International Press Release Submissions

2021 Simola Hillclimb winner Pieter Zeelie shines at FIA International Hill Climb Cup

South African businessman Pieter Zeelie competed at the FIA International Hill Climb Cup at Osnabrück in Germany on 6 and 7 August 2022 Zeelie finished second in the highest Performance Factor class (PF1), and third overall in the Production Car category in his Toyota MR2 Super GT – the same car he used to win the 2021 Simola Hillclimb Sights set on contesting the Hill Climb Masters in 2023, on invitation from the FIA as the 2021 Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill   KNYSNA, South Africa, 24 August 2022 – One of the big-hitters of Knysna’s Simola Hillclimb – South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event – has made his mark on the international stage. Pieter Zeelie, 2021 King of the Hill winner in the Modified Saloon Car category, competed in the prestigious FIA International Hill Climb Cup in Osnabrück, Germany at the beginning of August – and, to say that he did South Africa proud would be a huge understatement. Driving his locally developed, highly modified and impeccably prepared Toyota MR2 Super GT V6 Turbo, Zeelie became the first South African to compete in a European hillclimb event against some of the top competitors in the world, with the line-up featuring a total of 185 entries from 14 countries across the various classes. Despite this being his first international event, Zeelie powered his way onto the podium by finishing second in the highest Performance Factor class (PF1) and third overall in the Production Car category. This exceptional feat was achieved on the tight and very technical 2.03 km Osnabrück hillclimb course in Lower Saxony, with this year being the 54th edition of the event which attracted around 25 000 spectators. “The Osnabrück hillclimb is similar in distance to the 1.9 km Simola Hillclimb, but has 13 corners versus approximately eight of Simola, depending on which you regard to be corners as some are taken as straights,” Zeelie says. “The corners at Osnabrück are generally much slower …


Source: MyPR International

U.S. Prosper Africa Delegation Advances Power of Pan-African Creative Industry at FAME Week in South Africa

U.S. Prosper Africa Press Release August 23, 2022 Prosper Africa is convening a delegation of U.S. Government officials and American companies to FAME Week Africa, a premiere pan-African event promoting arts, film, television, animation, music, fashion, and media across the continent. Prosper Africa is the U.S. Government initiative to boost two-way trade and investment between the United States and African countries. Through Prosper Africa and beyond, the U.S. Government recognizes the power of the creative industries in driving investment and business opportunities in the U.S. and Africa. The three-day FAME Week Africa event – held in Cape Town, South Africa – will showcase the role of creative industries in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa. The U.S. delegation to FAME will connect U.S. and international film distributors with African producers and distributors for networking and business opportunities. The United States – one of the world’s leading exporters of creative goods and services, contributing $660 billion of the global $2 trillion media and entertainment market – was selected as the Guest Country for this year’s inaugural FAME Week Africa. Crossover between the U.S. and African creative industries is already occurring, with Netflix as the largest streaming player in Africa hosting more than two million subscribers, and Amazon Video and Walt Disney Studios signing finance and production deals with African creators. The new U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E. Brigety II, offered remarks on behalf of the United States at the event’s opening ceremony. The U.S. Government delegation includes officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Prosper Africa Secretariat, alongside a group of U.S. businesses and investors. “We live in an interconnected world. We all know the power of the creative industries in telling stories, building …


Source: MyPR International

FNB enables Google Wallet to expand contactless payment convenience and choice for customers

