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Indonesian Consulate General in Cape Town Holds Event Socializing 2024 Election, Indonesian Citizen Protection Abroad

Location: News

Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Capetown, The Republic of South Africa
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The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Cape Town, in an effort to better protect Indonesian citizens abroad, held a socialization event to around 200 Indonesian citizens in the city (26/11). The activity aimed to increase the awareness of Indonesian citizens on the importance of self-reporting to the Consulate, as well as providing information on the upcoming 2024 General Election in Cape Town and its monitoring efforts.

In his remarks, the Consul General has made clear that the protection of Indonesian citizens is mandated by the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 37/1999 on Foreign Relations. This protection is considered a priority of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially considering that Cape Town is one of the Indonesian missions in a region considered unsafe. The Consul General also emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens exercising their political rights in the 2024 elections for President and Vice President as well as members of the House of Representatives, as a form of participation in determining democratic and quality national leadership.

Meanwhile, the Consul for Protocol and Consular Affairs in his presentation emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens reporting themselves through the Peduli WNI Portal (peduliwni.kemlu.go.id). By registering Indonesian citizens' information on the portal, it is expected to make it easier for authorities to contact them or their families in their homeland in emergency situations such as war, social conflict, or natural disasters.

Regarding the 2024 General Election, PPLN Cape Town noted a number ship crews who have not been registered in the permanent voter list, and will be followed up immediately. Meanwhile, the General Election Committee in Cape Town emphasised that election monitoring is carried out to create quality elections.

One of the things that emerged during the event was the hope of the crew representatives present to be able to exercise their voting rights online, so that they can vote even though they are at sea. In response, PPLN Cape Town will forward this aspiration to the General Election Commission (KPU) as an effort to facilitate the democratic participation of Indonesian citizens in remote locations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Capetown, The Republic of South Africa.

Read moreIndonesian Consulate General in Cape Town Holds Event Socializing 2024 Election, Indonesian Citizen Protection Abroad

SA Navy starts process of replacing SAS Drakensberg vessel

Location: News

SA Navy starts process of replacing SAS Drakensberg vessel

The South African Navy says it will soon start a project to replace its combat support vessel, SAS Drakensberg, which is nearly 40 years old and has not been to sea for quite some time.

This is according to SA Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who was speaking during the naming and acceptance ceremony of the second new multi-purpose inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV), SAS King Shaka Zulu, at Naval Base Durban.

Lobese said the SA Navy used to operate a number of different vessel types, namely submarines, offshore patrol vessels, frigates, a combat support vessel, a hydrographic survey vessel, anti-mine warfare vessels (mine hunters), deep diving support and torpedo recovery vessels.

The submarines and frigates were replaced during the Arms Deal about 20 years ago, whilst a new Hydrographic Survey Vessel is currently being built by Sandock Austral Shipyards in Durban.

The three new MMIPVs will take over the mine hunting, deep diving support and torpedo recovery roles of previous vessels and some patrol duties.

“The SA Navy is currently in the process to containerise the anti-mine warfare capability through Project Motso, so that it can be placed on these vessels.

“This capability is absolutely vital because even a threat of a sea mine can close a port like Durban for weeks on end. This will have devastating consequences for our economy. It requires specialised equipment and highly trained personnel, and is a vital capability for any Navy to have,” Lobese said.

According to Lobese, the SAS Drakensberg will be replaced with a new vessel, and this project will start soon.

“If we take our maritime security seriously, and if we want to protect our maritime economy, we need at least another 12 ships, of which six must be the larger offshore patrol vessels.

“I am absolutely convinced of the fact that over a 30-year period, the investment in these ships and the overall benefit to our economy in preventing theft of our marine resources, as well as criminality on our oceans, makes the procurement of an additional 12 vessels a very logical and rational choice,” Lobese said.

In addition to being used as a replenishment ship, SAS Drakensberg has also been used to patrol for pirates in the Mozambique Channel as part of Operation Copper. In April 2012, she helped European warships catch seven Somali pirates in the Channel.

SAS Drakensberg was launched in April 1986 by Sandock Austral and commissioned into service in November the following year.

