Namibia and South Africa urged to prioritize beneficiation over raw material export
via The Namibian1 min read
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged Namibia and South Africa to cease exporting raw materials and instead focus on beneficiation and industrialization. Speaking at the fourth session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, Ramaphosa hosted president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and emphasized the strong bond between the two nations. He stated that Africa is at a defining moment due to its vast natural resources, and the challenge lies in capturing greater value from these resources. Ramaphosa called for the development of regional value chains to create jobs and opportunities within southern Africa, rather than exporting raw materials and importing prosperity. He highlighted the Orange Basin as a promising energy frontier, suggesting its development should extend beyond oil and gas extraction to establish an integrated regional energy economy encompassing engineering, exploration, refining, logistics, maritime services, and advanced manufacturing.
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Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, with support from conservation partners, has translocated 575 wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservation areas, including communal conservancies in the Kunene region. Tristan Cowley, founder of Conservation Travel Foundation CTF, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, communities, and conservation organizations for Namibia's conservation success. CTF, the non-profit conservation arm of ultimate.earth, contributed approximately N$2.7 million to the operation. The Kunene region hosts desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, elephants, and lions. Conservation partners noted that increasing prey populations is crucial for ecological balance and for reducing human-wildlife conflict. Cowley emphasized the ongoing need for cross-sector collaboration to address conservation challenges, and CTF affirmed its commitment to supporting biodiversity protection and community conservation initiatives.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced that playmaker Richie Mo'unga will not be part of the squad for the upcoming "Greatest Rivalry" series against the world champion Springboks. Rennie stated that he has already outlined a team for the first of four Tests next month. Mo'unga, who was New Zealand's playmaker at the last two World Cups, is currently ineligible due to the national union's rules after playing club rugby in Japan. Although he has returned to New Zealand and signed a contract, he remains ineligible until October after completing a season in the domestic provincial competition. Rennie confirmed that Mo'unga will not be joining the tour unless another fly-half sustains an injury. He noted that he observed Mo'unga's "phenomenal" performance while coaching a rival club in Japan. The All Blacks will play against South African domestic sides Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls before the opening Test in Johannesburg on August 22. Rennie indicated that while selectors have a preferred team in mind, every player will have an early opportunity to contend for Test selection.
France and England are set to compete in the World Cup third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday, following their respective semi-final losses. France, who were defeated 2-0 by Spain, and England, who lost 2-1 to Argentina, are both grappling with the disappointment of not reaching the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel stated that neither team's players want to participate in this match, but they will approach it with professionalism. The game marks a significant moment for France coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, concluding a 14-year tenure that included a World Cup victory in 2018. The match could also be crucial for the Golden Boot race, with France captain Kylian Mbappe and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi currently tied at eight goals. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, each with six goals, also have a chance to contend. For Kane, who turns 33 this month, this game might be his last World Cup appearance, though he has not speculated on his international future. Mbappe also has an opportunity to advance in the all-time World Cup scoring charts, currently one goal behind Messi. Both Tuchel and Deschamps are expected to rotate their squads, potentially giving playing time to less-utilized players like Manchester United鈥檚 Kobbie Mainoo and France鈥檚 N鈥橤olo Kante.