Millions of travellers pass through ports of entry

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has facilitated hassle free travel for more than two million people who have passed through the country's ports of entry in December.

"Through its Advanced Passenger Processing and Movement Control Systems, a legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Department has facilitated the movement into and out of the country from 1-22 December 2011 of 2 323 192 through its air, land and sea ports including OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports," the department said.

To deal with the increased traveller volumes, an additional 154 immigration officers were deployed to the Maseru, Lebombo and Durban Harbour Ports of Entry. Hours of operation at certain ports of entry have also been extended.

Meanwhile, Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma reiterated her call for passengers travelling through OR Tambo International Airport to exercise patience following recent changes to the airport's immigration system.

On Wednesday, 350 former SANDF officers for the first time assumed their duties as immigration officers at the airport.

The department noted that the deployment was not without teething problems which resulted in delays in the processing of travellers.

However, Dlamini Zuma was confident that the efficiency of the new immigration officers would improve with time. - BuaNews

in a moment like this - lianie may en jay

Holidaymakers book out Shosholoza Meyl

Pretoria - Shosholoza Meyl says its long distance trains are fully
booked for December.

Acting Head of Shosholoza Meyl, Nelson Mphailane, said: "Following our
announcement to reinstate services in the past two weeks, we have been
experiencing a record number of passengers booking our services as well
as passengers who were afforded an opportunity to pre-book on a waiting
list to secure their seats and avoid disappointment.

"All our trains are now fully booked. However, we are still receiving a
high volume of calls from passengers interested in travelling [with us]."

Mphailane said due to the high demand, they were jointly working with
Transnet to increase their train services by adding more trains for all
their corridors.

However, he said the availability of these trains would be announced
once arrangements are confirmed.

"Shosholoza Meyl thanks all loyal passengers for choosing us a mode of
travel during the festive season.

"As part of our continuous efforts to prioritise the safety of our
passengers, strict measures have been put in place to curb overcrowding,
therefore no passengers will be allowed within our operational areas
without a valid train ticket," said Mphailane. - BuaNews

Reserve Bank gets new deputy governor

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has appointed Francois Groepe as Deputy
Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

Groepe has served Media24 previously as CEO of the newspaper division as
well as financial director.

He was appointed to the central bank's board as a non-executive director
representing government. Until his appointment, Groepe was the Group
Managing Director and CEO of Media24. Before becoming part of Media24,
he was Senior Group Controller at Swiss Re -- one of the world's largest
reinsurers -- based at its head office in Zurich.

"The appointment is for a five-year term, with effect from 1 January
2012," said the Presidency on Monday, adding that Zuma wished him well
in his new position.

Groepe will become the third Deputy Governor, joining Governor Gill
Marcus and Deputy Governors Daniel Mminele and Lesetja Kganyago.

He holds BCom (Hons), MBA and LLB degrees and a Postgraduate Diploma in
Tax Law. He is a chartered management accountant and an advocate of the
High Court of South Africa.

Groepe's appointment follows consultations with the Reserve's Bank's board.

"I am delighted with this appointment and welcome Francois Groepe as
Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and wish him a
fruitful, successful and rewarding period in his new position.

"The board of directors, management and staff of the South African
Reserve Bank, heartily welcome him to the Bank and will afford him the
necessary support during his term of office," said Marcus. - BuaNews

SA congratulates Kabila on re-election

Pretoria - South Africa has congratulated Joseph Kabila on his
re-election as president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen relations with that country.

In a statement, the International Relations Department said South Africa
remained committed to a strategy of post-conflict reconstruction and
development in the DRC that is aligned with that of the African Union
and NEPAD.

"Furthermore, the South African government and its citizens reiterate
[their] commitment to continue working with the government and the
people of the DRC, with a strong emphasis on devising mechanisms and
processes to ensure rapid development in existing and new bilateral
projects for the mutual benefit of the two countries," the department said.

A presidential inauguration will be held today, where Pretoria will be
represented by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

There has been tension in that country after opposition leader Etienne
Tshisekedi, who lost in the elections, rejected the vote results.

Kabila won by 49 percent of the votes, while Tshisekedi got 32 percent.
- BuaNews

Police secure 362 life sentences of criminals from January – November 2011

19 Dec 2011

Specialised officers continue to excel against all odds in securing harsher sentences.

Mpomphomeni, KwaZulu-Natal – 19 December 2011. Police officers around the country have secured 362 convictions of life sentences with more than 20 000 years of imprisonment on heartless criminals who committed heinous crimes such as rape and abuse against women, children and the elderly from January to November this year.

Of this total, police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) managed to successfully secure 108 life sentences and all these successes must be applauded. This was announced by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa during an interaction with the community of Mpomphomeni, outside Pietermaritzburg today.

Minister Mthethwa commenced a programme of interacting with the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units throughout the country, to date having interacted with North West, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and he will be in Free State tomorrow. These interactions are aimed at helping improve the ability of the SAPS to offer specialised investigations to women and children victims of crime.

Today's engagement was also attended by the KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willis Mchunu, the Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, senior police officials, representatives from CPFs, NGOs, youth structures, business and the community of Mpophomeni.

Breakdown of the different provinces on securing life sentences are as follows: KZN 108, Gauteng 33, Mpumalanga 17, North West 31, Eastern Cape 28, Northern Cape 8, Western Cape 49, Free State 44 and Limpopo 44.
"We are undertaking this process to help understand the challenges that this crucial unit is facing on the daily basis as they execute their duties. As the police leadership, we announced the reintroduction of the FCS Units last year in Parliament. Since the introduction of these units, we have noted some encouragement as some provinces are progressively capacitated to function effectively whereas in others there are still challenges," he stated.

"During our meeting in Mpomphomeni this morning, we are encouraged to learn about the 108 life sentences in this province. It is important to highlight that these convictions were achieved despite various challenges facing the members of the FCS.

Instead of allowing the challenging environment to dampen their commitment, these dedicated members rose against all odds and spearheaded our fight against women and children abusers. We applaud their efforts and believe we shall continue to make progress in dealing with this sensitive crime," added the Minister.

Currently SAPS KZN has 25 FCS units with a total number of 172 officers who have been trained in detective training, and 20 Forensic Social Workers will be appointed in due course. One of the challenges facing them is the skills shortage where some members leave the Unit in pursuit of better opportunities in the private sector. There is also a challenge with accommodation with 18 FCS units located at stations and clusters, whereas 7 FCS are accommodated at private premises.

