Rhino Horns recovered in Roadblock

December 28, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 29
 RHINO HORNS RECOVERED IN ROADBLOCK
For Immediate release:  

In a combined SAPS - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) operation four men were arrested in the Hluhluwe area after being found in possession of two black rhino horns on 26 December 2009.
The men confessed that they had obtained the horns from a rhino found stuck in mud in the wilderness area of the Eastern Shores of the iSimangalison Wetland Park.
The suspects led SAPS and EKZNW staff to the area where they found the carcase of a black rhino with spear wounds in its side.
Further investigation is underway.

 

Media Note: Please note that this incident is NOT connected to the iMfolozi Christmas Day rhino poaching incident as reflected in KZN WILDLIFE  MEDIA RELEASE #28.
 

  AJG/Media Release No: 2009   29   28 Dec 20 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299 .

  

Farmers urged to act swiftly against locusts

24 December 2009

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in the Northern Cape urges all farmers in the province especially in the Pixley ka Seme District to report swarms of locust on their farms. The department is faced with the challenge of farmers who are not reporting swarms. These swarms pose a serious threat if not well controlled.

Farmers in the Pixley Ka Seme District towns of Hopetown, Britstown, Strydenburg and Petrusville are requested to act swiftly against locust by:

* Immediately making contact with the Department of Agriculture’s Locust control department in De Aar on 053 631 3122 should they notice swarms
* Flying swarms settling destinations should be reported in order for control measures to be applied
* Absent farmers are warned of suffering exponential losses should they not give attention, as their farms might act as reproduction hotspot which will
   further exacerbate problem
* Farmers are requested to allow immediate access t to the locust control teams and be assured that the chemicals that are being used are
   environmentally friendly.

These teams have been on alert for the last two months and are also on stand-by to ensure the control of the locusts. Farmers may call 082 451 4862 to report any swarms on their farms.

Enquiries:

Phemelo Manankong
External Communication Officer
Tel: 053 839 7861/2
Cell: 072 215 7848

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Northern Cape Provincial Government
24 December 2009

Zero tolerance to offenders after 15 year old crash taxi

16 December 2009

The Minister of Community Safety, Advocate Lennit Max, expressed his shock and anger after a taxi, apparently driven by a 15 year old boy, overturned in Kraaifontein at 08h20 this morning, killing two female passengers and slightly injuring eight others.

The driver was arrested and detained in the police cells. Max expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Max said that he found it shocking that the owners of the taxi placed the lives of people at great risk by allowing the young driver to be behind the wheel.

“This will not be tolerated,” he said.

Max said that police and community safety will leave no stone unturned to get answers to why the owner of the crashed taxi kept the vehicle, which was suspended in 2007 for not being roadworthy, without an operating license, on the road.

Max said that traffic officers will immediately remove any taxi or bus that is found to be not roadworthy or does not have an operating license, from the roads. Law enforcement will show zero tolerance to any offender on the roads as the lives of all road users are at great risk.

The Department of Community Safety as well as the Department of Transport and Public Works will continue to ensure the safety of all road users through their joint safely home campaign.

For more information please contact:

Julian Jansen
Tel: 021 483 3873
Cell: 082 726 9334
Fax: 021 483 3874

Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Western Cape Provincial Government
16 December 2009
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)

KwaZulu-Natal chess tournament

President Jacob Zuma to participate at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal chess tournament

21 December 2009

President Jacob Zuma will participate at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal chess tournament to be held on Tuesday, 22 December, at Nkandla community hall in KwaZulu-Natal.

The tournament has been organised at the request of the President in order to teach the youth patience and strategic thinking, and to promote recreational activity in rural areas.

President Zuma is an ardent chess player and wants to see the game being rolled out in various remote communities of the province as it requires minimal infrastructure.

The event will start at 14h00 and media is invited.

For more information contact:

Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024

Issued by: The Presidency
21 December 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)

More than 450 000 motorists stopped and checked

21 December 2009

More than 450 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked from 1 to 20 December 2009, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety campaign. No less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped between December and January.

