South Africa
South Africa
ANC: Celebrating 100 Years of Existence
The African National Congress (ANC) held its 100th birthday celebrations from 6-8 January 2011 in Mangaung, Free State, where it was formed in 1912. The celebrations featured events which were attended by among others, sitting and former heads of state, ANC members and supporters from all over South Arica and the alliance partners.
Below are the messages of support to mark the ANC’s centenary:
- President Jacob Zuma Speech
- Zwelinzima Vavi
- ANC Youth League
- ANC Women’s League
- Congress of South African Trade Unions
- South African Communist Party
- Communication Workers Union
- National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa
- Swaziland Solidarity Network
We invite NGO Pulse readers to share their views about the ANC’s centenary celebrations and what they mean to our 17-year old democracy. Comments and articles should be e-mailed to editor@sangonet.org.za.Transport Minister Defends e-Tolls
Transport Minister, Ben Martins, says e-tolling is needed to pay for and maintain infrastructure critical to South Africa's future economic growth.
Addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Martins pointed out that, “The South African economy requires infrastructure to develop and grow, create jobs and to fight the scourge of unemployment and inequality."
He was speaking during the debate on the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill, which is necessary before e-tolling can take place in Gauteng or anywhere else.
To read the article titled, “E-tolls needed for infrastructure,” click here.Source:The CitizenNGO Condemns Manhandling of Journos
Reports that a home affairs official allegedly manhandled reporters outside a Cape Town police station on 20 May 2013 was met with outrage by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF).
In a press statement, SANEF says that Cape Argus photojournalist, David Ritchie, and reporter, Yolisa Tswanya, were covering a story about the arrest and detention of immigrants at the police station when they were accosted by the official.
The organisation states that, "According to Cape Argus executive editor, Gasant Abarder, the officer pulled Ritchie from outside the police station, grabbed his camera and proceeded to delete the images - without identifying himself."
To read the article titled, “SANEF condemns manhandling of reporters,” click here.Source:News24Call for Comments on the Draft Lotto Bill
The Department of Trade and Industry is calling for public comment on the draft Lotteries Amendment Bill.
This follows an announcement by Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, at the recent National Lotteries Board conference that government has launched a review of the Lotteries Policy Framework which he said will lead to the introduction of a lotteries Amendment Bill.
Davies also stated that his department wanted to make a number of changes to the Act as well as further regulatory reforms.
The deadline for submission of comments is 7 June 2013.
For more information or to submit your comments, refer to www.ngopulse.org/opportunity/call-comments-national-lotteries-amendment-act.Source:SANGONeTSA Traffic Cops Ineffectual: WHO
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) study, the policing of South Africa's road laws is largely inefficient.
The study found that South African traffic officials were lax in enforcing seatbelt laws and those pertaining to the safety restraint of children.
The study also found that South African law enforcers scored badly when it came to drinking and driving laws, and fared only slightly better on the policing of speeding.
To read the article titled, “SA traffic cops ineffectual: report,” click here.Source:Times LiveGovts Failing on Resource Governance
According to an article titled ‘Govt failing on resource governance’ by Richard Lee, it will come as no surprise that southern African countries do not fare too well in the latest assessment of natural resource governance by the Revenue Watch Institute.
Lee argues that while Zambia and South Africa score above average, the other five countries from the region all languish in the bottom half of the index of 58 mineral-rich nations.
The Resource Governance Index 2013 scores and ranks countries based on the quality of four key governance components - institutional and legal setting; reporting practices; safeguards and quality controls; and enabling environment.
To read the article titled, “Govt failing on resource governance,” click here.Source:All AfricaSouth African Population on the Increase
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) says that South Africa’s population has increased by more than one million people since the 2011 census.
In a press statement, statistician general, Pali Leholhla, says according to its mid-year estimate, the country now has a population of 52.98 million people.
Lehohla explains that the total number of people living with HIV is estimated at approximately 5.26 million this year. He says that for adults aged 15-49 years, an estimated 15.9 percent of the population is HIV-positive.
To read the article titled, “SA population up by 1-million people,” click here.Source:Sowetan LiveSANEF Hail PAP Media Declaration
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) says that a Pan African Parliament (PAP) decision to launch a continent-wide campaign to promote press freedom is a ‘major move’.
In a press statement, SANEF points out that, “(We) regard this as a major move by a governmental institution to combat the growing secrecy adopted by most African governments in the conduct of affairs which should be open to the public.”
The organisation further states that attacks on journalists had resulted in deaths, injury, and long prison sentences almost entirely on trumped-up charges.
To read the article titled, “PAP media declaration hailed,” click here.Source:Independent OnlinePAP Makes Media Declaration
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has made a declaration on press freedom in Africa during a session in Midrand.
The PAP endorsed the conclusions of a dialogue on media freedom in the continent at a session held under the theme ‘Press Freedom for Development and Governance: Need for Reform’.
The PAP decided to launch a campaign and to establish an annual PAP award for media freedom in Africa as well as establish an annual PAP index on media freedom in the continent.
To read the article titled, “PAP makes media declaration,” click here.Source:Independent OnlineNYDA to Offer Free Grants to Entrepreneurs
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) says it will start dishing out free money to youth entrepreneurs in the near future.
NYDA chairperson, Yershen Pillay, says that grant finance will range between R1 000 and R100 000.
Pillay states that the NYDA will only offer loan finance to young entrepreneurs, adding that, "Instead there will be grant finance in the form of micro-finance grants for survivalist youth entrepreneurship and cooperative grants for greater participation of youth in the cooperative sector.
To read the article, “NYDA offers free grants,” click here.Source:Sowetan Live
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