"The emphasis here is not on numerals but we need to emphasize the difficult circumstances under which these successes were achieved. This is not your average crime to deal with, it requires utmost sensitivity, dedication and specialised training. Amongst the challenges raised by the members, include lack of accommodation to operate effectively, challenges around the ICT infrastructure and equipment and skills shortage, they still soldiered on."
"As I interacted with various FCS commanders throughout the past days, I want to assure you that the challenges you raised will be addressed immediately.

To this end I have instructed the Acting National Police Commissioner and his management to prioritise this matter. As we go forward we want to ensure that the FCS are allocated appropriate resources and capacity and they must be based at police stations, because that is where victims of crime require assistance from. Our police stations must, in true sense of the word, become the beacon of hope to all victims."

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stated that he has instructed the police to prioritise crimes against women and children, not solely focused on the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children campaign, but 365 days. "Our presence today at Mpomphomeni is to ensure that we partner with communities to fight crimes which are sexual in nature.

Let us all tackle this inexcusable behaviour by some men, who are actually cowards, who abuse women and young girls. As a law abiding community you must deliver these rapists and molesters to the police so that we can secure harsher sentences. Already, since the announcement of re-introduction of the FCS units by the Minister, we have established over 176 units in the country."

Some of the best practices shared by the province include: all DNA reports were properly consolidated and submitted to Forensic Science Laboratories and this has helped to speed up the turnaround time for results. Secondly, multi-sectoral meetings are held with various stakeholders were cases are discussed, challenges addressed and best practices shared.

These interactions include but not limited to, local and provincial Thuthuzela Comfort Centre, focused on human trafficking, pornography, prostitution, including meetings with various organisations such as Childline and the NPA.

Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024

Issued by: South African Police Service
19 Dec 2011

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Minister Pandor receives an award from the Auditor-General for her Department’s clean audit findings

19 Dec 2011

Today the Auditor-General, Mr Terrence Nombembe, presented the Department of Science and Technology with an award for achieving a clean audit for the past financial year.

Minister Naledi Pandor accepted the award on behalf of the Department.

Flanked by senior executive members of the Department, including Dr Phil Mjwara, the Director-General, Minister Pandor said her Department pursued integrity. She thanked the Auditor-General for the award initiative, as South Africa needed to appreciate the value of excellence.

"For us as the Department of Science and Technology, it encouraging that we maintained the required high standards," she added.

Mr Nombembe praised the Department for maintaining "clean administration and good practices", not only for itself, but also for the entities reporting to it.

Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
19 Dec 2011

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Minister Carlisle releases latest Western Cape road fatality stats

20 Dec 2011

‘I am bitterly disappointed,’ says Minister

Robin Carlisle, the Minister of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape has released the latest fatality stats for the festive season, which began on 1 December 2011. 

‘By the end of the day yesterday, 18 December 2011 a total of 90 people had died on our roads,’ said Minister Carlisle. 

‘Over the same period last year 95 people had died. This means there has been a slight decrease in fatalities. 

‘Close to half – 38 – of the 90 deaths have been pedestrians. Meanwhile, 33 passengers have lost their lives, 13 drivers, four motorcyclists and two cyclists,’ Minister Carlisle said. 

‘Given the efforts that we have put in over the last two years and especially over the last two weeks, I am bitterly disappointed by the results. 

‘No matter how many often one follows the numbers of fatalities on our roads over holiday periods, you can never get used to, or accept the magnitude and senselessness of the violence that causes it. 

‘Included in the statistics are a 4-month old, a number of 1 and 4-year-olds, and other innocent children whose lives have been snuffed out almost before they could begin. 

‘I once again appeal to motorists to obey the rules of the road - don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, wear your seatbelt, leave your cell phone alone and watch out for pedestrians,’ said Carlisle. 

"Please do not do anything to prevent you or anyone else from getting Safely Home.’ 

Enquiries:
Steven Otter
Cell: 084 233 3811 

Issued by: Western Cape Transport and Public Works
20 Dec 2011

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President Zuma grants twelve Advocates The Senior Counsel status

19 Dec 2011

President Jacob Zuma has in terms of section 84(2)(k) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, granted Senior Counsel Status to the following twelve (12) Advocates:

a) Advocate Thys Strydom, with precedence next after Advocate Alan Christopher Dodson SC;

b) Advocate Michiel Daniel Du Preez, with precedence next after Advocate Thys Strydom;

c) Advocate Marc Leonard Haskins, with precedence next after Advocate Michiel Daniel Du Preez;

d) Advocate Gerhardus Bartholomeus Botha, with precedence next after Advocate Marc Leonard Haskins;

e) Advocate Michael Hendricks Mabena, with precedence next after Advocate Gerhardus Bartholomeus Botha;

f) Advocate Nicoline Janse Van Nieuwenhuizen, with precedence next after Advocate Michael Hendrick Mabena;

g) Advocate Soraya Khatija Hassim, with precedence next after Advocate Nicoline Janse Van Nieuwenhuizen;

h) Advocate Andrew Papi Laka, with precedence next after Advocate Soraya Khatija Hassim;

i) Advocate Lesego Matlhodi Montsho, with precedence next after Advocate Andrew Papi Laka;

j) Advocate Petrus Gerhardus Cilliers, with precedence next after Advocate Lesego Matlhodi Montsho;

k) Advocate Moses Mphaga, with precedence next after Advocate Petrus Gerhardus Cilliers; and

l) Advocate Abram Thami Ncongwane, with precedence next after Advocate Moses Mphaga.

The President congratulated them in their new status and wishes them well in their practices.

Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203

Issued by: The Presidency
19 Dec 2011

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Minister Dlamini to launch a campaign against hunger and malnutrition

19 Dec 2011

Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini will on Tuesday launch the Food for All Campaign in the North West as part of government’s efforts to fight extreme hunger and poverty.

Through this campaign, the department seeks to deal with incidents of extreme hunger which in certain instances result in bad and unfortunate situations, such as the death of four children due to hunger and dehydration at Verdwaal 2 in Itsoseng village, North West.

“We hope that this campaign will help us root out extreme hunger and poverty in poor families, especially because we will also distribute 200 food parcels to poor families in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. We are happy that they too will have a joyous Christmas,” she said. The Campaign will be rolled out in partnership with FoodBank South Africa.

