Another day, another first look at a Josh O’Connor-starring, MUBI-backed period drama set to premiere in competition at this month’s Cannes Film Festival. Following the first images of Kelly Reichardt’s much-anticipated crime drama The Mastermind today brings our first glimpse at Living director Oliver Hermanus’ gay drama The History of Sound in which O’Connor stars alongside Paul Mescal adapted by Ben Shattuck based on his own short story follows a pair of American World War I servicemen who spark a connection in 1916 but then meet a few years later to embark on a journey to record and collect the sounds and music of their countrymen in rural New England Here’s the full synopsis: “In 1917 talented music student—meets David at the Boston Conservatory where they bond over a deep love of folk music leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness.” “I didn’t want the sex of it to be the transgression, or the big idea, like, ‘Oh, it’s 1917, and these two men are taking the risk of being sexual,’” Hermanus tells Vanity Fair “Ben wrote it in a way where there was no hesitation the sex scene is when Lionel is walking around David’s apartment the morning after [their first encounter] and he’s smelling everything and sitting everywhere He’s absorbing the energy of this person.” Jordan Raup is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Film Stage and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Track his obsessive film-watching on Letterboxd A website dedicated to all things film-related This year’s 12th edition of the Scary Movies festival at Film at Lincoln Center premiered Ari Aster’s extended version of “Midsommar” this past Saturday Here’s a Vanity Fair first look at Oliver Hermanus’ “History of Sound,” which is set to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes later this month Last fall, Hermanus insisted mentioned that that “Venice asked for [the film] but it’s not ready.” He continued Paul [Mescal] and Josh [O’Connor] sing in it and it’s all about sound.” He went on to add that they are aiming for a Cannes 2025 debut instead ‘History of Sound,’ which stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor is based on a Prize-winning short story by Ben Shattuck This is being dubbed as a “historical romantic drama” about two men who fall in love while traveling together to record the stories and songs of their countrymen during World War I Hermanus is coming off his STARZ limited series, “Mary & George,” and 2022’s “Living,” an “Ikiru” remake which earned Bill Nighy an Oscar nomination for Best Actor His other directing credits include “Moffie” and “Beauty.” Advertise Donate Privacy Policy At 12h40, Saturday, 15 March, NSRI Hermanus duty crew, while recovering rescue craft from a routine training exercise at NSRI Hermanus station 17 rescue base, were activated following eyewitness reports of a craft appearing to be capsized, with people at the casualty craft appearing to be hanging onto the upturned hull, offshore between Vermont and Hawston, Hermanus. British man caught in rip currents rescued by an NSRI George Municipal lifeguard We’re proud to announce that our newly rebuilt NSRI Station 21 in St Francis Bay is now officially open. To mark this milestone, we held a blessing ceremony for two new state-of-the-art rescue vessels: the Spirit of St Francis III ... Gqeberha — The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today officially celebrated the blessing of its latest state-of-the-art Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC), Bay Guardian, at a ceremony held at the PE Deep Sea Angling Club building, adjacent to NSRI’s Gqeberha Sea ... Subscribe today for information about NSRI rescues, news and appeals Overstrand Municipality is currently busy with several road resurfacing projects across the Overstrand. These improvements are expected to be finished within the next two months, ensuring they are ready for the holiday season. Afterwards, the reseal programme will continue in February 2025. One significant project is the resurfacing of a section of the Main Road on the R43 in Hermanus. This project is funded by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and involves milling and removing the existing bituminous surface and replacing it with new asphalt. Some sections will undergo light rehabilitation, which will include the removal of base and subbase layers.  The roadworks will take place from Builder’s Warehouse to Brug Street in Eastcliff, extending along Seventh Street up to 17th Avenue in Voëlklip. These works are scheduled to commence on 11 November 2024 and are expected to last 2 to 3 weeks, depending on weather conditions and provided there are no unforeseen delays. Work will be carried out from Mondays to Saturdays, between 07:00 and 18:00. A Stop/Go traffic system will be implemented, leading to lane closures during the resurfacing process. Motorists are advised to allow for longer travel times and to consider alternative routes where possible. We further ask all road users to exercise caution while this work is under way, as bitumen splashes can be difficult to remove from vehicles. Please reduce your speed, pay attention to road signs, stay vigilant in and around the roadworks area, and be mindful of uneven road surfaces. For any queries, please contact Overstrand Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services on 028 313 8972. Mondays – Thursdays 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:30 – 16:30Fridays 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:30 – 15:15  Mon – Fri: 07:45 – 13:00 & 13:45 – 16:30Cashiers: 08:00 -13:00 & 13:45 – 15:00 Magnolia Street, Hermanus 7200 P.O Box 20, Hermanus 7200 CAPE TOWN - Two suspects facing double murder charges are expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrates Court on Monday. In November last year, two people were shot and killed during a standoff between rival associations at a taxi rank in Hermanus, in the Overberg region. The case was handed over to the provincial Serious Violent Crime Taxi Violence Unit for further investigation. Western Cape police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said they were arrested last week. "An intelligence-driven operation between the taxi violence unit and the Overberg operational team was conducted at identified addresses in the Zwelitsha, Hermanus area, where the members arrested two 31-year-old male suspects in connection with these murders." Sections South Africa (13 February 2025) – Hermanus the whale-watching capital of South Africa is set to welcome an incredible new addition to its marine conservation efforts—a state-of-the-art South African Whale Centre (SAWC) spearheaded by the Old Harbour Museum board of trustees in collaboration with a dedicated project development team and the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit will transform the current Whale House Museum into a globally recognised hub for marine research and education This cutting-edge facility will house the prestigious UP MRI Whale Unit which has long been a key player in cetacean research Previously based at an off-campus field station in Hermanus the Whale Unit will now have a permanent home at the SAWC where it will continue its groundbreaking research