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                                  News & Media

Headlines

Report on Zimbabwe to be tabled at AU Summit

Excitement palpable on Beijing's streets ahead of Olympics

Strong policy needed to address climate change – UN

Mbeki, SA delegation head to Egypt for AU Summit

SA reduces electricity consumption by 4%

Peace and security must be prioritised in Africa

Job Tabane finally laid to rest in South Africa

Fans, celebrities honour Madiba at 46664 concert

Rustenburg hospital renamed after Job Tabane

Cough, cold medicines for infants under investigation

Govt will not nationalise pension funds, says Manuel

Mbeki signs Astronomy Geographic Advantage Bill

National Arts Festival to be extended in 2009, 2010

KwaZulu-Natal rebuilds flood-damaged roads, pipes

By Luyanda Makapela

Sharm-El-Shaikh – The Zimbabwe crisis has come under the spotlight at the African Union (AU) Summit in Egypt where a report is expected to be tabled at a meeting of the Heads of State for further discussion.

This is according to AU Chairperson Jean Ping, who was speaking after the first session of the 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers at the summit in Sharm-El-Shaikh.

"We discussed the issue of Zimbabwe and a two-page document is in my report of activities of the commission.

“We will table the report and brief the Heads of State when they meet on the issue of peace and security during the summit," Mr Ping said on Friday.

He said it was impossible for the summit to ignore an issue of this nature.

Asked if the AU was capable of handling the Zimbabwe issue, Mr Ping said the AU has always practiced the values adopted by all Heads of State as enshrined in the AU Constitution.

" Africa has been solving its problems for number years, and we are certain that even this time we will find an amicable solution.

"I am convinced that the Zimbabwe issue will be solved in a credible way with the report from the Peace and Security Council, we trust the Southern African Development Community [SADC] for the job done so far," he said.

He further said that all member states were aware of the need to uphold the rule of law, good governance and human rights.

With regards to AU Constitution, Mr Ping said all the respective member states knew it was prohibited to gain power through force or means that were not constitutional, where leaders took power in dubious means.

He said this would be discussed at the Peace and Security Council meeting. “We won't come out of the summit without extensively discussing the issue,” he said.

Mr Ping further highlighted that African countries were custodians of the values enshrined in the Constitution and that enforcing such values was one of the AU's mandate.

Zimbabweans took to the polls on Friday in an internationally criticised Presidential run-off election.

About 5.9 million Zimbabweans were registered to cast their ballots at the 9 000 polling stations, in a process overseen by over 400 SADC, South African and international observers.

Current President, Robert Mugabe was the only candidate running in the election as opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai formally withdrew on Tuesday, citing violence against his supporters.

Mr Tsvangirai sought refuge at the Dutch Embassy in Harare earlier this week fearing he would be arrested.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said Mr Tsvangirai did not give enough notice of his intention to withdraw therefore it was of no legal effect.

The run-off election comes some 13 weeks after an initial ballot which saw President Mugabe coming in second place with 43.2 percent against 47.9 percent for the MDC leader Mr Tsvangirai.

However, this was not an outright majority win and therefore a run-off election was called for.

The country has been marred by deadly political violence since then.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that the campaign of threats and intimidation in Zimbabwe goes against the very spirit of democracy.

"Instead of openness, free competition and transparency, we have witnessed fear, hostility and blatant attacks against Zimbabwean citizens."

He added that what happens in Zimbabwe has an impact well beyond the country's borders.

"The situation in Zimbabwe represents the single greatest challenge to regional stability in Southern Africa today. The region's political and economic security is at stake as is the very institution of elections in Africa ."

Last week, Mr Ban sent senior UN political official Haile Menkerios to Zimbabwe in an attempt reduce political tensions.

Mr Menkerios remains in the region, after having met with officials in both Zimbabwe and neighbouring South Africa . - BuaNews

           
By Michael Appel

Beijing - With only 40 days to go before the world's greatest athletes descend upon China for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the excitement on the streets of Asia 's most populous city, is palpable.

"We have entered the final stages of the preparations ahead of the Olympics Games in August, and you can really feel the excitement on the streets of Beijing ," said Beijing Olympic Committee Communications Deputy Director, Sun Weide on Friday.

The city’s people are truly making their motto "One World, One Dream" a reality.

