Latest news with #Stander
The South African
7 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event
Cape Town continues to grow in popularity with visitors. Image via Pixabay. Home » Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event Cape Town continues to grow in popularity with visitors. Image via Pixabay. Cape Town is growing in popularity with business travellers. In fact, a new report shows that the city is now one of the world's top destinations for international conventions. That's according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The report provides insight into global association meetings, including the favourite destinations for such conferences. Cape Town has risen 15 spots in the ICCA GlobeWatch 2024 rankings for international association meetings. It now ranks 35th globally. The city also ranks in the top 10 globally for average attendance per event. 717 delegates attend the average event in the city. Cape Town hosted 58 international meetings in 2024, up from 42 in 2023. Smaller towns like Stellenbosch also hosted multiple events, reflecting a province-wide trend. South Africa as a whole remains the top country in Africa for international meetings. The country hosted 98 international meetings in both 2023 and 2024. The business events industry generated over R2 billion for the national economy in that period. The rise is attributed to strategic bidding, strong public-private partnerships, and increasing interest in the region as a hub for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, welcomed the news. In a statement on Bizcommunity, CEO Wrenelle Stander said: 'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events.' Stander added that Wesgro secured 36 new conference bids for 2024/25, projecting an impact of R745 million and over 27 000 delegates through 2028. Cape Town's rise in the rankings was also celebrated by Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, also welcomed the news. The Mother City's popularity is by no means slowing down. Cape Town will host a plethora of conventions in the next few years, including: International Communication Association Congress (2026) World Congress on ADHD (2027) World Congress of Entomology (2028) Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Tatler Asia
03-06-2025
- General
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A serene estate surrounded by layered gardens in South Africa
When Stander and Ferreira purchased the property almost two decades ago, they were attracted in part by its location—nestled on the edge of Knysna Forest, a patch of wilderness located close to the coast and characterised by indigenous afromontane vegetation, which has also long been renowned as one of South Africa's loveliest places. The property featured an original woodcutter's adobe brickhouse as well as several other structures, including a pair of timber cottages. 'The buildings were neat and beautifully built with basic materials and minimal fittings,' they recall. 'Small pockets of garden with larger areas of lawn surrounded the buildings, and the rest of the 1.75 hectares of land was maintained with a tractor-mounted mower that kept the field low, promoting the growth of buffalo grass. Scattered with Australian blackwood and pine, it had a good number of water tanks for storage of rainwater, which is the only source of water. It was very liveable and basically a clean palette for our vision.' Above Stander with Shinto, one of the three Maine Coon cats that reside at Highacre Above Ferreira putting the finishing touches to the floral arrangements Above This cottage living room features a vintage leather sofa Above Built using partially salvaged materials, the conservatory was designed as the ideal environment for nurturing delicate potted plants and flowers It is almost impossible to imagine Highacre as it once was. Today, its lush, layered gardens bear little resemblance to their former state. And initially at least, realising their vision was a challenge. Highacre is on the edge of an indigenous forest reserve, so 'initially, wildlife such as baboons, bushbuck, porcupines and bushpigs raided newly planted areas', they say. 'We had to fence off a section of the garden and in time, we managed to protect our territory with our family of dogs.' This wonderfully disparate pack—there are currently 12 canines in all, ranging in size and breed from a diminutive yet very assertive Jack Russell Terrier to gentle but incredibly speedy giant Boerwindhonde—roams the garden freely, forming an effective deterrent against baboons in particular. Marauding wildlife was not the only challenge encountered. Heavy clay with a relatively thin layer of topsoil necessitated painstakingly labour-intensive and time-consuming preparation of the soil during each phase of the development of the garden. In several areas, too, 'we used permaculture practices to prepare areas for planting', say the owners. Above The garden at Highacre faces the east and frames sunrises beautifully Above Hannes Stander and Daniel 'DP' Ferreira with some of their beloved pet dogs, Above Shinto, one of the three Maine Coon cats that reside at Highacre Above Some of Ferreira's collection of vases, furniture, glassware, cutlery and crockery lend a charming touch With the absence of an existing irrigation system and rainwater as its sole source, water conservation remains an ongoing priority. 