Customers encouraged to use Google Wallet with FNB Virtual Card for a truly digital experience 23 August 2022: FNB and RMB Private Bank customers with Android-powered smartphones, tablets, or watches can now also use Google Wallet for safer and more secure contactless payments. Retail customers can now link their physical and virtual FNB debit, fusion, or credit cards to Google Wallet, while Commercial clients can link their physical and virtual debit cards. For a truly digital experience, FNB recommends that customers load their existing Virtual Card or create a new one for free to use with the Google Wallet app, which can be downloaded from the Play Store, providing them with more ways to make contactless and digital payments. The FNB Virtual Card allows customers to enjoy added benefits such as purchase protection as well as an uninterrupted digital experience should their card be lost or damaged. The Virtual Card offers enhanced security, such as a dynamic CVV number that changes frequently to reduce the risk of fraud. It can be used for contactless device payments, as well as e-commerce purchases, streaming services, and subscription payments. Raj Makanjee, FNB Retail CEO, says, "The addition of Google Wallet as one of our supported third-party digital wallets is consistent with our mission to provide customers with a wide variety of safer and more convenient online and in-person payment options. This is in addition to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay, as well as our own FNB Tap to Pay and Scan to Pay. We have millions of customers using Android-powered devices, so we are pleased to provide our customers with even more choice and convenience." Earlier this year, the Bank revealed that monthly payments via FNB Pay enabled digital wallets have surpassed R1 billion, as customers increasingly prefer making contactless payments via their smart devices. Furthermore, the use of FNB Pay supported digital wallets, which can be linked to the …


Source: MyPR International

Who’s My Daddy?

A colourful cast of almost 50 all-star performers will get the country laughing from Friday, 2 September with the laugh-a-minute film ‘Who’s My Daddy’. Prikesh Nair a wannabe entertainer (played by Sans Moonsamy - Mr Bones 3, Blitz Patrollie, Vir Altyd) teams up with Alfie the effervescent entertainment agent (played by Alfred Ntombela also Mr Bones 3 and truly an SA favorite) and journalist Emma Wood (played by newcomer Nadia Jaftha). The threesome go on a rollicking journey to find Prikesh’s long lost father. With nothing but the sketchiest of clues to go on, this adventurous pursuit leads the three into hilarious situations. The film includes local legends like you have never seen them before, like Dr Victor, Sipho Hotstix Mabuze, Dawnay, Hamish Kyd and the sadly late but great Sharlene Surtie Richards and Afzal Khan. The film is a laugh a minute with a romantic subplot and the soundtrack of will have audiences jiving in their seats. Crazy cameos by comedians Jason Goliath, David Kau, Celeste Ntuli, Tumi Morake, Chris Forrest. Angelique Gerber and Francois Jacobs are fan favorites from their Afrikaans films. Then throw in Bianca Le Grange (idols) and B-Girl dancer Courtnae Paul, Mahendra Raghunath who’s face is synonymous with News in SA. Nomsa Buthelezi (Ou Toppies), Nick Nkuna (7de Laan), Khanya Mkangisa (The Queen) and Matthew Govender narrate this story. The comedy’s delicious Indian is spiced up by Keru Kisten (Red Room and Top Billing), Kogie Naidoo (Broken Promises), Bash with Tash, Logie Naidoo, Kerusha Kylie Govender (Mela), Henry Ramkissoon of the Dingalings to name a few. Justin Strydom (Silverton Siege) Mpho Osei Tutu also feature in equally fantastic roles. The film was written by award winning writers Sans Moonsamy and Keru Kisten, and was directed by Sans and David Kau. Who’s My Daddy? will open on Friday, 2 September at over 50 cinemas nationwide and carries a PG13 rating. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to …