The launch will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Time: 10h00
Venue: Makgori Village, Ratlou Local Municipality – North West

The aim of this campaign is to target malnourished and poverty stricken families and to encourage them about the need to continuously produce, prepare and eat nutritious and healthy food.

The Department of Social Development has already sent a team of officials in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to profile households in the community with the view to assess the extent of food insecurity in a quest to come up with an intervention.

Minister Dlamini will be accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Ms Mosetsanagape Mokomele-Mothibi.

At least 200 food parcels will be distributed to households in seven identified villages within the District. These include the village at which the launch will take place. Minister Dlamini will visit some of the households who will benefit from the Campaign as part of creating awareness on how to prepare nutritious food, as well as on the need for households to prepare food gardens. Such lessons will help us address problems of malnutrition-related diseases such as kwashiorkor.

Government’s drive to reduce hunger and malnutrition is one of the effective measures to address other socio-economic challenges such as crime, unemployment, ill health and poor education in the country.

An estimated 21,9% of South African households had inadequate or severely inadequate access to food. Food access problems were the most serious in North West where 33,3% of households had inadequate or severely inadequate food access. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal (26,9%), Northern Cape (26%), Free State (23,6%) and Limpopo (20,6%), Eastern Cape (20,3%).

Food prices are also one of the key detrimental factors affecting food security in our country. The 2008/09 food prices increase was influenced by a number of factors including the oil price, climate variability, bio fuels production, urbanisation and transport costs, amongst others.

The recent global financial crisis have had serious direct and indirect impacts on the livelihoods and food security status for millions of South Africans for whom access to sufficient food was already a daily struggle. The current food insecurity, unemployment and poverty levels of many in South Africans calls for radical actions from all stakeholders across the food value chain.

RSVP:
Petrus Siko
Cell: 083 647 0668

Justice Ditshego
Cell: 079 497 7426

Enquiries:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067

Issued by: Department of Social Development
19 Dec 2011

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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President-elect, Mr Joseph Kabila Kabange

The South African Government congratulates Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President-elect, Mr Joseph Kabila Kabange

19 Dec 2011

The South African Government has noted the announcement by the Supreme Court of the DRC on Saturday, 17 December 2011, in which Mr Joseph Kabila Kabange was confirmed the winner of the Presidential elections held from 28 to 30 November 2011.

The South African Government extends its sincere congratulations to President-elect, Mr Kabila Kabange, on his election. In this regard, the South African Government wishes to reaffirm its desire to further enhance its strong relations with the DRC.

Furthermore, the South African Government and its citizens reiterate its commitment to continue working with the Government and the people of the DRC with a strong emphasis on devising mechanisms and processes to ensure rapid development in existing and new bilateral projects, for the mutual benefit of the two countries.  South Africa remains committed to a strategy of post-conflict reconstruction and development in the DRC that is aligned with that of the African Union and NEPAD.

South Africa is represented by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, at the Presidential inauguration scheduled to take place tomorrow, 20 December 2011.

For further information please contact:
Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974

Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
19 Dec 2011

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Sport and Recreation promotes the festive beach festivals

15 Dec 2011

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation, together with both the Mandeni and KwaDukuza Municipalities, will again host the festive season Beach festivals in these north coast towns.

These neighbouring towns form part of the Ilembe District. The aim of these festivals is to encourage members of the communities to make full use of these amenities including engaging in all the fun by participating in the various beach games.

The programme was first piloted at the once popular Umgababa Beach, south of Durban, since 2006 where it is now the main feature of their festive calendar. The north coast festivals, now in their third year, draw scores of beach patrons each year. Those attending this year will be treated to a variety of activities comprising the following:

• Beach sports: Volleyball, netball, touch rugby, soccer;
• Fishing competition;
• Water safety and sea rescue demos;
• Indigenous games;
• Tug-of-war;
• Beauty competitions;
• Kiddies shows;
• Love Life lifestyle new centre;
• Top artists: Bullistic, Lvovo, Big NUZ and Malin;
• DJs: Cyndo, Tira, Twitty, Oros, Oskido as well as local acts.

The events will take place as follows:

• Mandeni Beach Festival: Tugela Mouth Beach: 17 to 18 December 2011;
• KwaDukuza Beach Festival: Blythedale Beach: 26 to 27 December 2011.

Both events will begin at 10h00 in the morning till 18h00 in the evening.

Entrance is free.

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Sport and Recreation
15 Dec 2011

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Families visit gallows to mourn loved ones

Pretoria - The families of those who were executed at the gallows at the Pretoria Central Prison during apartheid for political crimes were this week given the opportunity to visit the gallows - many for the first time.

The intention of the visit was to give the families a moment to mourn the death of their loved ones and make peace with the past.

At least 4000 prisoners were hanged at the gallows - of those 134 were political prisoners - until the Constitutional Court voted unanimously for the abolishment of the death penalty in June 1996.

One of the families who took part in the healing process was that of Solomon Mahlangu. Mahlangu was an apartheid activist who was arrested and executed at a young age.

Although his family from Mamelodi, east of Pretoria did not wish to talk much to the media, they said they were happy that his death was not in vain.

In his memory and honour, the local soccer stadium in Mamelodi was named after him.

The Chibi family from the Eastern Cape told BuaNews they felt better after the execution process had been explained to them. They had wanted to know how their beloved Mphatiswa Chibi was executed in 1962.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Zenzile Meyi, said they would now be able to find closure. "We are grateful that they [political prisoners] are being recognised, their struggle for freedom was not in vain," he said.

The relatives of all those executed for political crimes were able to hold private cleansing ceremonies, before the opening of the gallows into a museum by President Jacob Zuma on Thursday.

Zuma visited the gallows and walked up the infamous "52 steps" accompanied by cabinet ministers and other delegates including a well-known apartheid lawyer George Bizos.

During the tour, Correctional Services officials who witnessed the executions at that time explained to Zuma how the executions were carried out. According to the officials, only white officials were allowed to carry out the cruel executions.

Black officials were only allowed to clean the bodies after the executions and remove them and place them in plain coffins.

Inside the museum, the names of all those executed are written on the wall including their pictures, date of birth and the date of their execution. Also included are their finger prints and letters they had written to their families.

Zuma said on Thursday that the museum must be a symbol, not of the past, but of the hope we have for our future.

