Latest news with #Safta
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
LaConco makes acting debut in Mzansi Magic's 'Genesis'
LaConco made her acting debut on Tuesday night. Reality star and media personality Nonkanyiso Conco, better known as LaConco, has landed her first acting role. The Real Housewives of Durban star appeared in Mzansi Magic's new telenovela Genesis on Tuesday, playing the role of 'The Podcaster'. 'Hawu, thank you for featuring me,' she wrote on Instagram as she shared the news. Produced by Singavision Productions, Genesis premiered on 21 April. The drama follows former gospel queen Felicia Thabethe, whose once-unshakable legacy is shaken by shocking secrets, forcing her to fight for her family's name and save Genesis Records. The telenovela boasts a star-studded cast, including four-time Safta nominee Baby Cele, Buyile Mdladla, Nay Maps, Gaosi Raditholo, KB Motsilanyane and Kealeboga Masango. ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Don't be afraid to walk away' – Real Housewives star Beverley Steyn gets candid From reality TV to presenting LaConco rose to fame when she was engaged to former president Jacob Zuma. She then appeared on The Real Housewives of Durban before branching out into television presenting, hosting Our Perfect Wedding and Ingane Yam. Earlier this year, she launched her own podcast, Timeline with LaConco, which now has more than 30 000 subscribers. On the platform, she opened up about her relationship with Zuma, motherhood and other personal topics. READ MORE: Laconco, Lootlove and Relebogile Mabotja among big winners at Basadi in Music Vanguard Awards LaConco was also named Podcast Presenter of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards earlier this month. 'Great things truly come when you least expect them! Thank you Basadi in Music Awards for this beautiful recognition. 'To every soul that has poured into this vision, ngiyabonga from the depths of my heart,' she wrote, celebrating her win. NOW READ: How 'Muvhango' celebrated Tshivenḓa in a time of little representation
AsiaOne
06-08-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties, Singapore News
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received Australia's highest civilian honour, the Order of Australia, for his contributions toward growing its bilateral relationship with Singapore. Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who is on a state visit to Singapore, conferred on Lee the award of Honorary Companion in the General Division of The Order of Australia at an investiture ceremony on Aug 5. A citation from the Prime Minister's Office, Australia, said that "throughout his 40-year political career, and particularly as Prime Minister of Singapore from 2004 to 2024, Lee has made significant contributions to advancing Australia-Singapore relations". "He has been a strong and influential advocate for closer ties between our two countries and has consistently driven agreements and initiatives which encourage stronger and mutually beneficial relationships," the citation added. The economic relationship between Australia and Singapore has grown enormously during Lee's term as PM, the citation said, with Singapore becoming Australia's largest trading partner and investor in South-east Asia. The citation noted how Lee oversaw and drove six revisions of the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (Safta) — Canberra's first bilateral FTA with an Asian country — to keep it up to date and "anticipate change through new technologies and supply chain vulnerabilities". He oversaw the development of the 2015 Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which serves as a broad-ranging agreement to deepen collaboration between both countries, it said. He also actively welcomed and supported defence and security partnerships between the two countries, which have contributed to regional peace and security, and advocated strongly for Australia's inclusion in key regional forums, the citation said. It added: "Mr Lee's eminent service to the Australia-Singapore bilateral relationship is thoroughly worthy of formal national recognition". Lee was accompanied by Mrs Lee at the ceremony, held at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann, and North West District Mayor Alex Yam, who is also chairman of the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. In a speech after the investiture, Lee thanked the Australian government for the honour and said he was "deeply humbled to receive the award". "I do so on behalf of the generations of Singaporeans and Australians who have worked hard to strengthen the partnership between our two nations over the past six decades," he added. He noted that Australia had been a steadfast friend to Singapore over the years, being among the first to recognise the Republic's independence, and the first to establish diplomatic relations with it. The bonds have only deepened, he said. Security relations, which began with the Five Power Defence Arrangements in 1971, have grown over the years, with Australia welcoming the Singapore Armed Forces to train in the country. This year is the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby, the SAF's largest overseas unilateral exercise, in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland. And as both sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, Lee said he looks forward to its next bound and upgrade, when Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visits Australia for the 10th annual leaders' meeting later this year. Australia and Singapore have achieved a lot bilaterally and regionally, despite being very different countries, added Lee, who cited former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's description of the two as "a wide brown land and a little red dot". "It is fundamentally about our shared values, our compatible perspectives of the world, and a deep reservoir of trust built up over the years. We both believe in the importance of an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral order," said Lee. "Our societies are multicultural, diverse, and pragmatic. Australian leaders from both sides of the political aisle appreciate that Australia's future is deeply intertwined with our region's, while Singapore has consistently sought to be a steadfast partner and pathfinder for Australia's engagement in Southeast Asia." Lee added: "These deep and extensive ties did not come about by chance. They are the fruit of sustained hard work, political will, and mutual trust built through weathering tough times together. "I am privileged to have played a modest part in strengthening this relationship. I am confident that Singapore and Australia's friendship will continue to blossom and grow." Former Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong was awarded the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia in 2005, for his contribution to Australia-Singapore ties. Former foreign minister George Yeo, Stamford Land Corporation executive chairman Ow Chio Kiat and former police commissioner Khoo Boon Hui are among past recipients of the award of Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia, for their contribution to relations between the two countries. [[nid:720319]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's FTA gap: New Delhi has trade deficit with 5 partners; Asean deal under review
