says getting back to Vodacom URC business was the best way of getting over the “massive disappointment” of Ireland’s World Cup exit. The 21-cap hooker returned to action for Leinster in Sunday’s clash with Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade and marked the occasion by captaining the province for the first time, leading them …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, recently engaged in a 45-minute face-to-face meeting with Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The meeting, held during the African Investment Forum in Marrakesh, Morocco, focused on the crucial topic of sports infrastructures in Africa.
During the meeting, President Mensah and Dr Adesina discussed the significant potential of sports as a thriving business in Africa, with a particular emphasis on advancing development of sports infrastructure across the continent. Recognizing the pivotal role of sport in economic growth and community well-being, both leaders explored strategic conversations to harness the continent's potential.
President Adesina took a moment to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the South Africa Springboks for their triumph at the Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the victory's significance in maintaining Africa's status as the reigning champion of the world for another four years.
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, Mensah has called for a change of mind-set among African governments and international organizations and to fully embrace, support and increase investment in rugby across Africa, as a wealth and development creating activity.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with significant potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion, and drive economic growth.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018, with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of start-up financing directed towards the sports sector.
More information: https://apo-opa.co/3FV6pXA
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.
The Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions held the torch for the South African franchises in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with hard-fought victories in Wales this weekend, as the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks found the going tough in Italy in the fourth round of the competition. The two sides from Gauteng won their matches …
The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup for a historic fourth time, breaking the world record as the team to win the most World Cup tournaments ever. Following the teamâs victory tour around the country, Nielsen Sports SA TV viewership insights note another victory for the national team â and rugby in general â …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, participated in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) on Thursday, November 10 in Marrakech, Morocco. Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Copyright-free video B-roll and images are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.co/478tDFH
Watch the video of the entire fireside chat: https://apo-opa.co/3SB1zq5
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest.
In the discussion, Rugby Africa President encouraged the investment of sport across Africa, emphasizing the importance of investment opportunities emerging from the continent itself.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
He added, “With South Africa emerging triumphant as the World Champions in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the world once again witnessed the vast potential of Africa. To invest in rugby across Africa, is to invest in a continent of 1.3 billion people, utilizing the sport as a catalyst for both economic development and empowerment of the youth.”
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
The 2023 Africa Investment Forum brought together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will conclude on Friday August 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
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.
There are four changes to the DHL Stormers starting line-up for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton Treviso on Saturday. There are two changes in the backline and two in the forward pack for the Round Four encounter, which kicks off at 17h00 SA time on Saturday at Stadio Monigo. The match will …
He is not the most vocal player in the Springbok Sevens squad, nor does he prefer to be in the limelight, but Ryan Oosthuizen has embraced his role as senior players as the South Africans aim to bounce back from the disappointments of last season’s in the forthcoming HSBC SVNS series, which kicks off in …
Wales were the surprise package at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, a feat that has inspired the Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams from the Land of Song to clear their throats and belt out a winning melody this season. After a disappointing 2023 Six Nations campaign, Welsh rugby fans feared the worst at rugby’s showpiece …
Jake White believes South Africa’s involvement in the Vodacom URC will help lure World Cup-winning Springboks back home. The Vodacom Bulls boss feels the fact the country’s four franchises are now competing in Europe will serve as a real selling point for recruiting big name ‘Boks. White has been in Wales this week, preparing for …
Just a couple of months ago, there seemed next to no chance of Willis Halaholo becoming a Cardiff Rugby centurion. It looked as though his seven-year stay at the Arms Park was over, with no new contract having been put in place, leaving him stranded on 97 appearances. To compound the situation, he had suffered …
The teams for Friday night’s Round 4 fixtures of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below. TEAM NEWS HEADLINES #ZEBvSHA Italian international Luca Morisi, could make his Zebre Parma debut if called upon from the bench Boeta Chamberlain comes into Hollywoodbets Sharks starting line-up …
Edinburgh Rugby is pleased to welcome the arrival of British & Irish Lion and Scotland scrum-half Ali Price on a season-long loan from Glasgow Warriors. The 30-year-old half-back will join the capital squad on Monday (13 November) and be in Senior Coach Sean Everitt’s selection considerations for the following Friday’s home match against Vodacom Bulls …
The Hollywoodbets Sharks, Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers will be looking to reverse their fortunes in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this week, while the Vodacom Bulls face a tough challenge as they aim to stay in the top four on the log. The KwaZulu-Natalians will be desperate to change their fortunes when they take …
The Welsh Rugby Union Group has posted a turnover of £101.3m for the year ending June 2023, it revealed in draft accounts issued to member clubs today. In an increasingly tough commercial environment for rugby around the globe, it invested £16.1m in its senior men’s and women’s international and pathway sides . The investment in …
Meet Mr Consistent – Morgan Morris Ask Welsh rugby fans to name the most consistent regional player over the past two or three years and one name will keep cropping up – Morgan Morris. His sustained excellence is yet to be recognised on the international front, but the back row man just keeps on delivering …
Following the thrilling conclusion of Rugby World Cup 2023 attention now turns to the first event of the revamped and rebranded HSBC SVNS 2024, which gets underway on 2-3 December with the highly anticipated return of Emirates Dubai 7s as the pools and match schedule are announced Emirates Dubai 7s returns on 2-3 December as …
Scottish Rugby Limited generated record revenues of £68.3m in 2022/23, offset by deficit of £10m as recent external investment programme – which generated circa £52m – is re-invested for growth Core business continued its bounce-back from Covid with revenues finishing at £68.3m * (21/22 £57.9m), the highest revenue Scottish Rugby Limited has ever delivered, surpassing …
By Simon Thomas Connacht Out On Their Own Connacht have been hailed as “the real deal” after moving to the top of the Vodacom URC table with a 22-20 comeback victory over Irish rivals Ulster. They are the only team to have won their opening three league fixtures, with the DHL Stormers and Edinburgh having …
Stronger, together! Cabinet praises Boks victory
Cabinet has sent its congratulations to the record breaking Springboks team on their victory at the Rugby World Cup in Paris.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni congratulated the Boks on their second back-to-back World Cup win during a post Cabinet media briefing on Monday.
The team clinched the Webb Ellis Cup following a tough encounter against New Zealand. The Boks are the only national team who have won the Rugby World Cup four times.
Ntshavheni paid special homage to the diverse make-up of the Springboks team that took on and conquered the world.
“In the history of rugby in South Africa, this Springboks team is the most diverse in terms of the demographic representation of South Africa. The composition of such a diverse team was not an act of coincidence, but a deliberate effort by the management and coaching staff of the Springboks to select an inclusive team.
“That bold decision by then coach Rassie Erasmus and his team continues to demonstrate to South Africans and the rest of the world, that everyone with skill, if given a chance and support, can become great – an affirmation that we are Stronger Together,” she said.
Ntshavheni said the “resilience and determination” of the Springboks throughout a challenging World Cup – in which they had to face some of the top 5 ranked teams in the world – “is an embodiment of the true essence of being a South African”.
“[It is] that which makes this great nation rise against all odds and adversities to emerge victorious. Some of the best players of this Springboks team have had to overcome personal adversities on their path to greatness.
“Cabinet expressed its congratulations to Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi, the Springboks double World Cup-winning captain, for leading the team to the 'Greatest of All Time (GOAT)' status and the celebrations must go on,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:21
New Zealand’s Sam Cane has been suspended for three matches (reduced to two matches subject to completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) following an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing on 6 November. New Zealand’s Sam Cane appeared (remotely) before an independent Disciplinary Committee on Monday 6 November, having received a red card for an offence contrary …