Since 1 December, more than 2 500 drunk drivers have been arrested with 204 drunk drivers arrested this past Friday and Saturday (18 and 19 December) in the Eastern Cape alone. Among those arrested were one traffic officer, seven South African Police Service (SAPS) members, four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, four educators, three social workers, two members of Correctional Services, three nurses, one prosecutor and one doctor.

On Friday 18 December evening, 62 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving in road blocks in Soweto, Randburg and Johannesburg central in Gauteng. Since 1 December, more than 500 drunk drivers have been arrested in the Eastern Cape and 404 in KwaZulu-Natal.

More than 150 motorists have been arrested for reckless and negligent driving. More than 1 000 vehicles that are not roadworthy have been taken off the roads, including 250 buses and 200 taxis. More than 250 000 motorists were fined for speeding. Thousands of drivers were also fined for not wearing seatbelts and other offences.

According to preliminary reports, 619 deaths (169 drivers, 242 passengers and 208 pedestrians) were recorded on South Africa’s roads as a result of 478 fatal crashes, for the period 1 to 20 December.

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has again warned road users to obey the rules or pay the price.

“We want to warn road users to obey all road rules or face the consequences of their actions. We also call upon each and every South African to partner with government in order to save families from the untimely trauma of road deaths. Roads deaths are not accidents, but are avoidable and deadly incidents. It is for this reason that we are calling for a partnership against road deaths, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“This partnership must include communities, community based organisations, faith based organisations and non-governmental organisations. We must all join in this fight for safer roads. Let us use the spirit of the festive season to cement safer roads, to save lives and to kick road deaths out of our lives. We can achieve this by simply obeying all road rules. Let it start today! Let it start with you!” said the minister.

Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.

Enquiries:

Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050

Issued by: Department of Transport
21 December 2009

Warning to Visitors over the Festive Season

December 21, 2009;

 NEWS ITEM No: 2009 - 12 - 21  

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) appeals to all visitors to the many protected areas under its management to take care of themselves and their loved ones during the festive season holidays.
Visitors to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park are reminded that they need to fill in the hiking and rescue registers if they are going out on any walk or overnight hike in the Park.
The registers are available at all EKZNW reception offices in the Park and provide critically important information for search and rescue teams in cases of emergency.
It is essential to complete these registers legibly and as accurately as possible because this information could save lives.
Visitors are reminded that the weather in the Drakensberg can change very rapidly and they should equip themselves accordingly.

 

Visitors to EKZNW coastal parks should pay particular attention to local conditions of surf, current and estuary flow, and should preferably get local advice on prevailing conditions.
Visitors to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park are also reminded that almost all water bodies within the Park are potentially inhabited by crocodiles and visitors should keep well clear of the water’s edge and under no circumstances wade or allow their children to paddle or play in or near any pools, vleis, pans, estuaries or lakes.
The St Lucia Estuary at the town of St Lucia requires particular vigilance as there are many large crocodiles that can be regularly seen basking on the sand and mudbanks in the estuary.
Crocodiles are also present in the Umalalazi River where it flows through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve near the town of Mtunzini.

Visitors are also reminded that while wildlife is often seen amongst the chalets and campsites in the protected areas, these animals are not tame and members of the public should not try to touch them or feed them.

 

 AJG/ News Item No: 2009 - 12 - 21 
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.

Eden drought press release

17 December 2009

Introduction of emergency tariffs

The Eden district is still gripped by a serious drought, said Mr Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. He said although it has rained in the past two weeks, rainfall throughout the region is still at historical lows. There is no immediate relief in sight as the forecast for the next three months is for hot, dry weather.

In light of the serious situation, the national Disaster Management Centre has classified the drought as a disaster, and subsequently a state of local disaster has been declared by the Eden district municipality and the municipalities of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Bitou.

The most effective way to solve the current water shortage is to cut water consumption, and the most effective way to cut water consumption is to increase the price of water, especially for people who use excessive amounts of water. Although municipalities are generally not allowed to increase their water tariffs during a budget year, the national Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, this week authorised the implementation of emergency water tariffs for the coastal municipalities in the Eden district. This was in recognition of the deteriorating situation in the Eden district.