India has a merchandise trade deficit with five of the seven countries and blocs it has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with, ever since those deals came into effect, as per an analysis by ET . Together, these partners made up nearly 37% of India's overall trade deficit in FY25. Since 2021, India has entered FTAs with Mauritius, the UAE, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and Australia. While the deficit with the UAE has widened since 2022, the trade gap with Australia has narrowed. The agreement with the four-member EFTA is due to take effect in October, and India's deficit with the bloc declined in FY25 from the previous year. With Mauritius, India maintains a small surplus. In contrast, FTAs signed in the 2000s have generally seen India's trade deficit continue to rise, except in the case of the South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta), where India enjoys a surplus. The trade shortfall with the 10-member ASEAN bloc, for instance, jumped to $45.2 billion in FY25 from $25.8 billion in FY22 and $21.8 billion in FY19. Deficits with Japan and South Korea have also increased. A government official said India's newer trade agreements are seeing better utilisation than older ones, with continued efforts to keep trade balanced. 'A review of the trade pacts with Asean and Korea is underway,' said another official, adding, 'However, the Asean is stonewalling the review and we are trying to assess why the utilisation of the deal is low.' The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement was implemented in 2010. In FY25, India's goods exports to the ASEAN bloc fell 5.4% year-on-year to $38.96 billion, while imports rose 5.6% to $84.16 billion. Though India continues to post a surplus under the 21-year-old Safta agreement, the surplus has declined between FY22 and FY25. Between FY19 and FY25, India's reliance on FTA partners has grown. Imports from all FTA countries and blocs rose during this period, while export growth was limited to a few. Currently, these partners account for 28.1% of India's exports and 29% of its imports. According to an analysis by the commerce and industry ministry, the number of preferential certificates of origin issued under India's FTAs with the UAE and Australia increased by 24.7% and 19% respectively last year. The analysis is significant as utilisation rates under trade agreements with Korea, Japan, and ASEAN remain low, ranging between 4% and 25% across several products. Preferential certificates of origin allow exporters to avail tariff concessions offered under free trade agreements. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
It's not so good(s)! India has trade gap with 5 of 7 key FTA partners
India has run a merchandise trade deficit with five of the seven trade partners including two blocs it has free trade agreements (FTAs) with, ever since the pacts came into force, an ET analysis has shown. These trade partners collectively accounted for nearly 37% of India's total trade deficit in FY25. India has since 2021 entered into trade pacts with Mauritius, the UAE, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Australia. Its trade deficit with the UAE has expanded since 2022, but that with Australia narrowed. While the pact with the four-nation EFTA is expected to come into force in October, the trade gap with the grouping reduced in 2024-25 from the previous fiscal year. With Mauritius, India has a small surplus. In comparison, the deficit with partners India signed trade pacts with in the 2000s continued to widen, barring the South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta) where it is a surplus. Notably, the deficit with the 10-nation Asean bloc ballooned to $45.2 billion in FY25 from $25.8 billion in FY22 and $21.8 billion in FY19. Deficits with Japan and South Korea also widened. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Lifetime Office 365 Download Undo A government official said the utilisation of India's new trade deals was higher than that of the old ones and that efforts were ongoing to maintain balanced trade. Live Events "A review of the trade pacts with Asean and Korea is underway," said another official, adding: "However, the Asean is stonewalling the review and we are trying to assess why the utilisation of the deal is low." The Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement came into effect in 2010. India's goods exports to the Asean shrank 5.4% on-year in FY25 to $38.96 billion, while imports rose 5.6% to $84.16 billion. India continues to maintain a trade surplus with South Asia under the 21-year-old Safta. But this surplus has shrunk between FY25 and FY22. Overall, India's reliance on its FTA partners has grown between FY19 and FY25. Imports from all FTA countries and regions increased during this period, while exports growth was limited to a few. These partners now account for 28.1% of India's exports and 29% of its imports. As per an analysis done by the commerce and industry ministry, the number of preferential certificates of origin issued by India under FTAs with the UAE and Australia rose 24.7% and 19%, respectively, last fiscal year. The analysis assumes significance as the utilisation rates under trade pacts with Korea, Japan and Asean have been estimated between 4% and 25% in many products. The preferential certificates of origin enable exporters to claim tariff benefits under free trade pacts.
News24
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Legendary radio and TV actor Meme Ditshego dies aged 60
Award-winning actor Meme Ditshego has died. She died on Wednesday after a short illness, her management said. Details surrounding Ditshego's memorial and funeral service details will be communicated once available. South African Film and Television (Safta) award-winning radio and TV actor Meme Ditshego has died. She was 60. Ditshego's talent management agency, Eye Media Artists, confirmed her death in a press statement on Thursday afternoon. 'It is with deep sorrow and reverence that we announce the passing of Meme Ditshego – a beloved South African actress, legendary comedic talent and a true veteran of our screen and stage,' the statement read. 'Meme passed away on the evening of 25 June 2025, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and generations. She was a pioneer of performance – a woman whose vibrant spirit, sharp wit and undeniable presence brought life to every role she played.' Speaking to News24, Ditshego's talent agent, Thabang Israel, said the veteran actor died after a short illness at an undisclosed hospital. According to him, her condition worsened over the weekend. 'Her unforgettable work has headlined major productions across SABC, eTV, Netflix and MultiChoice, touching the hearts of South Africans and global audiences alike. Whether through laughter or heartfelt storytelling, Meme had a rare gift: she made us feel,' the statement added. 'As her management, Eye Media Artists stands with her family during this painful time. We kindly ask that the public give them the space, love and time they need to grieve and process the unimaginable loss.'
