“Following a contraction previously, both real final consumption expenditure by general government and real inventory holdings increased in the first quarter,” said the central bank in its June Quarterly Bulletin.

In the fourth quarter of 2012 real gross domestic expenditure declined by 0.9%.

Growth in real final consumption expenditure by households slowed marginally to 2.3% in the first quarter from 2.4% in the fourth quarter amid dwindling consumer confidence levels.

Growth in real spending on durable goods slowed from an annualised rate of 6.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2013 — the lowest rate of increase in almost four years.

“This slower growth could probably be attributed to the moderation in real disposable income growth and in unsecured lending extended to households as banks appear to be tightening their lending practices in view of a deterioration in the risk profile of consumers,” noted the bank.

“Spending on durable goods has gradually lost momentum since the fourth quarter of 2011 as the household sector increasingly experienced higher levels of financial stress, exacerbated by rising inflation and slower growth in real disposable income,” it added.

According to the bulletin, real disposable income of households moderated somewhat to 2.2% following an increase of 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The slower pace of increase in the disposable income of consumers could largely be attributed to slower growth in compensation of employees over the period, said the bank.

Nedbank economists, in a research note following the release of the bulletin said growth in household spending was likely to remain moderate in the coming months.

“The consumer confidence is weighed by the poor economic outlook, which is affecting job creation and heightens worries about job security. Added to this, high debt levels and tight lending standards will contain credit growth, while high inflation will erode disposable incomes, partly offsetting the benefit from income growth,” said Nedbank.
Growth in household consumption expenditure is forecasted to slow to 2.6% this year from 3.5% in 2012.

Nedbank said that with the poor economic outlook, weak export demand and weak consumer spending, firms are likely to remain hesitant to commit on large capacity expansions.

“Therefore, growth in fixed capital formation by the private sector will be weak, while that by general government may remain relatively firm as the infrastructure programme continues,” it added.
19.06.2013
SAnews.gov.za

The course comprises one year of Spanish and foundation courses; five years of medical studies and thereafter two years of medical study at a South African University to complete a degree in medicine.

Applicants must have passed Matric with minimum medical university entry requirements of level 4 in Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Sciences and English; be South African citizens and permanently residing in Gauteng; be between the ages of 18 and 25 years and must be already registered at Nursing Colleges and Higher Education Institutions in their third year of study.

However, those who have obtained a tertiary qualification will not be considered.

The Department explained that it will fully fund a limited number of successful applicants to study medicine in Cuba.
“Successful applicants will sign a bursary contract prior to the departure to Cuba with the department to serve/work for the same number of years as the duration of study in Cuba and South Africa.”

The opportunity is also available to applicants whose parents are in a position to pay tuition fees for medical training in Cuba.

Interested youngsters can obtain a bursary application form from the Gauteng Department of Health 78 Fox Street, 9th floor, Old Standard Bank Building, Johannesburg.

The application forms are also available at the Human Resource Units of the following Hospitals: Dr George Mukhari Academic, Steve Biko Academic, Chris Hani Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Sebokeng, Natalspruit, Tembisa, Tambo, Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo.

Two certified copies of the following documents must be included with the application form: Curriculum Vitae (CV); Birth Certificate (of applicant and all dependants of the parents); Identification document (applicant and parents/guardian); Passport (if available); National Certificate (statements of results for 2012 matriculants will be accepted); Proof of registration from the University (if currently registered).

Other certified documents; Academic record (progress report) from the University; Proof of income of both parents or guardians (sworn affidavits for those without proof of income) as well as proof of residence in the form of utility bill or account registered in parents’ or guardian’s name.

All completed applications are to be hand delivered to: The Directorate: Professional Development (attention: Yvonne Skosana) at 78 Fox Street, 9th Floor, The Old Standard Bank Building, Marshalltown, Johannesburg.

The closing date for applications is 28 June 2013. For more information on the bursary, call Yvonne Skosana on 011 298 2328/2334 or M Motaung on 011 298 2484.
19.06.2013
SAnews.gov.za

The dti, in partnership with the Ekurhuleni West College, launched the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) at the college in Katlehong.

“It is important to note that these Centres share the dti’s vision of supporting economic growth with equity and employment creation and the belief that entrepreneurship promotion is at the core of economic growth stimulation,” said Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe.

The Ekurhuleni Centre is the product of a five-year Memorandum of Agreement between the dti and the Ekurhuleni West College where the institution is funded by the department to implement entrepreneurship courses.

