Latest news with #Jabu
The South African
23-04-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Snow in KZN? Here's what we know so far
It was expected to snow in KwaZulu-Natal this April and that's what had locals buzzing a few days ago. The many reports of cold fronts taking over parts of the country caused many to believe snow was headed for the Drakensberg and its surrounding areas. But as the days go by, many are left wondering: is the snow still coming? In mid-April, several weather alerts warned the people of KZN of possible snowfall. Reports revealed it is expected to snow, especially around the high-altitude regions near the Drakensberg. The South African Weather Service indicated that the province could expect heavy rains and very cold weather. So far, most areas that were expected to be affected have only experienced a bit of rain but mostly cloudy days. The drastic drop in temperature and heavy snowfall that had been hinted at hasn't happened. Since there have not been any fresh updates from SAWS, it looks like the snowstorm might've fizzled out before it even arrived. On social media people have chirped in. 'I kept checking the mountains from my backyard,' said Jabu on X. 'We were told to expect snow, but there's nothing.' Others say they've learned not to trust the weather forecast until it actually hits. For now, it looks like the much-anticipated KwaZulu-Natal snow is a no-show. Unless the skies surprise us later this week, people should keep in mind there has been no official confirmation that it's still on the way. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah, Sarawak urged to boost cultural tourism collaboration
Joniston with Jabu (second right) and Pairin (third right) during a visit to Koisaan Cultural Village in Penampang. PENAMPANG (April 22): Sabah and Sarawak should further strengthen collaboration in cultural tourism to highlight Borneo's shared heritage, said Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said both states have strong potential to jointly promote Borneo as a seamless travel experience through cultural trails, visit exchanges and community-based attractions. 'Sarawak's tagline is 'Gateway to Borneo', but ideally, we want visitors to enter Sarawak and end their journey in Sabah,' Joniston quipped, adding that the focus should be on connection, not competition, by packaging attractions across both states as part of a unified Bornean experience. Joniston made the remarks during a visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, who led community leaders from Betong to the Koisaan Cultural Village at the Hongkod Koisaan here today. Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan was also present. Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, said both governments should explore structured collaboration in cultural preservation and community development through joint programmes and cross-border initiatives. 'There is a growing need to empower our community through heritage, not just to preserve culture, but to turn it into economic opportunity, especially in rural areas,' he said. He also suggested policy support for cultural entrepreneurship and youth driven innovation rooted in indigenous knowledge. Sharing similar views, Jabu said Sarawak is open to deeper collaboration, particularly in organising reciprocal cultural visits and joint youth engagements. 'As neighbouring states, we should be working more closely. Our cultures are quite similar, and it makes sense to have more frequent exchanges,' he said. 'In fact, I'd like to invite KDCA to join us in celebrating a cultural festival this June in my constituency,' said the Layar assemblyman. Jabu also noted his ongoing engagement with Sabahan students in Sarawak, especially at UNIMAS, where he regularly encourages them to participate in cultural events to stay in touch with their heritage. In welcoming the Sarawak visitors, Pairin said Sabah and Sarawak share similar aspirations, and as such initiatives that could bring the two neighbouring States closer need to be intensified.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Collaboration, not competition, for a unified Borneo experience
Sabah's Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (seated second right), Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu ( third right) and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (fourth right) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (second right) looking at the magunatip dance. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak should prioritise collaboration over competition by crafting a unified Borneo experience, showcasing both states' rich cultural heritage to create a seamless travel journey. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, in saying this, stressed the importance of linking the attractions across both states, offering visitors an immersive and cohesive cultural journey that spans the whole of Borneo. By pooling their resources and efforts, he believes Sabah and Sarawak can highlight their shared heritage and increase the appeal of the region as a prime cultural destination. "While Sarawak's tagline is 'Gateway to Borneo,' we envision a journey where visitors start in Sarawak and conclude in Sabah. This is not about competition, it is about connection. 'When we promote both states together, we create a holistic Bornean experience that will be far more attractive to travellers,' he said. The Sabah Tourism Board chairman made the comments during a visit by Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who led a group of community leaders from Betong to the Koisaan Cultural Village at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Tuesday (April 22). Also in attendance was Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Bangkuai called for more structured collaboration between both states to preserve and promote cultural heritage through joint programmes and cross-border initiatives. He noted that leveraging culture could provide economic opportunities, especially in rural areas, where tourism can bring growth and development. "By working together, we preserve our heritage and turn it into an opportunity for progress, particularly in our rural communities. Empowering communities through their culture can boost local economies and ensure that future generations can benefit from this legacy,' Bangkuai said. Echoing this sentiment, Jabu expressed Sarawak's eagerness for deeper cooperation, particularly through reciprocal cultural visits and joint youth-focused initiatives. "Our cultures are intrinsically linked, and as neighbouring states, it makes sense to enhance our relationship through frequent exchanges," Jabu said. He also invited the KDCA to participate in a Cultural Festival in his constituency of Layar this June, underscoring his commitment to furthering ties between the two states. Jabu highlighted his ongoing engagement with Sabahan students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), encouraging them to stay connected to their heritage by participating in cultural activities. "It is vital that we keep the spirit of our culture alive for the next generation," he added. Pairin welcomed the visit, reinforcing the importance of deepening the relationship between Sabah and Sarawak. "We share similar goals and aspirations. It is essential that we intensify our initiatives to bring our states closer together,' he said.
