N Mekgwe to witness circumcisions at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Gauteng MEC of Health N Mekgwe to witness circumcisions at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

10 Dec 2010

In support of the fight against HIV and AIDS,  Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Ntombi Mekgwe will witness ten medical male circumcisions at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital this afternoon.

More than 7 000 medical male circumcisions have been performed in various health facilities in Gauteng since the Minister called for the provision of this surgery to reduce HIV transmission.  Research has shown that male circumcision reduces transmission of HIV by 60%.

The 7 736 operations were performed in Zola and Orange Farm Community Health Centres, Jubilee , Helen Joseph, Odi Tambo Memorial, Dr George Mukhari, Kopanong, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Heidelberg, Sebokeng, Pretoria West, Edenvale, Chris Hani Baragwanath and South Rand Hospitals as well as Zuzimpilo and Zazi private clinics.

The department aims to perform 10 000 circumcisions by the end of the financial year.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date:  10 December 2010
Time:  15h30
Venue:  Khula Ndoda Clinic, New Out-patient section, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Diepkloof, Soweto

Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell:  082 551 9892

Issued by: Gauteng Health and Social Development
10 Dec 2010

wind up issues pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Media briefing by President Jacob Zuma and FIFA President Joseph S Blatter

10 Dec 2010

The President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Jacob Zuma will meet FIFA President Joseph S Blatter to wind up issues pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. President Zuma together with President Blatter will after the meeting hosts a joint press conference to reflect on the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Monday, 13 December 2010
Time: 15h00
Venue: Presidential Guesthouse, Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria. Nearest Corner: Church and Dumbarton (Use gate 10)

Members of the media wishing to attend the press conference must send confirmations of attendance with all their details to Jonas Mashigo at jonas@po.gov.za no later than 12 December 2010. 

All media representatives must present their press cards and identity documents or passports on arrival.

Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Harold Maloka
Cell: 082 847 9799

Source: The Presidency

Issued by: The Presidency
10 Dec 2010

South Africa’s national statement to COP 16 / CMP 6

South Africa's national statement to COP 16 / CMP 6 presented by Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa

9 Dec 2010

Excellencies, Heads of State and government
Madame President, colleagues

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of Mexico for the warm hospitality since the moment we arrived in this beautiful city of Cancun and for the excellent arrangements and facilities.

Let me also join other delegations in commending the leadership you and your team have demonstrated in managing this process and preparing parties to seek convergence even on the most difficult issues.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity; a challenge that compounds the existing multiple challenges already facing developing countries, such as drought, flooding, famine and disease. Here in these negotiation halls, it is us who have to make the unenviable decision of whether the global climate regime will be a multilaterally agreed and ambitious legally binding outcome, under the two track negotiating framework of the Bali Roadmap, or whether it will simply be a regime where nations do whatever they can, whenever it is possible, with whoever they choose.

I am confident that in the remaining 12 hours of work we will make the right choice. Here in Cancun we must lay a firm foundation and the building blocks for a multi-laterally agreed climate change regime that is fair, inclusive and effective and that keeps the temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In fact more recent science indicates that 1.5 degrees is the safe limit.

There are also short term issues that we believe must be finalised here, namely on adaptation, fast start finance, technology transfer, capacity building and REDD plus. The greatest legacy we can bestow on the planet and future generations is to honour the objectives, principles and provisions of the convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Bali Roadmap. We must leave Cancun having agreed on overarching decisions on the legal form of the eventual outcome of negotiations under the Convention and the continued negotiation of a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. We must decide here in Cancún that the Kyoto Protocol has a future. We dare not delay.

We must step forward towards a multilateral climate change regime that strikes a balance between climate and development imperatives, and that ensures an equal balance of emphasis on adaptation and mitigation. Let me put this clearly adaptation must be the heart of the agreement.

In the longer term and as agreed in Bali, the most effective and politically acceptable way for the future international climate change regime to urgently deliver on these requirements is through an amendment to the Kyoto Protocol to establish a second commitment period, with a comparable legally binding agreement under the convention.