Targeted students at the centre will comprise current and former students who are unemployed and also disadvantaged individuals from communities within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

“This intervention bears evidence to our commitment to ensure that small businesses and black businesses specifically, progressively increase their participation in the economy and their contribution to the broader development objectives of the country,” said the deputy minister.

Thabethe said that the strategic collaboration with the college signifies the intention to provide the much needed link between entrepreneurship education and technical skills as provided by FET colleges.

“Further, our partnership with the college also bears testimony to the fact that collectively we seek to develop, promote and improve the culture of entrepreneurship among students and the community at large,” she added.
Helen Ntlatleng Principal Ekurhuleni West College said the centre is fully operational.

“We will play our role in pursuit of uplifting the community of Katlehong by ensuring that we churn out well-equipped, technically astute and competent entrepreneurs. I hope this place will be treated as a source of hope by our community,” she said.

Programmes offered at the institution will help develop the students’ proficiency in practical skills of waste management and welding. Students will also be provided with knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship and the establishment of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.
19.06.2013
SAnews.gov.za

The collaboration, reported by MyBroadband.co.za, could see FNB become a mobile virtual network operator, and launch services competing against Vodacom, MTN and Telkom Mobile; with mobile devices being sold with FNB SIM cards and pre-installed apps.

If the deal goes ahead, FNB will become Cell C’s second virtual network operator after Virgin Mobile in 2006; according to MyBroadband.co.za both FNB and Cell C declined to comment on the rumours.

Karin Fourie, a spokesperson for Cell C, did however admit to the news service that the operator is currently in confidential negotiations with a number of parties about potential virtual network operator deals.

Virginia Magapatona, spokesperson for FNB, in turn admitted that the bank was negotiating with mobile operators about the launch of future offerings.

18.06.2013
Lauren Grey

The Bill was approved by Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson for gazetting and it was subsequently published in the Government Gazette on June 14.

The purpose of the Bill is to:

Further redefine certain definitions;
Redefine the mandate of the National Agricultural Marketing Council;
Clarify the role of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in agricultural marketing;
Further clarify matters connected to the management and utilisation of statutory levies and agricultural industry trust funds;
Provide for public trusteeship of the nation’s agricultural and food markets;
Provide for assignments and delegations;
Provide for the monitoring, evaluation, assessments and reporting; and
Provide for the national monitoring of provinces.

Interested parties and the public are invited to submit comments on the Bill within 60 days of publication. The deadline for submitting comments is 14 August.

Written comments should be forwarded to the department for the attention of Mr H.M. Mamabolo at

Sefala Building, Office 710, 503 Belvedere Street, Arcadia, Pretoria or Private Bag X15, Arcadia 0007

Again, written comments can also be faxed to 012 319 8131 or e-mailed to MogalaM@daff.gov.za or PA.DM@daff.gov.za

Copies of the Bill may also be obtained from the DAFF website www.daff.gov.za. Comments received after the closing date will not be taken into consideration.

Public hearings will take place between 1 July and 14 August 2013 at various venues that will be communicated to the public in due course.

18.06.2013
SAnews.gov

According to the department, the meeting addressed three issues, namely, how do macro-economic challenges affect the Nordic Welfare model, Africa on the rise – how to make economic growth inclusive and seeking solutions to African conflicts – the role of regional and global actors.

The annual gathering was a frank and open dialogue between African and Nordic like-minded states focussing on mutual cooperation in developmental matters.

“The African Ministers encouraged the Nordics to take advantage of investment opportunities in Africa and to increase the levels of economic cooperation in, amongst other sectors, telecommunications, agriculture and infrastructure,” the department said in a statement.

The meeting noted Africa’s positive efforts towards peace, stability and development, which are in line with the continent’s common Vision 2063 – a vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
In addition, the meeting noted the successes achieved through the Nordic Model from which much can be learned by African states.

Last week, in the capital of Helsinki, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane held bilateral talks with her Finnish counterpart, Erkki Tuomioja.

The meeting focussed on South Africa-Finland bilateral political and trade relations. The two Ministers also exchanged views on issues of common interest, including the reform of global governance institutions.

South Africa attaches great importance to its Nordic partners, and this visit provided a platform to further consolidate and strengthen the already cordial relations between South Africa and Finland. The meeting also served to deepen Africa-Nordic cooperation.
18.06.2013
SAnews.gov.za

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa has launched the Programme following a study undertaken by the department in 2007, which assessed the status of waste services delivery, as well as capacity at local government level.

