Day: October 4, 2024

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa is expected to lead various engagements with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial and eThekwini leadership as well as the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (PHTKL).

The engagements are expected to take place on Saturday.

The first engagement will include the Minister, Deputy Minister Prince Burns Ncamashe, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, CoGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and the metro’s executive committee.

This will be followed by a meeting with the PHTKL on issues affecting the sector.

Both meetings will be held in Durban.

Eastern Seaboard Regional Development

On Monday, the Minister will lead the Eastern Seaboard Development Political Engagement with the Premier of the Eastern Cape and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Oscar Mabuyane and Ntuli, respectively.

They will be joined by traditional leaders, MECs, Mayors and Councillors from the Ugu, Harry Gwala, OR Tambo and Alf
red Nzo districts at the Wild Coast Sun, Port Edward.

‘The Eastern Seaboard Regional Development was declared as a region on 20 June 2022 in terms of Section 19 of Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (Act 16 of 2013) and has also been identified as a strategic area ready for investment.

‘The region covers an area spanning the southern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal and the northern part of the Eastern Cape provinces and spans across four districts and 17 local municipalities,’ the department explained.

The Regional Spatial Development Framework, according to the department, has since been developed and catalytic projects across the four districts identified.

‘This planned Ministerial engagement will review progress to date and agree on plans going forward in the implementation of the Eastern Seaboard programme.

‘The meeting will also fortify traditional leadership participation in the next steps of the implementation phase of the programme, which include buy-in, stakeholder engagement and the awareness-
raising of the project to all role players.’

The department described the development as a flagship project facilitated through the District Development Model (DDM) and provides an opportunity to drive spatially referenced transformation through the integration of urban and rural development as well as targeted rural revitalisation.

‘Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021, the development has reached a critical stage, and significant progress has also been made concerning its design, establishment and coordination of key stakeholders to respond to the region’s rich cultural and environmental assets but remains deprived of substantial economic development and targeted investment in the region,’ the statement read.

Source: South African Government News Agency

When reflecting on the remarkable growth of Chinese sports over recent decades, few events better represent this progress than the historic ascent of Mt. Qomolangma via the north slope by Chinese mountaineers in 1960. This achievement symbolizes a national spirit of overcoming obstacles and striving for new heights.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games serve as a modern testament to this enduring drive, with China achieving an unprecedented milestone by securing 91 medals, including 40 golds – marking its best performance at an overseas Summer Olympics.

Over the past 75 years, China’s sporting journey has been characterized by numerous breakthroughs. This journey reflects not only athletic achievements but also a deep commitment to competition and national pride.

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

In 1956, Chen Jingkai made history by setting a world record in weightlifting, becoming the first Chinese athlete to break a world record just seven years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. With minimal infrastru
cture but significant encouragement from the country, this achievement was remarkable.

Three years later, Rong Guotuan won the men’s singles title at the 25th World Table Tennis Championships, becoming China’s first world champion.

In 1958, China formally withdrew from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in protest of Taiwan’s inclusion. However, in the 1970s, China’s leaders began to recognize the benefits of greater international involvement and sought readmission to the IOC.

China’s return to the Summer Olympics came in 1984 in Los Angeles, after the IOC restored the Chinese Olympic Committee as a full member in 1979. At the Games, shooter Xu Haifeng earned China’s first-ever Olympic gold, with the national anthem “March of the Volunteers” played in an Olympic stadium for the first time. “During that era, our country needed a boost in our national pride,” Xu later recalled.

Another iconic moment came when the Chinese women’s volleyball team claimed gold at the 1984 Olympics by defeating the Unite
d States. They went on to achieve an unprecedented run of five consecutive global titles between 1981 and 1986.

Despite modest expectations before the 1984 Games, China finished an impressive fourth in the medal table, winning 15 golds. These performances inspired a generation of athletes and ignited a fervent interest in sports throughout the nation.