on whales the SAWC will redefine how people engage with marine life Visitors will be able to step into an extraordinary 3D immersive dome where interactive exhibits and augmented reality displays will bring whale behaviour and migration to life one of the most fascinating aspects of these ocean giants will also be explored through virtual encounters that offer a unique window into their underwater world But the SAWC isn’t just about education – it will also serve as a key international research facility the centre will remain at the forefront of scientific advancements ensuring that the latest research is used to promote conservation and understanding “The University of Pretoria has been a cornerstone of whale research in Hermanus for many years and our partnership with the SAWC represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to marine conservation,” said Dr Els Vermeulen “This new centre will not only provide a world-class platform for research but also offer unparalleled educational opportunities inspiring future generations of marine scientists and conservationists We are excited to continue our long-standing collaboration and contribute our expertise to the SAWC ensuring its success as a leading centre for whale research and education.” “Our mission is to create a world-class facility that not only showcases the beauty of whales but also educates the public on marine conservation and legacy to drive awareness and conservation efforts.” The UP MRI Whale Unit has been at the forefront of whale research since its establishment in 1985 the UP MRI Whale Unit has been dedicated to understanding and protecting these incredible creatures,” added Dr Vermeulen “The SAWC provides an exciting opportunity to build on this legacy expanding our research capabilities and reaching a wider audience with our vital conservation message We look forward to a future of impactful research The project has received strong backing from provincial departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport as well as Finance and Economic Opportunities recognising its potential to enhance tourism and drive economic growth in the region The SAWC team remains committed to developing a world-class facility that will inspire every visitor to take action in protecting our oceans With a vision that combines cutting-edge technology the South African Whale Centre is set to make waves – not just in Hermanus and a shared love for the ocean’s gentle giants it will be more than just a museum – it will be a space where knowledge meets wonder and where every visitor leaves with a renewed commitment to protecting our marine world Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a40c53cd0391e2abb667496ce188e93e" );document.getElementById("d2d9e305b5").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment Would you like to receive truly phenomenal inspirational and good thing stories right to your inbox Then subscribe to our weekly GoodThingsGuy newsletter today I accept GTG’s Privacy Policy GoodThingsGuy is the home of everything good and those are the things that really matter We believe that there is good news all around us and over 1 million readers a month agree with us GoodThingsGuy was officially launched on the 1 August 2015 in order to only promote good news inspirational stories and promote only positive multi-platform media company that distills unique content across multiple media platforms We consider individual and corporate contributions through the website or mail us directly here. Your GPS did not respond. Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again. Voelklip Beach / Wikimedia Commons: Soaring Heights Imagery terrace and outside entertainment area at Bayview apartments in Hermanus in the Western Cape has received many complaints from the public Complainants argue it stands in the way of completing the Hermanus Cliff Path The Hermanus Cliff Path is a 12-kilometer path that follows the coastline from Hermanus’ new harbour to Grotto Beach Hermanus cliff path expected to be completed by June 2025 despite funding shortfall 'Die Plaat Beach' near Hermanus makes list of 'Best Beaches in the World' The Western Cape High Court ruled that this pool and surrounding areas were built on coastal public property. The chairperson of the Bayview Body Corporate said they accepted to ruling and would ‘walk away from the pool.’ This means they will no longer maintain it and will leave it to the elements. De Waal says they hope to finish the path next year. Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview. South Africa (12 December 2024) – South Africans have an extraordinary gift for finding humour in just about anything It’s one of the reasons we’re known for our resilience and warm hearts – we laugh and we unite in the light-heartedness of the moment it’s the Hermanus Christmas Lights that have stolen the show sparking giggles across the nation and beyond The Hermanus Festive Lights Project officially kicked off on 26th November 2024 brightening up the scenic seaside town for the holiday season the lights have grabbed attention for a completely unexpected reason the town’s festive greeting has gone viral on social media Hermanus is a gem of a town nestled along the Western Cape coastline it’s a favourite destination for both South Africans and international travellers but especially during the festive season when the town sparkles with holiday cheer a twist on the town’s festive lights has everyone talking A cleverly altered photo shows the “Welcome To Hermanus” sign seemingly missing the letter “M” transforming the warm greeting into “Welcome To Her Anus” The doctored image is being widely shared across social media evoking waves of laughter from all who see it with comments rolling in from every corner of the internet “I haven’t laughed this hard in ages,” one user shared “I might just take a trip to ‘Her Anus’ for the holidays!” It’s moments like these that remind us of the joy found in simple While the real sign remains intact and properly lit the laughter it has inspired is very real – and arguably just as festive as the lights themselves Some South Africans even speculate that this burst of viral fame could boost visits to Hermanus as curious travellers come to see the lights that sparked so much joy online a bit of silliness has reminded us all to smile The laughter this photo has generated is infectious and it’s likely to linger long after the lights have been packed away for another year So whether you’re heading to Hermanus for the whales or to have a chuckle at the now-famous festive lights you’re sure to find something that will brighten your day Here’s to more moments of light-hearted joy – because if there’s one thing we all need "a4642b936c9ae3140c2e8e55e0e1019c" );document.getElementById("d2d9e305b5").setAttribute( "id" Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries is perched on the cliffs of Kwaaiwater which overlooks Walker Bay with spectacular ocean views contingent upon successfully relocating the current approximately 30 occupants and securing suitable new land for development The vast size and clifftop location is incredibly rare Kruger says it is exceedingly difficult to find such a large oceanfront residential estate