Source: MyPR International

WesBank adds additional services to its pioneering online Wshop solution

18 August 2022: Financing the purchase of a vehicle is the first step in a WesBank customer’s total vehicle ownership journey. Keeping the car on the road and maintaining it in peak condition are important steps that follow but can incur unforeseen and unbudgeted costs. As the leading provider of innovative vehicle and asset solutions, WesBank’s industry pioneering Wshop is a convenient online retail platform that facilitates the purchase of items from select partners. The Wshop payment solution makes it easier for qualifying customers to keep both their wallet and vehicle happy, enabling clients to buy selected vehicle add-ons such as tyres, batteries and accessories through their existing vehicle finance contract. “Qualifying customers with a finance contract can buy a voucher for selected vehicle add-ons from the Wshop and simply add the cost to their contract and pay it off over the remaining loan term at the same interest rate,” says Dane Reddy, Chief Digital Officer of WesBank. Qualifying criteria: Must have more than 13 months left on the Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) contract Must not be in arrears or under debt review Must pay their VAF instalments by means of a monthly debit order Must be able to afford the additional monthly payment Wshop partners include: Tyres, batteries & shocks: Tiger Wheel & Tyre and Tyres and More Car audio: RockFordFosgate, Kicker Car safety: Lamin8 anti-smash and grab film and paint protection film An exciting addition to the Wshop is the ability for WesBank customers to access Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service, maintenance and warranty plans from all WesBank participating partners. In addition, OEM parts, the servicing of vehicles and vehicle accessories are also now available from the Wshop. “Adding these important value-added products to the Wshop allows our customers to keep their vehicles in factory-fit condition. Being able to …


Source: MyPR International

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Meets with African Diaspora Youth and Mandela Washington Fellows in Washington, D.C.

Department of State Press Release August 16, 2022 On the heels of his trip to South Africa, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Secretary Blinken joined young members of the African diaspora and several Mandela Washington Fellows for a conversation at the Swahili Village Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Before opening the floor for discussion, the Secretary underscored the importance of U.S.-Africa interconnectedness and the power of exchanges such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which build bridges between our countries, cultures, and communities. The Fellowship is the flagship exchange program of the Young African Leaders Initiative. Whether it’s combatting COVID-19 or climate change, defending human rights and access to education, or working to strengthen our democracies, Secretary Blinken emphasized that it is more important than ever for the United States and African countries to find ways to collaborate and coordinate. His full remarks can be found here. Highlights: “This trip, again, underscored for me that so many issues that we now consider global priorities and that we’ve talked about – including, for example, the interconnectedness of our health and our climate – are actually championed first in Africa by African citizens and nations. In South Africa and beyond, we heard how our respective civil rights movements had inspired and energized each other over the generations, and we still find that today.” "And precisely because Africa represents so much of the future as well as the present, it’s in our interest to find ways to deepen our cooperation. The partnership that we’re looking for extends well beyond government. It goes to civil society and NGOs; it goes to the private sector; it goes to citizens more broadly. And we had an opportunity on the trip to connect across these many different groups..." "The main point for our strategy is this: It doesn’t treat democracy as an issue where Africa has problems and the …


Source: MyPR International

To African Diaspora Youth and Exchange Alumni

Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Swahili Village Restaurant Washington, D.C. August 15, 2022 MR MASSINGA: I’m Erv Massinga from the Department of State, Africa Bureau, and thanks to each of you for joining us today. It’s always my pleasure and honor to introduce Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Today he’s going to focus on issues that are important to him personally, to all of us: U.S.-Africa relations and his recent trip to South Africa, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s his second in-person visit to Sub-Saharan Africa as Secretary of State. Before I turn the mic over to the Secretary to share some more specifics about his visit, I’d like to say a few words to all of you here today. At the Department of State, we often mention the important role that you play in making positive change in their communities and countries. We often cite Africa’s demographics by 2025, more than half the population in Africa will be age – under the age of 25. By the year 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. These figures remind us how important it is for young people to be engaged and prepared to lead, and how important Africa is to the rest of the world and to the United States. We’ve invited you all here today because the work you do embodies the ideals we all share. We wanted to hear from you as participants in the Young African Leaders Initiative, Mandela’s Washington Fellowship, or other U.S. Government-funded exchanges building professional capacity – as well as those of you from the diaspora with deep connections to Africa – and encourage a productive and an interactive exchange. What are your priorities for our shared future? What should we be focused on? What can – what are we doing well? What can we do better? We need to hear those questions to (inaudible). It’s my pleasure to introduce the 71st Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who has helped to shape U.S. foreign policy for over three decades and in three …


