International Press Release Submissions

Kenya’s women register first ever Commonwealth Games win

Lausanne, Switzerland: The morning session began with a little bit of history as Kenya’s women secured their first ever Commonwealth games victory. This was followed by South Africa pipping Wales to 7th place in a tight encounter. The evening session started with England booking their spot in Sunday’s gold medal match with a shoot-out win over New Zealand. The second semi-final also went all the way, as Australia came out on top. Match reports: Ghana 2 (2) Kenya 2 (3) (Classification 9-10 women) Kenya grabbed their first ever Commonwealth Games victory after a shoot-out against Kenya. The first quarter started brightly for Kenya as Grace Bwire scored the African’s first ever Commonwealth Games goal to put them ahead in the 5th minute. A tight period ensued, and the first quarter ended with Kenya a goal to the good. Despite some early Kenyan pressure in the second quarter Ghana pulled themselves level, Nafisatu Umaru striking from a penalty corner 4 minutes before half-time. Umaru went close yet again before the close of the period, striking the post. Ghana got themselves ahead after a minute of the third quarter, Mavis Berko finding the goal from another penalty corner. Ghana did have a chance to extend their lead before the period was up but could not capitalise after a Millicent Adhiambo save in the Kenyan goal. With nothing to lose Kenya shook off the shackles in the final quarter and began to assert themselves. They made the period of sustained pressure tell when Flavia Mutiva restored parity between the African nations 2 minutes before the end. It was to be a shootout that would decide 9th and 10th place. Umaru (GHA) scored, Okumu (KEN) then missed, Opoku (GHA) saw her effort saved, Chebet (KEN) scored, Berko (GHA) scored, Okumu (KEN) had her shot saved, Copson (GHA) missed, Guchu (KEN) scored, Narkour (GHA) timed out, Owiti (KEN) had her effort saved, Chebet (KEN) scored, and Umaru (GHA) was timed out, meaning Kenya won 3-2 via the …


Source: MyPR International

Remarks By Andy Karas, Mission Director USAID/Southern Africa At MIDA Conference With The Standard Bank Of South Africa

United States Agency for International Development Speeches Morningside, Johannesburg August 3, 2022 Good morning… Thank you very much for the kind introduction. And to all the speakers…for your very encouraging and inspiring opening remarks. It is my distinct pleasure to be with you today…representing the US Agency for International Development…the development and foreign assistance arm of the United States Government. No matter where I go in South Africa…whether here in Johannesburg…or in Cape Town…or Durban…I have been struck by the passion and resilience of South Africans…particularly the desire among South Africans to build a more secure, democratic, inclusive, and prosperous country. The United States, through USAID…is honored to support South Africa’s aspirations…on the journey to sustainable, inclusive development. Today…we are honored to recognize our shared commitment…through the USAID-MiDA Program. At USAID, we recognize the power of the private sector…in driving economic growth…creating jobs…and advancing inclusive, social and economic development here in South Africa and around the world. Together, we are shaping opportunities…that improve lives…and communities. Here in South Africa and evidence by this gathering…we have seen commitment and partnership from US stakeholders, including…the New York City Pension Fund…San Francisco Retirement Fund…Chicago Teachers Retirement Fund…Texas Teachers Retirement Fund…and CALPERS…to name a few. Together, these partners have invested over one billion US dollars in the region…including in public markets, infrastructure, and private equity. USAID, in advancing the US President’s Prosper Africa Initiative…continues to leverage resources…and convening power…to help raise awareness of investment opportunities…lower transaction costs …and mitigate the risk of investments…in order to generate positive, social, economic, and environmental impact. That is why…through programs like MiDA…we are able to …


Source: MyPR International

Director Ebong to Join Secretary Blinken in the Philippines and South Africa

U.S. Trade and Development Agency Press Release Arlington, VA August 3, 2022 Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced that Director Enoh T. Ebong will join U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s travel to the Philippines and South Africa later this week. During the trip, Director Ebong will highlight USTDA’s work to advance the Philippines’ clean energy transition. In South Africa, Director Ebong will participate in the U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue, where she will discuss the U.S. government’s support for sustainable infrastructure development, and highlight how the Agency will advance the goals of the U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, which Secretary Blinken will launch. “USTDA works alongside U.S. industry and in close partnership with the public and private sectors in the Philippines and South Africa to advance the development of high-quality infrastructure projects that each country has established as its priorities,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Our model of assistance focuses on access and inclusivity and is based on the core principles of mutual benefit and trust.” CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Director Ebong to Join Secretary Blinken in the Philippines and South Africa Submission Details Author: Africa Media from The Africa Regional Media Hub. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact The Africa Regional Media Hub Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