In addition, the Department of Water Affairs is in the process of introducing water restrictions for agricultural water users. Provincial government is actively assisting municipalities to implement sustainable solutions. The province mobilised R53 million in national emergencies funding for the Mossel Bay, George and Knysna Municipalities. This money is being used for boreholes, desalination facilities, and the treatment of effluent water.

The provincial Disaster Management Centre is confident that none of the towns will run dry during the festive season if locals as well as holiday makers respect the water restrictions.

Enquiries:

Heini Odendal

Cell: 084 510 3258

Issued by: Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Provincial Government
17 December 2009

North West Public Works Transport and Roads terminates R137,5 million tender

North West Public Works Transport and Roads terminates R137,5 million tender with Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture contracted to build government office complex in Vryburg

16 December 2009

North West Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has terminated the R137,5 million contract with the construction company Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture (JV), which was awarded a tender to build a government office complex, Mini-Garona, in Vryburg.

The decision was informed by the company’s “poor performance” on the project and their “failure to meet targets” as agreed to, in their 24 months contract with the department. The start date of the Vryburg government office building was 25 July 2006 and the expected completion date was 25 July 2008.

The construction company requested an extension, which was granted to at least finish the project by 12 October 2009, the dead line which they also failed to meet two months later. The stalled project has been compounded by numerous stops and starts in the past two years with the department coming within a whisker to terminate the contract last year.

The decision to show the Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture the door followed a stern warning by MEC Mahlakeng Mahlakeng to other contractors that: “There will be no room for non-performance or cutting corners with shoddy workmanship. Contactors, including emerging ones, must begin to perform or risk being shown the door.

“We will be ruthless on underperforming contractors who waste valuable time and public funds on projects and in so doing compromise government’s ability to deliver services to the people,” Mahlakeng warned.

He said the termination of the Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture, “had nothing at all” to do with the budget pressures his department was experiencing at the moment in the roads directorate or the companies’ court application for provisional liquidation.

It is expected that the department will set-up a professional team to assess the balance of work at the stalled Vryburg project and reconcile a bill of quantities. The move would give the department options to consider as a way forward in the next few months. These may include, going on an open tender for the completion of the remainder of the work still to be done in the New Year.

Meanwhile, Mahlakeng confirmed that Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture, performance will be closely monitored at the 200 bed hospital in Brits.
The same Ilima Projects-Tsoga Developers Joint Venture was awarded a R465 million contract by the department in July 2008 to build the health facility for the provincial Department of Health and Social Development in the Bojanala district.

Contact:

Matshube Mfoloe
Cell: 082 305 4594

Issued by: Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, North West Provincial Government
16 December 2009

Awareness on Human Trafficking key during 16 Days closure

17 December 2009

Human trafficking was the bone of contention during the closure of a
provincial 16 Days of Activism campaign on No Violence Against Women and
Children at Indwe in the Chris Hani District Municipality.

Human or child trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer
or harbouring of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, organ
removal, child labour and other forms that are related to those. The
Department, as the champion of this campaign decided to take the closing
event to Indwe because of a concerning rate of human trafficking in that
area. Six cases of human trafficking on girls aged between sixteen and
twenty have since been reported to the Department. The victims have
since been reunited with their families through the intervention by the
Department, working together with South African Police Service.

It is understood that signs of human trafficking are not widely known in
the province, particularly in Indwe. So the Department went to that area
to raise maximum awareness about this inhuman practice. Job promises are
understood to be the common method that is been used by the traffickers
to lure their victims.

Minister of Social Development Mrs Edna Molewa, accompanied by MEC, Ms
Nonkosi Mvana was the keynote addressor during the event. "Through the
National Crime Prevention Strategy, we explicitly condemn any form of
violence inflicted on women and children, because we consider such acts
of violence and abuse as a violation of human dignity and human rights,"
Minister said. She also added that violence against women was a global
development issue, a dangerous driver of the HIV epidemic, disintegrated
families and retarded our country's development.

Issued by: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
17 December 2009
Source: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government (http://www.socdev.ecprov.gov.za/)

More than 2 000 drunk drivers arrested

17 December 2009

According to preliminary reports, 448 deaths (126 drivers, 184 passengers and 134 pedestrians) were recorded on South Africa’s roads as a result of 335 fatal crashes, for the period 1 to 16 December.

And in yet another horrific collision on the N2 near Nyoni in KwaZulu-Natal this morning, 17 December 2009, seven people were reported killed in a crash between a bakkie and a truck.

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele visited the scene of the crash and warned that enforcement on bakkies conveying passengers will be intensified.

“We want to convey our condolences to those killed in road crashes since the start of the festive season and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. I visited the scene of this morning’s crash near Nyoni in KwaZulu-Natal and what we saw was gruesome. This is yet again an unnecessary loss of lives. This is the second horrific road crash in just two days in KwaZulu-Natal involving a bakkie.

Bakkies were never primarily designed for the conveyance of passengers. We have called upon law enforcement officials to intensify enforcement on bakkies carrying passengers. We also want to repeat our call to public transport operators, particularly bus and taxi operators, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and not to put profit above the lives of innocent commuters,” said the minister.

Meanwhile, more than 300 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked and more than 2 000 drunk drivers arrested on South Africa’s roads since 1 December, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety campaign.

Of the 2 000 drivers arrested for drinking and driving, more than 500 were arrested in the Eastern Cape alone and a further 320 in KwaZulu-Natal. The Western Cape yesterday launched the Safely Home Anti-Drunk Driving Operations War Room (SHADOW).

Since 1 December, 73 motorists were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. More than 150 buses and 50 taxis have been removed from roads in the Eastern Cape. In Gauteng, at least 50 buses and 70 taxis were removed from the roads. In KwaZulu-Natal, 423 vehicles that are not road worthy have been taken off the roads. Thousands of motorists were fined for speeding, not wearing seatbelts and other offences. The highest speed recorded was 238 kilometres per hour in KwaZulu-Natal where a motorcyclist was sentenced to a fine of R18 000.

Minister Ndebele has welcomed these arrests and warned motorists that traffic law enforcement will be stepped up in the next few days.

“We welcome the arrests and expect more arrests in the coming days as traffic volumes increase and traffic law enforcement is stepped up. When we say zero tolerance for all traffic offences, we mean just that. Law enforcement officers will stop and check no less than one million vehicles and drivers between December and January and you may be one of them. You have been warned; if you commit any traffic offence you will be caught and will face the full might of the law.

“We have spent billions of rands as well as other resources on engineering and education. From now on, it is going to be ENFORCEMENT, ENFORCEMENT and ENFORCEMENT. With the introduction of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) and the points demerit system next year, a driving licence will no longer be a lethal weapon. AARTO will change the life-time right of having a driving licence to a privilege which drivers must earn by remaining within the law.

“During this festive season, in 2010 and beyond, our message is simple: Obey the law! Obey the law! Obey the law! If you obey the law, you will never drink and drive, drive recklessly, break speed limits or drive vehicles that are not roadworthy. If you obey the law, you will not drive an unlicensed taxi, drive without a licence or overload. Just obey the law!” the minister said.

Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.

Enquiries:

Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050

Issued by: Department of Transport
17 December 2009

No mercy for rapists of 12 year old

17 December 2009

The Minister of Community Safety, Advocate Lennit Max, expressed his outrage at the rape of an eleven year old girl from Ladysmith in the southern cape.

The girl was allegedly raped by two males (one a 12 years old). Max described the incident as shocking and a disgrace to the safety network of the community who should protect their children from such callous acts.

It is a tragic day for any community if children resort to criminal acts like rape. Our moral and social fibre is definitely in deep trouble if anything like this can occur, because the safety of our children is a clear indication of the level of morality of our society.

He said the police will do a proper investigation so that all the facts can be presented to the courts. Any offender found guilty in this regard must expect no mercy from the courts.