She has a full load displacement of 12 500 tons and a length of 147 metres. She can carry 5 500 tons of fuel, 750 tons of ammunition and dry stores, and 210 tons of fresh water. In addition, 50 000 litres of fresh water can be made every day. Two Oryx helicopters, two landing craft and two RHIBs can be accommodated on board as well.

The Drakensberg is the largest ship built in South Africa to date and is reportedly the first naval vessel to be completely designed in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 11:13

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SA Navy starts a process to replace SAS Drakensberg vessel

Location: News

SA Navy starts a process to replace SAS Drakensberg vessel

The South African Navy says it will soon start a project to replace its combat support vessel, SAS Drakensberg, which is nearly 40 years old and has not been to sea for quite some time.

This is according to SA Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who was speaking during the naming and acceptance ceremony of the second new multi-purpose inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV), SAS King Shaka Zulu, at Naval Base Durban.

Lobese said the SA Navy used to operate a number of different vessel types, namely submarines, offshore patrol vessels, frigates, a combat support vessel, a hydrographic survey vessel, anti-mine warfare vessels (mine hunters), deep diving support and torpedo recovery vessels.

The submarines and frigates were replaced during the Arms Deal about 20 years ago, whilst a new Hydrographic Survey Vessel is currently being built by Sandock Austral Shipyards in Durban.

The three new MMIPVs will take over the mine hunting, deep diving support and torpedo recovery roles of previous vessels and some patrol duties.

“The SA Navy is currently in the process to containerise the anti-mine warfare capability through Project Motso, so that it can be placed on these vessels.

“This capability is absolutely vital because even a threat of a sea mine can close a port like Durban for weeks on end. This will have devastating consequences for our economy. It requires specialised equipment and highly trained personnel, and is a vital capability for any Navy to have,” Lobese said.

According to Lobese, the SAS Drakensberg will be replaced with a new vessel, and this project will start soon.

“If we take our maritime security seriously, and if we want to protect our maritime economy, we need at least another 12 ships, of which six must be the larger offshore patrol vessels.

“I am absolutely convinced of the fact that over a 30-year period, the investment in these ships and the overall benefit to our economy in preventing theft of our marine resources, as well as criminality on our oceans, makes the procurement of an additional 12 vessels a very logical and rational choice,” Lobese said.

In addition to being used as a replenishment ship, SAS Drakensberg has also been used to patrol for pirates in the Mozambique Channel as part of Operation Copper. In April 2012, she helped European warships catch seven Somali pirates in the Channel.

SAS Drakensberg was launched in April 1986 by Sandock Austral and commissioned into service in November the following year.

She has a full load displacement of 12 500 tons and a length of 147 metres. She can carry 5 500 tons of fuel, 750 tons of ammunition and dry stores, and 210 tons of fresh water. In addition, 50 000 litres of fresh water can be made every day. Two Oryx helicopters, two landing craft and two RHIBs can be accommodated on board as well.

The Drakensberg is the largest ship built in South Africa to date and is reportedly the first naval vessel to be completely designed in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 11:13

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Progress made in the battle against criminality

Location: News

Progress made in the fight against criminality

Government is making inroads into destroying criminal activities as well as syndicates and has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that criminals are dealt with, says Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise.

“We will make sure that as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, we create a safe and secure environment for our people to live [in],” Modise said on Friday.

The Minister was addressing a JCPS cluster media briefing to provide progress made in combating organised crime which she said, is a growing concern as it negatively impacts on the livelihood of citizens, the economy and compromises the safety and security of people.

“South Africans have borne the wrath of criminals masquerading in our communities causing disruption in their daily lives. In some parts of our communities, extortion and protection fees demanded by criminal syndicates have become the order of the day.”

She added that infrastructure mafias continue to destabilise the construction industry through intimidation and the threatening of people’s lives.

 “These and other criminal activities have put fear in our people and undermine the authority of the state.”

Operation Shanela

Through the South African Police Services’ Operation Shanela, South Africa has adopted a decisive approach in reducing the high levels of crime.

Operation Shanela is the SAPS crime combating high density operations incepted in May 2023.

 “It is through Operation Shanela, that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully arrested 213 059 suspects for various crimes such as cash-in transit robberies, extortion at construction sites and kidnappings in the past six months.

“During the same period, 2 657 illegal and unwanted firearms were confiscated,” Modise said.