Following these achievements, China significantly increased investment in sports infrastructure, talent development programs, and international sporting events, all aimed at establishing the country as a global sports power. A defining moment came in 2008, when Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics, and the host nation topped the medal tally with 48 golds out of 100 total medals.

Although traditionally stronger in the Summer Games, China was a latecomer to winter sports. It wasn’t until 2002 that the country claimed its first Winter Olympic gold, with Yang Yang winning the women’s 500m short track speed skating final. By 2022, China had earned nine gold medals a
t its home Winter Olympics, following a significant investment in winter sports development.

As China continues to rise as a sports power, its athletes’ success on the global stage embodies the nation’s dedication to excellence and its pursuit of greatness. Meanwhile, younger generations of athletes are more expressive than their predecessors, reflecting broader societal changes in China. Their self-confidence mirrors the growing assurance of Chinese society itself.

“While the medals signify China’s ‘hard power,’ the athletes’ poise, confidence and the unity displayed during the Games are a testament to China’s burgeoning ‘soft power’,” read a commentary from Pakistan Today.

SPORTS FOR ALL

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government has prioritized sports as a means to promote a healthy lifestyle. To encourage public health, China introduced its first set of radio gymnastics in 1951, broadcast daily so people nationwide could follow along.

In 1995, the State Council implemented ”
The National Fitness Program,” aimed at embedding sports and physical activities within society. As a result, the accessibility and quality of fitness facilities improved, and public enthusiasm for sports grew.

To celebrate the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, August 8 was designated as “National Fitness Day,” encouraging widespread participation in sports. By 2014, fitness for all had been established as a national strategy, with increased resources directed toward this effort.

Hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics fueled an ambitious goal to engage more than 300 million Chinese citizens in snow and ice sports. By the end of 2022, over 3,000 schools had integrated winter sports into their curriculum, including theory-based classes and practical sessions. In the colder northern regions, primary and middle schools incorporated winter sports into physical education, while areas with little or no snow promoted “dry land” practice of these sports.

With these efforts, the number of people regularly participatin
g in sports has risen to over 37% of the population. The growth of sports like road running and cycling has been especially rapid; a 2023 report on China’s road running events indicated that 699 races were held nationwide, attracting over 6.05 million participants.

“In an era where sedentary lifestyles have contributed to health issues like obesity and diabetes, such increases in physical activity can only be positive,” said Chang Chun, a professor at Peking University’s Department of Social Medicine and Health Education.

GLORY OF DUAL OLYMPIC HOSTS

China’s contributions to global sports extend beyond athletic achievements; the country has played a pivotal role in shaping modern international sporting events through successful hosting. In 1908, Chinese scholars, inspired by the modern Olympics, advocated for the country’s participation. However, China faced political and social challenges, making it unprepared to compete internationally at that time.

China’s first Olympic participation came in 1932 in Los
Angeles. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the country’s focus on sports increased, and by the 1980s, China aimed to host the Olympics. Beijing’s first bid for the 2000 Summer Olympics was unsuccessful, losing to Sydney by two votes, but the determination persisted.

China’s perseverance was rewarded on July 13, 2001, when Beijing won the bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Games, often referred to as China’s “coming-out party,” highlighted the nation’s modernization and its potential as a global player. World-class facilities and meticulously organized events like the opening ceremony showcased China’s capacity to host major international competitions.

Beijing 2008 left lasting legacies for China, significantly impacting the development of sports in the country. These foundations were built upon during the preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beijing 2022 Games were held successfully, highlighting China’s abil
ity to organize large-scale international events in difficult circumstances. The event’s diverse participation – featuring athletes from 91 countries and regions, including tropical nations without winter sports traditions – showcased the unifying power of sports.

The 2022 Games set new benchmarks for the Olympic movement, emphasizing “green Olympics” through the use of carbon-neutral technologies, energy-efficient venues, and reforestation efforts.

