#Sandton Convention Centre

[faultfalha]

Rumors spread like wildfire among the diplomatic circles that South Africa's Foreign Minister had whispered something about the BRICS Bloc's possible expansion. Though no one could confirm what exactly it was, the suspicion that it involved a substantial number of new members was enough to get people buzzing. Of course, that was no surprise, as the BRICS alliance had been gaining momentum for years, ever since it was founded just a short decade ago. What could the foreign minister's statement mean? Speculation ran rampant, and the possibilities were endless. Was it the dawn of a new era, or an ominous sign of things to come? The details remain wrapped in mystery, and only time will tell as to what this sudden announcement could portend. It's only certain that those within the diplomatic circles must've sensed a shift in the winds, and the ripples of the turmoil are sure to spread far and wide. What the future holds is still unknown, and the truth may never be revealed. But as the speculation rages on, one thing is abundantly clear: the BRICS Bloc is about to become something entirely new.

[beardedmrbean]

South African police say evidence gathered so far leads them to believe the killing of popular rapper AKA was an assassination.

KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the gunman had approached AKA from behind and shot him at close range in the side of the head.

A second gunman then started firing to deter onlookers from responding to the "hit", he added.

One of these rounds killed AKA's friend, celebrity chef Tibz Motsoane.

The shooting occurred outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban on Friday night.

While police work to establish a full picture of what happened to AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, his father has asked people to stop speculating on social media.

Tony Forbes says the family are focusing on giving their son "a dignified send-off", and he has thanked the many well-wishers whose support is "making it easier to cope".

He has also paid tribute to Motsoane, saying he was "like a brother" to AKA.

No arrests have yet been made.

But police say they know the identities of the "two shooters", and are still checking the identities of all of those at the scene in Durban that night.

Investigators are now using the suspects' data to piece together their communication and movements in the run-up to the killings, Gen Mkhwanazi has told the Newzroom Africa TV channel.

"We know that the aim was to first kill AKA, and the second suspect could have killed any other [person] because they fired a couple of shots - so anybody who was on the way could have been hit," he says.

AKA is to be buried on Saturday and a public memorial service will be held on Friday afternoon at the Sandton convention centre in the main city, Johannesburg, his father says.

He began his musical career as part of the rap group Entity before he launched his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.

He was also celebrated internationally, with several nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.

Hours before his death, the 35-year-old posted on social media about his upcoming album, Mass Country, which is set for release later this month.

[yuppie-threads]

Eloquence is in the assembly not merely in the viewer. #YuppieThreads #EloquentlyUrban #productdesign #Photography #fashion #madeinsouthafrica (at Sandton Convention Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CliSUGGD7mi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jozistyle]

Standard Bank WineX 2024 | A blend of the best

Standard Bank WineX. A blend of the best. Standard Bank Private is excited to bring you South Africa’s premier consumer wine show again, WineX. The must-attend event on Jozi’s calendar takes place from 30 October to 1 November at the Sandton Convention Centre. Early Bird tickets are on sale now, with special offers via online purchases valid until 20 October. Thereafter, full-rate tickets are…

[blaze-times]

Hello friends, family, and art world

Spring is almost here which means an exceptional schedule of art experiences will be warming up Johannesburg with Open City & FNB Art Joburg in the coming week.

We open “Letterlik” at the Joburg gallery this Saturday from 11h00 where, in preparation, an exciting interior transformation is happening in the gallery space with visiting artist Nils Shoe Meulman, and locals Rasty Knayles, Naledi Modupi, and Seth Pimentel (African Ginger) transforming the exhibition space.

Cape Town, despite the snow yesterday, is also about to warm up in its own way as we open our new exhibitions at 61 Loop Street. We’re excited to present solo exhibitions from Yolanda Mazwana, Wim Legrand, and Sophia van Wyk opening this evening from 18h00.

We hope to see you at FNB Art Joburg and many of the satellite events that are happening with Open City and because there are so many to choose from, we’ve listed some of the dates and times for the events we’re involved in for your convenience.