He extended his gratitude to the families. "We can never really feel the pain as deeply as you do. We hope this occasion contributes to the healing process and closure. May the spirits of your loved ones now rest in peace, for you have walked the steps that they walked on their last journey," he said.

The Gallows Museum will be open to the public next year. - BuaNews

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Heath steps down as SIU head

Pretoria - Advocate Willem Heath has resigned as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said on Thursday.

"He tendered his resignation as the head of the SIU in writing on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 and I have brought same to the attention of the President. The President has accepted his resignation and it has become effective," he said in a statement.

This follows a process in which the President requested that Radebe meet with Advocate Heath following comments made by him in an interview and published in a weekend newspaper.

The intention of the meeting was to obtain all relevant information in order to advise the President of the implications of those comments for government if found to be true.

A follow up meeting was also held in order to have the matters further clarified following his submission of information he had undertaken to make available.

The Director-General, Nonkululeko Sindane, was present at both meetings.

"Following the discussion on the matter, parties were agreed that it was untenable for Advocate Heath to continue to hold office as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) after he was recently appointed by the President," said Radebe, adding that he then tendered his resignation.

"We would like to thank Advocate Heath for showing maturity and appreciating that the manner in which events unfolded following his appointment, created a perception, rightly or wrongly, that he would not be in a position to execute his duties in an independent manner as expected or required of an incumbent holding that position."

Advocate Heath expressed gratitude to the President and Radebe for showing confidence in him in appointing him as the head of the SIU.

Zuma has appointed Advocate Nomgcobo Jiba as the acting head of the SIU while he completes the process of filling the vacancy. Advocate Jiba is currently a Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority.

"She has served as a senior prosecutor and has extensive knowledge of criminal law and experience in prosecuting corruption cases. When investigating corruption, the SIU should be able to tap into her experience and insights in building solid cases for possible prosecution. We trust that she will discharge her duties diligently and wish her well in the task that lies ahead," said Radebe.

The minister assured South Africans that government remained committed to the fight against corruption, adding that it would do everything possible ensure that the SIU was strengthened both administratively and operationally. - BuaNews

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Nkoana-Mashabane sets the record straight

Pretoria - International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has set the record straight over reports of her overseas hotel stays and charted flights.

The minister said she was the "most-travelled" minister because of the "responsibility attached to the portfolio" since President Jacob Zuma has been appointed by the leaders of the continent to champion the integration of infrastructure in Africa.

"I forget about myself. I put the interest of my country first, my government, my people and that of my continent first ... because that is what African renaissance is about and what the country's foreign policy requires of us to do," Nkoana-Mashabane said in her last media briefing of the year.

The minister was responding to questions based on a Parliamentary reply regarding amounts spent on charted and commercial flights for overseas trips since April last year.

With regards to taking charted flights, the minister said most of the countries that she has visited have no direct flights from South Africa, hence sometimes she had been forced to travel to three countries before arriving at her destination.

However, she said that where a commercial flight was available, she uses it.

"We use charters only when there is a need to do that."

The minister went on to say that she was not even involved in the process of chartering the flights, and was sure due process, as stipulated in government's Public Finance Management Act, was adhered to, as everything gets audited by the Auditor General.

Moving on to developments in the continent and the world, the minister committed Pretoria to support the AU's efforts of bringing peace, political reform, justice and human rights to many conflict affected countries like Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Madagascar, DRC, Darfur and the crisis in the Middle East.

She said South Africa would not rest until peace, stability, national reconciliation and the boost for democratic process were found in these countries. She urged the international community to support these countries' quest for freedom, human rights and dignity.

South Africa hopes to use its UN Security Council's non-permanent member seat to sway this agenda. Pretoria will chair as the President of the UNSC for the month of January.

"We believe we are playing a constructive role, pursuing the interests of our country and the continent."

Asked to comment on the recent DRC elections, where tensions are high after Joseph Kabila was announced the winner, Nkoana-Mashabane said people "must get used to the democratic process".

Kabila had received 49 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi got 32 percent. Tshisekedi and his supporters have rejected the vote results.

She said the elections were "generally ok" taking to account that they could not run away from the infrastructure challenges that that country has.

The minister then turned focus back on the country, and discouraged South Africans from committing criminal activities in other countries.

This comes after the execution of South African drug mule Janice Linden in China this week and the arrest of 23-year-old Nolubabalo Nobanda, who is currently being held in a Thai jail, after being caught trying to smuggle drugs in her dreadlocks this week. It is believed over 1 000 others are incarcerated in jails all over the world.

The minister said the process to establish prisoner exchange programmes was still underway and could not tell how long it would take before it came into effect.

Nkoana-Mashabane said her department would provide consular support for Nobanda. Officials from the South African embassy in Thailand were set to visit her in prison today. - BuaNews

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Russia might aid in European debt relief efforts

Brussels - Russia might be willing to contribute up to 10 billion euros to the euro-zone's bailout fund, a European Union (EU) official said on Wednesday.

"Euro-zone assistance will certainly be on the agenda, it will be discussed at the EU-Russia summit on Thursday," said the EU official on condition of anonymity.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Brussels on Wednesday evening for the meeting.

"Russia holds approximately 40% of its reserves in the euro and therefore is interested in developing the euro-zone," the above-mentioned EU official said.

"Russia has already indicated that it might be willing to contribute up to 10 billion euros to the EFSF (European Financial Stability Facility)," he said. "This is the basis on which I believe there will be further, more concrete discussion tonight and tomorrow."

Meanwhile, the EU trade and foreign ministers adopted a decision approving Russia's WTO accession on Wednesday in Geneva, which is due to be formally approved at the WTO ministerial conference the following day.

"Russian WTO accession is a major achievement opening new opportunities for trade and the development of bilateral relations," said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

"It should also give new momentum to the negotiations on a new and comprehensive EU-Russia Agreement."

High on the agenda of the summit meeting is discussion between the two sides on steps to facilitate visa-free short-term travel for their citizens.

Meanwhile, an IMF official said stronger support for low-income countries (LICs) was crucial amid the global economic slowdown.

These countries were particularly vulnerable to external economic shocks, and the global community should beef up financing support for this group of nations amid the euro-zone debt turmoil, Zhu Min, deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.

When the global attention was on the euro-zone debt crisis, the world should not forget the LICs as they were experiencing economic downturn risks that were not caused by themselves, Zhu said at a seminar hosted by the Center for Global Development, a Washington-based think tank.

"More needs to be done," he urged, adding that the fiscal space for many LICs shrank as they had used much of their fiscal firepower to cope with the 2008 financial crisis.

Even modest slowdowns in global growth could have lasting impacts in LICs. It was particularly so for households clustered around the poverty line, many of which would be forced to cope with economic distress by selling family assets, switching to less nutritional food, or pulling children from school, noted a recent joint paper released by the IMF and World Bank. - BuaNews-Xinhua

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Gauteng suppliers receive payments

Johannesburg - Some suppliers to the Gauteng Health and Social Development Department have breathed a sigh of relief after receiving payments for service rendered following delays as the department grappled with financial challenges.

"We have paid out some R600 million to service providers in the past week or so," departmental spokesperson, Simon Zwane confirmed on Wednesday.

Last week, the Gauteng Provincial Government welcomed interventions announced by the Cabinet to help nurse the struggling department back to good financial health.

This follows the announcement of support to the ailing department by Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe in his Medium Term Budget last month. The MEC announced a payment plan which has now been supported by the national Cabinet in its statement on interventions in some provinces.

The money is a cash injection from the provincial Treasury and reprioritisation processes within the department, reports the Gauteng Provincial Government.

However, Zwane was quick to add that the interventions were by no means an indication that the healthcare system in the province was not functional.

"Some media has been inaccurately reporting that we are under administration - despite repeated messages contrary to that.

"The department has not been placed under administration, and the national government has acknowledged the interventions already undertaken by province, including the allocation of additional funds during the 2011-12 adjustment budget to clear accruals that have accumulated from previous financial years; reprioritisation of funds from the personnel budget towards payments for the required goods and services within the department and reprioritisation of funds from other provincial departments to the Department of Health to ensure payment of required goods and services over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)," he explained.

The department has also concluded the processes of appointing two Heads of Department.as announced in MEC Ntombi Mekgwe's budget speech earlier this year.

"We now have a Head of Department for each. Shoki Tshabalala is now heading the Social Development department while Dr Nomonde Xundu is in charge of Health," he stated.

Zwane stressed that the payments to service providers showed that the province was serious about its commitment to pay service providers.

"We are fulfilling our commitments to pay those who supplied services to us. We are cognisant of the important role that service providers play in creating jobs and growing our economy," he said.

However, Zwane urged residents to ease the pressure on public hospitals by first visiting their primary healthcare centres such as clinics, before going to hospitals.

That mentality - whether we are facing financial challenges or not - should be how communities approach healthcare in the province, he said. - BuaNews

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Freedom Park, Voortrekker Monument to be linked

Pretoria - The opening of an access road between two previously divided institutions - Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument - will be among the highlights of this year's National Reconciliation Day celebration on Friday.

President Jacob Zuma, who will be joined by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mninwa Mahlangu and Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, will officially open the access road that links the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park to mark an important day in the history of the country.

Freedom Park was established in 2009 by the Department of Arts and Culture. The core function of the park is to provide a pioneering and empowering heritage destination that reflects South Africa's pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and post apartheid experiences.

It is aimed at contributing to mutual understanding and appreciation of various communities and nations.

The Voortrekker Monument, on the other hand, was inaugurated in 1949 as a unique monument which commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. The monument also manages Kerkenberg and the Blood River Heritage.

In a statement, the Presidency said the opening of the access road will play a huge part in reconciling South African society as both of these memorial sites represent different faces of South Africa's history and culture.

"The road will also enable easy access of visitors to both institutions, which will play a huge role in nation building and social cohesion, as visitors from both sides come from different political affiliations and cultures," said the Presidency.

The commemoration of the national day creates a platform to implement the principles embedded in the Constitution of South Africa.

The Preamble of the Constitution states: "We the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of the past, Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom of our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in diversity".

The Preamble of the South African Constitution emphasizes reconciliation and nation building principles.

The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a symbol of goodwill to work together to foster reconciliation and the opening of the road is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. - BuaNews

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Strict measures in place for matric certificates

Pretoria - Umalusi has reassured the public that it has a variety of security measures in place to ensure the validity of a certificate and strict procedures which govern the issuing of a certificate.

This follows the recent arrest of two culprits who were selling fake certificates.

Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi said forged matric certificates were a serious concern as this affected not only the credibility of Umalusi's work, but the trend was a worry for civil society too.

"Parents, honest learners who have put in the 12 years of hard work to obtain genuine certification, the Ministry of Basic Education, universities and employers all feel the impact of such criminal activity," said Dr Ramoketsi.

He said the security features included in the design of the certificate paper play a major part in the verification of the authenticity of a certificate.

The certificates are printed on watermarked paper, in much the same way as bank notes are.

"Other security features included in the design of the paper ensure that it measures up to international standards. Each certificate paper is printed with its own tracking number and is stored in a secured environment.

"Certificate paper is tracked and controlled in the process of personalising the certificate for the individual candidate," Rakometsi said.

He added that Umalusi continually explored the possibility of more security features, and these are added when new stock is ordered.

For the National Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate (Vocational) and the General Education and Training Certificate (Adults), the following security features are visible on the certificate:

* When held to the light, the paper contains a specific watermark -"Drewsen";
* When looked at through a magnifying glass, the border displays the name of the Council continuously;
* It has a barcode which matches the certificate number,
* It has a specific certificate sequence number; and
* The national Coat of Arms appears on the top of the document.

- BuaNews

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Pupils will get to school on time, says MEC

By Thando Cezula

East London - The Eastern Cape Transport MEC has promised to ensure that the province's scholar transport programme will be properly functioning when schools reopen next year.

Following a series of transport workshops held around the province, Transport MEC Thandiswa Marawu said her department had worked hard to overcome the problems that have plagued the programme.

"When the schools re-open on 11 January next year, we will be ready to transport our rural pupils," said Marawu on Wednesday.

Department spokesperson Ncedo Kumbaca said the workshops were held to address problems experienced by operators, co-coordinators, teachers, service provider One Future Development 46 (OFD) and the transport department, in an effort to improve the monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

"Challenges ranged from proofs of delivery, route misallocations, wrong bank accounts numbers provided by suppliers, the introduction of suppliers to the principals and the changing of routes without notification," said Kumbaca.

He said a number of recommendations were made during the workshops, including the training of co-coordinators, capacitating board members with the necessary skills to run their offices professionally, the prioritisation of provision of information to those affected, and the instilling of the importance of time management to all concerned.

The workshops' project co-ordinator, Nomonde Kondle, said the sessions were a great success and an eye-opener for both operators and school principals.

"A number of concerns were addressed, and stakeholders agreed on a number of issues necessary to ensure this programme's success," said Kondlo. - BuaNews

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More jobs in non-agricultural sector

Pretoria - The number of people employed in the formal non-agricultural sector of South Africa's economy increased by 59 000 people, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said.

"The survey shows that the number of people employed in the formal non-agricultural sector of the South African economy increased by about 59 000 persons (+0.7%) from June 2011 (an estimated 8 300 000 employees) to September 2011 (an estimated 8 359 000 employees)," said Stats SA in its Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey.

The survey is a quarterly survey covering a number of private and public enterprises in the formal non-agricultural sector of the South African economy. The information received is used to estimate employment and gross earnings that are used as inputs to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among others.

Between the quarters ended June 2011 and September 2011,
gross earnings paid to employees in the formal non-agricultural sector increased. Gross earnings paid to employees during the quarter ended September 2011 amounted to R339 951 million. "This reflects a quarterly increase of R16 305 million compared with the quarter ended June 2011," said the report.

Gross earnings paid to employees in the formal non-agricultural sector increased between the quarters ended September 2010 and September 2011.

"The gross earnings paid to employees during the quarter ended September 2011 amounted to R339 951 million. This reflects an annual increase of R34 742 million compared with the quarter ended September 2010."

Last year, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said South Africa's GDP needed a growth of 7% in order to transform the economy.

Standard Bank said in a research note that the data was good news for job growth.

"However, some sectors are still battling to normalise their workforce in the face of challenging economic times. In addition, the labour market's lagging indicator characteristics suggest that a meaningful revival in the market is still some way off," it said.

Standard Bank said while the Reserve Bank is likely to keep its current monetary policy next year there is credible argument for further rate cuts since third quarter GDP figures "confirmed the significant drop in economic momentum from the second quarter."

In the third quarter, South Africa's GDP came in lower than expected, increasing by 1.4%. - BuaNews

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Over three million children orphaned in SA

Pretoria - Over three million children are currently orphaned in South Africa, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

"Just under one fifth (19.6%) of all children in South Africa, representing approximately 3.6 million individuals, are orphaned," said Stats SA in its social profile of vulnerable groups in South Africa, 2002-2010 report.

The report is released annually. It analyses changes in the situation of children, the youth, the elderly and women over time.

According to the report, KwaZulu-Natal has the largest percentage of orphans at 26.9% followed by the Eastern Cape at 24.7% and the Free State at 21.9%.

The report has found that black African children are most likely to be orphaned than children from any other population group.

"More than one fifth (22%) of black African children are classified as orphans compared to the 9.6% Coloured, 4.2% Indian/Asian and 2.5% White children," noted the report.

Stats SA attributed this to the large number of paternal orphans in three provinces that are considered to be migration-sending provinces namely KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

Children and youth comprise respectively 40% and 37% of South Africa's total population with older persons comprising less than 8% of the population, although this group is growing rapidly.

The data shows that 4.4% of children are double orphans (without both parents), 11.6% paternal orphans, 3.5% maternal orphans and that the remaining 80.4% of children are not orphaned.

Only 33.5% of children live with both parents while 23.9% live with neither parents and 3.3% live with their fathers and 39.3% live only with their mother.

Women who head 37.5% of all households data has shown that the percentage increases with age peaking at 54.3% for women older than 70-years. More dependents are found in female-headed households.

Approximately 62.1% of children live in households with a per capita income of less than R570 per month. - BuaNews

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Mbalula to lead anti-doping Cycle Tour

Pretoria - Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula will lead the 'I Play Fair' cycling team of celebrities in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour in Cape Town to spread the message of ethics, fair-play and anti-doping in sport.

The Cape Argus Cycle Tour will take place on 10 March next year.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, in collaboration with Sport and Recreation Department, the Western Cape Premier and Cycling South Africa, will use the cycle tour as a platform to launch the 'I Play Fair - Say NO! to Doping' campaign to the cycling fraternity in the country.

The team of 25 riders is made up of various public figures and celebrities from sport and other professions, including Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, former Springbok rugby player Chester Williams, former Proteas cricketer Makhaya Ntini, eight-time Ironman Triathlon champion Paula Newby-Fraser, Chief Director in the Sport Department Professor Paul Singh, and TV sport personality Owen Hannie.

Mbalula endorsed the I Play Fair initiative when it was launched earlier this year and officially declared 18 June as I Play Fair day.

He said his department fully supported the Institute for Drug-Free Sport's aim to aggressively tackle doping in sport and spread the message of ethics, fair-play and anti-doping in sport.

Commenting on his participation in the team, Mbalula said he was committed to the I Play fair initiative and through this campaign, the expectation was that natural sport ability always "reigned supreme".

"I encourage everyone not to use performance enhancing substances and through competitions like Cape Argus, we believe that messages of good sports ethics and the campaign can penetrate throughout the sporting fraternity to ensure a culture of anti-doping in South Africa."

With regard to the department's stand on ethics in sport in South Africa, Mbalula said: "We believe in a no tolerance attitude and we want athletes to use their God-given natural abilities through hard work and commitment and not to be unethical and use performance enhancing substances."- BuaNews

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EU leaders agree on "fiscal compact" without treaty change

Brussels - European Union (EU) leaders on Friday morning agreed to the establishment of a new "fiscal compact" based on inter-governmental treaties rather than the anticipated EU treaty changes.

Under the agreement, reached after 10 hours of tough negotiations,17 Eurozone members plus six other non-Eurozone EU states, would join the compact based on "inter-governmental treaties," said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

Britain and Hungary said they would not join the fiscal compact, while the Czech Republic and Sweden "have not yet a mandate to participate," according to Van Rompuy.

Strengthening fiscal disciplines through such a fiscal compact would be "much more rapidly and easier to approve and ratify," Van Rompuy told reporters after the first day of talks at the two-day EU summit.

"We all commit to a new European strong fiscal rule, which means member states will transpose it into their constitution or equivalent, reinforcing the rules on excessive deficit procedure by making them more automatic," Van Rompuy said.

He also said under the fiscal compact, member states will have to submit their draft budgetary plans to the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

However, the European Council didn't reveal the details about the deal and Van Rompuy refused to answer a question about what are the concrete measures to punish those rule offenders.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy blamed Britain for the failure in achieving fully-fledged treaty changes among all EU member states.

Sarkozy said the British side was trying to be exempted from certain financial regulation in the name of EU treaty changes.

"We could not accept this because a lack of sufficient regulation caused the current problems," Sarkozy told reporters at a separate press conference after the summit.

The two day summit ends today. - BuaNews-Xinhua

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Zuma holds successful meeting with civil society

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Thursday held a meeting with civil society organisations on the sidelines of the COP17/CMP7 conference in Durban.

The President has listened to the views of many sectors in the past two weeks, including business.

"The South African government values interaction with civil society given the gallant efforts of many civil society organisations in South Africa and around the world, (who had) contributed to the dismantling of apartheid," said the Presidency in a statement.

The President said the meeting with civil society was "invaluable" and enabled him to gain insight into how they viewed the important UN climate change conference and other issues that are of concern to civil society.

"As government, we have listened carefully to their submissions and I will share them with my colleagues at the various platforms," said Zuma.

He shared with the organisations how South Africa had to "South Africanise and Africanise" the talks through introducing the Indaba approach.

"We have utilized the Indaba consultative process in order to afford the Parties to participate in a fair, transparent and inclusive process. Since the Indaba approach appeals to the collective wisdom of the people, it also shows the instrumentality and adaptability of African institutions in assisting the global community to overcome common problems," he said.

There was an unfortunate scuffle at the beginning of the meeting as some groups competed to be heard, in a disruptive manner. The President stressed that since South Africa was a democracy, people must respect each other's views and space, and raise disagreements respectfully.

"In South Africa, we believe in discussing any issue that comes before us. We dedicate time and effort to discussing it until we find a solution. Let us learn to disagree respectfully with one another," said Zuma.

The Presidency acknowledged the intervention of the police who did their jobs to restore order in the Durban City Hall after which the meeting continued successfully and constructively with civil society.

On the eve of the ending of the talks, President Zuma also emphasised the need for parties to go above the national interests and to put the interests of humanity first in dealing with matters on the table at the COP17/CMP7 talks.

"Therefore, on this day, the eve of what is meant to be the last day of COP17/CMP7, we urge the negotiators and parties in general to move with greater speed to make Durban meaningful to the millions of people in the world who are facing the threat of climate change, and those who are already suffering the impacts," said the President. - BuaNews

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Donen report clears Motlanthe, Sexwale

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale as well as the former Director-General for the Department of Minerals and Energy, Sandile Nogxina, had not contravened any South African law concerning the United Nations' Iraqi Oil-for-Food Programme.

This is according to the findings of the Donen Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating allegations that top ANC officials had been cutting oil deals with Saddam Hussein's government, thereby contravening the UN sanctions.

The Oil-for-Food programme, which has been shrouded in much controversy, was established by the United Nations in 1995. It was set up with the purpose of allowing Iraq to sell oil on the world market in exchange for food, medicine and other humanitarian needs for ordinary Iraqi citizens without allowing that country to boost its military capabilities.

This was in line with the UN-imposed sanctions against Iraq after the Gulf War of 1990, which was in retaliation for Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

A commission headed by advocate Michael Donen, was then established in 2006 by former President Thabo Mbeki to look into the allegations. However, Mbeki had refused to make the report public pending advice from the chief state law adviser and due to the report's incompleteness, among other reasons.

The commission found no evidence that Motlanthe, Sexwale and Nogxina contravened any South African law.

The report states that Motlanthe, who was at the time the Secretary-General of the ANC, had intervened with the authorities in Iraq in order to ensure that they adhered to the decisions and rules determined by the UN Security Council's Oil-for-Food Programme.

With regards to Nogxina, the report found that he made a valuable contribution to the Commission's work, that no blame could be attached to the Director-General and that "his personal involvement as a participant in illicit activities was so remote as to not even warrant any consideration of his culpability or otherwise".

In the case of the Minister of Human Settlements, the commission "exonerated Mr Sexwale from liability as a participant in illicit activities".

The report also states that the late Sandile Majali had undertaken to pay the surcharge to the Iraqi authorities, contrary to the UN programme; that it seemed he had only made partial surcharge payments and that again, there was no evidence that he had acted contrary to any South African laws.

Opposition parties have been questioning President Jacob Zuma's timing in releasing the report, especially with next year's ANC elective conference.

Zuma's spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the President had decided to release the report publicly in recognition of the public interest in the subject matter.

"It is hoped that the release will end the gossip, speculation, misconceptions and misperceptions," Maharaj said. - BuaNews

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Cabinet cracks whip on non-compliance

Pretoria - Cabinet has announced that it will intervene in the financial
administration of three provinces in the country.

The move, which was taken after a special Cabinet meeting on Monday,
aims to address under-spending, overspending and challenges with supply
chain management.

The three provinces are Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo.

"The Minister of Finance was asked by Cabinet to urgently review the
situation in Limpopo and other provinces and report back to Cabinet on
proposed actions to be taken to improve the financial situation and its
impact on service delivery and provincial functions," Cabinet said in a
statement.

While National Treasury and other relevant national departments have
been engaging with various provincial departments over time to try to
improve financial management and service delivery, Cabinet said the
situation remained unsatisfactory.

Gauteng had requested National Treasury to help address their supply
chain management and financial controls in the Department of Health and
Social Development, which has been in the spotlight for not paying
service providers on time.

Cabinet said Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has been made to sign an
agreement with the Ministers of Health and of Finance to solve the
province's financial mismanagement.

In addition, urgent action will be taken in respect of the Gauteng
Shared Services Centre (GSSC), which provides administrative services
for all the province's departments.

Mokonyane will later today brief the media on the matter.

The Free State will be assisted with the Police and Roads and Transport
Departments after poor financial management and non-compliance to supply
chain management processes were identified.

The biggest rescue is in Limpopo, where five departments -- Treasury,
Education, Transport and Roads, Health and Public Works -- will be taken
over by the national departments.

Cabinet said the province had dried up its R757 million overdraft
facility. The province had requested that its facility be increased by
R1 billion to R1.7 billion in order to pay salaries.

This was declined and instead they were given an advance from their
equitable share.