The study presented an account of the backlog with regards to solid waste service delivery in all municipalities in the country. The department developed this initiative in order to address the backlog and create capacity within municipalities in a bid to lessen the burden with regards to the provision of waste services.

The programme launch, which formed part of the department’s Youth Month celebrations was also developed in recognition that the waste sector is now, more than ever, ready for major investment in both infrastructure development as well as capacity building programmes to create decent jobs and fuel the green economy.

Launching the programme on Monday at Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State, Molewa pointed out that the waste sector has been identified as one of the critical sectors with the potential to contribute substantially to the generation of jobs within the green economy.

“It is in this light that the department is increasingly expanding its programmes in job creation and enterprise development programmes in this sector. It is important that the state improves its capacity to deliver waste services. This is not only to meet service delivery needs, but also to provide dignity and quality of life to our people,” Molewa said.

An estimated 1 000 job opportunities will be created by placing young people in municipalities as Landfill Site Assistants, Waste Collection Administrators and Environmental Awareness Educators.

Further work opportunities will be created from the construction activities associated with the building or erection of landfill site offices, ablution facilities, as well as weighpad platforms at landfill sites across the country.

The programme will be rolled out in five provinces around the country, Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The Free State will see 330 young people recruited for the project, 326 in the North West and 140 each for the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

It is also expected that some of the young people recruited into the programme will move on to further their environmental careers, either in other employment sectors or become involved in business ventures.

As part of the programme and in response to the technical knowledge gap with regards to landfill site operation and management, the department conducted training sessions in all provinces in the 2011/12 fiscal year.

Upon completing the short course, young people will be based at the Landfill Operations and will assist with the day-to-day management and administration related to the operations at the landfills. Key tasks relate to the operation of weighpad technology as well as monitoring workface activities.

Young people placed as Waste Collection Administrators will be responsible for assisting collections managers to plan, manage, monitor and implement the collection of waste in municipalities.

Those recruited as Environmental Awareness Educators will be attached to a local municipality to assist the municipality in the introduction and implementation of source separation in the form of campaigns.
18.06.2013
SAnews.gov.za

The deal, which is the first of its kind for the Club will see the popular South African Football Club, Black Aces FC, become the Club’s ‘Official Regional School of Football Partner’.

As part of the three-year partnership, City will deliver coaching programs to local children, teaching them the same training techniques and philosophies used by City’s first team that, of course, includes African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure.

In addition to local children learning how to play the “City way”, the Black Aces Academy coaches will also benefit from the delivery of a City Coach Education Program, and will have the opportunity to shadow City’s coaches in South Africa.  They will also travel to Manchester, where their academy will play games against the Club’s youth academy sides.

The hope is that, through shared learning, Black Aces coaches will be empowered to transfer their newly-obtained skills and knowledge back into their local communities, thus leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The football programmes will offer children the chance to improve and develop their football and educational skills in a fun and challenging environment.

Patrick Vieira, Head of City’s Elite Development Squad, who recently announced the South African leg of City’s upcoming pre-season tour at a Press conference in Johannesburg, said: “South Africa’s love of football was clear for the world to see during both the World Cup, and most recently the Cup of Nations.

“It’s a privilege for Manchester City to be part of South Africa’s youth football development by passing on our expertise to the Black Aces coaches, at a time when the country is fast becoming a force in world football.  Through shared learning, both clubs’ can work together in order to provide children with a holistic football  experience that  places equal importance on football and education.”

Black Aces club owners and joint Chairmen, Mario and George Morfou, welcomed the partnership and were delighted with their association with MCFC, commenting: “On behalf of Black Aces Football Club, we are proud to announce that we have entered into a partnership with Manchester City Football Club.

“The partnership is incorporated within youth development through the Manchester City School of Football.  We believe that this partnership will benefit our players in the academy and will also attract top class young talent throughout the country.

“As part of the agreement, Manchester City will be sending qualified coaches to South Africa and Black Aces Academy will be sending teams to go over to Manchester in order to showcase their talent. This is a wonderful opportunity for all our players to get a feel of what top class football is all about as well as what is expected of a professional footballer.”

The coaching programs will begin in July when the Club will be based in Durban, as part of City’s summer pre-season training camp.

This will be the second time the Club have visited the country, their first being their summer tour back in 2009.

18.06.2013

Manchester City Club Statement

President Obama is scheduled to visit three countries on his African tour from 26 to 3 July. South Africa will be one of the stops he makes.

The visit, which will be Obama’s second to the region since taking office in 2009, shines a good light on South Africa.