New to FNB Connect is a wireless LTE data offering

4 August 2022 - FNB is accelerating its efforts to help customers with meaningful financial and lifestyle solutions to improve their lives. It has launched a comprehensive range of solutions on the FNB App with new eBucks and FNB Connect partners. FNB has expanded its education and self-development offering with partners such as Extramarks, which offers digital learning solutions up to matric, and BiB, which provides a curated audio library of children's books in various African languages as well as a free audio/graphic series dedicated to 100 fearless, influential, and successful South African women. QuickBus is also available on the FNB App for booking bus trips with major bus operators on the continent, as is the ENTERTAINER, which offers Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals on fine dining. Qualifying customers will be equally delighted with the addition of ARC as a new eBucks partner for their luxury beauty and self-care needs. They can earn up to either 15% or 30% back in eBucks on global and local premium brands across skincare, make-up, fragrances, and accessories, depending on their transactional account and reward level. New to FNB Connect is a wireless LTE data offering that gives customers access to larger data bundles at affordable prices. This addition to the FNB Connect data portfolio, that gives customers access to greater amounts of data for entertainment, education, gaming, work, and collaboration while on-the-go, at home or at a place of business. FNB Connect also introduces Smart Home Deals on the FNB App, where customers and their families can conveniently and affordably manage the inside and outside of their homes with the latest high-end security products from ring as well as smart home offers from Xiaomi. "These new solutions and partnerships are part of our ongoing effort to provide more value to our customers," says Raj Makanjee, CEO of FNB Retail. "They will go a long way towards helping customers reduce the rising burden of household expenses, …


Source: MyPR International

SA swimmers wrap up Commonwealth campaign with 11 medals

Wednesday, 3 August 2022 – Team South Africa finished their Commonwealth Games campaign in Birmingham with four golds, four silvers and three bronze medals. It was a quiet final night of competition at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre with only Rebecca Meder, Duné Coetzee and the women’s 4x100m medley relay team in action. Having not expected to even reach the final, Meder finished eighth in the 50m backstroke in 28.66 with Canada’s world champion Kylie Masse taking the gold in a Games record time of 27.31. Coetzee was also eighth in the 400m freestyle in 4:15.53 while Australia’s world record holder Ariarne Titmus took the gold in a Games record time of 3:58.06. The South African quartet of Meder, Lara van Niekerk, Erin Gallagher and Aimee Canny then just missed out on a medal in the 4x100m medley relay, wrapping up the competition with an African record of 3:59.63 to finish fourth. Coach Rocco Meiring said he was pleased with how the South African team had performed in Birmingham, particularly with an eye on the Paris Olympics in 2024. “I think the team did exceptionally well. There’s definitely a new, young group of swimmers that have been identified a couple of years ago already and competed in the 2017 and 2019 World Junior Championships and they are coming through very strongly,” he said. “There’s a very nice blend of more experienced, older swimmers and young guns with a lot of talent coming through. So it’s now to consolidate the programme for the next 16 months to be able to get them to qualify successfully for Paris.” Meiring added that this impressive performance in Birmingham will act as a boost to the team and those at home still looking to compete in Pars. “I think everybody that watched and the ones that competed here are leaving this competition encouraged and inspired and that is exactly what the mission was. We need to get inspiration from the Commonwealth Games to push for the final qualification going into Paris.” Team …