Cabinet said forensic investigations will be carried out in these
provinces, with strict timelines, and there will be consequences for any
illegal conduct uncovered.

A Monitoring Committee of seven ministers, led by Finance Minister
Pravin Gordhan, has been established to help monitor these three provinces.

"This committee will be empowered to co-opt any other ministry as it
deems appropriate," reads the statement.

Cabinet is also involved in the administration of the Eastern Cape
Education Department, which is facing financial management problems that
have crippled the schooling system. - BuaNews

Minister Carlisle launches crash witness campaign

  - real footage from Western Cape Roads - on newly safely home website

6 Dec 2011

Today, 6 December, 2011, we officially launch our Crash Witness Campaign, which, for the first time in South African history, gives the public access to real crash footage from Western Cape CCTV cameras.

The footage of three crashes can be viewed at safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za.

The videos are not for viewers under the age of 18 and sensitive viewers are warned that the content is graphic.

Please note that for the print media, stills are available on request.

The campaign was conceived after the Ministry was supplied with crash footage from the Freeway Management System, the joint highway monitoring system of SANRAL, the Western Cape Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town.

The impact on behaviour of seeing what actually happens on our roads is undeniable.

This footage brings home to the motorist, the passenger and the pedestrian the very real dangers that exist on our roads, and has a profound effect on those who view it.

Deciding to publish this footage was a very difficult decision, and we anticipate that there will be many who will criticise it. In some of these clips, people are killed or very badly injured.

South Africans have been hiding from the reality on the roads too long, hiding behind words like “accidents” and even the belief that the carnage is somehow God’s will.

I believe, however, that seeing the reality in these videos can get people to slow down, to not drink and drive, to buckle up, to leave their cellphones alone, and to watch out for pedestrians. By doing so, they will not only save lives, but will give meaning to the otherwise senseless deaths that occur so routinely on our roads. This view has been reinforced by the survivors and next of kin that we have met and spoken to about using the videos.

The footage will be released gradually over the Festive Season period.

All public comment is very welcome and will be considered, and anyone with a query, complaint or other feedback about the videos can contact Safely Home via email at info@safelyhome.co.za.

The new Safely Home website has been launched as part of the Western Cape Government’s revamp of its web presence, and will be launched in phases, the first phase being a vehicle for the Crash Witness Campaign.

The next phase will see the introduction of an incident reporting tool which members of the public will be able to use to easily and quickly report road traffic incidents.

Safely Home thanks Brad Schaffer of Co-Op TV (www.co-optv.com), who directed and produced Crash Witness as a public service.

Media enquiries:
Steven Otter
Cell: 084 233 3811

Issued by: Western Cape Transport and Public Works
6 Dec 2011

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Release: Visa- Rwanda Partnership to drive electronic financial services

 

 

Media RElease

Visa-Rwanda Partnership to Drive Electronic Financial Services

Brings the benefits of electronic payments and banking to Rwanda

 

Kigali, RWANDA and San Francisco– 5 December 2011 – Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and the Government of Rwanda today announced a wide-reaching Charter of Collaboration to develop localized solutions to extend access to financial services to local and international consumers throughout the country.    

 

The partnership is a step in the Government of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 plan, the country’s blueprint to become a middle-income nation within the coming decade, with per capita income of $1000 by 2020, up from $220 in 2000.  The success of that plan relies on a number of pillars, including shifting to a knowledge-based economy, private sector development and improving infrastructure.

 

Creating public-private partnerships is also a key component of Visa’s global growth strategy.  The company’s aim to generate 50 percent of its revenue from markets outside of the United States by 2015 will partly be enabled through its ability to build, buy and deploy new technologies that extend its products to geographies where electronic payments are limited today, such as Rwanda.

 

The Charter of Collaboration encompasses 12 initiatives structured around three key areas identified by the Government of Rwanda and Visa as vital to the development of a fully-inclusive financial system:  

 

I.              Lay the Foundations for Electronic Payments – Install the basic infrastructure requirements to enable country-wide use of electronic payments, including: (1) facilitating the widespread issuance and acceptance of payment cards; and (2) localizing clearing and settlement services. 

 

II.            Promote Electronic Payments Innovation – Enable Rwanda to take advantage of modern technologies to reach Rwandans who are under-served by traditional payments infrastructure. 

 

III.           Capacity Building – Develop training programs and facilitate knowledge-transfer in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of financial systems throughout the country. 

 

The partnership was announced today in Kigali at a joint press conference attended by the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Ambassador Claver Gatete and Elizabeth Buse, Group President, Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, Visa Inc. 

 

Ambassador Gatete said: “In all economies, well developed financial systems are essential for sustained economic growth.  The partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Visa is an opportunity to increase efficiency and inclusion through the use of electronic financial services.”

 

Buse described Visa’s role in the partnership: “We are deploying our unique expertise and assets to bring the benefits of electronic payments and banking to emerging markets like Rwanda.  By working with governments and stakeholders around the world to better understand the challenges of the underserved, we can adapt our approach to ensure that we are not only sharing our payments expertise, but are delivering meaningful local programs that meet the needs of governments and their citizens.  In the long-run we believe this will also open up new growth opportunities for Visa.”

 

Ambassador Gatete continued: “This partnership is aligned with the National Bank of Rwanda’s strategy to reduce the widespread usage of cash and increase liquidity within the banking system, which ultimately reduces interest rates and improves price stability.”

 

Noting the importance of government partnerships to Visa’s global strategy, Joseph W. Saunders, Chairman and CEO of Visa Inc., said: “Visa believes that everyone has the right to have access to basic financial and payment services, and we are very pleased to be able to work with a government as committed to this vision as the Rwandan government.  Partnerships such as this are the key to delivering the promise of economic growth and financial inclusion that we know electronic payment systems can provide.”

 

 

# # #

 

About Visa Inc.
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 20,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

 

Media Only:

 

Visa Contacts:

Central Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Elmarie Swart
Fleishman-Hilliard
+27 72 022 9248
elmarie.swart@fleishman.co.za

 

Latin America:
Jennifer McGowan
Visa Inc.
+1 305 328 1498
jmcgowan@visa.com

 

North America:

Elvira Swanson
Visa Inc.
+1 415 932 2564
globalmedia@visa.com

Rwanda:

Bunyenyezi Gad

+250 783 163 224.

gadoski@gmail.com