and one of the most remarkable offerings in the history of Hermanus The likelihood of such an opportunity arising again is slim What makes the property even more special is the natural servitude at the front while the public cliff path remains far below ensuring an uninterrupted and private perspective of the sea The iconic property offers endless development potential whether envisioned as a luxurious private manor or superlative development of high-end apartments the property can accommodate a variety of visions It provides the perfect setting for a prestigious development Zoning is in place and covers a broad spectrum from dwelling houses or tourist accommodation including a hotel Mollergren Park is close to all of the world-class amenities that Hermanus has to offer making it a rare and enticing canvas for visionary developers and has arguably become the most sought-after coastal hotspot on the Southern Cape coastline well under 2-hours’ drive makes it a popular weekend and new developments have sold like hotcakes luxury-house prices in Hermanus edged up notably the current average transaction price of around R3.2m is about 45% higher compared to five years ago For the 12-month period to the end of September 2024 some 839 property transactions worth over R2.76bn have been recorded The data shows that the average price for an estate house is now around R2.3m to R6.3m Sectional titles average at around R2.1m to R5.4m Buyers and investors continue to pay a premium for certain properties with over 90 transactions concluded over R5m for the 12-months to the end of September Westcliff and the Fernkloof Golf Estate where homes sold for up to R11.7m More high-end homes are now also achieving prices over R20m Kruger says the management company of Mollergren Park has the distinct and meaningful objective for this sale to fund a new development for elderly residents that will include enhanced facilities to ensure optimal care Choose a topic below and thereafter view all articles on the topic using the "Next >" button or swiping left Choose a topic below and thereafter view all articles on the topic using the "Next >" button or the keyboard right arrow key Join the FynArtsFestival team in celebrating the launch of the 2025 Festival programme at the Old Harbour Sunset Concert The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) will play and the soloists are Lynelle Kenned (soprano) and Conroy Scott (bass-baritone) Info as supplied:Join us in celebrating the launch of the 2025 Festival programme at the Old Harbour Sunset Concert We are honoured to announce that the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) will play under the baton of maestro Bernhard Gueller The soloists will be Lynelle Kenned (soprano) and Conroy Scott (bass-baritone).  TheCapeRobyn – aka Robyn Y Cohen (there are many Robyn Cohens – this is the one with Y as her middle name and not the infamous one) has over twenty years of experience in print media as an arts and lifestyle writer She relishes the global audience of the exciting digital media world and is loving sharing stories from Cape Town and the African continent with readers: Arts Be the first to know about new posts and special offers You have successfully joined our subscriber list style @thecaperobyn she/her - Cape Town 🇿🇦African continent Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy Please check your email and enter your one time pin below:   Open in Gmail Sorry there was an error loading the audio Imagine walking into a dome and coming face to face with some of the biggest creatures on Earth watching their young ones at play – experiencing “super-reality” that’s more real than real Imagine, too, being up close and personal, listening to the haunting songs of whales, learning about what they are saying to each other – to their young and to us, their observers and listeners.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads imagine being captivated by next-generation artificial reality displays that vividly illustrate whale behaviour and migration learning about the importance of their feeding grounds and the effects of various forms of pollution on their ability to thrive when the idea of the world’s first interactive whale research centre – involving the redevelopment of Hermanus’s Whale House Museum – was put on the drawing board The vision is that this state-of-the-art facility with its advanced 3D technology will become a global beacon for marine conservation and education Despite the challenges and a fair dose of scepticism that multimillion-rand dream is fast becoming a reality Read more: Whale superhighways along the West Coast — a conservation success story The new South African Whale Centre is to be built in the heart of Hermanus, the whale capital of South Africa, in the Western Cape. Not only will it be the new home of the whale unit of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI), but it is also destined to attract visitors from around the world.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads “The university has been a cornerstone of whale research in Hermanus for many years This new cutting-edge centre of knowledge represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to marine conservation.” will provide a world-class platform for research and become an important node for visiting scientists “It will offer unparalleled educational opportunities We are excited that this big dream of ours is actually happening.” The creation of the new whale hub has been a collaborative initiative involving the board of trustees of Hermanus’s Old Harbour Museum in partnership with a dedicated project development team and the MRI whale unit The unit was previously based in an MRI field station on Main Road It will be relocated to the South African Whale Centre upon completion An artist’s impression of the new whale centre The South African Whale Centre team says its goal is to “inspire every visitor to protect our oceans through education, conservation projects and community engagement”.advertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads Vermeulen says “valuable support” has come from the provincial departments of cultural affairs and sport which recognise the financial and economic opportunities created by the centre and its potential to boost tourism and growth in the region With all the relevant stakeholders now on board the focus will shift to securing funding to bring the project to fruition population dynamics and behaviour of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in southern African waters and the Southern Ocean The principal objective is providing knowledge that will promote their conservation The unit’s mission is to ensure the advancement of knowledge and conservation of southern Africa’s and the surrounding ocean’s diverse cetacean fauna through conservation-oriented research and development of human knowledge capacity Over the past 40 years the unit has become a globally recognised leader in whale and dolphin research Its national and international activities include:  The role of large whales in southern hemisphere ocean ecosystems and the effects of climate change Assessment of seasonal distribution and relative abundance of cetacean species in South