The operation has led to the arrest of 19 299 suspects who were arrested for drug possession while 7 580 were arrested for drug trafficking and dealing in the last six months.

On cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and crimes associated with it, law enforcement agencies continue to make inroads with the police having arrested 75 wanted suspects in the past six months.

“The arrests were made during foiled CIT attempts, during the commission of these crimes and during targeted tracing operations,” she said.

On the drugs front, the latest drug busts are a clear indication that government remains committed to the fight against drug trafficking. Law enforcement is hard at work in identifying emerging trends in the transportation and packaging of these drugs and closing down of clandestine laboratories.

 “It is therefore encouraging that nine drug laboratories worth more than R3 million were dismantled in Gauteng, North West and the Western Cape. In a space of three weeks, police have intercepted large quantities of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

“The latest cocaine consignment was seized last week at the sea port in Gqeberha where R65 million worth of cocaine was seized from a vessel that was coming in from Brazil,” Modise said.

Two other drugs busts were made in KwaZulu-Natal where R150 million worth of cocaine was seized in the space of two days.

With regard to extortion at economic and construction sites, Modise said various threats were identified that impact negatively on the economy of the country.

“From April 2023 to date, 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused have already been convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment.”

On kidnapping for ransom, Modise said from April 2023 to date, 98 suspects have been arrested for these crimes and more than 30 victims have been rescued.

The cluster said government continues to deploy Anti-Gang-Unit members in provinces prone to gang violence such as the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“190 arrests have thus far been effected in 145 cases,” she said.

Also speaking at the media briefing held in Pretoria was Police Minister, Bheki Cele, who said police operations are continuing to ensure that criminals are flushed out.

“They are interfering with the lives of communities. They are armed, they need to be pursued,” he said, adding that law enforcement has identified some of the people involved in illegal mining and is on their trail.

“Some of these people are from our neighbouring countries and relevant Ministers are dealing with the matter. We are hoping to find a lasting solution to this matter,” he said.

Illegal mining

Responding to a question on illegal mining, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said there is a plan to seal all the illegal mines.

“The Department of Mineral Resources is working on the policy matter to close all the illegal mines in the country,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said some of the mine owners can’t be traced.

Modise said in the past twelve months, government has witnessed an increase in incidents where illegal miners held communities at ransom, committing various violent crimes, including murder and rape.

“Illegal mining has also been linked to other organised crimes such as gangsterism, human trafficking, money laundering, dealing in illegal weapons and explosives, tax evasion, illegal immigration and transnational organised crimes,” she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has roped in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist in dealing with illegal mining in the country.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:24

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Climate Loss and Damage Fund to be established for developing countries

Location: News

Climate Loss and Damage Fund to be established for developing countries

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has welcomed the agreement by the Transition Committee of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the operationalisation of the Climate Loss and Damage Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in response to economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with those harmful effects, including extreme weather events and slow-onset events.

Creecy noted that developing countries, Africa in particular, have borne the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change and have not received the required multilateral support to face the climate challenge, including for addressing loss and damage.  

The agreement on the recommendation comes only weeks ahead of the 28th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC in Dubai.

Creecy said the governing instrument of the Loss and Damage Fund presents a clear pathway to operationalising this historic milestone in the multilateral climate negotiations.

The delivery on the Sharm El-Sheik COP27 decision to operationalise a new fund for loss and damage in the context of the scale and increasing severity of loss and damage impacts in the near-term scenario of temperature increase to 1.5 degrees or above.

Loss and damage is generally defined as the impacts of climate change, which are not avoided, by mitigation, adaptation and other measures, such as disaster risk management.

The scope, eligibility and operational elements have been defined in order for the Fund to provide direct support in the form of largely grant-based and non-debt finance to reconstruction and rehabilitation.

This includes addressing relocation, lost livelihoods and non-economic losses after extreme weather and significant slow-onset events.

“The projected economic cost for loss and damage by 2030 alone has been estimated to be between $290 and $580 billion in developing countries alone. By 2050, the economic cost for loss and damage in developing countries is estimated to be between $1 trillion to $1.8 trillion.

“The new Loss and Damage Fund will have a Board, balanced between developed and developing countries and will take its guidance from the parties to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.

