Good News

BULLETIN 7 May 2 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# Statistics South Africa’s latest report reveals a thriving tourism sector, with international arrivals from January to March 2024 reaching 2.4-million. This marks a 15.4-percent increase from the same period in 2023. Africa leads the surge, with 1.8-million arrivals, from Zimbabwe and Ghana. Tourism minister Patricia de Lille attributes Ghana’s growth to a visa-waiver scheme and targeted marketing initiatives. She says other regions, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, also contributed to the sector’s expansion, reflecting South Africa’s enduring appeal to global travellers.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape government is calling for organisations implementing tourism development projects or programmes to apply for funding via the Tourism Growth Fund. Four-million-rand has been made available this year for disbursement to successful applicants. Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger, says the fund will provide financial support to development programmes and projects that benefit Western Cape-based tourism attractions and businesses:

# The South African National Defence has labeled the inauguration of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit as a significant milestone. Led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, the initiative was launched with the aim of integrating A-I into defense operations. As the fourth hub of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa, the unit’s establishment aligns with global trends in military A-I adoption. Discussions at the National A-I Summit highlighted plans for A-I regulation to shape national policies and ensure responsible A-I implementation.

# University of Fort Hare dancers impressed at the first leg of the National Champions League in Durban. Student Wanzi Maxhobi and 2023 graduate, Lorenzo Swartbooi, who will represent South Africa at the World Championship in Germany in November, won the top prize. Dancing pairs Phumelela Mqalo and Thandeka Mhlanga and Lonwabo Ndzundzu and Nontando Tsheleza, were placed third and sixth respectively in the rising stars category. The National Champions League is one of three that serve as qualifiers for next year’s World Professional Standard Championships.

# And, finally: Kindness Like Confetti is working to end period poverty for 500 young girls in Gauteng as part of its Pad Princess project. The project offers an alternative menstrual kit, which is reusable and manageable for rural and informal-based young girls, with limited access to fresh water and clean toilets. Two primary schools in the province have so far been identified for the project. Kindness Like Confetti’s Claire Duval says they hope to partner with various companies to help them reach this massive, life-changing goal.

Stay tuned for more news………….