Source: MyPR International

Leisure Finance gives you the freedom to keep moving

03 August 2022: The lifting of the last of the COVID-19 restrictions is the key to freedom of movement that we have all been waiting for, after two years of lockdown. We can enjoy the freedom from face masks, from restricted numbers attending events and, best of all, the freedom to move and to travel again. Whatever your preferred mode of transport, there is a finance deal to help you on your way and get you moving. One area that is seeing positive growth and opportunity is within the specialist finance market that is leisure finance. This is a lucrative market that has experienced positive growth, even during the tough lockdown months of the pandemic, explains Mondli Dlamini, WesBank Head of Sales: Leisure Finance. To date, WesBank has captured 21% of market share in the asset classes it has selected for the portfolio, including motorbikes that make up 52% of the total WesBank Leisure Finance book, with bicycles and E-bikes, caravans, boats, and marine equipment among others, making up the remainder. “We know this is a scalable business and we are looking for double digit growth in this market this year, compared to 2021. It seems the market is ripe for growth as people want to get out and about and explore the outdoors once again, following almost two years of lockdown restrictions,” says Dlamini. “There is a desire to experience new things and what better way to enjoy the wide-open spaces than on a road or mountain bike or a motorbike. This country offers endless opportunities, and it is our business to assist our customers to make their dream leisure vehicle (vehicles that aren’t for everyday use) or asset a reality.” Whether your dream is to invest in a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, a caravan or a ski boat, the opportunity to apply for finance for your leisure asset is just the touch of a button away. While you may only use your choice of vehicle for your preferred leisure activity, WesBank Leisure Finance has the capability to assist you to finalise the …


Source: MyPR International

South Africa’s women register three hat-trick scorers in big win, while England secure important victory over India and Australia edge New Zealand clash

Lausanne, Switzerland: The Hockeyroos got day 5 of the games underway, edging out New Zealand in a crunch Pool B tie. This was followed by a convincing Canadian victory over a spirited Ghana. England’s women got the afternoon session underway with an important win over India, while South Africa had 3 separate hat-trick scorers in a substantial win over Kenya. New Zealand 0 Australia 1 (Pool B women) Australia edged a tight affair with New Zealand to make it 3 wins from 3 and assert themselves at the top of Pool B. The Hockeyroos made a quick start to the game, and were awarded a penalty flick in the 8th minute following an infringement in the circle from a penalty corner. Kaitlin Nobbs stepped up to take and duly converted for her 5th goal of the tournament. A cagey first quarter ended with just the one score. The second period saw New Zealand turn up the pressure on the Hockeyroos goal, Olivia Shannon and Claire Colwill both being forced to get involved to deny the Black Sticks an equaliser. Tessa Jopp and Olivia Merry the New Zealand pair denied. Despite their efforts the first half ended with Australia leading 1-0. The third quarter saw momentum swing back in the Hockeyroos favour, Renee Taylor sending two efforts wide following a couple of penalty corners. Australia went close again on the stroke of the end of the third quarter, Shanea Tonkin finding the post. The teams headed off for their final break with the game still finely balanced. The Hockeyroos were not helped by an early yellow card in the opening minute, shown to Jane Claxton. However, the Australians took the attack to the Black Sticks, spurning multiple chances as they searched for a killer second goal. Although they didn’t find the score the match came to an end as Australia grabbed a huge three points. Jane Claxton (AUS): “Ask any elite athlete, there’s no perfect way of playing sport, but it’s as good as we want it to be currently. "Tomorrow (Wednesday) is still crucial …