By hosting both the Summer and Winter Olympics, China has demonstrated its capability as a powerful participant and a visionary host in the global sporting community. As IOC President Thomas Bach noted, “Having the world’s most populated nation in the Olympic movement has proved a huge success story for China and the Olympic movement in recent years, and you can see the growing contribution of China to the Olympic movement.” China’s role as a key player in international sports continues to solidify.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he is confident that his working visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland will improve trade and investment relations, which have been stagnant for years.

The Deputy President spoke during an engagement with the South African Chamber of Commerce (SACC) in London on Thursday. The SACC is an umbrella organisation and conduit for trade, community and investment into and out of South Africa.

The country’s second-in-command is in the United Kingdom for the second leg of his working visit to improve trade and investment relations between the nations and to woo investors following his travels to Ireland.

READ | SA, Ireland eye improved trade

His interactions were centred on various issues, including the Government of National Unity (GNU), energy, infrastructure, and the measures to foster a favourable environment for trade and investment.

The country’s second-in-command reiterated that the political environment in South Africa is stable for investment because of the newly es
tablished GNU, which has been operational for less than 100 days and is already yielding results.

‘Our numerous meetings with potential investors have revealed a shift in their attitudes and perceptions towards South Africa, indicating an optimistic outlook.

‘Our alliance, based not on personal sentiments but on the aspiration to enhance South Africa and, consequently, the lives of our citizens, will undoubtedly sustain the GNU administration for five years.’

However, he said they will measure the GNU’s success based on the number of employment and entrepreneurs they assist in establishing sustainable enterprises.

‘Businesses hope to continue working with the government in the public-private partnership that has reduced load shedding, improved transport and logistics infrastructure, and strengthened national capacity to combat crime and corruption,’ the Deputy President said.

Shifting his focus to energy, he stated that investors have demonstrated that ending the load shedding that began in 2007 is the m
ost positive news.

‘They confirmed that it allows them to conduct business without uncertainty. The elimination of power outages was largely due to a series of measures implemented by the State-owned power utility, Eskom and government over the past two years.’

He also told the SACC that government was addressing the obstacles in the freight logistics system that continue to impede competitiveness and undermine economic growth.

‘We are on a mission to create and sustain a bankable investment pipeline of priority, credible, quality and high-impact projects that span the country through Infrastructure South Africa, the primary driver of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050,’ he explained.

Mashatile believes that the SACC plays an essential role in engaging with businesses to promote bilateral trade and investment links between the United Kingdom and South Africa.

‘It is our responsibility as leaders in our respective regions to foster an atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurship, fosters innovation, and
drives inclusive growth.’

In addition, he expressed his desire to increase South Africa’s exports of valuable goods and services to the United Kingdom.

‘It is excellent that the two countries already exchange food and beverages. It is critical that we collaborate to create strategies to accelerate international trade and investment.’

Mashatile announced that the State was simplifying regulatory procedures through the Red Tape Task Team, making it easier for businesses to operate and invest locally.

READ | Govt determined to deal with SA’s mounting challenges – Mashatile

He concluded his address with South Africa’s stance on peace and stability in Africa and globally, stressing that the nation is anti-war and pro-peace.

‘We reaffirm our commitment to the inviolability of sovereignty and the importance of national security.

‘More immediately, we support [silencing the guns]. We want to see peaceful and mutual coexistence between Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Sudan, and the rest of the globe, because war is te
rrible for business.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa is today on a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho at the invitation of His Majesty King Letsie III.

During Friday’s visit, the President will participate in the Kingdom’s 58th Independence Day and Bicentennial Celebrations.

The Bicentennial Celebration of the founding of the Basotho Nation by Morena Moshoeshoe I and Independence Day are being held at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.

