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Delegation for a hydrogen economy in South Africa visits Japan.

The engagements profiled the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy and promoted collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap’s key outcomes,” the department said.

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.

The GX Plenary was hosted by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Minister also addressed the Sixth Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which was attended by ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.

On Monday, the DSI hosted a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.

The aim of the workshop, the department said, was for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.

The engagements concluded on 27 September 2023.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za

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HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATES SA’S RICH TAPESTRY OF CULTURES

Heritage Month is an opportunity for all South Africans to reconnect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, Celebrating our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa ‒ an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey and also embrace the complexities that come with nation-building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.

“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.

“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.

“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.

“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy had seen significant gains.

“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation-building.

“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.

“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

– Source: SAnews.gov.za
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Here are the countries which featured in the Top 10 Best Countries in the world to visit:

Top 10 Best Countries

  1. South Africa
  2. New Zealand
  3. Maldives
  4. Japan
  5. Australia
  6. Italy
  7. Kenya
  8. India
  9. Costa Rica
  10. Botswana
Read more..
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Some Proudly South African Accomplishment Earned in 2022

BY TYLER LEIGH VIVIER (GOOD THINGS GUY)

Travel

  • Cape Town Earns Place on “Most Instagrammable” List AGAIN. Read the story here.
  • 4 South African Spots Make World’s 100 Most Loved Destinations! Read the story here.
  • South Africa Named the 6th Best Honeymoon Destination in 2022. Read the story here.
  • Two South African Hotels Named on ‘Most Romantic in the World” List. Read the story here.
  • Mother City of South Africa Ranked Third Greatest City on Earth! Read the story here.
  • Boulder’s Beach Named 9th Best Beach in the World for 2022. Read the story here.
  • Franschhoek Makes Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ List for 2022! Read the story here.
  • 2 South African Ocean Pools Voted As Prettiest in The World! Read the story here.
  • Kruger National Park 5th on “Best Outdoor Destinations in the World” List. Read the story here.
  • Kirstenbosch Gardens Awarded “Travellers Choice ‘Best of the Best’”. Read the story here.
  • Cape Town Voted 11th Best City in The World (And 2nd Best in Africa)! Read the story here.
  • Listed: South African Street Named “Coolest” In The World! Read the story here.
  • The Silo Hotel Named One of “Most Instagrammable Pools in the World”. Read the story here.
  • Cape Town Voted as One of The Best Cities in The World! Read the story here.
  • These South African Resorts Have Just Been Announced As The Best In The World!!! Read the story here.
  • Cape Town was just awarded the ultimate industry accolade! Read the story here.
  • South Africa Named One of the Best Places to Retire in the World. Read the story here.
  • South African Lodge Named Best Responsible Tourism destination in the world. Read the story here.
  • South Africa Listed as One of Lonely Planet’s Top Destinations For 2023! Read the story here.
  • Cullinan Christmas Night Market Named One of the Best Christmas Markets in the World. Read the story here.
  • South African Cruise Travel Agency Voted “Africa’s Best” in Prestigious Awards! Read the story here.
  • Northern Cape Voted As Best Travel Destination For Quiet Getaways. Read the story here.

Lifestyle

  • Talented South African Land Artist Has Just Received a Prestigious Grant! Read the story here.
  • Only South African Selected For World Photography Awards To Exhibit in London! Read the story here.
  • SA Wines Win at 2021 Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters. Read the full story here.
  • Craig Jacobs Recipient of Prestigious Fashion Innovation Award! Read the story here.
  • Luxe Awards: South Africa’s Top Chef, Restaurant And Pop Up Experience Announced! Read the story here.
  • A South African Brandy has been Named Best Wine Brandy in the World. Read the story here.
  • Young South African Winemaker Takes Gold at 2022 London Wine Competition. Read the story here.
  • Young SA Restaurant Owner Named on List of World’s 50 Best 50 Next! Read the story here.
  • South Africa’s Best Pizza Restaurants As Voted By South Africans. Read the story here.
  • The Only 3 South African Restaurants Voted on World’s Best 100! Read the story here.
  • South African Superstar Chef to Head Up Award-Winning Kudu Restaurant in London. Read the story here.
  • Talented South African Photographer Given Residency in Amsterdam’s NOOR! Read the story here.
  • Global Publisher to Release First Graphic Novels From ZA’s Award-Winning Triggerfish Animation Studios. Read the story here.
  • Two South African Chefs Nominated As Best in the World! Read the story here.
  • South African Restaurant Tops World’s Extraordinary Fine-dining List! Read the story here.
  • Two South African Restaurants Land on Best Burger in the World List. Read the story here.
  • South African Hospitality Honoured at Inaugural Luxe 100 Best Awards! Read the story here.
  • SA Restaurant Perlemoen Named “World Hidden Gem” by La Liste. Read the story here.
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Consular appointments

To make an appointment please select a time slot for your Consular visit Forms to be completed in English only. 

Click on an available time slot below and fill in your details. 

If the slot is greyed out it is not available. Embassy holidays are also greyed out.

Please be sure of your appointment availability before booking as you will need to email the consular section on visa@dirco.gov.za if you need to cancel an appointment.

Agencies to kindly book one time slot for each applicant. 

Please contact the embassy Consular section for emergencies.