“The Committee also proposed that the Fund be designated as an operating entity of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention and will allocate resources based on triggers that includes inter alia severity of the impacts on people, communities, infrastructure ecosystem of the climate-related event,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Wednesday.

It includes flexibility to address the variation in these impacts across developing countries and time, from cyclones and flooding, to slow onset droughts and land degradation, as well as sea-level rise and glacier retreat.

“The final approval of this agreement at COP28 presents the international community with a critical global solidarity moment to ensure the Fund is capitalised at a scale necessary to respond to the costs and impacts already borne by developing countries,” said Creecy.

The demonstration of solidarity to the vulnerable countries and communities will be assessed by both the scale of resources committed to the Fund.

“South Africa urges the COP28 presidency to launch a process for the initial core capitalisation from developed countries supplemented by financial inputs from a variety of other sources in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. It must also engage with all other relevant actors to support aligning their efforts to leverage the impact of the Fund in addressing loss and damage,” Creecy said.

The Transitional Committee was established at COP27 in Egypt last year with a mandate to present governance documentation to operationalise the Fund in 2023.

The Committee of 24 experts was co-chaired by Outi Honkatukia of Finland and Richard Sherman of South Africa.

The Minister has extended her appreciation to the co-chairs and the Developing Country Committee members for developing a robust and transparent instrument for the Fund. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 12:44

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Rugby World Cup win demonstrates power of transformation

Location: News

Rugby World Cup win demonstrates power of transformation

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) win has demonstrated the power of transformation.

“The Springboks are a potent symbol of just how far we have come as a people. That is why you have been so warmly embraced by South Africans of all races as their own,” President Ramaphosa said.

This was the fourth victory by the Springboks for the championship. All four championships have taken place during South Africa’s democratic years.

The President reflected on when former Boks captain Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at Ellis Park Stadium on 24 June 1995.

“Our democracy was just over one year old. South Africa had just been readmitted to World Rugby three years earlier. There was only one black player on the team, the legendary Chester Williams. It was a monumental, historic and deeply symbolic occasion. This win is also monumental,” he said.

The Springboks won the 2023 RWC against New Zealand at the finals in Paris, France, on Saturday, 28 October 2023.

Welcoming the Rugby World Cup champions at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, the President was joined by scores of Springbok supporters across different age groups and races, who filled the streets and cheered for the team.

They were in high spirits, proudly wearing their Springbok jerseys as they celebrated and chanted the names of their favourite players.

A large media contingent was also present to capture the Webb Ellis Cup parade, which kicked off in Pretoria. The world champions are embarking on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday, with the next stop being in Johannesburg and Soweto, concluding at FNB Stadium.

“Never in the history of the Rugby World Cup has any team lifted the trophy on four occasions. Until now. In doing so, you have lifted the spirits of an entire nation and filled us with pride. 

“You have united the South African people. The words 'Amabokobo', 'Go Bokke' are being shouted from the rooftops by black and white, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, in all our national languages. Over the past eight weeks, this country has been a sea of green and gold.

“People who haven’t even followed rugby before or been interested in the game are now talking with confidence about scrums, rucks, drop kicks and tries,” the President said.

He said the performance of the Springboks in this year’s Rugby World Cup has captured people’s imagination and energised them in a way not seen in a long time.

“It has reminded us that even amidst our many challenges, there is always room for optimism and hope. I have said before that we do not make light of the challenges our country faces. We certainly do not imagine that a sporting victory can or will wish them away. 

“Your journey to victory in France on Saturday night was as much about our journey towards nationhood as it was about sporting excellence.  It was as much about the power of transformation,” said the President.

He said Amabokoboko are testament to the power of a dream. 

“Every young boy and girl in this country today – whether they are black, white, Indian or coloured – now knows they don’t have to be content with dreaming of becoming like you. They know they can be you,” the President said.

The Springbok rugby team tour will continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed gratitude to South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament.

“We, as a team, chose to dedicate this World Cup to you because you are the reason we are where we are today. Your resilient spirit, how hard you work and the things that you go through to be where you are in life.

“Your support kept us going. We are very diverse and we wanted to show that diversity is our strength in South Africa. We need to use our diversity. It is a powerful force that many countries do not have and that we can use.