　

The motto relates to the city’s wish for peace, friendship, and progress, as well as the hope of a better world for all, said Mr Sun.

Briefing reporters at the Beijing Olympic Tower, Mr Sun said that in 2001, 96 percent of the population had voted in favour of bidding to host the Olympics.

A further indication of the level of support from the people of Beijing was that 210 000 people submitted logo designs to the organising committee when the committee announced they would be changing the Olympic seal.

The cooperation of the people of Beijing with local authorities will once again be tested between 1 July and 20 September 2008, as the Chinese government has committed itself to reducing the city's traffic volume by 45 percent, resulting in a massive 63 percent reduction in vehicle emissions, said Mr Sun.

To achieve this, the city will be divided up into certain zones. Only public transport, motor cycles and bicycles will be allowed to enter in certain zones, while private vehicles will be permitted in other areas.

This forms part of China 's strategy to deal with the challenge of air pollution in the rapidly developing city, not only ahead of the games, but into the future.

"Over 200 measures have been taken by the government to improve the quality of air in the city and in 1998 the city experienced what we refer to as '100 blue sky days'.

"The number of blue sky days in Beijing has now risen to 246 days," said Mr Sun.

The capital city's development is centred on a long-term strategy to improve the environment, transport infrastructure, tourism and employment opportunities.

The Olympic Games is being used as a catalyst to kick-start the process, he said.

"Subway lines running throughout the city will have been doubled by next year March, with the number of kilometres of subway increasing from 114 to 200 kilometres.

"In terms of venue construction, we have completed 37 competition venues in Beijing , six of them located within universities. We have also constructed 45 stand alone training venues in Beijing alone," Mr Sun told BuaNews .

To date, China has hosted 46 major sporting competitions ahead of the Olympics to test not only the venues, but the operational readiness of China to host an event of such magnitude.

Hosting the Olympic Games in the most populous country in the world has also helped to promote the Olympic spirit, and we will be communicating the Olympic message to about half a million middle school children, he said.

The hosting of the Olympic Games is not simply about sport for the people of China , as it involves the harmonising of sports, culture and education.

With an estimated 500 000 international and one million domestic visitors, the people of Beijing have been encouraged by authorities to expand their knowledge of foreign languages.

"There are about 5.5 million people in Beijing being trained in foreign languages and we have even encouraged our city's taxi drivers to start learning English," said Mr Sun. – BuaNews

By Luyanda Makapela

Sharm-El-Shaikh – Strong policy measures are needed to address climate change which is hampering agricultural production and affecting food and energy prices, says United Nations Executive Secretary of the of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Abdoulie Janneh.

Speaking at the official opening of the 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of African Union (AU) on Friday, Mr Janneh said the negative effects of climate change had to be taken into consideration as they undermined political stability and efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"We need to implement the best policy options for adaptation and technology transfer for financing these requirements," said Mr Janneh, adding that the ECA's African Climate Policy Centre will work closely with the AU to support efforts to address climate change.

He said these issues were important to the 2008 AU Summit themed "Meeting the MDGs on Water and Sanitation" as water was an essential requirement for sanitation and health in households and human settlements.

"Our development effort must be about improving human conditions, as a result, intensive efforts are needed to provide African people with safe access to water and sanitation," said Mr Janneh.

For its part, Mr Janneh said, the UN system remained committed to supporting the efforts of African countries at national, sub-regional and regional levels.

"I wish to reiterate that while Africa 's development is wide-ranging and complex, the best response is unity of purpose, logic in policy, and the effective use of limited resources to build more stable and competitive economies," he said

Earlier this month, world leaders resolved to increase investment in agriculture, to address obstacles to food access and to use the planet’s resources in a sustainable way for present and future generations.

The high level three-day conference, the World Food Summit, resolved to use all means possible to alleviate the suffering caused by the current crisis to stimulate food production.

The conference was held in Rome , Italy and attended by 50 Heads of State, including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General Jacques Diouf.

A draft Declaration of the Food World Security Challenges for Climate Change and Bio-Energy was also adopted at the meeting.

On behalf of South Africa , Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka attended the conference.

She discussed how higher food prices impacted negatively on the purchasing power of poor households. – BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

Egypt - President Thabo Mbeki and a South African delegation have arrived in Sharm-El-Shaikh , Egypt ahead of the African Union (AU) Assembly of State and Government to be held on Monday.

This forms part of the ongoing 2008 AU Summit , being held under the theme “Meeting Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation”.

The South African delegation is comprised of President Mbeki, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad and Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba.

During his visit to Sharm-El-Sheikh, Mr Mbeki will participate in the 19th New Partnership for Africa 's Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) Meeting and the 9th African Peer Review Forum (APRF).

The South African delegation will participate in the African Union Summit, Executive Council and NEPAD meetings within the context of South Africa ’s priority to strengthen institutions of governance on the continent with a view to advancing the political and economic developmental agenda of Africa .

The meeting is expected to be addressed by the Chair of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation Willem-Alexander, the Crown Prince of Orange, the Netherlands .

Reports on the status of implementation of the regional and continental agenda of integration; activities of the Peace and Security Council, the implementation of the outcome of the Abuja Special Summit on HIV and AIDS, TB and other Related Infectious Diseases held in Abuja in May 2006 and the promotion of maternal and child health in Africa will be presented at the meeting.

The current food crisis and its effects on developing countries in Africa will also come under the spotlight.

Discussions around the implementation of the Summit Decision on the Reform of the UN and adopting the single legal instrument on the merger of the Court of Justice and the African Court on Human and People’s Rights of the AU are expected to be held.

The NEPAD Head of State meeting on Sunday will discuss preparations for the forthcoming G8 Summit in Japan where new climate change protocols will be drafted.

The implementation of the principle of rotation of members of the NEPAD HSGIC, the status of AU/NEPAD integration process and the designation of the NEPAD Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer will also be on the agenda.

Later on the day, the 28-member African Peer Review Forum will convene to assess Uganda , Nigeria and Burkina Faso . 

It will also witness the signing of the African Peer Review Mechanism, Memorandum of Understanding for accession by Togo .  - BuaNews

By Bathandwa Mbola

Pretoria - South Africans have managed reduce their electricity consumption by up to four percent, Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica announced on Friday.

Briefing reporters after the first meeting of the National Stakeholder Advisory Council on Electricity (NSACE) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria , the minister said while this was an excellent trend, it was imperative for South Africans to do more.

"The inclement weather could cause a shortfall in the coming weeks,” said the minister, adding that the major electricity users, in the minerals value chain, continued to bear the burden of the emergency in the form of reduced supply.

Ms Sonjica said public buildings, retail malls, office and government buildings as well as households could reduce there usage further.

“While we appreciate the savings that have been attained by the industry, we still believe more can be achieved through efficiency in production and maintenance. “

The minister said South Africans should make a bigger effort in the coming weeks to relieve the burden of the electricity emergency on the economy and society.

This can be done by turning off appliances, including geysers, and light bulbs when not in use and by using energy-efficient technologies like the compact fluorescent light bulbs and keeping the use of heating and cooling equipment to a minimum.

The brainchild of the Joint Presidential Working Group, the council’s first meeting was attended by President Thabo Mbeki, his Deputy Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and a number of stakeholders.

Initially council members agreed that all the parties should work together to find ways to efficiently conserve electricity.

Minister Sonjica said the council had noted the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approving Eskom’s 13.3 percent tariff increase, saying they were unavoidable.

The increase makes up a cumulative 27.5 percent increase.

However, she said the council had agreed that government should mitigate the impact of the increase on poor households and communities.

Providing adequate information on energy savings to relevant stakeholders and consumers is critical, and therefore the council requested that government and Eskom report back on the success in reducing usage on a regular basis.

Meanwhile the country's municipalities have already approved their tariffs ahead of the new financial year, which begins next month.

The tariffs are in line with Eskom's 14.2 percent as approved by NERSA in December.

However, the latest increase means that local authorities have to revise their earlier tariffs.

If this did not happen, they would have been legally compelled to implement the latest tariff increase by Eskom only in July next year.

The meeting confirmed that the NSACE will act as the primary location for high level formal consultation with stakeholders in respect of policy implementation.

Some of its main functions will be to develop communication messages about the electricity emergency; facilitate communication between stakeholders and government and to monitor the implementation of programmes and provide feedback on challenges being experienced.

The NSACE will work closely with the National Electricity Response Team (NERT) to be chaired by Deputy President and its outcomes will feed into the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy as well as the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).

