Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* It is unbelievable that, after almost three months of pressure on Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, he has relented today, and agreed to delay the implementation of the unabridged birth certificate until 1 June 2015, just two weeks before the new Immigration Regulations were meant to apply from 1 October. The requirement of the permission of the other parent for the child to travel with one parent has also been delayed to June. On Friday the Minister announced at a media conference that the Regulations would be retained, and that a task team would evaluate the most effective implementation of them! One wonders what swayed the Minister to change his mind, after having been so stubborn for the past ten weeks! The personal application of biometric visas remains in place from 1 October.
* Western Cape Minister of Tourism Alan Winde has been quick to welcome Minister Gigaba’s announcement, but demands more: ‘It is my intention to ensure that a full impact study is conducted on them and handed to Minister Gigaba prior to them being reintroduced. The regulations that have already been implemented are threatening livelihoods in the sector. I will continue to push for their postponement too, until such time as a regulatory impact assessment has been conducted. Gigaba has now shown a willingness to work with other government departments and industry to mitigate the effects of his legislation on our economy and jobs, and I hope he will continue to take positive steps in this regard. The decision to place these two regulations on hold opens the door for South Africa to explore ways of becoming cutting edge. Through the use of smart technology, such as electronic visas, we can solve the problem of illegals while at the same time making our region more attractive to business and leisure tourists’. (received via media release from Minister Winde’s office)
* The 2014 Unilever Food Solutions Senior Chef of the Year is Germaine Esau from Delaire Graff, while the Junior Chef title went to Amoré Botha of the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. Samantha Lloyd of The Taj won the Creative Canapés category, and Kevyn Buys from Capsicum Culinary Studio won the Confectionery Showcase. (received via media release from Strategic Public Relations)
* Tsogo Sun was the largest bidder at the 40th Nederburg Auction this past weekend, spending R723900, followed in order of spend by Juric Imports & Exports, the Spar Group, and Singita. Hidden Valley Shipwreck Shiraz 2009 achieved the highest ever price for a bottle of red wine, at R7333. The hotel group spokesperson said that it is committed to offering their guests the ‘finest beverage and food experience in South Africa‘! Distell MD Richard Rushton added that the Auction ‘was a celebration of the very best that South African wine has to offer‘. Bidders came from South Africa, Namibia, and Taiwan was in third place on spend. (received via media release Angelfish Public Relations & Events)
* Paul Cluver Wines, Radford Dale, and Jordan Wines will be collectively introducing seven of their wines at a 5-course dinner on 21 September at Le Grand Bistro Americain in Kirkland, Washington, in the USA, the writer of the article linking Kathy Jordan to Radford Dale, and Angela Jordaan from The Winery of Good Hope to ‘Jardin Wine Estates‘!
* Uber Germany is delighted that a judge in Frankfurt has overturned the ruling that had prevented the ride share company from operating in Germany. The taxi association plans to appeal.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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