“When we work together regardless of our backgrounds, we put South Africa first and work for South Africa. That is what we did. We did it by playing rugby,” Kolisi said.

South African Rugby Union (SARU) President Mark Alexander said the team’s victory is a testament of the unwavering support and boundless passion of the millions of South Africans who supported the team.

“Your Tik Toks, YouTube and Facebook posts celebrating the victories played a role in motivating our team as they fought brilliantly on the field. Our team has achieved a historic fourth Rugby World Cup, an epic accomplishment that could not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our players, led by the coaching team,” Alexander said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 11:56

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Durbanville Hills Announces Appointment of Modern Cellar Master

Location: MyPR

In the wake of the untimely passing of Martin Moore in May this year, Durbanville Hills is pleased to introduce its new cellar master, Pieter-Niel Rossouw, a seasoned winemaker and viticulturist. Pieter-Niel joins from Darling Cellars where over the past nine years he was the chief winemaker and viticulturist. Pieter-Niel acknowledges the significant responsibility that …

Read moreDurbanville Hills Announces Appointment of Modern Cellar Master

12 Things you didn’t know about Crocworld Conservation Centre

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Since 1985, Crocworld Conservation Centre has established itself as a landmark on the Mid-KZN South Coast, with visitors coming from all over to meet this tourist attraction’s iconic and charismatic residents. But even die-hard supporters will be interested to learn some of the fun facts about Scottburgh’s conservation centre. “We have been welcoming visitors through …

Read more12 Things you didn’t know about Crocworld Conservation Centre

Saudi Arabia opens e-Visa scheme to South Africans

Location: News

Saudi Arabia opens e-Visa system to South Africans

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has commended the opening of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa system to South Africans.

This makes it easy for tourists from South Africa to apply for an e-visa for their travels to Saudi Arabia.

This follows de Lille’s recent official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen tourism relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced recently that it was expanding its visitor e-Visa programme to travellers from eight more countries, bringing the total to 57.

“I am extremely pleased with this development as South Africa also became the first African country to be added to the list. This will certainly bring immense benefits for leisure and Umrah travellers and for our efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and Saudi Arabia,” de Lille said.

The multi-entry eVisa is valid for one year and allows travellers to visit the Kingdom for up to 90 days at a time. It costs 535 Saudi riyals, which includes medical insurance.

The tourist visa allows travellers to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.

In terms of the South African visa system, travellers from Saudi Arabia are part of the visa exempt countries and do not require a visa to travel to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days.

De Lille said Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an attractive tourist destination and is a key partner in department’s efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and the rest of the world.

The Department of Tourism has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Department which outlines their joint objectives to grow tourism between the two countries.

The Minister recently undertook an official visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the International World Tourism Day conference where various engagements took place to strengthen tourism relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabian stakeholders.

At the conference, the Minister met with a range of Saudi Arabian stakeholders, including the Air Connectivity Programme team within the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Discussions covered actions needed to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and a joint marketing strategy to promote both destinations to travellers in both countries.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has further announced the recommencement of a direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting on 1 December 2023.

“During our engagements, we shared research with the Saudi Air Connectivity Team to motivate for a direct flight between Jeddah and Cape Town. The e-Visa development is significant for South Africa as many Muslim citizens travel for religious purposes. Along with the direct flights, this will ease travel for many tourists but especially for religious tourism and pilgrimages.

“Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, South Africans can apply for an e-Visa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breath-taking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter,” the Minister said.

De Lille added that South Africa will continue working with its counterparts in Saudi Arabia, through the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb to look at new and innovative ways to grow tourism between the two countries, as “this key sector is an important part of our countries’ economies and a key job creator”. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 12:21

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Opening of Saudi Arabia e-Visa scheme to South Africans welcomed

Location: News

Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa
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Following a recent official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen tourism relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Minister Patricia de Lille welcomes the opening of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa system to South Africans.

A few weeks ago, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it was expanding its visitor e-Visa programme to travellers from eight more countries, taking the total up to 57.

Tourists from South Africa can now easily apply for an e-visa for their travels to Saudi Arabia.