5 September | First Thursday | 17h00 | Cape Town Gallery

6-8 September | Art Joburg | Sandton Convention Centre

8 September | Johan Thom | GRASP | Nirox Sculpture Park

[vantagevu]

Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards Are Here

The highly anticipated 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards are set to take place on 13 July 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. This year’s event, atribute to celebrating musical artistry and democracy in South Africa, promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Africa’s richcultural heritage. In alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Imajin &…

[mabriga]

MINISTER PATEL CALLS ON CITIZENS TO BUY LOCAL AT THE 12TH ANNUAL BUY LOCAL SUMMIT AND EXPO

South Africa, March 27: Proudly South African hosted its 12th annual Buy Local Summit and Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre in a two-day (25 & 26 March 2024) affair of local splendour. This year, Proudly SA’s summit and expo, which is a celebration of all local manufacturers within the borders of South Africa wanted to create a conducive environment for smaller businesses to collaborate with…

[xtruss]

‘The Hypocrite Western Propaganda Machine’ Claims BRICS Is A ‘Challenge to NATO’ And A ‘Mortal Threat’ – Is This True?

Since the Johannesburg Summit, BRICS has become bigger, more influential and potentially more financially independent. Should that cause concern?

— RT | August 26, 2023

Even 30 years after the end of the Cold War, it is difficult for the Western world to abandon the mentality of that period. Thus, Russia and China are still used as credible threats which can be manipulated for intimidation. Especially when it comes to the enlargement of the BRICS – a bloc in which both Moscow and Beijing play a key role.

It is even harder to get rid of thinking in terms of class struggle. After all, the rich and the poor are still at loggerheads. In this case, the emergence of an alliance against the wealthiest countries is fresh fodder.

BRICS, which was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (South Africa joined the club two years later), provides excellent material for panic headlines. The group has been described as a “challenge to NATO,” a “new world order” and a “mortal threat to the West.” Now, after the organization’s summit in Johannesburg, there will be more such statements.

This is a fascinating narrative. But the harsh, boring truth is that BRICS does not unite “anti-capitalist countries” – and even the only de jure communist country in the alliance is far removed from Marxist practices. Nor is BRICS a grouping of poor countries – the five members account for almost a third of the global economy, and Russia has long been classed as a developed state.

In other words, BRICS is not a threat to the West’s status. At least not as dramatically as it is portrayed.

So what is its raison d’être?

Why are the BRICS Not a Threat to North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO)?

Comparisons of BRICS with NATO or the ‘Eastern bloc’ do not work for one simple reason – the group has no common defense forces, nor a common military program. Even joint military exercises are infrequent and involve only a fraction of the participants.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says that this was not particularly important for the union. According to him, no one sees the need to “chase the five-party format.” Member states agree on military cooperation on an individual basis, outside the framework of the bloc.

In addition, the position of participating states on armed conflicts, as articulated by some of them both at the summit in South Africa and in the run-up to it, is indicative.

China’s President Xi Jinping, for example, recalled the Global Security Initiative he had previously proposed, which called for a collective approach to global security issues.

“Facts have shown that any attempt to keep enlarging a military alliance, expand one’s own sphere of influence or squeeze other countries’ buffer of security can only create a security predicament and insecurity for all countries. Only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security,”the Chinese leader said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a meeting during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

Just before the summit began, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a similar statement. However, he did not speak about the global context, but only about his own country.

“While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers…we have resisted pressure to align ourselves with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations,” Ramaphosa outlined in an address to the nation.

Both statements can be interpreted as a rebuke to the West, with criticism of NATO enlargement and dissatisfaction with the polarization of world politics. But they can also be seen as a refusal to give Moscow unconditional support in the Ukraine conflict. This emphasizes the non-military nature of BRICS and makes it more attractive to potential new members who do not want to get involved in conflicts.

“BRICS and NATO are fundamentally different. BRICS has never prioritized military cooperation,” Alexey Maslov, director of the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University, told RT. “Most of the participants are absolutely unwilling to turn BRICS into a military alliance and do not want to disrupt relations with other blocs. This applies both to the current members of the alliance and to those who want to join, such as the ASEAN countries.”

BRICS – the Foundation of the “New World Order”?

When it comes to controlling the world order, the BRICS’ ambitions are not very remarkable either. Simply put, the union has no plans to overthrow existing leaders and impose its own laws.

BRICS statements often mention the UN and the G20. And these references are almost always positive. Members of the group agree with UN resolutions and regulations, support the G20’s plans to fight poverty, and increase global GDP, and acknowledge the G20’s leadership in addressing global economic issues.

At the Johannesburg summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recalled the friendly attitude of BRICS. “We do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7, G20 or the United States. We just want to organize ourselves,” he stated.

Members of the alliance hold specialized forums and support cooperation programs. But apart from the annual summits, the BRICS diplomatic institutions are not much different from any other regional partnership.

The real interest and strength of the BRICS lies in the economy. Here the organization moves much faster and more efficiently than in other areas.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a meeting during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

Key Achievements of BRICS

Two areas of the group’s activities deserve special attention: the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

Founded in 2015, the New Development Bank acts as an analogue and competitor to the World Bank, issuing large loans for infrastructure projects. Its total financial volume is smaller than that of the Washington-based lender: in 2021, the New Development Bank lent $7 billion to participants, while the World Bank disbursed nearly $100 billion.

But the terms of the loans are often quite generous, so demand is high. The New Development Bank has already secured funding for dozens of projects, from roads in India and water pipelines in Russia, to infrastructure upgrades in Brazil and a smart logistics hub in China. Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates will join the bank in 2021, Egypt in 2023, and Uruguay may soon join.

The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is essentially a common reserve of currencies available to members in the event of a liquidity crisis. It is designed to provide them with the means to trade smoothly and meet financial obligations even under severe pressure. In times of an investment famine that is threatening global economic growth and with some members under sanctions, such a reserve can be very useful.

In addition to ‘currency insurance’, the CRA could also help to create a single BRICS currency, a kind of analogue to the euro. This titanic project has been discussed for a long time, and recently experts have suggested that the New Development Bank could issue a single digital currency. This is not a far-fetched idea, given that China, Russia and India have already launched their own CBDCs (central bank digital currency), and Brazil and South Africa are preparing to do the same.

However, it will not be easy to implement such a project and its preparation will take a long time. The head of Russia’s central bank, Elvira Nabiullina, notes that now it is more important to work on free and reliable payment systems – analogues to SWIFT.

Besides, the currency issue has already been resolved differently at the summit.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shake hands after a news conference during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

What Happens in Johannesburg Might Not Stay in Johannesburg

Four out of five heads of state attended the summit in Johannesburg: the aforementioned Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Xi Jinping, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin was unwilling to travel to South Africa and participated in the summit remotely. Moscow was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The UN secretary-general, African leaders, business people, and many others also accepted invitations.

The summit participants not only signaled their intentions, but also took very concrete decisions that could determine the future of BRICS. And perhaps the world.

First, the participants endorsed the use of national currencies in international trade and settlements between members of the union. The new development bank will also start lending in the currencies of South Africa and Brazil.

Second, BRICS is getting bigger. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, all of which had previously wanted to join the club, will be invited to join. They will officially enter on January 1, 2024. With the new members, BRICS will account for 45% of the world’s population, about half of the world’s wheat and rice crops, and 17% of its gold reserves. And, crucially, 80% of the world’s oil production.

Membership in BRICS of major oil suppliers (Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, UAE) and consumers (China and India), together with a focus on using national currencies in trade, may finally shake the dollar’s dominant position. Given that China is the largest trading partner for the above suppliers, new settlements are likely to be made in yuan.

This does not mean guaranteed ‘de-dollarization’, which many BRICS members are seeking. But it is a serious step towards weakening the US currency.

And the union does not have to admit everyone: of the 23 countries that have expressed an interest in joining, only six have received an invitation. “Enlargement is proceeding cautiously, without sudden leaps, and according to a specific principle: only fully autonomous countries are invited, which have a clear development plan and are not under the influence of anyone else,” says Alexey Maslov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the 15th BRICS Summit via videoconference in Moscow, Russia © Sputnik

The final declaration also states that:

BRICS will strengthen cooperation on food security among the countries of the grouping and beyond;

The BRICS leaders expressed concern about the use of unilateral sanctions and their negative impact on developing countries;

The BRICS countries see the UN as the cornerstone of the international system;

The BRICS countries support the aspirations of Brazil, India and South Africa to play a greater role in the UN Security Council;

The BRICS countries are concerned about conflicts in the world and insist on peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue;

The BRICS countries supported the strengthening of the non-proliferation mechanism for weapons of mass destruction;

The BRICS call for greater representation of developing countries in international organizations and multilateral forums;

The BRICS countries agreed to work on increasing mutual tourist flows;

BRICS supports the African Union’s 2063 agenda, including the establishment of a continental free trade area.