Julian Jansen
Tel: 021 483 3873
Cell: 082 726 9334
Fax: 021 483 3874
Fax to e-mail: 086 579 4315

Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Western Cape Provincial Government
17 December 2009
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)

Start Your Own Internet Marketing from your Cell Phone

Internet Marketing and Sales

For Africa needs people in the Durban area to full fill the Property Listing Marketing. Set Up fee is R1200.00 and there is no multi level marketing commissions to pay. You invoice your clients directly and the listings will form part of the For Africa internet marketing network.

All you need is a camera phone with email or MMS capabilities. For full account control you need a Internet connection (ADSL/3g/GPRS/Wireless) GPRS pay as you go is good enough. Some Computer experience and we will supply you with your own administrator account. The system can be updated via email or MMS. You will be invoicing your clients at R350.00 per Property listing. They will deal directly will the prospective buyers.

Once the listing is done you have earned the right to bill your client. From this point on wards the system updates completely automatically into the For Africa Internet Marketing Network and people world wide will have access to this Property listing.

For more information:
        Call Petrus Viviers
        083 584 7473
        petrus@forafrica.co.za

You will be required to sign a black box agreement. This will prevent you from sharing the technical workings and training with any one else. All literature will remain the property off For Africa Internet Services and the Network that was setup up for you will be active at all times for your use.

MEDIA RELEASE - Wesbank

Contact your bank first should you be in financial difficulty

The current economic climate has created extreme pressure on consumers’ ability to honour their financial obligations. Too often, this has resulted in uninformed, cash-strapped consumers responding to opportunistic advertising messages from debt counsellors promising that they have the solution to relieve their debt problems.

 Since the implementation of the National Credit Act in June 2007, a private individual suffering under the pressures of over-indebtedness and who earns a regular monthly income can now apply for a formal debt review process by consulting a Debt Counsellor for assistance. A consumer is over indebted when, after paying for essential living expenses such as food, transport and insurance, he/she has insufficient funds available to cover monthly debt repayments. The Debt Counsellor is responsible for determining if a consumer is over-indebted or whether he/she will be struggling to meet financial commitments to creditors in the future. Furthermore, they need to present a proposal to the lenders for debt re-arrangement on behalf of the consumer.

 However, debt counselling is not always the best long-term solution and consumers must ensure they are fully aware of the advantages, as well as the disadvantages associated with the debt counselling process. The debt counselling process is a serious matter and although it allows consumers, if they qualify, to repay their debt at reduced monthly installments, it will take them much longer to pay off all their original debt. During the debt counselling process consumers will also be prevented from accessing any further credit.

 Consumers must, regardless of their financial institution, always approach their bank first should they be in any financial difficulty, or foresee any difficulty in the future, before seeking alternative solutions, says George Nyabadza, General Manager Marketing.

 “Over committed consumers are especially vulnerable this time of the year and can easily fall prey to misleading advertising messages”, says Nyabadza.

 

According to WesBank they receive complaints on a daily basis where consumers have suffered a loss due to negligence and mismanagement of their affairs by debt counsellors. Another general complaint is where debt counsellors, after receiving their fees, do not always complete the debt review process, as their fees are paid up front and the consumer’s problem is therefore not resolved.

 

A common mistake consumers under debt review often make is to entrust their debt counsellor with the duty of distributing their funds amongst their various creditors, instead of insisting that a payment distribution agent is appointed for this purpose. This has too often resulted in consumers losing money.

 

“Where a consumer’s only solution is to approach a Debt Counsellor, they need to ensure the person is registered with the National Credit Regulator. In addition, registration as a member of the National Debt Mediation Association would be recommended, as the counsellor will be equipped to assist them with budget advice, support and mediation with financial institutions and other credit providers”, says Nyabadza

 

WesBank further wants to advise customers under debt review to keep up with their monthly insurance premiums. In the event of a total right-off of the vehicle due to theft or an accident, the customer remains liable for the full outstanding debt on his/her finance agreement, adding further financial pressure if the vehicle is un-insured. It is also important for consumers receiving a monthly car allowance to continue to use the full allowance towards paying off their vehicle installment.

 

“We appreciate these are exceptional times and as a result WesBank has invested in special call centres and new methods of assisting customers to cope with the strain of their debt”, concludes  Nabadza.