African offshore waters Applying science-based knowledge to national and international conservation management. DMadvertisementDon't want to see this? Remove adsadvertisementDon't want to see this? Remove ads This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow deliver remarks during the 7th BizNews Conference of 2025 which will take place at the Hermanus Municipal Auditorium in Cape Town The BizNews Conference (BNC#7) is an annual event that primarily focuses on investment and business related content The Conference brings together thought leaders from a range of fields The Conference will further discuss government’s commitment to building a stronger working relationship with the private sector with a view towards improving the country’s competitiveness The Deputy President is expected to address the Conference on its 3rd day to present the Government’s perspective on issues such as the Expropriation Act African Growth and Opportunity Act and other international relations matters Details of the Conference are as follows:Date: Thursday 13 March 2025Time: 10h00Venue: Hermanus Municipal Auditorium Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 at this BizNews Conference to share my reflections and engage with you on issues of importance as we build the South Africa we want We had previously agreed that I would open the conference we were busy finalizing the Budget and had to adjust and agree that I would speak towards the end of the conference I would like us to have a conversation on crucial issues that influence the future of our country affecting not just the government but also society at large We must do this with the intention of finding solutions to the challenges that confront our nation we must have a full appreciation that the first 15 years of democracy were characterised by high economic growth; however the last decade and a half has been characterised by stagnant growth we must embark on structural reforms of the economy which entails ensuring that the growth sectors of the economy contribute to GDP growth as well as creating much-needed jobs I must state from the onset that the responsibility of guiding South Africa to greater prosperity is not solely on the shoulders of the government It is a shared responsibility among the business community and all those who aspire to see our country prosper At the core of the issues that require immediate intervention is; poverty These existential challenges pose a danger to our democratic constitutional system awake at night because if we do not swiftly overcome these systemic economic issues What I am saying is that if we fail to integrate most marginalised people into the mainstream economy to help them sustain their livelihoods we will find ourselves in a difficult position as a country we must deal decisively with gross inequality as an integral part of overcoming these challenges I have come to this important conference with the knowledge that many of you here share the same concerns about the state of the economy I trust that you share my conviction that we must work together to find workable solutions we decided to postpone the budget presentation on the 19th of February because we needed to find each other on some of the proposals by Treasury We have subsequently reached consensus on a mutually agreeable resolution that puts our people first we will have to improve our budget process so as to avoid what happened over the last few weeks having a GNU Cabinet does not imply that we will agree on everything There will be times when we do not view things the same way but this does not spell the end of the GNU what has transpired proves that the GNU is far more powerful than many people realise Several coalition governments around the world have collapsed as a consequence of misunderstandings about the country's Budget; this is but a reflection of democracy at work To illustrate our seriousness and dedication to the GNU together with GNU Leaders established the GNU Clearing House Mechanism to resolve policy disagreements has already resolved critical policy differences and we will continue to work together for the good of the people of our country our focus as GNU is on the immediate task of driving inclusive growth and job creation to reduce poverty the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030 remains the central pillar to guide our development approach which in turn informs the outcomes to be achieved in this seventh administration It is critical that government in all its efforts speeds up the execution of the programme outlined in the NDP and the newly adopted Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) We must also start looking into the future beyond 2030 We must perhaps look into the South Africa we want by 2055 the President will announce the convening of the National Dialogue sometimes this year coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter We will ensure that this Dialogue is inclusive and allows everyone to contribute on what we need to do to build a country of our dreams The recently adopted MTDP directs that we must invest in initiatives to create a more inclusive country that lives up to the commitments of the GNU Our goal is to encourage fixed capital investments and the transformation of our people's lives we have a duty to transform South Africa and create a country in which all South Africans may enjoy a decent quality of life and access to economic opportunities that will improve their well-being One of the primary transformational interventions and policies includes the Land Expropriation Policy 13 of 2024 comes 50 years after the implementation of the old 1975 Expropriation Act The 1975 Act lacked clear definitions of critical legal terms neglected to consider socio-economic transformation and did not establish a structured process for fair compensation introduces a transparent expropriation framework that balances land reform with legal safeguards It introduces Expropriation Without Compensation under specific conditions This comes after a lengthy and extensive process by various lead line-function departments coordinated at the level of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture as well as an Independent Commission and advisory panels The law has been carefully crafted to accommodate a diverse range of requirements by considering a variety of demographics and incorporating flexible approaches wherever it is possible to do so I must emphasise that South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is firmly rooted in the principles of justice These principles are important in guiding our efforts to correct historical injustices and seeks to redress an unjust past that eroded people’s access and rights to land not just as a commodity but as an integral part of people’s livelihoods and identity The speculations that assert that the signing of the Expropriation Act is responsible for farm murders are not only unfounded but also irresponsible This issue has been prevalent within farming communities in South Africa for years now and victims of this violence are both farm workers and owners to varying degrees It was for this reason that we introduced the Rural Safety Plan The Rural Safety Plan is a long-term initiative aimed at protecting our farming communities This means that rather than dismantling this approach we must step up our efforts to implement the National Rural Safety Strategy to prevent violent crime on farms working collaboratively with farming organisations and other vital role-players I should say that the cutting of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding is quite regrettable PEPFAR has been a key component of global health since it was founded by President George W The withdrawal of PEPFAR funding highlights the urgent need for South Africa to further strengthen its own interventions to reach the most vulnerable and access health services and support The withdrawal should serve as a wake-up call for the country to develop sustainable healthcare solutions independent of external influences we have been investing heavily in healthcare reform and responding to the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and TB The Department of Health has put measures in place to ensure that patients receiving TB and HIV treatment are not affected and do not default unite and support the government in promoting our nation's interests in the United States including through mechanisms such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) The loss of AGOA benefits would have the most devastating effect on South African farmers and agriculture workers The AGOA is presently providing support to South Africa's agriculture and manufacturing sectors which is expected to generate around $21 billion in trade with the United States our position is that South Africa should maintain strong bilateral relations with the USA we are committed to improving mutually beneficial trade we must also consider diversifying our export markets to lessen our reliance on single trading partners and to limit the kind of perils that we face expand our trade relations with other countries President Ramaphosa is today Co-Chairing the EU–South Africa Summit which is aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and the EU Zone It will also focus on improving cooperation in the following areas: trade and investment We must also take advantage of intra-Africa trade and financial cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) The African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to boost intra-African trade and financial cooperation and lessen dependency on unstable global markets you can accumulate money by engaging in these premier South African investment options Government is committed to removing blockages to economic growth lifting economic expansion to above three percent 3% in the medium term and creating a cycle of investment We must also adapt to a new reality by changing business practices and reviewing policies to keep pace with global trends Government plans to invest in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Skills (4IR) to revive economic development the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy provides a framework for inclusive collaboration between industry and society to develop new skills and capabilities for the nation The government is focusing on implementing measures to increase productivity and develop necessary skills for a knowledge and skills-based economy Through the Human Resource Development Council we approved the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy 2024–2033 These documents serve as blueprints for social partners to respond to human resource development challenges by developing skills needed to transform our country as an economy of the 21st century South Africa is committed to combating corruption The country signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2003 and ratified it in 2004 South Africa has a responsibility to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption This includes facilitating international cooperation and providing technical assistance and the proper management of public affairs and property This is out of our conviction that corruption erodes democracy and the rule of law It poses a threat to business and obstructs the delivery of essential government services to those in need It is for this reason that government is taking decisive steps to expose and punish corrupt activities in both the public and private sectors We are reforming our institutions to make them stronger and more transparent and to restore a professional and effective public service South Africa has enacted the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act to combat corruption in both public and private sectors The NPA Investigating Directorate has been established to prosecute significant corruption cases the country adopted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2030 to create an ethical and accountable state and zero tolerance for corruption in the business and civil society sectors we have strengthened our ability to prevent money laundering and fraud and secure South Africa’s removal from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The country has addressed 20 of the 22 action items relating to combating money laundering and terrorist financing These improvements are essential not only to remove ourselves from the grey list but also to strengthen the battle against crime and corruption which is crucial for the betterment of all South Africans We will continue to resolve both remaining action items by June towards our removal from the grey list by October 2025 It is important to ensure that the G20 remains sensitive to the needs of the developing economies of Africa and to advance the interests and aspirations of the Global South As President Ramaphosa said during the G20 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting South Africa has identified four priorities for its G20 Presidency Our first priority is to strengthen disaster resilience and responses as we have recently witnessed floods across South Africa affecting both our coastal and inland provinces Natural disasters cause widespread damage to infrastructure The second priority is to ensure debt sustainability for developing economies The G20 will prioritise debt sustainability for developing economies address rising sovereign debt levels and servicing costs demonstrate leadership in addressing global economic imbalances and fill the funding gap necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals The third priority of South Africa's G20 Presidency is to mobilise finance for a just energy transition South Africa's G20 presidency aims to mobilise financing for a just energy transition by focusing on limiting global temperature rises in an equitable and just manner The country has pioneered the use of country platforms to coordinate funding through the Just Energy Transition Partnership The fourth and final priority is harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development Our hosting of the G20—and the Business 20—provided an opportunity to promote South Africa as a business and investment destination and for the country to take the lead on global economic challenges it is crucial that you maintain this momentum I wish to emphasise the importance of collaboration across all sectors to tackle future challenges and harness the talents of all South Africans guided by a vision of an inclusive South Africa This five-part series will feature South Africa’s most respected journalists and thought leaders diving into the pressing issues shaping the nation From economic resilience to the power of grassroots activism the sessions promise stimulating discussions and fresh insights 9 June | 8.30am to 9.30amThe Impact of Ordinary PeopleCan everyday citizens drive real change Award-winning journalist Estelle Ellis and Ozzy Nel explore how ordinary people are tackling South Africa’s biggest challenges – one action at a time 10 June | 8.30am to 9.30amThe State of Money in South AfricaFrom economic turbulence to financial resilience what does the future hold for SA’s financial landscape and a special guest unpack the latest trends in finance 11 June | 8.30am to 9.30amDisinformation Nation: Weaponising WordsHow smear campaigns and character assassinations shape countries Investigative journalist Caryn Dolley exposes the tactics used to manipulate public perception with case studies on SARS and Crime Intelligence 12 June | 8.30am to 9.30amLessons from the SpringboksWhat does it take to build a world-class team and a guest speaker break down the leadership and resilience that powered the Springboks’ success 13 June | 8.30am to 9.30amThe Power of Journalism in DemocracyIn an era of misinformation and political turbulence quality journalism is more vital than ever and acclaimed journalist Rebecca Davis discuss the role of fearless reporting in holding power to account Venue: Municipal Auditorium, HermanusTickets: General admission R120 | Pupils R50Book here now: https://www.hermanusfynarts.co.za/daily-maverick Don’t miss this thought-provoking series designed for those who believe in the power of information For sponsorship opportunities, contact: az.oc.kcirevamyliad@elociN | This was first published on the Daily Maverick Blog | #LiveJournalism the South African Whale Centre (SAWC) office has been off-campus at the Iziko South African Museum The research institute has been in Hermanus only since 2018 The Old Harbour Museum's board of trustees in partnership with a dedicated project-development team and the UP MRI Whale Unit recently announced plans to redevelop the Whale House Museum into a cutting-edge South African Whale Centre (SAWC) and a state-of-the-art global beacon for marine conservation and education The town will house the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Mammal Research Institute (MRI) The centre will also feature groundbreaking technology interactive exhibits and augmented reality displays that vividly illustrate whale behaviour and migration the centre will function as a hub for international whale and dolphin research Its partnership with the UP MRI Whale Unit will ensure that the SAWC remains at the forefront of scientific advancements maximising its educational outreach with the latest research findings," reads a statement from the South African Whale Centre The research centre 'allows research for whale conservation to enable engagement with the community allows public outreach and education because conservation can only be achieved when you approach communities and people with the right information,' believes Vermeulen the institute has provided 40 years of whale research and used long-term data to link back to altered whale ecosystems due to climate change Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in virtual whale encounters and explore the fascinating world of whale song "We want to create an experience of whales and the whale environment looking at the ability to experience the size of whales the song of whales without necessarily having the opportunity to go out on a boat.. we want to give you an experience of what the world of whales is like," says Vermeulen but the project is in its fundraising phase If you are - or know - of a corporate institute whose values match everything said, contact the research centre here. in a high angle technical rescue operation rescue a man who was injured in a fall at Geirings Point NSRI Hermanus dispatched an NSRI Hermanus rescue vehicle to investigate reports from Overberg Emergency Control of a man fallen at the Hermanus cliff walk at Gearings Point WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and ambulance Hermanus CMC (Critical Medical Care) and Overberg Fire and Rescue Services responded On arrival on the scene Police were in attendance at the casualty who was reported to be semi conscious after falling a significant distance from a cliff and landing on rocks NSRI crew and paramedics reached the 30 year old male casualty where medical treatment was initiated Rescue gear was transferred to the scene where a high angle rescue operation was commenced using Fire and Rescue Services and EMS rescue squad ladders was hoisted up the cliff in a coordinated rescue operation led by rescue paramedics On the patient being brought safely to the cliff top he was loaded into an ambulance and in the care of paramedics he was transported to hospital by CMC ambulance in a serious but stable condition for further medical care Rescue at Durban Harbour: Five lives saved following a swift response to a capsize boat in Durban harbour: NSRI Durban duty crew were activated by TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Durban Port Control reporting a boat capsized in Durban's Port were in distress in the water at the capsized boat NSRI Durban duty crew responded to the NSRI Durban station 5 rescue base where the NSRI rescue vessel Rescue 5 Alpha was launched had responded following alerts posted by Durban Port Control on the harbour marine VHF radio frequency The 5 occupants of the capsized vessel were struggling in the water saw the 2 private boats rescue all 5 casualty crew from the water The NSRI rescue craft arrived on the scene finding all 5 casualty crew safely on the 2 private boats 2 NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed - medical treatment was initiated to the 5 casualties who were showing signs of hypothermia The 5 casualties were brought safely to shore aboard the 2 boats "Simply the Best" and Double Strike The NSRI rescue swimmers had free dived under the upturned hull to make certain that there were no additional casualties trapped - it was confirmed that there had only been the 5 crew onboard and they were all accounted for The NSRI rescue swimmers then prepared the casualty boat to be righted and using the NSRI rescue craft the casualty boat was righted and brought to shore where the boat was recovered The swift response and the coordinated efforts of Durban Port Control the 2 private boats and NSRI Durban is commended for saving the lives of all 5 crew of the capsized boat A South African female crew member of a container motor vessel has been taken to hospital for treatment for medical complications in medical evacuation operation NSRI Table Bay duty crew and WC Government Health EMS rescue paramedics were placed on alert to prepare to medically evacuate a patient onboard a 398 meter container motor vessel on a voyage from Rotterdam to Malaysia and passing by Cape Town The operation initially expected to take place at 16h30 was then updated on information received and was launched at 17h30 was arranged to