“For the ordinary South African, this [visit] should be seen as some kind of a positive reaction from the Americans, that America recognises that there is no way that it can ignore SA and in his tour of the continent. Obama has seen it fit to come to South Africa,” said senior lecturer and head of International Politics in the Political Sciences department of Unisa, Dr Thabisi Hoeane, on Friday.

The US is a significant investor in South Africa, with about 600 US companies operating within the South African economy which is the largest economy on the African continent.

Following its fortnightly meeting this week, Cabinet welcomed the visit.

“Our strategic political dialogue with the United States continues to positively impact our bilateral relations. The US remains an important trade, investment, tourism and technology partner,” Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Collins Chabane told a media briefing on Thursday.

A statement released by Obama’s office said expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions and investing in the next generation of African leaders were among issues expected to be discussed during the three-leg tour.

SA, US relationship

“There is going to be a whole range of critical issues which they have to talk about [President Obama and SA President Jacob Zuma]. One of the major things that come to mind is the kind of relationship which the USA has had with South Africa recently where there was this perception that the two were not on good terms.

“That will be one of the issues that they have to confront, that there is this kind of view that in recent years there’s been a frosty relationship between the two countries,” explained Hoeane on Friday.

In a statement last month, the White House said Obama would use his visits to reinforce the importance that the US places on growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa had done some work to have a good relationship with the US, said Hoeane.

”We cannot afford to have a negative relationship with that country given its dominance within the world. My view would be that yes there have been some differences here and there but it has always been in South Africa’s interest to have good relations with that country,” he added.

The US is one of South Africa’s key trading partners in the world today, and the bilateral trade relationship has maintained a consistent pattern of expansion since 1994. In 2001, the US was South Africa’s largest single trading partner in the world.

Extension of African Growth, Opportunity Act

Last year, the South African government said it would like an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) for a reasonable amount of time.

“Our overall message as the South African government is that we would like to see a rollover, an extension of Agoa for a reasonable period of time, along more or less the architecture of Agoa at the moment,” Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies said in August 2012.

Agoa – which offers incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets – was signed into law in May 2000.

Hoeane said the agreement which expires in 2015 is also likely to form part of discussions between the two countries.

Zimbabwean elections

Another topic of discussion might be the upcoming planed Zimbabwean elections on 31 July, according to Hoeane. However the opposition in that country has rejected the idea to hold the polls on that day.

“Zimbabwe might be discussed because it’s one of the critical political issues in Southern Africa. Given South Africa’s prominent role in the affairs of that country and that elections are coming, I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of exchanging of views on what is happening there and what should not happen,” he said.

Obama is also scheduled to visit Senegal and Tanzania where he is most likely to be received “quite well,” according to Hoeane.

17.06.2013

SAnews.gov.za

Gungubele said there was an urgent need for the development of a business case to establish a University of Technology in the area.

He was speaking at the close of the three-day Ekurhuleni Job Summit and Career Expo held in Alberton, where issues of youth unemployment and poverty alleviation in the city were discussed.

He said “cries for such an institution were crystal clear during the discussions” at the summit.

“The people spoke passionately about such an institution. Ours now is to make sure that we put a business case together and present it to the relevant structures,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that Ekurhuleni, which had so many factories and industries, did not have such an institution.

“Such a university would also make our jobs easier in terms of producing skilled youngsters who can respond to the needs of the businesses that exist in our space.”

The jobs summit had brought long queues of young people who were looking for work. The event attracted close to 12 000 people when the city had anticipated about 5 000.

“All the youngsters who came here clearly demonstrated the will to work at some stage of their lives and/or start businesses, and we, as government and the private sector can assist them realise their dreams.

“The desperation that has been shown by our young graduates poses a new challenge for this metro. This situation says we must continue to put our heads together to see how best we can absorb these young people. We need to do more and more each year until such time that we can sit back and say we did our part.”

He said the city has prioritised human development and job creation, and vehicles that have been identified to take this process forward include the city’s 10 priority projects which include the introduction of the integrated public transport network, Aerotropolis, Digital City, Urban Renewal and Township Economies.

“We also have the EPWP that we intend to leverage and streamline as a safety net and income generation intervention,” he said.

Gungubele committed to, working with Gauteng Provincial Government, implementing the National Youth Accord, continuing to develop the Aerotropolis as a new tertiary economic sector, leveraging the Transnet’ Academy development programme for the benefit of local youth and partnering with the Department of Public Enterprises in implementing the planned Aviation Skills Development programme.

14.06.2013

SAnews.gov.za