Grammar and Errors - Copy Writing

As a copy writer it has always been a problem to please all people. Many advertisers grasp the fact that good English represents good verbal and writing communication skills, but this is not always possible when one writes content for a Blog or Web site. Key words and Description to content ratio was the dominating factor when content was created. With the new way Google is re-thinking and crawling search content this will be even more of a challenge in the future.

This is one of the Regular news letters that explains why and how one must go about marketing on the Internet. Content is very important as factual nature, but very few people will browse away from a site because the Grammar is not up to standard. If your facts is not valuable or in accurate you loose readers. Many people searching the Internet do so to obtain facts. Either for Travel arrangements or to do some sort of a project.

For this reason one should make sure your facts are updated regularly and there is nothing so frustrating not finding what you are looking for. For this reason I will always have my phone number on a posting or article so people can inter act to get the type of information they need. This has proofed to be very user friendly and the passive spin off from this attitude has been great.

For more Blogging tips refer to For Africa on a regular basis. The Web Site that will get your product promoted.

by Petrus Viviers

083 584 7473

www.forafrica.co.za
www.stlucia.org.za
www.elephantcoast.co.za
www.isimangaliso.co.za

Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster

Speech presented by the Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr JL Mahlangu, MPL, during the launch of the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster, Middelburg, Steve Tshwete local municipality

8 December 2009

Programme Director, Mr Glen Waldeck
Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster, Mr David Nkos
Managing Director of Corrotherm, Mr Owen Maroleng
Managing Director of Thos Begbie, Mr Eugene Rossouw
Champion of the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster, Mr Pieter de Wet
Chief Director for Trade and Industry Development, Dr Joyce Pakade
Government officials present
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Good evening!

I am humbled and honoured to be part of this launch this evening, as the launch to me confirms our government’s unwavering commitment towards economic development, and paving the way for decent job opportunities and sustainable livelihood, which is one of our five major priority areas over the next five years.

We are pleased as the department, to witness launch of the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster here this evening, an initiative which we supported from its conception stage. The launch of this initiative however, coincides with the Climate Change conference currently underway at Copenhagen, Denmark from yesterday until 18 December 2009.

All countries of the world including South Africa, will be meeting over the next 10 days to agree on ways to reduce the depletion of the ozone layer, the result thereof being global warming. We are all aware that the major contributor towards global warming is the high levels of carbon dioxide emissions we are experiencing.

This we experience as a result of industrialisation and the high number of cars on our roads, to mention but a few. We hope that all countries would at the end of the conference, agree to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions in order to save our planet. I can assure you that the current unpredictable weather we are experiencing for the first time in our history is attributed to global warming.

Our position as a country on the outcome we want to see at the end of the Copenhagen conference is very clear; we want an outcome that balances adaptation, mitigation and development imperatives with climate change imperatives. And in order to achieve this, we must be allowed to continue to grow our economy in order to address our development challenges. We cannot therefore, be treated as developed countries given our under developed circumstances.

We still need to provide the required economic and social infrastructure to uplift the well being of our people. However, when we continue to do this, we must do it responsibly and protect our environment by reducing the levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Our challenge therefore, is that we must do this using clean, low carbon technology.

Given our financial situation as a developing country, we do not have the means to finance new technology. And according to President Jacob Zuma, the developed countries should come up with a strong financial package to finance such new technology, if we are to contribute meaningfully towards reducing the levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

The President has also urged the developed nations to take on deep emission reduction in line with what is required by science. Also writing on the issue under the title: “The pressure is on us to act,” in the Sunday Independent of 6 December 2009, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica said and I quote: “The developed nations have an obligation to support the developing world in achieving (the objective of reducing the level of carbon dioxide emissions) and should help with finance, technology and capacity building”. Her argument and ours also, is that these climate challenges the world facing, are mostly attributable to the industrialised nations, hence our call that they must own up and assist us.

We are committed as the country, to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent by 2020 with the help of the industrialised nations, and this is the commitment we are taking to Copenhagen. As the province, we acknowledge our historical dependence on coal as the source of energy and that coal burning contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, especially in this district around Emalahleni, hence we have started to act.