accompany our NSRI rescue craft to be transferred onto the motor vessel take over the duties of the patient for the remainder of their voyage At 18h11 the NSRI rescue craft DHL Deliverer accompanied by EMS rescuer paramedics and NSRI MEX (Maritime Extrication) crew and we rendezvoused with the motor vessel off-shore of Sea Point activated following NSRI MEX crew were transferred onto the motor vessel where the patient was secured into a harness and transferred onto our NSRI rescue craft DHL Deliverer The replacement crew member was safely transferred onto the motor vessel The patient was brought to our NSRI Table Bay station 3 rescue base and transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a stable condition for further medical care TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Table Bay Port Control Telkom Maritime Radio Services and the ship agent assisted MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) in the logistics and coordination of the medical evacuation operation A SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) paddler has been rescued after being caught in high winds offshore of Chapmans Peak NSRIO Hout Bay duty controllers were alerted by a Llandudno Lifesaving Club lifeguard who was witnessing a SUP paddler appearing to be in difficulty offshore of Chapmans Peak It appeared the the paddler was being blown further out to sea despite efforts to paddle towards the shoreline NSRI Hout Bay coast watchers were requested to "look out" while additional NSRI Hout Bay crew were dispatched to investigate With eyewitness reports being received that indicated the paddler was now falling off his board and appeared to be in increasing distress our NSRI Hout Bay duty crew were activated to respond to our NSRI Hout Bay station 8 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Albie Matthews was launched The Llandudno lifeguard and NSRI rescue crew observing the paddler from a vantage point height along Chapans Peak Drive and with increased concerns that the paddler was now appearing to be in peril assisted to direct the NSRI rescue craft to the paddlers location On the NSRI rescue craft Albie Matthews arriving on the scene to assist to medically evacuate the patient at NSRI Hout Bay base The man was brought to our NSRI rescue base where following some medical treatment for hypothermia he required no further assistance British tourist deceased in an apparent fatal drowning We’re proud to announce that our newly rebuilt NSRI Station 21 in St Francis Bay is now officially open we held a blessing ceremony for two new state-of-the-art rescue vessels: the Spirit of St Francis III .. Gqeberha — The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today officially celebrated the blessing of its latest state-of-the-art Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) at a ceremony held at the PE Deep Sea Angling Club building Subscribe today for information about NSRI rescues Luxury property buyers are increasingly investing in Hermanus in the Western Cape according to Seeff with the past five years having seen a noticeable rise in sales over R5 million with at least 26 homes sold for over R20 million to R40 million in Kwaaiwater Lightstone data shows that the coastal town boasts the highest volume and value of transactions of the five biggest of the smaller coastal towns This amounts to 808 transactions worth over R2.6 billion for the twelve months to the end of January 2025 Sales of houses priced over R5 million have more than doubled over the past five years from 57 transactions in 2019 to 132 Hermanus is now also competing with Plettenberg Bay in the high value category with some 26 residential homes sold for over R20 million over a five-year period Skip navigation and go to page content Liam Hermanus is amongst the latest Witsies to make waves in the sports world Liam recently played in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations Indoor hockey tournament with the Namibian national team in Namibia Namibia but opted to study at Wits University where he is currently in his final year studying Informational Engineering degree This is Liam’s second degree he’s looking to clinch after having graduated with distinction in a Biomedical Engineering degree in 2022 The Namibian sportsman is currently in his 5th year playing for the Wits 1st team after having made his international debut for Namibia at the age of 16 Liam Hermanus was also a part of the Namibian team that made history in the 2023 Indoor hockey World Cup becoming the first Namibian national team of any sporting code in the country to make the quarterfinals of a tournament where he shared his experience at the recent AFCON tournament and what generally keeps him ticking Please take us through your recent experience at the AFCON Indoor hockey tournament “It was quite a busy time leading up to AFCON with academic commitments as well as the upcoming exam period which followed shortly after AFCON it is always an easy transition into sports mode with the Namibian team I was extremely excited to have the tournament held on home soil at the exact same venue where I made my debut and the tournament was unbelievably well organized which made our job of just being hockey players even easier A lot of nerves but always a privilege to play for the Namibian flag and represent the country on the biggest platforms.” How have you gone about achieving such a great honour of representing your country it takes a lot of hard work and dedication It is about how much you are willing to do to get to that level as well as sacrifices Nothing comes easy but when you have clear goals of where you would like to end up it makes the effort you put in worth all the blood What lessons can you draw from competing against some of the best players on the continent African nations have proven that they can compete at the highest level Compete doesn't only mean step on the field and play but actually give the more established teams a run for their money to compete against the players that are playing in some of the best leagues in the world and producing results shows Namibia as a country that we are doing something right there is always something you can learn from other players various techniques or tactical mindsets and I think being open to learning is the only way we can continue to grow African hockey as iron sharpens iron.” How do you manage your academics and still be able to excel in your hockey “I guess having always been involved from a young age with multiple sporting codes and having to manage my academics to be allowed to participate in the various sports has taught me invaluable time management skills I also find that when there is no pressure or multiple commitments along with the academic commitments and it forces me to do things quickly and efficiently so that I allow for adequate amounts of time and effort for each aspect of my life.” What are you still looking to achieve in hockey “As I am coming to the end of my varsity career I am definitely looking to see where my hockey can go in the European scene and to see if I can make it in their topflight leagues Mainly looking to see if I can get to the 1st Bundesliga side in Germany next year.” Has Wits contributed to your