'Watering only when needed has ensured a garden that would be resilient over time,' they say. This area does usually get fairly good rainfall—although of course it can vary in a time of climate change—but the abundant feel of all of Highacre's various garden spaces is a result of careful soil preparation, ecologically sensitive planting and wise water planning. Highacre now features multiple different spaces, each with its own distinct identity and atmosphere. Overall, the garden is a masterclass in beautifully textured, naturalistic planting, and incorporates a large pond and surrounding wetland, an area that at the height of summer overflows with the blooms of 19 different species of agapanthus, a restful round lawn surrounded by walled seating that defines its circle, an elegant gravelled walk enclosed by high hedges, a fragrant rose garden and an abundance of beautiful trees. All of the various spaces of the garden are linked via pathways that twine through the landscape, enabling visitors to meander at leisure and wherever they please. In case you missed it: Inside Peninsula House: The transformation of a Penang art deco landmark Above Exposed roof beams lend a barn-like feel to the conservatory Above A corner featuring a ceramic prep sink from Koöperasie Stories Above A steely blue wall acts as a calming backdrop to an assortment of curiosities Above This botanical-themed table setting features vintage Villeroy & Boch fruit plates and Wedgwood majolica green glazed salad plates In addition, there is the delightfully layered and rustic conservatory, which is both a variably semi- to fully enclosed greenhouse in which potted plants can be nurtured, and a wonderful space in which small events are hosted. Combining the conservatory with the beautiful garden pavilion—a fairly newly developed part of Highacre that straddles the boundary between the more intensely developed garden and the natural environment, and is accessible via an elongated pergola—makes for a truly special environment in which to celebrate a wedding or a birthday. Two charmingly appointed guest cottages provide overnight accommodation for visitors. The creative owners might focus their attention in different realms, with Stander mainly working in landscape design and Ferreira taking the lead on events and floristry, but their mutual love of plants is clearly key to both their professional and personal lives. When asked what it is about working with plants that has always attracted them, they respond: 'Their presence as a life force in our environment—and how they can be grown, nurtured and shaped to fulfil a desired function in the garden.' Above Interior walls are clad in salvaged terracotta roof tiles Above An abundance of foliage in the garden Above The delightfully layered and rustic conservatory, which is both a variably semi- to fully enclosed greenhouse Stander's office and landscaping yard are located on the property, making Highacre a busy place on a daily bais, while Ferreira's studio in the nearby town of Knysna, where he keeps a collection of vases, furniture, glassware, cutlery and crockery for the events sude of their business, is also invariably a hive of activity. But the Highacre garden itself remains a focus. This is their home as well as a place for hosting events and guests, and they 'spend as much time as possible here to make sure that it is continually developed, kept in a beautiful state and nurtured sufficiently'. Unique and special places—especially gardens—can't be brought into existence overnight. It has taken many years of effort and care to create Highacre; as Stander and Ferreira declare: 'We consider each space and project very carefully, regarding function and aesthetic before we manifest a space. Sometimes we contemplate for a long time, and when the installation happens, it draws from all those thoughts, discussions and dreams.' Their combined aesthetic skills, plus bucketloads of patience, dedication and hard work, have enabled the development of this unique and special place, which 'celebrates the botanical realm' in a way that is sure to inspire and invigorate those fortunate enough to visit it in person for many years to come. Credits Images: Warren Heath / Bureaux Images: Sven Alberding / Bureaux
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Court dismisses bid to drop charges in 1987 student activist Nyoka's murder case
The court rejected claims of no evidence in the case of apartheid-era officers accused of murdering Caiphus Nyoka in 1987. The Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni has rejected claims of no evidence in the case of two former apartheid-era officers accused of murdering student activist Caiphus Nyoka in 1987. The court ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial of two ex-officers accused of killing the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) member and student activist. This follows a Section 174 application brought under the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 by former commanding officer Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg (75) and former Sergeant Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61). The two, along with former Sergeant Pieter Stander, 60, are facing a murder charge in connection with Nyoka's death. Nyoka gunned down According to the allegations, the three members of the South African Police Service's Reaction Unit got together on the evening of 23 August, 1987 to plot Nyoka's murder. Van Den Berg allegedly led the planning of a raid on his residence. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said at around 2am on 24 August, 1987, Stander, Engelbrecht, and other Reaction Unit members – who are also charged separately – arrived at Nyoka's home and broke into his room. ALSO READ: NPA reopens inquests into Chief Albert Luthuli and Griffiths Mxenge's deaths 'They found him sleeping with three of his friends. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him nine times,' Mahanjana said. Nyoka died on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Trial proceedings During the trial, the state called five witnesses, including Nyoka's sisters Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka and one of his three friends who were present on the night of the incident, Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane. The court also heard testimony from expert witness Dr Nicky Rousseau, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) researcher, and the investigating officer, Lieutenant Petrus Colonel Beukman. After five witnesses testified, the state closed its case. Accused application dismissed 'Thereafter accused number one (Van Den Berg) and two (Engelbrecht) brought a section 174 application claiming that the state had no case,' Mahanjana said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays 'After the court dismissed their application, accused number three (Stander) opted to remain silent and closed his case.' The court has postponed the matter to 8 to19 September for the defence cases of Engelbrecht and Stander. Sentencing The sentencing proceedings for Johan Marais, 65, a former member of the Reaction Unit 6 in Dunnottar who was prosecuted and found guilty of the same offences, have been rescheduled for 5 to 6 June. 'This court outcome is encouraging as the state overcomes the first hurdle that was presented by the defence in order to prevent the trial from proceeding,' Mahanjana concluded. 'The state will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served against such atrocities of the apartheid era.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Declare gender violence in S.Africa a national disaster, campaigners say
