Governance and democracy
Governance and democracy
Child Support Grant Extended to 18
Cabinet has approved the extension of the state child support grant of R240 a month to children older than 14 years with effect from 1 January 2010 next year.
Government spokesperson, Themba Maseko, says the decision applies only to children from poor households. Caregivers of the beneficiaries would have the responsibility to ensure that the beneficiaries remain in school.
Maseko says the cost to the state will be R1.3 billion, R2.6 billion and R3.5 billion respectively over the next three years.
To read the article titled, “Cabinet approves R7.4bn expansion of child grants,” click here.Source:SowetanInsight into Participatory Video: A Handbook for the Field
Written by the directors of InsightShare, a United Kingdom/France-based organisation using Participatory Video (PV) as a tool for empowering individuals and communities, this booklet aims to be a practical guide to setting up and running PV projects. Based on the authors' experience using PV in several countries, the booklet offers an outline for facilitators to explore how to use video to encourage a lively, democratic process. Descriptions of games and exercises to introduce PV and case studies are illustrated with cartoons and photographs. A selection of video films made by local people and a training film are included in an accompanying CD-ROM.
For more information, click here.
NGO Gives Nigerian Govt Ultimatum
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Nigerian government seven days ultimatum to commence collection of overdue revenue from six multinational oil companies including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) or face legal action.
SERAP says the alleged failure by the government to fully collect overdue revenue from the oil companies involved and ensure its transparent and efficient use for infrastructural development and the good of the country is a violation existing laws including its international human rights obligations and commitments."
The group says that, "Under international law, Nigeria is obligated to use its maximum available resources to achieve economic, social and cultural rights of its citizens.”
To read the article titled, “SERAP gives federal Govt 7-day ultimatum,” click here.Source:All AfricaDitshwanelo Urges Batswana to Vote
Human rights group, Ditshwanelo, has called on Batswana to exercise their democratic right to vote on 16 October 2009.
Ditshwanelo wants Batswana to recognise that by casting their ballot they are exercising a human right enshrined in the country’s law and exercising the right to choose representatives of their choice.
The organisation further urges Batswana to vote consciously. It says voting based on emotional factors is not responsible voting.
“Responsible voting is aimed at the development of the country and a deepening of the country’s democratic gains and a commitment to working for a better society for future generations,” maintains Ditshwanelo.
To read the article titled, “Rights group encourages responsible voting,” click here.Source:All AfricaLaw Bars NGOs from Politics
The Rwandan Lower Chambers of Parliament has approved an amendment to the law that regulates the operations of local NGOs.
The law prohibits NGOs from fundraising for any political party. However, individual members of the NGOs have a right to have political affiliations.
Under the amendment, there are three categories of NGOs; Public Interest Organisations, Common Interest Organisations and Foundations. NGOs are allowed to conduct commercial activities provided that the profit from such activities, are ploughed back into the organisation's non-profit making activities.
To read the article titled, “New law bars NGOs from politics,” click here.Source:AllGauteng Water Indaba 2009
The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, in partnership with the South African Local Government Association and the Gauteng Provincial Government, is hosting the Gauteng Water Indaba 2009 on 6 November 2009 in Boksburg.
The Water Indaba is a platform created by the Minister to engage with all stakeholders to seek solution to water service delivery, efficient water management, water allocation and demand management challenges, and other key issues that the sector and the province may regard important. The Water Indaba will further discuss the importance of water in the planning of all development and growth initiatives for greater sustainability within the province.
The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica will be visiting the Gauteng Province on the 06th of November 2009 for a Water Indaba.
Date: 6 November 2009
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre. Boksburg
Time: 8h30 – 16h30
RSVP: Thuma Mabena, MabenaT2@dwaf.gov.za, by no later than 28 October 2009Event start date:06/11/2009Event end date:06/11/2009Event venue:Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre. BoksburgEvent type:ConferenceIdasa: Public Lecture
The Right to Know, Right to Education project of Idasa’s Economic Governance Programme invites you to a public lecture by Statistician General, Dr Pali Lehohla on 22 October 2009 in Pretoria.
Dr Lehohla will be speaking on the importance of the right of access to information for citizen participation.
Time: From noon to 14h30
RSVP: On or before 19 October to Robyn, email: rlubbe@idasa.org.za, tel: 012 392 0644
For more information on Idasa, click here.
Event start date:22/10/2009Event end date:22/10/2009Event venue:Idasa’s Kutlwanong Democracy Centre, 357 Visagie St cnr Prinsloo St, PretoriaEvent type:SeminarZim Officials Sued for Human Rights Violations
A Zimbabwean official says several top officials and cronies of President Robert Mugabe being sued for torture have been renounced by the state and will not receive legal assistance.
Deputy attorney-general, Prince Machaya, points out that the state will not represent officials being sued by prominent human rights activist, Jestina Mukoko and eight others.
The activists are seeking US$500 million for wrongful arrest, torture and abduction after their terror charges were dropped.
To read the article titled, “State dumps Mugabe cronies,” click here.Source:<br /> News24Stats SA Gears for Census 2011
Statistics South Africa has set in motion the operational plans and processes that will culminate in Census 2011, a national priority and the third under the democratic administration.
Statistician-general, Pali Lehohla, says that this is a massive logistical exercise that dwarfs all other nationwide mobilisation.
Lehohla argues that a census is deemed the largest mobilisation in times of peace, adding that even war is dwarfed by a census.
To read the article titled, “Stats SA sets plans in motion for Census 2011,” click here.
Source:<br /> Business ReportMangani Accuses NGOs, Donors for Plotting Against Govt
The Zambian government has accused the 17 CSOs of conspiring with some donors and some high profiled Zambians to bring down the government.
Home Affairs Minister, Lameck Mangani, says that some cooperating partners were behind the planned protests over the acquittal of former president, Fredrick Chiluba.
Mangani says that there is a conspiracy between some disgruntled Zambians and the cooperating partners to portray the government as not being serious in its fight against corruption.
To read the article titled, “NGOs, donors plotting against govt – Mangani,” click here.
Source:<br /> All AfricaArticle link:
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