success in any way and how Wits has played a significant role in my success The university has provided a supportive environment that balances both academic and athletic pursuits and the coaching staff is incredibly dedicated always pushing us to reach our full potential being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are equally driven has been motivating and that has definitely contributed to my growth as both a student and an athlete.” what else do you believe you would have wanted to become as that was the other sport I really enjoyed growing up Either that or try to take on golf seriously.” What bit of advice would you share with other student athletes looking to achieve national colours “My advice to other student athletes is to stay committed and never lose sight of your goals Time management is crucial; you need to balance your academic responsibilities with your training Surround yourself with a strong support system General enquiries Admission enquiries Vacancies Term dates Tenders Wits Shop Give to Wits Copyright © 2020-2024 - University of the Witwatersrand Terms and Conditions of Use POPIA PAIA ISPA Browser Support the new queer film by acclaimed South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus will be competing for the Palme d’Or prize – considered one of the film industry’s most prestigious awards – at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival The festival’s line-up was announced on Thursday representing some of the most critically anticipated films of the year The History of Sound’s screening at the festival in May will also serve as its world premiere is based on the award-winning short story of the same name by Ben Shattuck.  The History of Sound explores the relationship between two men who meet in 1916 They embark on a journey in the summer of 1919 to record the folk songs of their countrymen in rural New England The film stars Josh O’Connor—best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown—and Paul Mescal The actors are no strangers to queer cinema, with O’Connor having played a Yorkshire sheep farmer in the acclaimed gay love story God’s Own Country (2017) while Mescal starred the romantic fantasy film, All of Us Strangers (2023).  In a statement released when The History of Sound was first announced in 2021 Hermanus said: “I instantly fell in love with Ben Shattuck’s flawlessly beautiful short story and knew I had to be involved in its journey to the screen.” He described O’Connor and Mescal as “two of the most promising actors of their generation.” “This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told – it is a journey through the life of America across the 20th century and the traditions of American folk music all seen through the bond between two men immersed in the history of sound This undeniably powerful story will certainly resonate with audiences the world over.” Hermanus’ 2019 film Moffie told the story of a young conscript battling to survive compulsory military service in apartheid-era South Africa while coming to terms with his sexual orientation The film received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for three British Independent Film Awards His earlier queer-themed film, Skoonheid (Beauty) won the Queer Palm at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival which earned Academy Award nominations for Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay In 2024, he also released his first television project, Mary & George starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Do you appreciate the work that MambaOnline does in reporting on LGBTIQ news and issues Your support and show of appreciation can make all the difference in keeping our platform online Is mpox something that you are concerned about View Results 0861 99 00 44    Studio@smile904.fm Four people were rescued after their small cabin ski-boat capsized offshore between Vermont and Hawston The dramatic rescue unfolded after eyewitness reports of the incident prompted a swift response from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Hermanus NSRI Hermanus was alerted while its duty crew was returning from a routine training exercise Fishermen along the shoreline had noticed the capsized boat and people clinging to its upturned hull about 100 meters from shore further eyewitness reports confirmed the distress situation and Western Cape Government Health EMS was also activated rescuers found the four casualties—a father along with two 14-year-old boys from Stellenbosch—clinging to the upturned hull They had been in the water for more than seven hours since their boat capsized The family and their friends had been out on a fishing trip when a small wave unexpectedly capsized their boat while they were at anchor and the father initially feared his son had drowned when he disappeared under the boat though he was unconscious and lapsing in and out of consciousness who had remained close to the boat in the fog were rescued and treated for hypothermia and injuries The son’s condition was of particular concern and he was taken to the hospital alongside the others for further treatment NSRI teams continued their efforts to right the capsized boat which was eventually towed back to Hermanus Harbor A separate crew had also collected the father’s vehicle and boat trailer from Hawston and transported it to the hospital for the families expressed gratitude for the quick response of the eyewitnesses and rescuers They have requested privacy as they recover from the ordeal The NSRI commended the anglers and beachgoers who raised the alarm emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring a swift and successful rescue © Smile904.fm hosted and supported by ImmediaTerms of Use | General Contest Guidelines|Archive|Advertise with us|Privacy Policy|Contact Us Attorney and founding member of Cliff Path Action Group Southern Right whales have been making their way along the southern coast of South Africa with sightings reported in False Bay and other areas RELATED: PICS: Extraordinary white southern right whales spotted off Garden Route coast A favoured location for both whale enthusiasts and the whales themselves is Hermanus, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views from elevated vantage points. Seven years ago, a group of dedicated Hermanus volunteers formed the Cliff Path Action Group (CPAG) with the goal of enhancing public access to the coastline.  Their project aimed to link the two segments of the existing cliff path, thus avoiding the narrow sidewalk along the town’s busiest road. Now, the focus is on completing an 800-meter stretch of the path near Poole’s Bay. This section has remained largely inaccessible to the public, with only the most agile individuals able to navigate the rocky cliff terrain. The project is budgeted at R13 million, and although Waal says that some funds have been raised, the total still falls significantly short of this amount. He notes that an Environmental Authorisation (EA) for the pathway was granted in November 2022 and remains valid, despite objections from some residents about environmental concerns and potential impacts on their properties, which were ultimately dismissed. Waal hopes the project will be completed by June 2025.