A Sustainable Future for Fashion

by Dilon Bhana

23 November 2021

On the 20^th of November, Rewoven in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden to South Africa hosted their annual event, the Future of Fashion Indaba, highlighting the importance of sustainability in fashion and the future of fashion. The event was set-up at the Black Brick Club in Sandton and was also streamed live on the Rewoven Africa YouTube channel.

The event brought about some thought-provoking conversation, including the sustainability in the African fashion industry in comparison to that of the rest of the world, mostly Europe, with the help of their erudite guest speakers. This event was perfect for anyone who has a passion for fashion and sustainability and a deep interest in seeing the part that Africa has to play in it all.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov visits South Africa

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa

22 November 2021

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa, Mr Mikhail L. Bogdanov was on an official visit to South Africa. He had meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, with officials of the Department of Trade and Industry as well as fruitful discussions with Deputy Minster of International Relations for South Africa Mr Alvin Botes. He also engaged Heads of Mission from the Middle East represented in South Africa.

China Africa

22 November 2021

If Africa lifted 800 million people out of poverty and became the manufacturing and industrial hub of the world, because all the resources are found here anyway; if it developed state of the art infrastructure and logistic capabilities; if it designed and produced advanced high technological and communication capacities and positioned itself central to the current industrial revolution; if it pronounced that its international relations policy is on the basis of shared prosperity and has made significant contributions to many countries of the developing world, would you present accolades to its unprecedented development? Would you recommend nations to try to emulate its success, or would you consider Africa’s impressive rise to the number one spot in economic development a threat?

A Webinar on the 6th Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee held in Beijing from 8 to 11 November was organized by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa on 18 November 2021. 

National Orders honour remarkable individuals

President Cyril Ramaphosa with recipients of the National Orders (photo: Siyabulela Duda/GCIS)

19 November 2021

Two years have passed since the last Presentation of National Orders were held and President Cyril Ramaphosa said that it is important to recognise and "honour those among us who have made outstanding contributions towards the betterment of our country and of the human condition."

"National Orders are the highest awards that our country bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.

President Ramaphosa conferred with the Honour of the Mega Holy and Sacred Cross of Saint Savvas

19 November 2021

The President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa is conferred with the Honour of the Mega Holy and Sacred Cross of Saint Savvas by His Beatitude, Theodoros ll, Pope and Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria and all of Africa for his outstanding and exemplary leadership on and humanitarian contribution to the continent of Africa. The honour is reserved exclusively for Heads of State by the Patriarchate.

Creating Communities of Excellence

Sello Motsei with Principals Ngwasheng and Kalayci

19 November 2021

Education is seen as a way out of poverty, yet in South Africa many of the previously disadvantaged schools remain under-resourced. There are many benefits to these schools partnering with well-resourced ones, exposing them to what is possible.

Kgwebong Consulting team led by Mr Sello Motsei facilitated a meeting between the principal of Iketleng Primary School, Ms S Ngwasheng and Star College (Turkish School) Principal, Mr Murat Kalayci. Iketleng Primary School is based in an informal settlement called Kanana in Hammanskraal and Star College is based in Pretoria East.

Yunus Emre and Es’kia Mphahlele – 'The Pen is Mightier than the Sword'

16 November 2021

The year 2021 has been declared as the “Year of Yunus Emre” by UNESCO commemorating the 700th anniversary of the celebrated poet.

The Yunus Emre Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa organised a tree planting ceremony at Seshegong Secondary School in Olievenhoutbosch, Tshwane and named it the 'Yunus Emre Friendly and Memorial Forest in South Africa.

“The Institute aims to create a healthy friendship between Turkey and South Africa in its activities. The forest was a gift from the people of Turkey tothe  people of South Africa,” said Abdülaziz Yiğit, Director at the Institute.

Tourism and Business opportunities between South Korea and South Africa

Ambassador Chull-joo Park and Percy Koji (standing centre) and Judi Nwokedi (seated centre) pictured with members of STEA and the embassy

15 November 2021

Percy Morapedi Koji, CEO of Small Tourism Enterprise Association (STEA) recently organized a meeting between STEA members and Mr Chull-joo Park, Ambassador of South Korea to South Africa. The aim of the engagement was to collaborate and to share opportunities between South Africa and South Korea and to increase tourism both ways.

A Yemeni solution for Yemen

On the Panel (l-r) Anas Al-Hamati, Dr Abdulkader Al-Guneid, Ambassador Mohammed Dangor and Mohammed Bhabha

15 November 2021

Will the total defeat of the Houthi rebels in the ongoing conflict in Yemen bring about the desired peace and stability in that Middle Eastern country? What does the South African experience of reconciliation and nationhood provide to the people of Yemen to bring an end to this dispute?

A workshop titled ‘Peace Initiatives in Yemen’ challenges and possible opportunities for building peace in Yemen was hosted at the Future Africa campus at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The workshop was moderated by Anas-Al-Hamati, a humanitarian and development worker and graduate of Sana’a university. The six year long civil conflict has devastated this ancient land and is causing an unprecedented humanitarian and environmental crisis.

Egypt’s Ambassador to South Africa hosts His Beatitude Pope Theodore II, The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa

15 November 2021

On Friday 12 November 2021, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Africa Ahmed El Fadly received His Beatitude Pope Theodore II, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa upon his arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Pope Theodore II is visiting South Africa and Botswana during the period 12 to 26 November 2021 as part of a wider tour that includes a number of African countries.

Happy 246th Birthday US Marines

Todd Haskell, Chargé d’Affairs of the United States of America to South Africa and Jennifer Haskell with members of the Marine Corps

12 November 2021

Celebrating the birthday of the US Marine Corps, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States of America to South Africa, Todd Haskell, hosted an event at Hill House in Pretoria on 10 November. The celebration included the age-old traditions except the annual ball which didn’t take place due to Covid-19 restrictions.