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LIANGHUI
Democracy for Better Development
Chinese and South African scholars discuss China’s democracy before the opening of lianghui
CHINAFRICA

(l-r) Moderator Liao Ping, Ni Yanshuo, Mondi Hlatshwayo, Kirtan Bhana and Qin Xiaoshun at the forum (WANG XI)

26 February 2024

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, and thus, this year’s national sessions of the NPC and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which are commonly known in Chinese as lianghui, have aroused more attention in the world. The two sessions will open in Beijing on 5 March and 4 March respectively.

Global South
Navigating the Seas of Global Diplomacy - A Glimpse into IORA, BRICS, and the Rise of the Global South

TDS

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, held bilateral discussions with Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, on the sidelines of MILAN2024. They discussed issues of mutual interest, including Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region and avenues to further strengthen bilateral #maritime cooperation (photo supplied)

25 February 2024

The Indian Ocean, with its rich history and vital importance in global trade, has long been a nexus of cultural exchange and economic activity. Recognizing its significance, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is central to international cooperation and collaboration among the nations bordering this vast expanse of water. Led by President Ranil Wickramasinghe of Sri Lanka, the current presidency of IORA, the organization aims to harness the potential of the Indian Ocean for the benefit of its member states.

February 2014 in Ukraine: point of no return

by Ambassador of Russia to South Africa Ilya Rogachev

Independence Square in Kiev, 2014 (RIA Novosti/Andrei Stenin)

22 February 2024

10 years ago, far-right radical forces seized power in Kiev, finalizing what became known as ‘Euromaidan’ – 3-month-long public protests, supported from outside of Ukraine, against the decision by President Yanukovich to postpone signing the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.

BEIJING

South African Armed Forces Day 2024

South African Armed Forces commemorated in Beijing

South African Embassy in China

22 February 2024

The Embassy of South Africa in China commemorated South Africa’s Armed Forces at a reception in Beijing on 21 February. This date has several significances for South Africans who will celebrate 30 years as a free nation this year.

CHINAFRICA
Securing the Sea Lanes
China’s participation in the anti-piracy missions shows the country is fulfilling its global responsibilities

A soldier of the 36th Chinese naval escort taskforce rappels from a helicopter during a drill in the Gulf of Aden on 26 October 2020 （CNS）

By Mahasha Rampedi
February 2024

Some people, mainly in the West, were taken by surprise when six Chinese warships were seen near the Red Sea in October 2023 amid the conflict in Gaza. Some Western media and politicians tried to frame China’s mission as an escalatory move in the Middle East. However, according to Chinese media, the ships are part of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s escort taskforce responsible for safeguarding commercial vessels and fighting piracy.

Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning

International Mother Language Day

(photo: pixabay)

21 February 2024

Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, linguistic diversity faces increasing threats as more languages vanish. Currently, 40% of the global population lacks access to education in their native language, a figure that exceeds 90% in certain regions. Research underscores the benefits of using learners' native languages in education, fostering better learning outcomes, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. This approach also supports intergenerational learning and cultural preservation.

South Africa's 2024 election date announced

21 February 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will head to the polls on 29 May 2024 for the General National and Provincial Elections.

FINANCE
The 2024 Jiachen Year of the Dragon Gathering
The financial services sector of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was successfully held
By Wu Lu - Henan

The 2024 Chinese New Year of the Dragon Gathering for the Financial Services Sector in Hong Kong was held on 20 February 2024

BFM
21 February 2024

Addressing the gathering Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, Paul Chan said that in the past, Hong Kong stocks have performed well in the Year of the Dragon, and this year the market has favorable conditions, and some fund managers are thinking about how to make corresponding arrangements.

Study reveals restorative impact of land restitution

20 February 2024

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has presented the research findings on the evaluation of the Land Restitution Programme. The research, which commenced in 2018, followed government’s decision to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the restitution programme. The research was conducted by government, in partnership with the Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town, and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation.

DVT Vehicle Buying Guide for the first quarter of 2024

By Theo Pretorius

20 February 2024

Are you in the market to either buy or sell a car? The landscape of the South African car market is constantly changing and adapting to the economic conditions, to global supply and demand forces and also to the changes within the new vehicle space.

Bob Marley - the Messenger becomes the Message

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

High Commissioner of Jamaica, Joan Thomas Edwards and Mr Albert Edwards at the premiere of the Movie 'Bob Marley: One Love' in Pretoria on 13 February 2024. (photo: supplied)

19 February 2024

Robert Nesta Marley was born on 6 February 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica, to Cedella Booker, who worked on a plantation, and Norval Marley, a British Naval officer. His journey from humble beginnings on this Caribbean island to becoming a larger-than-life global icon in his 36 years on this planet is legendary and continues to inspire, four decades after his passing.

AU launches 50-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development

Heads of State and Government of the African Union ahead of the official opening ceremony of the 37th Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (photo: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS)

19 February 2024

African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government have launched the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want”. Agenda 2063 serves as a 50-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration.

LIANGHUI
Democracy for Better Development
Chinese and South African scholars discuss China’s democracy before the opening of lianghui
CHINAFRICA

Global South
Navigating the Seas of Global Diplomacy - A Glimpse into IORA, BRICS, and the Rise of the Global South

February 2014 in Ukraine: point of no return