“I am extremely pleased with this development as South Africa also became the first African country to be added to the list. This will certainly bring immense benefits for leisure and Umrah travellers and for our efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and Saudi Arabia,” Minister de Lille said.

The multi-entry eVisa is valid for one year and allows travellers to visit the kingdom for up to 90 days at a time. It costs 535 Saudi riyals, which also includes medical insurance.

In terms of the South African visa system, travellers from Saudi Arabia are part of the visa exempt countries and do not require a visa to travel to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days.

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an attractive tourist destination and is a key partner in our efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and the rest of the world.

The Department of Tourism also has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Tourism department which outlines our joint objectives to grow tourism between our countries.

Minister de Lille recently undertook an official visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the International World Tourism Day conference where various engagements took place to strengthen tourism relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabian stakeholders.

Minister de Lille met with a range of Saudi Arabian stakeholders including the Air Connectivity Programme team within the Ministry of Tourism as well as the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Discussions covered actions needed to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and a joint marketing strategy to promote both destinations to travelers in both countries.

Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) has also announced the recommencement of a direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting on 1 December 2023.

During our engagements, we shared research with the Saudi Air Connectivity Team to motivate for a direct flight between Jeddah and Cape Town.

“The e-Visa development is significant for South Africa as many Muslim citizens travel for religious purposes. Along with the direct flights, this will ease travel for many tourists but especially for religious tourism and pilgrimages,” Minister de Lille said.

Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, South Africans can apply for an e-Visa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breath-taking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.

The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. The tourist visa allows you to take part in tourism-related activities such as, events, family and relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.

We will continue working with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia, through the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb to look at new and innovative ways to grow tourism between our countries as this key sector is an important part of our countries' economies and a key job creator.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa.

Read moreOpening of Saudi Arabia e-Visa scheme to South Africans welcomed

Starbucks takes Sea Point

Location: MyPR

Starbucks takes Sea Point Starbucks South Africa is delighted to announce the opening of a new double-story store in the picturesque neighbourhood of Sea Point, Cape Town. Situated along the stunning Atlantic coastline, Sea Point is a community like no other — a blend of scenic beauty, diverse population, enjoying an array of lifestyle choices. …

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Avian Flu Woes in South Africa Highlight Benefits of Choosing Plant-Based Products Over Eggs

Location: MyPR

The Avian Flu pandemic has had a direct impact on businesses and households across South Africa, causing egg shortages as well as fluctuating egg pricing. B-well, a leading local brand in the condiment industry, is reassuring its current and future customers that there will be no disruption to its supply of products. B-well offers a …

Read moreAvian Flu Woes in South Africa Highlight Benefits of Choosing Plant-Based Products Over Eggs

Hyde Park Corner Shines with David Yarrow’s Epic “Storytelling” Exhibition at Scapegoat Gallery

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Prepare to embark on a visual odyssey like no other as Scapegoat Gallery at Hyde Park Corner proudly represents the renowned British photographer David Yarrow in his solo exhibition, “Storytelling”. This captivating showcase is set to captivate audiences until Sunday, 19 November 2023, bringing to life Yarrow’s unparalleled storytelling prowess through the transformative power of …

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Overcoming the ‘Ball-Ache’ of Testicular Cancer: Cape Town Photographer raises over R230 000 for cancer treatment

Location: MyPR

In May 2022, William Sheepskin, a 27-year-old photographer from Sea Point, Cape Town, faced a life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer. This unexpected medical journey not only tested his physical strength but also posed financial challenges that threatened to eclipse his dreams and future plans. Maya, William’s partner of six years, a 25-year-old student pursuing a Master’s …

Read moreOvercoming the ‘Ball-Ache’ of Testicular Cancer: Cape Town Photographer raises over R230 000 for cancer treatment

How to finish the year like a boss!

Location: MyPR

How to end the year like a boss! When done well, office parties can make for great bonding sessions, especially when the company uses a hybrid working model or is entirely remote. Year-end parties can also be like opening a mystery box on a TV game show. Depending on your company culture and colleagues, you …

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Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday

Location: MyPR

Runners looking to compete in one of the country’s most scenic races still have a chance to enter the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 29 October. With a new route along the Amanzimtoti coastline, this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon has already attracted a number of top competitors. “There …

Read moreLate entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday