Tuesday, September 23, 2008

President Thabo Mbeki resigns


President Thabo Mbeki has thanked South Africans for giving him the opportunity to serve them over the past 14 years, first as Deputy President and then as President of the country.
Mbeki formally resigned as President on Sunday after being asked to do so by the national executive committee of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
In a televised address to the nation on Sunday night, Mbeki said he departed the office knowing that South Africa had many men and women who had dedicated their lives to ensuring that the country, Africa and the countries of the south would, in time, create a better world for all of humanity.
Mbeki said goodbye to the nation in all 11 official languages, and also offered hope for the future.
"Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times," Mbeki said.
"We should never become despondent because the weather is bad, nor should we turn triumphalist because the sun shines."

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Disney sends tours to SA

Adventures by Disney, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that plans guided family vacations to various countries around the world, has decided to add South Africa as one of its eight new destinations to visit in 2009/2010.

The 12-day, 11-night safari to South Africa includes four nights in Cape Town, a four-night stay in the Garden Route towns of George and Knysna and three nights at Kapama Game Reserve next door to the Kruger National Park.

South Africa Tourism is excited by the prospect of more US tourists visiting the country. Chief marketing officer, Roshene Singh, says: “The US market is SA Tourism’s second largest source market and we are delighted that this initiative will bring more Americans to our shores.”

The Disney package offers a variety of activities, including visits to national icons such as Table Mountain and historical sites such as Castle of Good Hope, shopping at Greenmarket Square in Cape Town, wine tasting at Spier Winery, cooking classes in Stellenbosch, whale watching in Hermanus, visits to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden sanctuary and Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna, as well as game drives and bush walks at Kapama Game Reserve and numerous other activities.

Monday, September 15, 2008

THUNDER City at Cape Town International Airport has added a fully rebuilt Puma helicopter to its collection of heritage aircraft, which is the largest civilian-owned collection of ex-military jets in the world.

Thunder City is a special tourist attraction in that aviation enthusiasts from all over the world come here to fly the world’s last four flying English Electric Lightnings and three BAE Buccaneers, plus seven Hawker Hunters and a Strikemaster.

Newly appointed Thunder City ceo, Emilio Titus, says: “Our vision is to grow the market globally for passengers flying in our supersonic jets, as well as the modernisation programme for Puma helicopters. While we have a well-established market in the UK, Europe and the USA, I plan to expand our markets in the Middle East, Asia, Canada and Brazil.”
Story by: Hilka Birns