The amendment to annexure B of the Kyoto Protocol would bind high levels of mitigation ambition by developed countries in accordance with the science. The legally binding agreement under the convention would firstly bind an ambitious, absolute and comparable economy wide mitigation commitment for countries that are not party to the Kyoto Protocol. Secondly it would give developing countries the necessary time and resources to develop while simultaneously contributing to the global effort through relative mitigation action. Thirdly it must provide an international legal framework for adaptation to the inevitable impacts of climate change, and for the necessary financial and technology support for developing country adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Here, at the threshold of the next crucial stage of our collective and urgent battle against climate change, we must demonstrate bold and courageous leadership. To unlock the urgent progress that is needed, developed countries must take the lead with ambitious, binding and absolute emission reduction commitments. And developing countries will contribute their fair share through mitigation action that is supported by finance and technology and both must be measured, reported and verified.

Madame President, in Africa, climate change will severely affect food and water security and the livelihoods of people in developing countries. It will especially have an impact on the lives of women, youth and the disabled. It will undermine the development and poverty eradication gains that we have made, and that we seek to achieve in the future. Without agreement on an international framework to enable and support the implementation of large scale adaptation programmes at all levels in developing countries, we are condemning these countries to a perilous future.

Madame President, in Copenhagen South Africa announced its intention to reduce emissions by 34 percent below our business as usual levels by 2020, and 42 percent by 2025. This is immensely challenging given our historical dependence on a coal based energy supply. We recognise that our development and poverty eradication priorities cannot be separated from transitioning to a green and climate resilient economy.

We are actively working towards cleaner and renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and building adaptation into our sustainable development and poverty eradication priorities. It is in that context that we are developing a Green Economy Strategy and we have a completed a National Climate Change Response Policy that is currently out for public comment. A carbon tax that would put a price on carbon and affect consumer and producer behaviour is under discussion.

Between now and 2012, we are piloting several alternative technologies such Concentrated Solar Power in the Northern Cape looking at achieving a capacity of 1,100 MW, scaling up to 5,000 MW by 2020. There are several other potential areas in wind energy with potential of scaling up to 10,000 MW.

In transportation we are looking at innovative transport systems in rail, and up-scaling the South African electric vehicle, the Joule. However, all these require technological and financial support in the order of billions of dollars. While we require the developed world to meet its obligation under the convention and Bali Roadmap to support the mitigation and adaptation efforts of developing countries, we are not just sitting back and waiting. Our national development finance institutions have taken up the challenge and are committed to mobilising finance at a national level. However we need the developed world to support these efforts by meeting their financial obligations.

My delegation would like to see a success here in Cancun, which provides a firm foundation of further work to take place in Durban next year.

I look forward to welcoming you to Durban.

I thank you.

Enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
9 Dec 2010

Transport Industry Still Fighting Fit

TRANSPORT INDUSTRY STILL FIGHTING FIT The past year has been an eventful one for all South Africans. There was the unanimously successful Soccer World Cup, and the unanimously disastrous economic recession. Both events have impacted on the local transport industry and some companies have suffered, but ultimately those at the top of their game have come through on the other side of 2010 with guns still a-blazing.   These top companies were recently acclaimed at the FOCUS on Excellence Awards banquet, sponsored by WesBank. The awards celebrate those companies who are achieving excellence as transport operators, vehicle suppliers and tyre, fuel, lubricant and trailer suppliers.   The FOCUS on Excellence awards are considered to be particularly important by contestants, as they are voted for by people in the industry. It is the only awards ceremony of its kind in South Africa and contestants and customers alike know that the results reflect which companies really are excelling.   Scott Byers, the research company in charge of counting the thousands of votes, has determined the winners through a rigorous voting system, which involves questioning members of senior management in the industry. This year was even tougher, and therefore more rewarding, as in order to make the finals, companies had to receive over 10% of the votes, rather than simply be in the top five. This means that some categories may have only two or three finalists.   Being a finalist in the awards, which are in their fifth year, is therefore a significant achievement in itself. Each of the finalists deserves praise and recognition for being truly world-class companies, delivering world-class products and services.   "The winners can be safe in the knowledge that amidst one of the toughest economical years to date, they have managed to deliver their goods and achieve complete customer satisfaction," notes Charleen Clarke, editor of FOCUS on Transport magazine, which convenes the awards programme on behalf of the commercial vehicle industry.   The awards, held in Johannesburg on 9 November, were graced by the kings and queens of the industry: the winners, finalists and other top dogs were all there to celebrate the great advances happening in South African commercial transport.   This celebration would not be possible without the support of WesBank, which has sponsored the awards for the past three years. "Partnerships are extremely important in business, and they are vital in sustaining the truck and bus industry in South Africa. We are very proud to be partnering with the industry in sponsoring the awards," says Chris de Kock, WesBank sales and marketing executive. "It is good to see so many smiling faces this year, rather than the somewhat more grim ones I faced last year – it shows things are really looking up going in to 2011," he adds.   TOP VEHICLE SUPPLIERS   It came as no surprise to see South African automotive legend, the Toyota Hilux, being named the Best Light Commercial Vehicle for the fifth year running, beating fellow finalists General Motors and Nissan SA.   One cannot drive on a South African road without sighting a Hilux, and this award is testament to how loved they are by locals. This year is a special one for Hilux, as it is celebrating its 40th birthday. Kerry Roodt, general manager of marketing communications at Toyota, says, "Our continued success would not be possible without our dealers and our loyal customers, so a big thank you needs to be paid to them."   Best Medium Commercial Vehicle was once again snapped up by Hino SA. Its 300 Series has long been a favourite in the South African market. Three words that have always been synonymous with Hino are dependability, reliability and quality, the 300 Series embodies all of these. The award shows how it has done more than survive the rebranding of the company 18 months ago, but has once again come out on top. "The times over the past year reflect the true grit that the winning companies have," says Ignatius Muthien, senior marketing manager, Hino SA. "The South African transport industry is blessed to have so much professional expertise available across every spectrum."   Other finalists in this category were Isuzu Truck SA, Mercedes-Benz South Africa and UD Trucks Southern Africa.   Mercedes-Benz won the Best Heavy and Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle awards. This company is widely accepted as the best in these segments, and does not skip a beat to make sure it retains its hold. The Atego is a heavy commercial vehicle that upholds a long and successful tradition in distribution transport through maximum reliability, outstanding performance and strength. The Actros and Axor, on the other hand, continue to make their mark on the extra-heavy vehicle segment, with the majority share of this market. Hino SA, Isuzu Truck SA, MAN Truck and Bus SA, and UD Trucks Southern Africa were the other contenders for Best Heavy Commercial Vehicle. Other finalists for Best Extra-heavy Commercial Vehicle were Freightliner, MAN Truck and Bus SA, UD Trucks Southern Africa and Volvo Southern Africa.   Although Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Scania South Africa were finalists for Best Commuter Bus, MAN Truck and Bus SA once again proved unbeatable. MAN commuter buses can easily be spotted all over the country and are widely accepted as the top selling bus in South Africa. MAN is also the only manufacturer that offers a complete bus solution. "I'm very proud of our team here at MAN, it really is all about them and their hard work," says Ray Karshagen, business development board member, buses, at MAN. "Our awards tonight are thanks to a good team and a good product; it's as simple as that."   