‘President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks during the celebrations to commemorate the Basotho Nation’s rich heritage, as well as the extraordinary achievements of Morena Moshoeshoe I and the indelible impact he had on the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

The Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho enjoy strong and cordial bilateral relations and cooperation in a number of fields, including in the water sector.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, will serve as the Acting President of the Republic during the duration
of the President’s travel.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Minister of Education , Arts and Culture Anna Nghipondoka said Swakop Uranium ‘ s ‘ Invest in Education ‘ campaign is a beacon of hope , having committed over N . dollars 3 million in 2024 alone , across the Omaheke , Ohangwena and Erongo regions . Nghipondoka made the remarks during the handover of a donation by Swakop Uranium at Lazarus Haufiku Combined School at Shambada village in the Ohangwena Region on Friday . According to Nghipondoka , this initiative is vital as they work together to address the infrastructural challenges facing schools . ‘ The support from Swakop Uranium exemplifies what it means to be true friends of education ,’ she said . She urged the learners to take their studies seriously , saying that the world is full of opportunities and they should strive to be the best version of themselves as they are the future of Namibia . Swakop Uranium Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Qiu Bin said that they have successfully finished both the boundary fence and computer classroom at the school , spe
nding a total of N . dollars 800 000 . Qiu indicated that they believe that their donation will greatly enhance the educational environment at Lazarus Haufiku CS . ‘ With access to modern technology and the internet , learners will have easier access to the outside world , to broaden the horizon and to be better equipped for their future , for a better Namibia at large ,’ he said . Qiu noted that the new school room facility comprises 15 computers and a heavy printer machine , recognising the budgetary constraints that hinder the school ‘ s ability to meet the needs of learners . He indicated that to date , Swakop Uranium invested a total of N . dollars 3 million in education . The event was also attended by Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo , who is also the school patron who facilitated the donation . The school which caters for learners from Pre – primary to Grade 11 has a learner population of 566 and 26 staff members .

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for a comprehensive, outcomes-based financial model to effectively fund the global response to climate change.

‘For South Africa and many other developing countries, this is vitally important, given that financing available for adaptation is lagging behind,’ George said on Thursday.

The Minister was speaking at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers meeting in Brazil.

He said Brazil, through the G20, has seen the need to prioritise scaling-up and expediting adaptation financing and strengthening institutional capacity, through measures such as increasing the volume of adaptation finance; and strengthening capacities to access financing promptly and to implement effective adaptation programmes and initiatives.

‘The impacts of climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and pollution are severe and far-reaching and require innovative global solutions.

‘We must acknowledge the centrality of the United Nat
ions system and must continue to adhere to agreed multilateral processes, including the negotiating of outcome documents.

‘We must continue to strive towards a balance of ambition and action on all three aspects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] and its Paris Agreement, namely mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation,’ George said.

According to the United Nations, the UNFCCC is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system’.

‘Since entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC has provided the basis for international climate negotiations, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015),’ it said.

The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financing to developing countries to mitigate cli
mate change, among others.

The Minister said a collaborative and comprehensive approach to maintaining the integrity of biodiversity assets and ecological infrastructure will play a fundamental role in achieving various social and economic development objectives.

‘We are committed to increase economic incentives for nature conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biological resources, with a focus on Payment for Ecosystem Services as a market-based instrument.

‘With regards to our oceans, South Africa with over 3 000 kilometres of coastline, has jurisdiction over one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones, spanning the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. This represents a significant Oceans Economy asset for current and future generations,’ the Minister said.

South Africa has adopted the Marine Spatial Planning legislation and remains committed to the sustainable regulated use of our fishing resources and the active prevention of illegal fishing activity.

The legislation intends to pro
vide a framework for marine spatial planning in South Africa and to provide for institutional arrangements for the implementation of marine spatial plans and governance of the use of the ocean by multiple sectors, among others.

South Africa also remains committed to the Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee process to develop an international agreement of a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

‘We are supportive of the work done by the G20 on Waste and Circular economy and are keen to take forward the outcomes to further develop an inclusive Circular Economy.

‘South Africa will continue to contribute its best effort to find solutions for these global environmental complexities,’ the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency