The Competition Commission has reopened its supermarkets investigation, it announced on Tuesday. The commission, which is an entity of the...

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A culture of reading and writing can assist South Africa meet the demands of developing a knowledgeable society, while advancing the contribution of the book sector in the country’s economy.

Reading is also essential for nation building and social cohesion.

“A book has the power to take you to different places, in different eras; it can motivate one and grow one’s knowledge,” said Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Rejoice Mabudafhasi.

She was speaking at the 5th Funda Mzantsi Championship in Western Cape on Monday.

The Funda Mzantsi Championship project is an initiative spearheaded by the Centre for the Book, an Outreach Unit of the National Library of South Africa responsible for promoting reading, writing and publishing in all local languages and ensuring access to books.

One of the key focus areas is to establish book clubs in schools, communities and correctional services in order to inculcate a culture of book reading targeting youth.

The national competition sees book clubs compete in different categories such as reading and reviewing. Since 2013 to date, the Funda Mzantsi Championship was hosted in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services.

The Funda Mzantsi Championship will take place from 6-8 October 2014, under the theme “Developing Creative Minds: Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy: Tell your story that moves South Africa forward”.

A total of 500 people are expected to attend the championship including officials from the three spheres of Government, Correctional Services inmates and Schools’ Book Clubs from different regions across the country.

However, according to the research commissioned by the South African Book Development Council, South Africa is not a reading nation.

Only 14% of South Africans are active book readers and a mere 5% of parents read to their children, according to the report.

It further indicated that 51% of households in South Africa did not have a single book in their home.

Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi committed her department to the preservation, development and promotion of South African literature in all its forms and genres.

“South Africa has 11 Official Languages. We are conscious of promoting the nine indigenous South African languages to give equity to them and encourage writers to write in these languages,” she said.

In support of a literary culture that fosters inclusivity, she said they will continue to work with the National Library of South Africa to identify and reprint books regarded as literary classics in South African languages. The project was first launched in February 2008, with 27 books. – SAnews.gov.za

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa launched the annual National Marine Week Campaign, in Cape Town, on Monday.

The National Marine Week is the Department of Environmental Affairs’ campaign that aims to create awareness about the marine environment and inter-connectivity of oceans with the rest of inland South Africa.

Through the campaign, the department promotes sustainable use and conservation of marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

“The role of the oceans has always been to keep the Earth System in balance and it has done so for an exceptionally long time. Yet the true opportunities that the oceans can offer remain mostly unexplored, hence the mystery,” the department said.

It is for that reason that the theme for this year’s National Marine Week campaign is “Oceans 70/20: Decoding Mysteries, Optimising Opportunities”.

The “70” signifies the fact that more than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by the oceans, while the “20” talks to what our government has achieved over the last 20 years of freedom and democracy.

In addition, the “20” further talks about what government would like to achieve in the country’s ocean space in the forthcoming 20 years.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Molewa highlighted that “the focus of the world is on the ocean dynamics around South Africa and between us and the Antarctic for several reasons. The west coast has a cold and productive fishery area, one of only four such major systems in the world”.

She said the east coast has a warm and a biodiversity-rich environment, whereas the south coast is the only place in the world where two such systems meet and interact with each other, giving rise to a unique blend of oceanography, biodiversity and environment.

“It is therefore befitting to say that South Africa is a ‘Special Place at a Special Time’,” the Minister said.

South Africa, through the department, together with other relevant government departments, universities and science intuitions, conducts several scientific researches in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

However, these areas are amongst the most undiscovered areas in the world and yet dictate climatic conditions for almost the entire globe.

“As the only African nation exploring the ocean and the ice continent, we must use our position to leverage the international community in order to support and encourage our neighbours and other African countries to take an interest,” said Minister Molewa.

Members of the public are invited to visit the department’s exhibition on marine science and research and a tour on South Africa’s polar supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, on Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za

Durban – In a latest effort by government to promote industrialisation, the Dube TradePort in Durban will formally become a special economic zone under the new Special Economic Zones Act 16 of 2014. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies granted the precinct an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) operating licence a few months ago. President Jacob [...]Dube TradePort gets IDZ status is a post from: South Africa Business


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Ferrero Group’s special advisor Zola Skweyiya says Africa’s first ever hazelnut factory has the potential to create large-scale jobs and boost local exports.

In an interview with SAnews, Skweyiya, who is also a former Minister and High Commissioner to the UK, said once Ferrero’s chocolate factory in KwaZulu-Natal starts producing hazelnuts, it will leave a sweet taste on everybody’s lips.

Currently, the chocolate making group employs about 500 people at its Gauteng operations.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, the plant will be bigger but the [hazelnut] trees are still growing.

“If it is found that they are thriving in that area; they will plant more hazelnuts and we will be able to use those hazelnuts to export them to other parts of Africa,” he said.

Skweyiya said this when he attended an economic summit organised by The European House-Ambrosetti (TEH-A), an international think tank made up of captains of industry from political leaders, private sector CEOs to academics.

TEH-A is rated alongside institutions like the World Economic Forum in terms of its stature.

Skweyiya was recently appointed by President Jacob Zuma as one of the two special envoys to represent South Africa in peace talks in the Middle East amid tense conflicts in the Gaza strip in Palestine.

The former Minister said the construction of the plant in KZN commenced about five years ago.

“There are no hazelnuts in Africa. It is the first time they are being planted on the African continent. So it creates a new adventure for production in Southern Africa and it creates more [local jobs].” – SAnews.gov.za

Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula says he is happy that more elderly citizens participated in the Big Walk this year to mitigate the increase of undesirable diseases.

“It is really good to see our elderly citizens participating in this event… such activities can help them keep healthy,” said Minister Mbalula.

Minister Mbalula was speaking to SAnews on Sunday, during the Big Walk recreational event held by the Department of Sports and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) in Pretoria.

“It is also good to see thousands of young people participating in such events and enjoying themselves,” the Minister said.

The Minister said the Big Walk initiative is growing well nationally, and it happened in all nine provinces of South Africa.

“We must do this regularly and get communities out there to participate in such activities because in that way we are contributing to longevity of live,” he said.

Minister Mbalula, who took part in a 7.5 kilometres walk in the morning, said he also participated in another walk a day before.

“The walk was awesome. Yesterday I finished five kilometres at the OR Tambo Liberation Walk and today it was the 7.5 kilometres. This is good, nobody can touch you… healthy lifestyle in action,” he said.

The event took place on World Walking Day, 5 October, at the Fountains Valley Resort, Tshwane. It was organised for everyone and promoted the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.

There was also a two km walk for children and five, ten and 15 kilometres walks for adults.

Sarafina Mathebula, 67, of Daveyton was still trying to catch her breath when SAnews spoke to her after finishing a 7.5 kilometre walk.

She only started participating in this sport activity last year where she finished a five kilometres walk.

“I do this because I want my body to stay strong and healthy. I will do it every time if I have to,” she said.

Mathebula said in her community there is a lady who gathered elderly women and trained them on various sporting codes.

“Exercising is not foreign to me… I have been a member of a team of elderly citizens who exercise in my community for three years now,” she said.

Mathebula encouraged other elderly persons to exercise, saying it will help them manage their chronic diseases like hypertension and sugar diabetes.

“… Even when your body was weak and always in pain, everything becomes alright when you exercise,” said Mathebula, who is a pensioner.

Her accomplice, Josephine Moloi, 56, took two taxis from Mamelodi East in Pretoria to the venue.

Finishing the ten kilometres walk, Moloi said it was easy for her because she normally walks long distance or go jogging once in a while.

She also started participating in walks last year and the Big Walk was her third.

“I finished a five kilometres run in August, so this was not difficult at all compared to the last time,” she said.

“I’d encourage young people to get used to exercising and participating in sports because it will keep them away from chronic diseases. Many people my age are suffering from all sorts of diseases, but I don’t have any, I am very healthy,” said Moloi, who works as a Housekeeper at Umalusi.

Amongst thousands of youth who participated in activities of the day was Zenzele Mnyandu from Hillbrow, Johannesburg.

Mnyandu, who is a member of an aerobics team in his area, said it was important for him to stay active in sports.

“Back in my school days I was an athlete, but it became difficult for me to maintain the athlete spirit when I started my job, hence I decided to join the aerobics team four months ago,” said Mnyandu, who works as a teacher at Progressive Preparatory School in Johannesburg.

The 24-year-old said young people who are not actively involved in sporting codes missed out on many things and could easily be trapped in criminal activities or get infected by diseases.

“Our government is trying so much to do many things for the benefit of our youth. This is also a nice platform for youngsters to socialise and network… they could come up with ways to benefit their communities and themselves, or even think of ways to create jobs through sports,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

Media reports that President Jacob Zuma has negotiated or will negotiate and conclude nuclear power agreements alone are incorrect.

In a statement released on Friday, the Presidency said President Zuma works with Cabinet on the matter.

In the State of the Nation Address in June, President Zuma announced that the country would prioritise energy security and would pursue an energy mix including coal, nuclear, shale gas and renewable energy.

In the Presidency Budget Vote speech in July, the President announced the establishment of the Cabinet Energy Security Sub-Committee that would oversee the development of the energy mix.

The Committee replaced the National Nuclear Energy Executive Coordinating Committee (NNEECC). This committee was initially chaired by former Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The composition and leadership of the committee was changed in April 2013 following a recommendation by the Committee. President Zuma assumed leadership.

