An Incubator of Talent

A study program launched under China-Africa agricultural cooperation 
helps Africa bolster food security

By Li Xiaoyu

10 August 2022 

Zigani Saturnin (left) checks crop growth in an experimental field in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, on July 23, 2020

Saturnin Zigani, 36, grew up in a small village in Burkina Faso and has seen the hardships people face in obtaining sufficient food. “Despite cultivating enormous areas of land, farmers, including my parents, struggle to attain a good output,” he lamented. He believes that increasing grain yield per unit of land area rather than expansion of agricultural land is the most effective approach to move agriculture toward sustainable intensification in Africa.

South African Consul General in Mumbai commemorates Women at Model UN

Andrea Kühn, South African Consul General

9 August 2022

The Hiranandani Foundation School in Mumbai held the 11th edition of the HFS Model United Nations 2022 program. South African Consul General Andrea Kühn was a guest speaker and she was honoured to engage the students and share thoughts on global challenges.

The Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. It offers students an opportunity to research and debate international topics together, and learn how the United Nations and other international and regional bodies function.

Women’s day 2022: Changing the Lives of Women and Celebrating their contribution to South Africa’s Liberation

9 August 2022

Message by Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa on the celebration of Women's Day

As South Africa marks Women’s month and Women’s Day, the country pays tribute to the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings on the 9th of August 1956 in protest against the extension of laws of racial discrimination against women.

Who is Behind Africa’s Debt Trap?

A large share of Africa’s debt comes from Western lenders, while a false narrative has been created to blame China for it

By Donatien Niyonzima

5 August 2022

A swing bridge over the Suez Canal renovated by Chinese companies completes a docking test in Ismailia, Egypt, on June 5 (XINHUA)

China has emerged as a global leader in international development financing in the 21st century, and the Bank for International Settlements now ranks China as the sixth-largest international creditor globally. The Western countries have expressed concern over the emergence of the so-called “new colonialism” as a result of the growing ties between China and Africa. Chinese lending practices toward developing countries have generally been portrayed in recent years as “debt-trap diplomacy.” But a factual analysis of lending by China and other creditors to Africa paints a different picture.

Empowering the youth is to empower the future

Princess Stella Sigcau with learners

by HRH Stella Sigcau

5 August 2022

On 27- 28 July 2022 Imbumba Foundation donated a year’s supply of sanitary towels to 6 schools in the Mpondo Kingdom namely, Mncwati SSS and Mount Zion JSS, Thandabantu JSS in Mbizana and Dumezweni SSS and Ntsikayezwe SSS Ntabankulu. In Mbizana they were welcomed by Mr Clive Noconjo from the Winnie Mandela Municipality, Principals of the recipient schools, members of the governing body amongst others.

SA determined to build stronger trade relations with Botswana

President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Mokgweetsi Masisi leading High-Level Talks at the South Africa - Botswana Business Roundtable at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana (photo: Kopano Tlape)

4 August 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government would like to see “far greater levels of trade and investment” between South Africa and Botswana. He was giving his closing remarks at the High Level South Africa-Botswana Business Roundtable held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana on Thursday.

Tribute to Don Mattera

By Mongane Wally Serote

4 August 2022

Dr. Don Mattera passed away on the 18th of July 2022. He was eighty -seven years old. An internationalist, a Pan African and African Renaissance activist, an outstanding poet, writer and journalist, Mattera lived a full life.

Bra Don, as Mattera was known in the streets of his birthplace, Western Native Township and other townships like Sophiatown and Alexandra Township where he socialized, rebelled, as did many young people in those poverty- stricken environments of squalor and crime which were created by the Apartheid system.

Cuba and South Africa sweep the medal board at 9th SA International Ballet Competition

3 August 2022

The 9th South African Ballet International Ballet Competition (SAIBC) came to a spectacular close at the Artscape Opera House on Saturday 30 July 2022. The festive event was a joyous celebration of outstanding ballet and contemporary dance that showcased the 2022 Winners and featured guest appearances by professionals and vocational students from Mzansi Ballet. Every SAIBC participant also took part in a fun finale that was choreographed by Angela Revie.

Eskom partners with Netherlands to repurpose Grootvlei Power Station

Han Peters, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with Andre de Ruyter, CEO of Eskom (photo supplied)

1 August 2022

Power utility Eskom and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa signed a letter of intent which will pave the way for a pre-feasibility study for a “climate-smart, labour intensive agriculture/horticulture development” at the site of the Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga.

As Russian FM Lavrov Concludes Africa Trip, What Was on the Agenda?

Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen hosts Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

29 July 2022

by Denis Bolotsky

Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa was the fourth destination on the schedule of Russia’s top diplomat, who also visited Egypt, the Republic of Congo and Uganda earlier this week.

The talks in all four countries were dedicated to bilateral relations as well as international issues, such as food and energy security and Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and Donbass.

25 Years of JET

Kelebogile Moruane addressing JET participants

28 July 2022

Ambassador Norio Maruyama of Japan to South Africa had encouraging and inspirational words to share with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program –JET participants from South Africa at a pre-departure reception. The JET program, established in South Africa 1997, marks a 25 year milestone since its inception and an accolade for South Africans as it remains the only African country to participate in this program. The JET resumes after two years as the Covid-19 global viral pandemic is being brought under control.