Good News

BULLETIN 11 February 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# The government of national unity has been named the 2024 National Press Club Newsmaker of the Year. The selection process involved nominations and motivations submitted by club members, with the final decision resting with the club’s executive committee. Acting chairperson Antoinette Slabbert says the government of national unity’s extensive media coverage, and the consequential impact on society makes them a deserving recipient of this year’s award. The newsmakers that the club has recognised over the years include the late former president Nelson Mandela, the Springboks, and Eskom.

# South Africa will be the guest of honour at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair in Cuba from Thursday to the 23rd of this month. The fair is considered the largest cultural festival in the capital. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says South Africa’s participation will be under the theme, Papers of Resistance, looking at the importance of writing in different forms. A delegation of authors, poets and literary figures will participate at the South African stand at the fair.

# One of Africa’s leading institutions, the University of Pretoria, is commemorating 117 years of shaping minds and transforming lives. Academic excellence remains the cornerstone, evidenced by UP’s position as one of Africa’s top universities and its reputation for groundbreaking research. The university is holding celebrations at all its three campuses this week. The institution’s vice-chancellor, professor Francis Petersen, says UP’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity has created a vibrant academic community, where different perspectives enrich the learning experience.

# Following his triumphant Super Bowl halftime performance in New Orleans on Sunday, Kendrick Lamar has announced a new set of UK and European dates for his Grand National tour with SZA. They will head to the UK in July for four performances including at Hampden Park and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Lamar and SZA have also added a slew of dates in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Poland and Sweden. The tour kicks off at Minneapolis’ US Bank Stadium on April 19th.

# And finally: The likes of actor Idris Elba, comedian Katherine Ryan, and author Deepak Chopra have been confirmed among the first big names for the European debut of South by Southwest in London later this year. This is one of the world’s most renowned cultural events on the annual calendar, combining conferences with film, interactive media, and music festivals. Headlining the music side of the festival in London will be Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Tems.

Stay tuned for more news………….