This year, Mercedes-Benz shone yet again, this time in the Best Touring Coach category. Mercedes-Benz proves that it not only excels in the truck market but has the versatility to provide tourists with ultimate comfort and safety. Other finalists were MAN Truck and Bus SA, Scania South Africa and Volvo Southern Africa.   PREMIER FUEL AND LUBRICANT SUPPLIERS   This year was a difficult one for fuel companies, being very much under the spotlight and scrutinised by environmentalists. However, one company still managed to come out ahead of all the rest and Engen Petroleum Limited was the one to achieve this. A commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, environmental awareness and accountability are the factors that ensured Engen's number one position as both Best Supplier of Fuels and Best Supplier of Lubricants.   Fellow finalists in the Best Supplier of Fuels category were BP Southern Africa, Chevron SA and Shell South Africa. Finalists in Best Supplier of Lubricants were BP Southern Africa, Castrol, Chevron SA and Shell South Africa.   "Over the past few years we have really focused on trucking transport," says John Kennedy, business manager for commercial fuels within the Engen sales and marketing division. "Our network of service, truck stops and card systems all helped us to achieve very satisfactory performance this year, and these awards are recognition of that from the industry."   BEST OF THE BEST IN TYRES   The battle for Best Tyre is always a tough one, as all the products available are world-class. However, Bridgestone once again showed it has a little something extra that makes customers favour them year after year. Bridgestone South Africa has long provided transport operators with a comprehensive range of commercial vehicle tyres, ideally suited to South Africa's challenging conditions.   The other finalists in this category were Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear and Michelin.   "This is the third time we have been up here for this award, and we are extremely grateful to all our customers, whether they have bought one or 100 tyres from us," says Julio Fava, general manager of producer sales at Bridgestone.   Closely linked to this award is Best Supplier of Tyre Services. Again this is a coveted award and amongst the finalists were Max T Solutions, Supa Quick Auto Centres and TrenTyre. This year it was TrenTyre who was most favoured in the eyes of those in the know. Established in 1948, TrenTyre sells and manufactures new multi-brand tyres, retreaded tyres, wheels and allied services via an extensive countrywide branch and retread factory network.   "It is an honour and a privilege for Trentyre to receive this award," says John Sims, general manager, TrenTyre. "We are proud of this achievement as the country's leading distribution channel of multi-brand new and retread tyres, related products and services to the truck fleet industry. We will continue to bring this excellence to our customers in the years to follow."   SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS TO THE FORE   The extremely tough economic recession was not the only factor to hit the transport industry hard. South Africa was struck by numerous strikes affecting transport manufacturers' ability to import parts and supplies and move them to where they needed to be, in turn affecting sales and service.   Although this affected everyone, the really stellar companies were able to shrug off the effects and move on quickly after the strikes. The awards for Vehicle Distributor with the Best Sales Support, Best Service Support and Best Parts Support are therefore particularly special this year.   Hino once again demolished its numerous competitors, claiming the prize for Vehicle Distributor with the Best Sales Support. Hino has the largest dealer network in the country as well as an excellent relationship of mutual respect with their dealers. Other finalists were Freightliner, Isuzu Truck SA, MAN Truck and Bus SA, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mitsubishi Fuso, Scania, UD Trucks Southern Africa and Volvo Southern Africa.   "This award is really all about our 53 dealerships across the country," says Casper Kruger, vice-president of Hino SA. "So a big thank you must go to all our dealers and sales managers."   Isuzu Truck SA emerged as a company to be reckoned with at this year's awards, claiming the prize for Vehicle Distributor with the Best Service Support and Vehicle Distributor with the Best Parts Support.   This is a new win for the company, which has successfully emerged as one of the strongest companies in the industry after one of the toughest years. Isuzu offers a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty on all its derivatives, which really acts as a strong market differentiator for the company. The awards recognise this valuable support to operators.   "We have been working extremely hard towards these awards, so it's great to get recognition from the industry," says Ian Porter, truck sales manager, Isuzu Truck South Africa. "We have put a lot of emphasis on after-sales and it's fantastic to see this message is getting through, and that customers are recognising the improvement we have worked hard to bring them. Thanks must also be given to our dealers – they play a huge part in our success."   Other finalists for the Vehicle Distributor with the Best Service Support were Hino SA, MAN Truck and Bus SA, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Scania South Africa, UD Trucks Southern Africa and Volvo Southern Africa.   Finalists for Vehicle Distributor with the Best Parts Support were MAN Truck and Bus SA, Mercedes-Benz South Africa and UD Trucks Southern Africa.   LEADING IN THE TRAILER GAME   Henred Fruehauf emerged at the top this year, beating other top competitors Afrit and SA Truck Bodies. Henred Fruehauf manufactures heavy-duty axles, suspensions, hydraulic cylinders, the components used within the aforementioned products and rubber components.   "Henred Fruehauf and SA Truck Bodies both form part of Route Holdings, so this award goes to 2000 plus workers who proudly fly the flag," says Moses Naidoo, marketing manager at Henred Fruehauf.   SA'S TOP TRANSPORT OPERATORS   This year, the awards for Best Bus Operator and Best Coach Operator were separate, allowing one company to really shine in each segment. However both awards have something in common: the companies competing for these awards are responsible for the transport of passengers, making safety and comfort the number one priority.   Putco achieved Best Bus Operator, over the tough competition of other finalists: Buscor, Golden Arrow and Mega Bus and Coach. Putco has managed to get to the top of the pile whilst also focusing on addressing in their employment the needs of the previously disadvantaged.   Best Coach Operator was once again awarded to Greyhound, which beat its fellow competitors, Mega Bus and Coach, Springbok Atlas and Translux. Greyhound carries over 400 000 passengers annually over 11 million kilometres, while keeping them happy with the highest safety and comfort standards.   "Lots of hard work went into achieving this award so we are very happy and proud," comments Peter Ferreira, operations manager at Greyhound. "In order to achieve excellence we have focused on cutting down fuel consumption and bringing expenses down in other areas as well. This is what helps us bring an excellent service to our customers."   Best Transport Operator is always a hotly contested award, with the finalists jostling one another each year. This year, Unitrans claimed back its place as number one, making it the winner for four out of five years. Unitrans' services include transportation, warehousing, distribution, clearing and forwarding and related supply chain services. Other finalists were last year's winner, Imperial Logistics, as well as Hestony Transport and Value Logistics.   "This award is really thanks to our 8 000 employees, so I accept it on behalf of them in recognition of their extremely hard work over the past year," says Frank Wagner, chief executive officer of Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions.   EXCELLENCE IN ACTION   For the first time this year, an additional category has been introduced: a Certificate of Excellence presented to top performing companies. This award pays special tribute to suppliers who significantly improved their performance versus the previous year. The award is given to companies who improved their ratings by at least 9% in any one of the categories. The following companies received this special recognition: Isuzu Truck SA (Medium Commercial Vehicle category), MAN Truck and Bus SA (Touring Coach category) and Isuzu Truck SA (Heavy Commercial Vehicle category).   "The market is exceptionally competitive and it is important to realise that these companies were all finalists in their respective categories last year – so they already scored highly. To improve their ratings by at least 9% is a remarkable achievement. It demonstrates that, over the last year, these companies have lifted their game and done an outstanding job of delivering true service excellence," comments Clarke.   The FOCUS on Excellence Awards is not only sponsored and therefore endorsed by WesBank, but also enjoys massive industry support. The following industry associations have also endorsed the awards programme: Automotive Component Remanufacturers' Association (ACRA), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of South Africa (CILTSA), Engine Remanufacturers' Association (ERA), Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (FESARTA), Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Motor Parts and Equipment Association (MPEA), National African Association of Automobile Service Providers (NAAASP), National Association of Automotive Component & Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA), National Vehicle Testing Association (NVTA), Road Freight Association (RFA), Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI! ), RMI Towing Association (RMITA), Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA), South African Petroleum Retailers' Association (SAPRA), South African Vehicle and Body Builders' Association (SAVABA), Tyre Dealers' and Fitment Centre Association (TDAFA) and the Truck Rental Association (TRA). ENDS   For your convenience, we've attached a number images to this release. To view or download any of these, please click on the image. Chris de Kock WesBank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. WesBank is an Authorised Financial Services Provider. Loura Brown Office Phone Number: +27 11 649 6000 Office Fax Number: +27 11 632 5444 Cell Phone Number: +27 83 325 4631 Email Address: loura.brown@wesbank.co.za The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may contain proprietary information. It is meant solely for the intended recipient. Access to this e-mail by anyone else is unauthorised. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken or omitted in reliance on this, is prohibited and may be unlawful .No liability or responsibility is accepted if information or data is, for whatever reason corrupted or does not reach its intended recipient. No warranty is given that this e-mail is free of viruses. 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Elderly woman dies and farmer seriously injured in Moedwil farm attack

3 Dec 2010

North West MEC for Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison, Desbo Mohono is saddened by the death of a 63 years elderly woman allegedly assaulted during a farm attack at Hartbeesfontein farm near Moedwil in the North West province on Thursday, afternoon. Her 62 year old farmer husband was admitted at the Peglerae hospital in Rustenburg with serious head injuries.

In condemning the farm attack on the elderly farming couple and coldhearted murder of the woman in the strongest terms possible, MEC Mohono has urged the police to pursue and track down the suspects who allegedly also stole six firearms and three cellphones during the robbery.

The couples were attacked at around 4h00 pm on their farm and assaulted resulting in the elderly woman’s death. The couple’s feet and hands were tied with ropes and an electric extension cord by their attackers before they fled the scene. The 62 year old farmer managed to untie himself about two hours after the attack and alerted his farm workers who raised the alarm.

“No hole should be big enough for the suspects to hide. They should be arrested soonest before the stolen firearms endanger the lives of more innocent lives” MEC Mohono stressed.

North West police have launched a massive manhunt for the three suspects who allegedly fled the scene of the crime in the couple’s bakkie. The bakkie has since been recovered after it was found abandoned after it had overturned near Kanana outside Rustenburg.

Mohono appeals to members of the public with information about the incident to assist the police in their investigations.

Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by: North West Public Safety
3 Dec 2010

media roundtable briefing on nuclear energy

Remarks by the Minister of Energy, Ms Dipuo Peters, at the media roundtable briefing on nuclear energy at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rosebank

1 Dec 2010

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Zungu and Deputy Directors-General of the Department of Energy, Messrs Maqubela, Aphane and Mnguni
Members of the media (who are our guests of honour this evening)
Representatives of the State-owened enterprises (SoEs) and in particular Dr Rob Adams, CEO of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa)
Officials of the Department of Energy (DoE), Government Communications (GCIS) and other government departments
Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address members of the media this evening on this august occasion organised to mark the end of the year with members of the fourth estate focusing on Nuclear Energy. There are major milestones that we have reached during the course of this year. We hosted the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) Conference in July 2010 and we have also published the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010 which is presently going through the public participation process.

When the words nuclear are uttered people think of the unmitigated disasters and devastation of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. This danger, associated with nuclear, is best captured by the profound words President Dwight Eisenhower which he uttered at a press conference in Washington DC almost a month to this day, in November 1956, that “if men can develop weapons that are so terrifying as to make the thought of a global war include almost a sentence for suicide, you would think that man’s intelligence and his comprehension ...would also include his ability to find a peaceful solution.”

President Eisenhower was raising his voice in a sea of despair caused by the possibility, brought about by the nuclear weapons, of a major conflagration. We are now living seven or so decades after the fateful postulations of President Eisenhower.

We are also living in the period post the intermittent calamity of the cold war. We therefore have to join the rest of the world in responding to President Eisenhower’s call for us to find peaceful ways of using nuclear. When we took the decision to voluntarily give up our nuclear options we were joining the rest of the world in a new epoch: of using nuclear to generate electricity.

The acute need to secure reliable energy supplies and the urgent requirement to reduce carbon emissions has put nuclear energy firmly on the agenda as a viable choice to be pursued in order to achieve an acceptable energy mix for our country.

Nuclear energy is becoming a preferred solution address matters related to energy security and energy independence and in efforts to mitigate the dangers posed by climate change. A number of countries are showing renewed interest in nuclear energy while others are considering the expanding existing programmes, as is the case with our own country.

In 2008, the government of the United Kingdom affirmed the centrality of nuclear energy in responding to the twin challenges of energy security and climate change mitigation. Finland has also launched new reactors that are due to go online within the next decade.

In the same vein, construction continues in China, South Korea, France and Japan. Preparations are also underway in countries such as United Arab Emirates and the United States to enable the construction of nuclear power plants. On the African continent we have seen announcements of intentions to build nuclear power plants from countries such as Namibia, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt.

As Government, we are engaged in a multi-disciplinary process led by the Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Energy. The IMC has approved the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) which will guide the building of new electricity generation facilities.

The second round of IRP public participation process started in Durban, then Cape Town and tomorrow and Friday it will take place here in Johannesburg. I am hoping that members of the media will attend in much the same way as they did in Durban and Cape Town respectively. Full details of this exercise are available on the website www.doe-irp.co.za.

In 2008, cabinet approved the Nuclear Energy Policy. Accordingly we are now in the implementation phase of this policy. In this respect, the IRP is vital cog in our quest to ensure that the nuclear build programme that will emerge out of this process is both realistic and achievable.

With regard to the implementation of the Nuclear Implementation Strategy, we are looking at key issues with regard to how Government can support and participate in developing the infrastructure required for new build, such as

• Skills development
• Legislation and regulation
• Industrialisation and localisation
• Fuel cycle security
• Procurement
• Communication and stakeholder engagement.

At the same time, we are taking into account key lessons learnt from others countries, and we are in the same vein working on measures to mitigate these risks to ensure success.

There are many concerns regarding nuclear energy construction costs and scheduling internationally. The truth is that some nuclear projects are actually completed ahead of schedule, implying that there are lessons we have to learn once we embark on a successful nuclear build programme. This, of course, will happen once cabinet has approved the final draft of the IRP2010.

We also have to accept and understand that building an industry after a period of almost thirty years of dormancy worldwide is itself going to present challenges. However, once we have surpassed these by commissioning the first reactor, the balance should flow rather seamlessly - as illustrated by many countries.

Nuclear, because of the way it has evolved, is a subject that is usually accompanied by a lot of resistance. We all know that the prevalence, even on a small scale, of a lack of transparency, information itself contributes to these fears. This is why it is essential that there is an active participation in the demystification of nuclear energy applications, be it in the power generation, medical, agricultural or industrial. I am convinced that that at the heart of a successful peaceful nuclear programme is the presence of a major public education campaign

Countries that have successful nuclear programmes have a high percentage of citizens who understand what nuclear energy is, the risks and benefits associated with it and therefore support such programmes. It is therefore the responsibility of all stakeholders – including government - to engage the public regarding nuclear energy education. This includes the media.

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) continues to carry out feasibility studies into the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure the prevalence of the security of fuel supply for the new build programme. These studies will feed into the nuclear energy implementation strategy, which at the end will inform the IRP process.

One of the important aspects of a nuclear expansion programme is skills development and skills transfer. The majority of our nuclear energy workforce is ageing and for this program to be sustainable, skills transfer should be emphasised. The nuclear industry in South Africa is relatively small; therefore it is important that we retain the talent that we have in this industry.

Likewise we must do more to attract, develop and deploy young talent to this industry. The young professionals, together with the employers, must ensure that there are formalised programmes within organisations to effect skills development and transfer.

Our recent success in the international radio-isotope market, where we are currently the world leaders in supplying Molybdenum-99, is a clear indication that we can play in the league of the world’s best in the nuclear industry.

As a result of a world-wide shortage of medical isotopes, NTP Radioisotopes, a subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), has managed to increase group sales by over 80% year on year, and unaudited finances currently show net sales of over R700 m for the 2009/10 financial year. You may also be aware that a US contract to the value of up to US$25 million has been awarded to an NTP Joint Venture.

I would like to thank my department and Government Communications (GCIS) for the wonderful job they have done in arranging this second session.

Lastly, I would like to wish all of you and your families the best during the festive season.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Energy
1 Dec 2010

• Nuclear energy key messages [PDF]

North West to intensify fight against HIV in Bojanala to curb spread

30 Nov 2010

North West Premier, Thandi Modise together with newly appointed MEC for Health, Dr. Magome Masike will lead community dialogues during World AIDS Day commemoration in Boitekong, a mining community near Rustenburg. The day is observed annually on 1 December and a number of activities are expected to take place, which will call on every individual to take action against the scourge of HIV and AIDS.

HIV prevalence in the province is showing signs of decline. Prevalencehas went down to 30% from 31% in 2008. Bojanala Platinum District which Boitekong is part of is experiencing an upward trend in terms of HIV prevalence as compared to other districts, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotso Mompati which are showing a sign of decline. The 2009 National Antenatal Sentinel HIV and Syphilis prevalence survey in South Africa indicates that HIV prevalence in Bojanala has moved from 31.8% in 2008 to 34.9 in 2009. The upward spiral in Bojanala is a concern for the Department since is affecting the performance of the province.