Source: MyPR International

Golden girl Van Niekerk makes it two from two as SA swimmers rake in more medals

2 August 2022 – South African swimmers added three more medals to the team haul on the penultimate night of competition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Tuesday. Lara van Niekerk led the way by adding a second gold to her collection – this time in the 100m breaststroke. The 19-year-old led from start to finish to claim victory over compatriot and Olympic silver medallist in the event, Tatjana Schoenmaker, in a personal best time of 1:05.47. Schoenmaker took the silver in 1:06.68 and Australian Chelsea Hodges the bronze in 1:07.05 with South Africa's other swimmer in the final, Kaylene Corbett, finishing seventh in 1:07.62. “I just tried to swim with a comfortable stroke, so I felt really good on the first 50 and I knew Tatjana was going to come back at me in the second 50,” said Van Niekerk afterwards. “It’s always like that so I was just trying to keep going. I died a bit in the last 25 but the crowd kept me going and gave me extra adrenaline so it was a good race.” Schoenmaker added: “It was obviously a very challenging race. My back end, I wasn’t as strong. I really did die as well. Lara really challenges me to push myself to go faster in the first 50. “The times aren’t really there for me, but I still gave everything I could and it was the best performance I could have given tonight,” she added. Later in the evening, 18-year-old Pieter Coetzé completed his collection of medals, adding a 200m backstroke bronze to the 100m gold and 50m backstroke silver he's already won in Birmingham. He swam a sensational final 50m to move from sixth place at the turn to secure the bronze in 1:56.77, with England’s Brodie Williams claiming gold in 1:56.40. “I normally try to save a little bit for the last 50,” said Coetzé. “It’s been something that I’ve tried to change a little bit because sometimes I find myself a bit too far back or I leave it too late like I did tonight. But I think it was good. I don’t think I’ve ever come back that fast so to …


Source: MyPR International

New CEO of Asset Based Finance appointed

02 August 2022: FNB and WesBank have combined their Asset Based Finance (ABF) capabilities and are pleased to announce the appointment of Khantse Radebe as CEO of this business. Khantse who is currently General Manager for Corporate and Institutional Clients at WesBank will take up the new role effective, 01 August 2022. Ghana Msibi, WesBank CEO, says “Being able to advance talent from our own succession pipeline demonstrates the value we place in our employees. Investing in building talent and culture continues to be a key aspect of our success.” “We are very pleased with the appointment of Khantse to this key strategic role which is pivotal to the success of our brands. Khantse has demonstrated solid leadership having been integrally involved in the growth of WesBank over the past 10 years, serving in various management roles. The wealth of asset-based finance experience she possesses, enables us to better leverage our resources, service and create value to a wider client base working together with FNB Commercial. Gordon Little, FNB Commercial CEO, says “We are delighted to welcome Khantse to the Commercial EXCO, and look forward to tapping into the knowledge and industry expertise she brings to our team. Her appointment comes in at a critical time for us, as we look to enhancing value creation for our clients who are actively growing and expanding to new markets. We are now in a position to add further depth to our leadership teams, enabling both brands to unlock value, streamline activities, and create additional revenue streams.” Khantse boasts over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry in South Africa, with over 12 years spent at WesBank. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in the success of key business units while serving as Head of Large Corporate Finance, CFO for Corporate ABF, Head of Sales for Direct Channel and General Manager for Corporate and Institutional Clients. Khantse is a registered chartered accountant …


Source: MyPR International

Hayterdale Classic takes participants on an amazing adventure

Eastern Cape Mountain bikers and trail runners have an “amazing opportunity” to enjoy the very best of the Zuurberg and Addo wilderness at the BDO Hayterdale Classic MTB Race & Trail Run later this month. That is the opinion of BDO’s managing partner Mark Willimott, who is a seasoned cyclist and adventure sport enthusiast. The Gqeberha tax, auditing and advisory services firm has stepped in as the new title sponsor, with a tacit commitment to support it for three further years. Willimott, along with several colleagues, will put in the hard yards during the weekend of August 27 and 28 and urged riders and runners to take full advantage of the impeccable trails, which include several sections of the former South African XCO Championships course. Competitors also use singletrack sections that are usually reserved for the Great Zuurberg Trek and Great Zuurberg Trek E-edition – both three-day boutique events. “The trails are amazing and the Hayter family have invested a lot of time and effort in creating and maintaining it,” said Willimott. “They host a number of well-known events and it is really great to be associated with the family in this way.” With less taxing options in both disciplines available, he felt it was the perfect opportunity for first-timers to experience something new while enjoying exercise in the scenic vistas of the Zuurberg mountains. “If you haven’t been, come have a look,” said Willimott, who simply describes it as a “beautiful part of our region”. He said the format made it easy to combine the races with a night away and to add excursions to a variety of activities – such as a drive through the Addo Elephant National Park – to one’s itinerary. Willimott has cycled the trails on numerous occasions and said a longstanding friendship with race owner Trevor Hayter had led to their investment. “We were onboard at their very first event and this is also a great opportunity for us to be involved with members of the community and to entrench …


Source: MyPR International