Malawi’s 2063 Agenda gets ICT Boost

Huawei assists top students with high-level ICT skills training

One of the pillars of the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) agenda is information and communication technology (ICT), and the country’s ambitious transformation blueprint advocates “a robust ICT infrastructure with cross-country coverage of reliable and affordable services fostering technological adoption and digital access.”

8 February 2023

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching Emergency Appeals for CHF 200 million to respond to a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

The Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have immediately mobilized to support communities affected: needs are growing minute by minute. Rescue teams have been reaching hardest-hit areas where survivors remain trapped under rubble.

Diplomatic Society Travel – Supporting tourism, travel and hospitality

Harties - Lekker by die Dam

7 February 2023

Located about an hour outside of South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria, situated in the North West province, is the premier inland water recreation area of Hartebeestpoort Dam. Built in the early 1900’s the 1620 hectare dam provides irrigation to neighbouring farmland on which wheat, fruit, lucerne and other produce are grown. Nestled among the picturesque Magaliesberg mountain range, along the banks of the Crocodile River, the surroundings offer the international and local traveller and ideal getaway. Its proximity to the city also makes it ideal for the day visitor.

6 February 2, 2023

Rapid urbanisation, population growth and increasingly scarce resources are high on the agendas of scientists, innovators, decision-makers and governments around the world. The 5th National Global Change Conference, that took place from 30 January 2023 - 2 February 2023 at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, brought stakeholders together to discuss research related to addressing these and other challenges.

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai South Africa!

30 January 2023

Indian Consul General Mahesh Kumar who recently arrived to take up his position in Johannesburg, South Africa, conveyed the greetings and message of Smt Droupadi Murmu, President of India on January 26th, the day on which India’s Constitution came into effect in 1950.

“We have succeeded on the strength of our diversity, which is at the heart of our constitution and the essence of India, home to one of the oldest living civilisations. We are, however, young as a modern Republic that has since winning Independence, rediscovered our own ideals and have overcome the challenges and adversities of poverty and illiteracy and have been successful in transforming our country into a confident nation.”

South Africa and Russia - From Soviet Times to the Ukraine Conflict

Outrage at Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, visiting South Africa last week, and cordial interaction with his counterpart, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, has been predictable. South Africa is “flirting with pariahs” the opponents cry, referring to both Russia and China.

Exceeding Expectations

South Africa’s economic growth beats forecasts as trade with China surges
By Kirtan Bhana

Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s economic growth remained stable in 2022, which will benefit China-Africa economic cooperation this year. China’s GDP growth reached 3 percent year on year in 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics said on 16 January.

by Türkmen Terzi

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu paid a visit to South Africa last week, unusual timing since the country does not typically receive high-profile visitors at the beginning of the year. South Africa’s minister of international relations and cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, emphasized the importance of prioritizing economic relations between Turkey and South Africa during a press conference. However, Çavuşoğlu’s trip was more focused on Turkey’s cultural and religious ties with South African Muslims.

Flavourful and aromatic with a host of health benefits - Indian spices are one of a kind. While some seasonings are popular, there are a few indigenous ones that are rarely used. Celebrity chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor explores a few of India’s lesser-known spices

India is popular for myriad aspects, including its traditions, rich heritage and diverse culinary styles. People from outside the country are extremely curious about the “secret” ingredients used in Indian dishes that make them so uniquely flavourful. But what they often tend to overlook is that it is the indigenous spices, which make Indian food so irresistible.

From the ancient ikat to the royal patola, from jamdani to Banarasi brocade to the ornate  gyaser, and the Kashmiri pashmina, here are some of India’s most famous handwoven and handspun weaves that celebrate rare artisanal flair to create the most unique and opulent fabrics

By Priya Kumari Rana

26 January 2023

Handloom fabric is the pulse of India, and has been a tradition in ourland since millennia. India is one of the few countries where handloom and hand-spinning are still thriving. In his recent ‘Mann ki Baat’ address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about National Handloom Day (celebrated on August 7) and encouraged citizens to support handloom artisans, which, in turn,would add to the vision of “Vocal for Local”.

Mighty Millets - Super Grains of Power

Prof. Rajeev K Varshney

Super-grain, super-food and wonder-grain are some of the adjectives often used to describe millets, one of the oldest foods known to humans, and probably the first grain used for domestic purposes.