“Some media houses have complained about the Cabinet decision to change the leadership of the committee.

“It must be pointed out as well that the President can chair any committee of Cabinet and may also delegate the chairing of committees should he so decide,” said the Presidency’s statement.

The Cabinet Energy Security Sub-Committee comprises the following Ministries:

Energy
International Relations and Cooperation
Public Enterprises
State Security
Trade and Industry
Economic Development
Defence and Military Veterans
Mineral Resources and
Environmental Affairs.

Last month, in Vienna on the margins of the 58th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference, the Russian Federation and South Africa signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Industry.

The Department of Energy has explained the nature of this cooperation agreement, which creates the foundation for the strategic partnership and cooperation in the fields of nuclear power and industry for peaceful uses between the Republic of South Africa and Russia Federation.

The Department said that agreements will be concluded with other countries as well.

“All is on course and there is nothing untoward with regards to the country’s nuclear energy programme,” said the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

Over 9 000 flags have been given to schools across the country to encourage pride in the national identity among school children. Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Thursday said 9 530 flags have been distributed to schools as part of government’s programme to popularise national...

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The City of eThekwini has unveiled its Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) Network at the Green Hub in Durban.

Mayor James Nxumalo on Thursday said the city was committed to developing public transport infrastructure that was safe and easy to use for its citizens.

The NMT network provides accessible lanes and routes for citizens to reach public transport.

“There are some people living in our city that are unable to access public transport safely because of the lack of this basic infrastructure and today we celebrate the beginning of the roll out of this plan through GO! Durban - our Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network,” said Mayor Nxumalo.

The NMT network caters for transport that is “human powered” including cycling, push scooters, wheelchair travel, roller skates, skateboards and hand carts. It also caters for “animal powered” transport such as horse and carriage drawn carts.

The plan for the NMT network will include sidewalks, off-road paths, safe crossings, pedestrian bridges and cycle areas for recreational and commuting purposes.

The focus, however, will be on commuter-based use, which enables people to walk and cycle throughout the city. It will be designed in a way that will keep pedestrians safe from motorised vehicles.

“The success of the NMT will be judged on how it delivers on four pillars: its ability to connect people to places and communities; how it enhances lifestyles and results in an environment that is safer; how it promotes economic growth and prosperity, and whether it is delivered in an efficient and sustainable way,” Mayor Nxumalo said.

Part of the NMT’s foundation was developed in the years preceding the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a massive upgrade of the beachfront.

The idea of connecting people and communities that was created by the city for the event included walkway routes such as the Green Walk Cycle Circuit, Walk all the Way System and Connect to Rail.

eThekwini will now create NMT networks across the city that will include Umlazi, KwaMashu, Chatsworth, Inanda, KwaXimba, uMbumbulu and Buffelsdraai.

The long term goal is that as these intra-city mini networks grow, they will exponentially connect the various areas of the city.

The benefits of non-motorised transport are that they are non-polluting, versatile, reliable and promote physical exercise.

Mayor Nxumalo has also committed to creating development and empowerment programmes for underprivileged children in the city to help them participate in recreational and competitive cycling events.

The city will launch a bike share system for municipal staff, which will encourage the use of bikes. The city also hopes to learn important lessons on how to build sustainable business for entrepreneurs through this. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) has received a top employer award for its outstanding ability to attract and keep staff happy.

An international organisation, the Top Employers Institute, with its head office in The Netherlands, recognised the agency as a top employer at a glittering award ceremony in Midrand on Thursday.

The institute recognises leading employers around the world, with a focus on those that provide excellent employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organisation and strive to continuously optimise employment practices.

Sanral’s Corporate Services Executive, Heidi Harper, said the agency is particularly pleased with the achievement.

“This has now been recognised. An outstanding aspect of Sanral is its ability to attract and keep top staff as well as the fact that its personnel costs remain remarkably low - less than 1.3% of total expenditure,” Harper said.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Sanral’s CEO Nazir Alli said: “We have put in a lot of effort in the past 16 years of our existence to make Sanral an employer of choice.

“This includes providing our staff with security and stability, competitive salaries and benefits packages, encouraging a work-life balance and providing the opportunity for career progression. These are all factors that matter to our colleagues.”

Alli emphasised that what ultimately matters in being a good employer is having staff members that are engaged with their roles and their organisation.

“There are huge benefits for an organisation in terms of staff engagement. Colleagues who are highly engaged produce results and this has shown in the quality of roads the agency delivers and the successive unqualified audit reports we have had,” said Alli, who dedicated the award to all Sanral workers.

The agency builds, maintains and manages some of the best roads worldwide. – SAnews.gov.za