As part of our interventions, we have installed nine ambient air quality monitoring stations across what is called the Highveld National Air Pollution Priority Area in order to monitor air pollution. This area covers Delmas, Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete, Dipaleseng, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa, Msukaligwa and Pixley ka-Seme municipalities. The monitoring of the area will assist us to review the level of emissions and take the necessary precautionary measures.

Programme director, ladies and gentlemen; despite these negative impacts on our environment and not disregarding the call for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, we strongly believe the provision of sustainable livelihoods for our people cannot be compromised.

With the launch of the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel cluster this evening, we believe a number of people will receive permanent employment, the ripple effect of it being that, they would be able to feed their families thus reducing poverty and hunger and ensuring sustainable livelihood. Our aim is to support and collectively grow the stainless steel manufacturing industry in the province, in order to continue to contribute meaningfully to the economy of Mpumalanga and South Africa in general. But in the process of operating this initiative, let us do that with caution considering the effect the emissions have on our environment. We have a collective role to protect the environment for future generations and we cannot fail them. Working together, we can do more to contribute towards reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and safe our environment.

May I on the same breath, take off my hat to congratulate Anglo Coal for their initiative to recycle one of our scarce commodity, that is, water, for human consumption. This happens as the country is facing dire water shortage, and if predictions are anything to go by, South Africa would in the next 20 years, not have enough water to cater for its people. It is therefore our collective responsibility, to preserve this valuable rare commodity.

Through investing in the process to purify the water they use in their daily operations, Anglo Coal has ensured that the people of eMalahleni continue to have clean drinkable water. If we do not work together to save water, we run the risk of water shortages by 2030. Working together, we can do more to preserve and conserve our water resources for the benefit of generations to come.

As we are about to close the worldwide 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse campaign, may I on behalf of our people, urge all of you to make this campaign a 365 days event. ‘Don’t look away, Act against abuse!’ These mostly vulnerable members within our communities have pinned their hopes for survival on the same people who abuse. Let’s all say NO to women and child abuse, for they need our love and protection. Working together, we can do more to build a safer and caring South Africa that truly belong to all; a South Africa that loves and protects its women and children.

And as the year draws to a close, my I also seize this opportunity to wish you and your families, a Merry Christmas and the New Year filled with opportunities and blessings. And as we indulge in the festivities ahead, let us do that responsibly, remembering the commitments we must fulfill in the New Year.

As we prepare to host the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, let us get ready to give them Africa’s warm welcome. Let us show them that Mpumalanga is the home to all visitors. We must treat them like kings and queens if we want them to come back. This is because in our culture, visitors bring lots of luck and possible prosperity. If they stay longer than they had planned, they will contribute towards growing our tourism sector and our economy, which is still recuperating from the effects of the recent recession.

As I close, a Chinese proverb says and I quote: “If you want to know your past, look into your present conditions. If you want to know your future, look into your present actions.”

Indeed, like one of our liberation stalwart, Mahatma Ghandi once said, “the future depends on what we do in the present!” Let us seize opportunities in front of us to prepare a brighter tomorrow, a tomorrow that we will all be proud of. And when that happens, we will go to our graves smiling, knowing that we did not fail the future generation and South Africa.

It is my pleasure and privilege, to launch the Mpumalanga Stainless Steel Cluster.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism,
Mpumalanga Provincial Government
8 December 2009
Source: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism,
Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/dedet/index.asp)

Decision not to proceed with Tender No EDO 400

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10 December 2009

The Department of Basic Education has decided not to proceed with Tender Number EDO 400: Appointment of a service provider/higher education institution/non governmental institution to develop workbook packages for learners in Grades one to six in literacy and numeracy that are aligned to lesson plans for the foundations for learning.

The above tender was advertised on 13 November 2009 with a closing date of 27 November 2009. Following a rigorous evaluation of the bids received, it has become clear to the department that the primary objective of delivering quality materials to schools to assist learning and teaching would not be achieved were we to proceed with the tender. The department has thus decided not to proceed with this tender.

