Botswana`s democracy is in reverse gear

15 May, 2009 in Botswana

source: Mmegi Editorial Millions of people around southern Africa and beyond witnessed the inauguration of South African President, Jacob Zuma. He was the fourth democratically elected leader after the end of apartheid only 15 years ago in 1994. The country emerged from apartheid when Botswana’s democracy was 28-years-old and dubbed the shining example of democracy [...]

Where Are We Headed?

15 May, 2009 in Botswana

source: The Botswana Gazette Written by JFG Thursday, 14 May 2009 00:00 World Press Freedom Day was celebrated last week probably with more passion than usual because of the recent passing of the controversial Media Practitioners’ Act (MPA). Notable by their absence from the commemoration were media practitioners from the State media who did not [...]

Morupule Mine expansion to proceed despite recession

15 May, 2009 in Botswana, Business, Morupule, Palapye

source: Mmegi CALISTUS KOLANTSHO Correspondent PALAPYE: The expansion of the Morupule Coal Mine Project will not be affected by the global economic downturn. Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Palapye over the weekend, Debswana’s Ore Processing Engineer, Craig Robertson, explained that the Debswana board views the project as one of high priority. “The expansion of [...]

South Africa: €60m European boost for SMEs

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: SouthAfrica.info Bookmark and Share 14 May 2009 South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation IDC) has secured a €60-million credit line from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance viable projects by small and medium enterprises in the industrial, resources and services sectors. EIB vice president Plutarchos Sakellaris said the loan was a strong signal of [...]

South Africa: Zuma`s cocktail for Cabinet

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: IOL May 14 2009 at 11:02AM By Moshoeshoe Monare President Jacob Zuma’s Cabinet members hold 45 university degrees among them. This excludes Trevor Manuel’s seven honorary doctorates. Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile holds the record of six degrees: two BAs, one honours, two masters and a doctorate, plus a postgraduate diploma. But he [...]

Zim firms ready for BOCCIM Northern Fair

15 May, 2009 in Botswana, Business, Zimbabwe

source: Mmegi FRASER MPOFU Correspondent HARARE: The Municipality of Victoria Falls is one of 10 Zimbabwean exhibitors that have already indicated eagerness to participate in the BOCCIM Northern Trade Fair in Francistown later this month. The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s (ZNCC) Matabeleland Region has started registering Zimbabwean companies that will exhibit at the show, [...]

Govt: Dalai Lama welcome in SA

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: News24 14/05/2009 20:11 – (SA) Pretoria – The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is welcome to visit South Africa at any time, just like any other global citizen, International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Thursday. “South Africa does not discriminate against anyone,” the newly appointed minister told reporters in Pretoria. [...]

South Africa: Teachers will have to buy laptops

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: IOL May 14 2009 at 10:40AM By Sinegugu Ndlovu Teachers around the country will become eligible for laptops from July after a scheme which would make purchases of the computers a condition of their service was gazetted on Monday. The initiative would be phased in over two years. Teachers would be given allowances of [...]

South Africa: Zuma `a policy president`

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: News24 14/05/2009 12:16 – (SA) Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma’s emphasis on domestic issues has left foreign relations on the back burner, tended by subordinates like his new low-profile foreign minister, analysts say. New Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, a former ambassador, has never actually worked in the ministry in [...]

No wages for drought relief workers

15 May, 2009 in Botswana

source: Mmegi ISAIAH MOREWAGAE Staff Writer The Labour Intensive Work Initiative, which was seen by many unemployed youth as a means to put bread on the table, has turned into a nightmare for them. Men and women behind the newly refreshing look of the city are going through hell. Yesterday afternoon, Mmegi found a group [...]

South Africa: 9 women in DA`s shadow Cabinet

15 May, 2009 in South Africa

source: News24 14/05/2009 18:05 – (SA) Cape Town – Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille named a national shadow Cabinet on Thursday and included nine women in the group. Zille said quotas had nothing to do with gender issues in South Africa. “In everything we do, we focus on the fitness for positions,” she told journalists [...]

Zimbabwe: Private sector set for massive boost as billion dollar credit lines secured

15 May, 2009 in Zimbabwe

source: SW Radio Africa By Alex Bell 14 May 2009 The country’s private sector, which will play a critical role in rebuilding Zimbabwe, is set for a massive boost, with more than US$1 billion in credit lines being secured. The cash strapped Finance Ministry has been fighting to secure cash investment in the country, to [...]