Several hundred people marched on Friday against femicide and gender violence in South Africa, calling for the "scourge" to be declared a national disaster. Gender-based violence is endemic in the economic powerhouse where one in three women experiences physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, according to UN figures. The rally -- one of many organised across the country on Friday -- marched to the Union Buildings, the majestic seat of government that adjoins the presidential palace in the capital Pretoria. They handed a petition to the government which was received by a deputy minister. Counting the black-clad Miss South Africa Mia le Roux within their ranks, they booed, chanted and waved placards reading slogans such as "My body is not a crime scene!". "It is time for change. We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over and nothing happens," said Siphiwe George, founder of a group called Women Waging War, who drove nine hours to join the protest. Declaring the violence a national disaster "will open up a whole new level of how we can fight this scourge", she told AFP, saying it would release funds for shelters for victims. South Africa, a nation of 62 million people, has some of the highest rates of violence against women and children in the world, according to the UN agency, UN Women. On average, at least 129 rapes are reported daily, according to the latest police data which does not specify the gender of the victims. - Violence 'a pandemic' - "We are the rape capital of the world. Our statistics are horrific," Women for Change spokesperson Bulelwa Adonis told AFP. "Our country has showcased so many times that this is a pandemic," she said. "It's time that it's declared a national disaster because enough is enough." In one of the latest cases to anger the country, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped at her school last year but no arrests have yet been made. The case gained nationwide attention only last month, after her mother revealed the details in a podcast and local media. Witney Stander, whose sister was killed in 2023, said the time had come for perpetrators to be held to account. "We just want some accountability and some action to be taken," she told AFP. Ntombifuthi Stander also demanded that police do more to tame the violence. Recalling the day her daughter was killed, she said police "refused to come out and help us". "We are crying... that day was a nightmare," Stander said. Action has long been promised. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday there was an urgent need to address legal blind spots that worked against the rights and interests of survivors of gender violence. "Laws cannot just be written, they must be enforced," he told a conference of women judges. "Perpetrators must be held accountable, and the sentences they are given should reflect the seriousness of their crimes." str-ho/br/kjm
BBC News
18-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
African penguins to be protected by no-fishing zones in landmark South African deal
Six key breeding areas are to be safeguarded to help save the African penguin, following a landmark court order in South year scientists warned that the species was declining by around 8% every year and could become extinct within a court has imposed no-fishing zones around the breeding colonies to prevent so-called purse seine fishing vessels, which use large nets, from catching sardines and anchovies for the next 10 order is the result of an out-of-court settlement reached before a three-day High Court hearing was due to start between conservation groups, the commercial fishing industry and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Last year, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) started the legal action - the first case of its kind in South alleged that ministers had failed to adequately protect the endangered species after failing to implement key recommendations from a scientific panel brought in by the government to assess the risk to the African argued the continuation of "inadequate" interim closures to fishing vessels around the breeding colonies, which are mainly in the Western Cape, had been Biodiversity Law Centre, which represents the groups, said the number of penguins had dwindled from 15,000 in 2018 to just under 9,000 at the end of said if the current rates of decline persisted the African penguin could be extinct by order, issued by the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, outlines no-go zones for the commercial sardine and anchovy fishing vessels around six key African penguin breeding colonies: Dassen Island, Robben Island, Stony Point, Dyer Island, St Croix Island and Bird Island. The DFFE has two weeks to make sure the permit conditions and the closures are Stander, head of conservation at Sanccob, said the journey was far from over."The threats facing the African penguin are complex and ongoing - and the order itself requires monitoring, enforcement and continued co-operation from industry and the government processes which monitor and allocate sardine and anchovy populations for commercial purposes," she anchovy and sardine fishing industry said it was pleased an agreement had been made, saying the decision was halfway between the interim closures and the area closures requested by conservation also added that the perception that the fishing industry was the primary cause of the decline of the penguin population was order will last for the next 10 years, bringing it to 2035 which is when scientists predicted the penguin would be extinct. Its progress will be reviewed six years from now. You may also be interested in: Pink flamingos 'seized from smugglers' in TunisiaElephant tusks worth $11m destroyed from African stockpileHow an undercover sting outwitted pangolin traffickers Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