We are intensifying awareness campaigns as part of renewed efforts to curb the scourge of HIV. The department commenced with community dialogues last week in mining communities in Bojanala on how individuals can contribute towards reduction of new HIV infections and will continue beyond World Aids Day. Community dialogues form part of effective consultation and input of all South Africans into the process of developing the National Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016.

The department is also expanding its interventions strategy by rolling out High Transmission Areas Perogramme. The educational programme which is aimed at high risk groups like truck drivers, and commercial sex workers is being implemented in all four districts. The services offered at HTA sites include treatment of common ailments, treatment of sexually transmitted Infections, HIV Counseling and Testing, and condom distribution. The department has also identified five new sites as hotspots areas and will establish intervention sites with the purpose of improving access of services beyond normal working hours to high risk areas. The identified sites are Brits, Koster, Mafikeng and Sifikile in Moses Kotane sub district.

The department has increased number of sites offering Antiretroviral Treatment from 63 in September to 84 in November. Boitekong Health Centre is one of sites accredited to offer ARV treatment. The sites are being complemented by 28 community based organisations and 90 clinics accredited as part of down referral programme. These sites refer stable patients to community based organisations and public facilities where quality Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment (CCMT) can be continued thereby ensuring monitoring of drug adherence and tracing of patients who default treatment.

As at 14 November 2010, about 414,086 people tested for HIV since the launch of HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) campaign on 30 April 2010. The province aims to test one million people out of population of at least 3.2 million by the end of campaign next June. A total of 95 080 have been put on ARVs and the department is set to increase number of people on treatment to 132 081 by end of campaign.

The media media is invited to be part of the commemoration scheduled to start at 10h00 in Boitekong's Tswaramoratang sports ground.

Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane (Department Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za 

Issued by: North West Office of the Premier
30 Nov 2010

Banning alcohol advertising not a silver bullet, but an important element of multi-pronged approach

30 Nov 2010

Women and children are the most vulnerable groups in our society and therefore they need to be loved and protected, and not abused.

We all know that most murders and violence against women and children in our society is perpetrated by people they know.

According to research, 67% of domestic violence in the Western Cape is alcohol related.

The impact of alcohol and other drugs on levels of violence against women and children is well documented.

What remains now is that the data at our disposal must be used to create a society where women and children can feel safe.

The social development of our society can only become a reality if we take on the terrible twins of alcohol and drug abuse.

Only then will we be able to truly rebuild the social fabric of our society.

There is no way that the Western Cape government can do it alone.

We need the help of our communities and civil society so that we can take collective responsibility for this scourge in our society.

For our part, government must create the legislative means to achieve an environment that can stop substance abuse.

We also need to educate women to use the existing Domestic Violence Act to assist them to deal with abusive partners.

The sad part is that in many instances where a woman receives a protection order against an abusive partner it is the same woman that forgives him when he promises that he will never do it again.

But we all know that he will do it again and again, posing a real risk to her life and very often the lives of her children too.

We certainly welcome the finalisation of the Western Cape Liquor Amendment Bill, which I hope will make our women and children a little bit safer.

Alcohol advertising has a destructive effect in our communities.

International studies show that alcohol advertising influences the intentions of the youth to drink.

A 2004 study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in a rural community found that 68% of women and 62% of men believed that alcohol advertising should be stopped.

I think it is time that we conduct research in the Western Cape on the effects of alcohol advertising, with the goal of leveling the playing fields.

Government is spending billions trying to deal with the negative impacts of alcohol on our society and it is about time that the liquor industry begins to take responsibility.

Banning advertising is not going to be a silver bullet, but responsible stakeholders agree it is an important element in what must be a multi-pronged approach.

I thank you.

Media enquiries:
Steven Otter
Cell: 084 233 3811

Source: Western Cape Provincial Government

Issued by: Western Cape Social Development
30 Nov 2010