INTERNATIONAL VISITOR

US first lady Michelle Obama to visit South Africa

Mon, 20 Jun 2011

US First Lady Michelle Obama is expected to land in South Africa on the evening of 20 June 2011. During her visit, she will engage young people about youth leadership, education, health and wellness. She will be visiting sites of the anti-apartheid struggle, meeting dignitaries, and speaking to youth leaders about empowerment.

Government piloting performance monitoring tool

Thu, 09 Jun 2011

Collins Chabane, the Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation has announced that government is piloting a Performance Monitoring System, which will be used to measure the state of national and provincial departments, and municipalities, and service delivery. The tool has been modelled on international experience and is being adapted to local conditions.

MaSisulu a humble leader and lifelong champion of human rights

Sat, 04 Jun 2011

Albertina Sisulu passed away on the night of 2 June, 2011 at the age of 92. Tributes have been received for her from the Presidency, Ministers, the medical profession, and many people with whom she came into contact throughout her active life. She will be remembered for her humility, her fight for human rights, particularly gender issues, and her leadership of a range of organisations. Four days of national mourning have been declared from Saturday 4 June, 2011 and she will receive an official special funeral.

President Zuma arrives in Libya for high-level talks with Gaddafi

Mon, 30 May 2011

President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Tripoli, Libya, for high-level talks with that country’s leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Zuma, who is engaged in the talks in his capacity as a member of the African Union High Level Panel for the resolution of the conflict in Libya, is expected to discuss the immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the cooperation of Libyan authorities to facilitate the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy in that country.

Home Affairs officials arrested for fraud and corruption

Fri, 27 May 2011

The Department of Home Affairs is cracking down on fraud and corruption within its ranks, arresting 12 of its employees in the past two weeks. With the help of the Hawks, the department’s Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested officials at the OR Tambo Airport, Durban, Grahamstown and Mount Frere, said department’s director-general Mkuseli Apleni.

ANC and DA succeed while small parties suffer

Fri, 20 May 2011

As the sun rose on Friday morning, two days after the country’s fourth democratic local government elections, the results showed the African National Congress’s (ANC) support seemed stable, while the opposition, Democratic Alliance (DA) may be set for its best performance yet.

Tony and Peabody awards, BAFTA nominations for talented South Africans

Wed, 11 May 2011

South African creativity features prominently in this years international award ceremonies. Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile took pleasure in congratulating Co-owners of Handspring Puppet Company, Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones for winning a prestigious Tony award, and Xoliswe Sithole who has been nominated in two categories for a BAFTA, after also being announced as the winner of a Peabody award.

World Economic Forum on Africa opens in Cape Town

Wed, 04 May 2011

"Shaping Africa’s Role in the New Reality" is the theme of the 21st World Economic Forum, opening at the International Conference Centre in Cape Town. Lead minister for WEF, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, explains that South Africa is now redefining its role, moving past and building on its reputation for a rich cultural heritage, the country is now emphasising achievements in the fields of science and technology, innovation and financial services.

COSATU challenges WEF to act in interests of Africa’s poor

Wed, 04 May 2011

COSATU challenges leaders of business and governments, gathered for the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, to address the expectations of workers and the poor, if such a forum is to prove relevant to the prevailing conditions on the continent.

Government departments fill top posts

Fri, 29 Apr 2011

In response to a call by President Jacob Zuma for ministers to fill vacancies in government departments, Cabinet has announced the appointment of a number of Directors General and Deputy Directors in the Departments of Trade and Industry, Arts and Culture, Labour, the Treasury, Home Affairs, and Statistics South Africa (StatsSA).

Governance by the people for the people - KZN Communities and provincial budget

Sat, 09 Apr 2011

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Ina Cronje Communities in KwaZulu-Natal embarked on a post-budget roadshow this week providing education on the provincial budget and urging communities to help manage the province’s finances by reporting corruption. Speaking about service providers to the State she said: "Unfortunately, some of them over-quote and render poor service because they want to be rich overnight. They charge us for a Rolls Royce and deliver a wheel barrow. Government is not a cash cow.”

Massive recruitment drive phase 2 for Census 2011

Mon, 04 Apr 2011

156 000 fieldworkers are to be hired by StatsSA to undertake the Census 2011 population count. The recruitment for fieldwork positions – 6 000 census fieldwork coordinators, 30 000 supervisors and 120 000 fieldworkers – forms part of the final preparations in undertaking the biggest census South Africa has seen. See the details.

President Zuma selected for high level mediation committee to Libya

Tue, 15 Mar 2011

President Jacob Zuma has been selected for the high level committee mandated by the African Union to mediate the conflict in Libya. Other committee members included Presidents of Mauritania, Congo, Mali, and Uganda.

Making the announcement today, Marius Fransman Deputy Minister International Relations and Cooperation said that the South African government continues to monitor the deteriorating security situation and has called on all parties involved to end all acts of violence to prevent further loss of life.

Creative artists have voice at Copyright Review Commission

Wed, 02 Mar 2011

Creative artists and the public who may have concerns that royalties are not properly distributed to the rightful owners of copyright, are now urged to submit their views and recommendations to the Copyright Review Commission (CRC).The CRC was formed by Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and is led by retired Judge Ian Farlam. The commission will look at and make recommendations on various aspects of the creative artists' concerns.