“This is a declaration of a multipolar world, all participants agree on that. It is also a declaration of open trade borders and neutrality,” Maslov said.

So is BRICS Scary?

It is important to understand that BRICS does not want to reverse globalization or take over the global economic order. In some ways, it even wants to preserve the existing order more than the US does.

The members of the alliance – especially China – have achieved rapid growth thanks to global trade and cooperation with other countries, and it is not only pointless but also harmful for them to cut ties with the West. They do not want to choose ‘their own camp’ to the detriment of others: an example is India, which buys weapons from both Russia and Western countries.

But they are no longer prepared to see themselves as junior potential partners. They want to be free from the threat of politically motivated sanctions. They are ready to accept UN and G20 decisions, but only if they are truly collective.

And to do so, they are prepared to depose the dollar from its throne. If need be.

— By Vadim Zagorenko, a Moscow-based journalist focused on international relations and tech

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] (1st row from L to R) Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President of China Xi Jinping attend a meeting during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on August 24, 2023.—AFP The BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has extended invitations to six countries including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. This expansion boasts the group's standing as a robust geopolitical alternative to Western-led international forums. The announcement took place during a summit hosted in South Africa, a testament to the BRICS group's aim to neutralise the dominance of Western-dominated entities such as the G7 and the World Bank.Reservations of member nations While projecting a facade of unity, the BRICS summit revealed differing viewpoints among its members regarding the expansion. Some leaders expressed caution against restoring Cold War-like global dynamics, highlighting concerns about potential shifts in the group's priorities and dynamics. This expansion, however, aligns with the BRICS group's goal of promoting diversity in an increasingly polarized world, heightened by events such as Russia's actions in Ukraine and strained US-China relations.The invitation of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia has sparked discussions about the BRICS group's future direction. India, concerned about maintaining its influence amid ongoing territorial disputes with China, emphasized its strategic role within the group. Brazil and South Africa, meanwhile, sought to ensure their relationships with partners in Europe and North America remained intact.Iran's inclusion and geopolitical implicationsThe decision to include Iran in the expansion garnered attention, underscoring the influence of Russia and China in shaping the group's decisions. This move has the potential to escalate geopolitical tensions with Western powers due to Iran's intricate international relations. While the BRICS group's aspiration to counterbalance Western dominance is clear, Iran's participation adds complexity to this pursuit.China's President, Xi Jinping, a proponent of swift expansion, characterized the inclusion of new members as "historic." Xi emphasized the importance of jointly defining and upholding international rules, challenging the notion that the strongest players should dictate them. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, viewing the expansion as a catalyst for global institutions to adapt to changing times.New members The six countries invited to join BRICS bring diverse strategic interests to the table. Saudi Arabia, a key Middle Eastern trading partner for the BRICS group, has cultivated ties with China while maintaining a certain level of independence from US interests. Egypt, straddling Africa and the Middle East, has fostered relationships with Russia and China while upholding its ties with the United States. Argentina, grappling with economic challenges, sees BRICS membership as a potential financial lifeline and a path to alternative economic avenues. Iran's application reflects its effort to strengthen ties with non-Western powers and counter Western isolation efforts. The United Arab Emirates, already part of the BRICS' New Development Bank, has now received a formal invitation for full membership, marking a significant step in its collaboration with the group. [ad_2]

[oceansoulmatesblog]

China urges BRICS expansion at summit of emerging economies

AFP, Wednesday 23 Aug 2023 China on Tuesday threw its weight behind plans to expand the loosely-defined BRICS club of large emerging economies, which is seeking to assert its political and economic clout on the global stage. President of China Xi Jinping arrives at the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on August 23, 2023. AFP The BRICS nations of Brazil,…

[faultfalha]

The Minister's statement was cryptic, but it was clear that something was afoot. He hinted that South Africa was considering joining the BRICS bloc as a full member, with three new countries. What could this mean for the future of the bloc? There was much speculation in the press about what the Minister could have meant. Some said that he was alluding to a new alliance that would rival the G7. Others speculated that the new members would be countries that were in the process of gaining independence from European colonial powers. No one knew for sure what was going on, but it was clear that the Minister's statement had sent shockwaves through the world of international politics.