The department remains committed to the provision of high quality learning and teaching support materials to schools and teachers in 2010 and beyond. The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, MP, has reiterated that “the provision of high quality learning and teaching support materials is central to the national literacy and numeracy strategy of my department.”

The Minister has directed the department to design a new process, with realistic timelines, to ensure that the department meets the key objective of providing a workbook to every learner from Grades R to six in support of improved numeracy and literacy rates in our schools. The Minister has instructed the Acting Director-General, Mr Bobby Soobrayan, to ensure that the materials developed through this new process are credible, aligned to the curriculum and will assist teachers and learners to achieve the relevant learning outcomes.

The Minister said, “I am satisfied that the Grade R materials and lesson plans developed as part of the Foundations for Learning Campaign are of the required standard and have instructed my department to ensure that these packs are provided to all schools in time for the start of the 2010 school year. “The department will accordingly proceed with the development of the materials for Grades one to six and announce the process to be followed in this regard in due course.

Curriculum and materials development experts will be closely involved in the new process to ensure that proper quality assurance of the materials happens. The department acknowledges that rigorous school based testing will also have to be done to ensure that the workbook activities for learners meet the high standards that the curriculum demands.

The Department of Basic Education remains committed to the provision of evidence based high quality workbooks as a key element in our national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy levels in all our schools.

The department regrets any inconvenience caused by the withdrawal of the tender.

Contact person:

Dr Granville Whittle (Chief Director: Media Liaison and National and Provincial Communication)
Tel: 012 312 5024
Cell: 072 148 9575

Issued by: Department of Basic Education
10 December 2009
Source: Department of Basic Education (http://www.education.gov.za)

Domestic Tourism Survey 2008

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7 December 2009

Statistics South Africa is launching a new household survey product, namely the Domestic Tourism Survey (DTS). The first survey was conducted in August 2008 amongst a representative sample of 31 909 South African households. The main objectives of the DTS survey are to:

1) Collect accurate statistics on the travel behaviour and expenditure of South African residents travelling within and outside the borders of South Africa.
2) Determine the contribution of tourism to the South African economy.
3) Provide information for planning, marketing, policy formulation and regulation of tourism-related activities.

The DTS covers seven areas specifically related to travel and expenditure patterns, namely: overview of trips taken by the household, domestic day trips by the respondent and/or other household members, domestic day trips by other household members only (without the respondent), domestic overnight trips by the respondent and/or other household members, domestic overnight trips by other household members only (without the respondent), foreign overnight trips by the respondent and/or other household members, and foreign overnight trips by other household members only (without the respondent).

The findings of the survey showed that people who took trips in the six months prior to the survey mostly did so to visit friends and family/relatives (VFR). This was the main reason stated why both domestic day and overnight trips were taken. For the most recent trips that were taken an estimated 7,469 million trips were taken for this reason, of which 2,252 million were day trips and 5,217 million were overnight trips.

Taxis were the most commonly used form of transport. It was used for 8,860 million day and overnight trips and cars in 7,532 million day and overnight trips. Taxis were mostly used as mode of transport to visit friends and family/relatives (27 6%) and to do shopping for personal use (28,3%).

Domestic day trips in the six months prior to the survey mostly had Gauteng as the main destination. KwaZulu-Natal, on the other hand, was the main destination for overnight trips.

Substantial amounts of money were spent by people when they take trips, e.g. the total estimated expenditure on day trips was R3,159 billion and on overnight trips R8,404 billion. Transport expenses accounted for roughly a third of this, i.e. R1,122 billion on day trips and R3,398 billion on overnight trips.

For media enquiries contact:

Ms Kefiloe Masiteng
Deputy Director-General
Population & Social Statistics
Statistics South Africa
Tel: 012 310 2109
Cell: 083 389 3673

For technical enquiries contact:

Dr. Isabelle Schmidt
Senior Professional, Development and Output
Social Statistics, Statistics South Africa
Tel: 012 337 6379
Cell: 082 884 4281

Issued by: Statistics South Africa
7 December 2009
Source: Statistics South Africa (http://www.statssa.gov.za)