Source: MyPR International

DFC Disburses $83 Million for Africa Data Centres to Expand ICT Infrastructure in South Africa

U.S. International Finance Development Corporation Press Release Washington, D.C. August 15, 2022 This marks the first disbursement of an up to $300 million loan for Africa Data Centres, boosting Information and Communications Technology infrastructure across Africa U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced the first disbursement of $83 million of its up to $300 million loan to Africa Data Centres, a key investment advancing the Biden Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. Africa Data Centres is Africa’s largest network of interconnected data facilities, which power, cool, secure and connect enterprises, cloud providers and hyperscalers. Highlighted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken during his visit to South Africa on August 8, 2022, DFC’s loan to Africa Data Centres is supporting the development, expansion, and operation of data centers in South Africa, Kenya and other DFC-eligible countries. The first disbursement primarily supports data center expansion in South Africa. “DFC’s investment in Africa Data Centres helps expand critical information and communications technology infrastructure in South Africa, Kenya, and other countries in the region,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “Building secure, trusted information technology networks will help enable development and economic growth throughout Africa.” “Africa Data Centres is pleased to work with DFC to expand our facilities and network throughout Africa,” said Africa Data Centres CEO Tesh Durvasula. “This financing supports our efforts to build scaleable, efficient, resilient, secure and sustainable infrastructure that supports Africa’s adoption of world-class cloud services.”  Africa faces an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure deficit that impedes economic development throughout the continent. DFC’s financial support will advance U.S. government efforts in PGII and a new initiative for digital …


Source: MyPR International

Upcoming event at Bereshith Centre

Bereshith centre announces and invites every one who want to join a support group launching on the 3rd of september in Ennerdale. The Bereshith launches the support group to help those who isolate themselves due to stresses,depression,life problems and many more.Bereshith launches a support group not as an organisation /NPO but as moral  support to those who are in need of help. There will be also a drug awareness in Queenstown and everyone who wishes to join the campaign is welcome to join.Now that people are aware of drugs already as bereshith we try teach more and prevent teenager and other youngster not fall in the trap of drug that has killed and stole our brother and sisters CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Upcoming event at Bereshith Centre Submission Details Author: Mphaphathi Hlasoa from BC. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact BC Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Remarks at a South African Women’s Day Event

Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State South African Medical Research Council Pretoria, South Africa August 9, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN:  (In progress) do what we did just to go around and see this.  A few extraordinary things here today.  First of all, extraordinary innovation here in South Africa that is going to have a powerful impact not only in South Africa but, I think, around the world. Second, women at the heart of that innovation and in our lives.  And here we are celebrating Women’s Day in South Africa – it’s particularly fitting to be here to do that and to see the critical role that women play in events and science and technology, to making sure that they have every opportunity to do that, because when they do, we see the results.  We see literally life-changing results.  And life-changing results – again, not just for South Africa but for the continent and the for the world.  These are things that will benefit Americans too.  And I’m particularly pleased to be here with my friend and colleague, the foreign minister, who in a previous experience had the science and technology portfolio.  So she actually understands everything — MINISTER PANDOR:  Quite.  (Laughter.) SECRETARY BLINKEN:  — (inaudible) in ways that I don’t.  But it’s just incredibly inspiring to be here today.  I just want to thank everyone for sharing the incredible work that they’re doing.  If you ever need to get a dose of hope and optimism for the future, it’s right here and it’s women who are leading the way, not surprisingly.  Thank you.  (Inaudible.) MINISTER PANDOR:  Absolutely.  I think you’ve said it all.  This is probably an opportunity for me to thank you for the visit.  I think it’s been excellent.  We really welcome the strategy that you announced yesterday and look forward to working more closely together. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you. MINISTER PANDOR:  And I wish to thank all of the women researchers, and particularly President Gray here as well, just to say …


Source: MyPR International