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade JUST IN: Shettima flies out to represent Tinubu at BRICS Summit   Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Johannesburg, South Africa, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 15th BRICS Summit of Heads of state and government. Shettima, according to a statement released by Olusola Abiola, Director, Information, Office of the Vice President, will be joining other business and political leaders across the world at the Summit scheduled for the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. He said notable leaders expected to attend the event include South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa; President Xi Jinping of China; Brazil’s President, Luiz Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. #Shettima #VicePresident

[tanocableteam]

We, TANO CABLE, will participate in SOUTH AFRICA INTERATIONAL EXPO & CHINA (SOUTH AFRICA) INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPO at SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA from August 30th to September 1st. We are looking forward to meeting you at our booth with no. H15.

[myzacoza]

Intersystems to Exhibit at the Hospital Association of South Africa Conference 2024

Johannesburg, South Africa – 21 August 2024 – InterSystems, a leading provider of advanced data technology, will exhibit its healthcare solutions at the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) Conference on September 2-3, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The HASA conference brings together healthcare experts from across South Africa and around the world. A networking…

[cavenewstimes]

FMAS:23 Session Spotlight – Fintech Security

FMAS:23 Session Spotlight – Fintech Security, The Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS:23) will be officially under way in less than one week at the world-famous Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The landmark event will…, 2023-05-01 10:07:00, The Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS:23) will be officially under way in less than one week at the world-famous Sandton…

[jozigist]

LIVE LONG, SUPA MEGA LIVES ON

On the 10th of February 2023, the sad news of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes shot dead on Florida Road sent shock waves through the streets of South Africa. If his memorial, which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre last week Friday, is anything to go by – AKA’s family, friends and legions of fans known as the ‘Megacy’ had the deepest affection for him. Those who attended or watched the service from their homes were surely touched as tears flowed down his daughter Kairo’s cheeks. Perhaps it is the burning love he felt for her that spurred him on to become one of the greatest Hip Hop artists South Africa has ever seen.

According to the TV and Radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo, when AKA was asked what his plan for his career was, AKA responded by saying, “I want the mass appeal of Pro, I want the commercial viability of HHP, and I want to have the stage presence of Brenda Fassie".  If you ask anyone in South Africa, young or old, the likelihood is that they know who AKA was. They might even spit a bar or two from one of his tracks. AKA was not a one hit wonder whose music resonated with a singular demographic. He was an artist who understood the importance of versatility. He created an alter ego, “Supa Mega” that made him a force that was bigger than the headlines and the myriad of controversies he was involved in. The artist’s ability to remain unapologetic about his sound and his vision is the exact reason why AKA was often topping South African radio charts.   Let’s look at five tracks that cemented AKA’s position in the hearts of South Africans: - Victory Lap When AKA dropped Victory Lap he made it clear that he was the newcomer who was here to stay. - Composure Who could ever forget the track that immortalized the greatest and most entertaining artist feuds the industry has seen? In 2015, at the height of his beef with Casssper Nyovest, AKA released a diss track that would remain on the tongues of fans for years to come. - All Eyes on Me This is undeniably one of the best collaborations in the African music industry. When this banger dropped, clubs and radio stations across the continent had no choice but to have All Eyes On Me on repeat. In fact, to this day many fans are still trying to figure out who Shibabadu Shibabu is. - 10 Fingers (with Anatii) Two years after their short-lived beef over Anatii charging AKA R80 000.00 for a beat, the duo dropped their joint album Be Careful What You Wish For. It was on this track that AKA, the artist famously stated that “ his future needs some Ray-Ban”. - Fela in Versace What’s greater than being in a section full of baddies while screaming, “Big Shot, Super Star, Punisher, Finisher”? Even if you have never seen Fela in Versace or Mandela in a ‘rari, AKA not only captured our imagination but provoked unimaginable dance moves! The song set dance floors on fire! AKA has left us with an incomparable discography. His fourth Studio album Mass Country is set to be released on the 24th of February. With singles such as Lemons (Lemonade), Paradise, Prada and Company, the Megacy can be rest assured that Supa Mega has left us with yet another classic album.  Long Live Supa Mega, Live Long! Read the full article