“It is expected that the monitoring and communication roles of the NSACE will lead to a broader and better understanding of the full spectrum of electricity needs and demands in the country, thereby ensuring that the required action is taken, including the required dispensation for poor communities,” said  Minister Sonjica.

Meanwhile, Minister for Finance, Trevor Manuel granted approval for Eskom’s price increase for electricity as approved by the National Electricity Regulatory on 18 June 2008 to become effective for municipality and municipal entities as from 1 July 2008.

Minister Manuel said that the exemption granted is subject to the conditions that the adjustments budget approved by the council of the municipality or board of directors of the municipal entity must be submitted to the National Treasury and the relevant Provincial Treasury on or before 30 September 2008.

“The approved adjustment budget must be published on the municipality’s website or in the case of municipal entity, on the parent municipality’s website on or before 30 September 2008. - BuaNews

By Luyanda Makapela

Sharm-El-Shaikh – The African Union (AU) has called on Member States to continue to give special and sustained attention to peace and security issues in the continent.

"The commission is at work to bring its contribution to peace efforts which require the authority and concerted action of all several Heads of State," said AU Chairperson Jean Ping while addressing the 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Sharm-El-Shaikh on Friday.

Mr Ping said Africa had many challenges that needed to be overcome in a number of peace processes.

He mentioned the persisting crisis in Darfur, the recent dispute between Chad and Sudan , as well as the situation between Djibouti and Eritrea as issues of concern which pose a challenge to the AU.

"In this regard, I call upon all the Sudanese parties to engage, unconditionally, and put an end to the conflict and the suffering inflicted on the civilian population," said Mr Ping.

With regards to the recent developments at the border between the Republic of Djibouti and the State of Eritrea he said: "Following the recommendations of AU Peace and Security Council, I have dispatched a fact-finding mission and would like to hope that all efforts will be made to find a happy solution to the situation."

Mr Ping said regarding such the AU has always taken steps to deal with such situations swiftly.

"I have no doubt that the work the AU has done so far, with the help of the continent and other organs, will continue enforcing the values enshrined in the Constitution to its respective member states," he said.

On Thursday, China announced that it would deploy a further 320 military engineers to the conflict-ridden Darfur region in Southern Sudan .

"China has decided to further its involvement in the activities of the UN - AU hybrid peacekeeping force in Southern Sudan's Darfur region, and will be deploying 320 military engineers in the middle of July this year," said Director-General for the Informational Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu Jian Chao on Thursday.

The military engineers will assist the hybrid force with the construction of refugee and resettlement camps and roads, and will also help with the generation of clean and safe water through the drilling of wells.

China already has several hundred troops as peace keepers in Darfur, and the deployment of military engineers next month comes as the Asian giant seeks to realise a peaceful solution to the conflict in Darfur , said Mr Chao.

Over 26 000 peace keepers initially committed to the hybrid force, which has replaced the under-resourced and depleted manpower of the AU Mission to Sudan (AMIS) which numbered only about 6 000, however it has not received as much support.

The UN has, however, noted that the lack of logistical support for the UN/AU Mission to Sudan (UNAMID) has caused a number of problems on the ground due to the vastness of the territory that needs to be monitored singling out a need for helicopters, in particular.  – BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

Rustenburg - Freedom fighter Job Shimankana Tabane was finally laid rest on South African soil on Saturday, after being buried in Zambia in 1987.

Mr Tabane, known in exile as Cassius Maake, was a senior leader of the African National Congress, South African Communist Party and Umkhonto we Sizwe when the apartheid government was in power.

He was assassinated in Swaziland in 1987 when the taxi in which he and fellow combatant Peter Sello Motau were travelling in was forced off the road. They both died on the scene and were later buried in Zambia .

Mr Tabane’s remains were exhumed from a Lusaka grave and brought home on 20 June earlier this month so that he could be buried at his home village of Mosenthal in Rustenburg.

This is to be his final resting place after a long struggle to get his remains brought home.

A hero, soldier, revolutionary and philosopher, Mr Tabane was exposed to politics when he began high school.

He enrolled at the Moemise-Sekitla Secondary School in Hammanskraal north of Pretoria where he was a boarder at the school’s hostel.

In 1964 he left Johannesburg by train to Zeerust en route to Botswana to go into exile.

From Botswana , he crossed over to Dar es Salaam , Tanzania and then he was sent to Odessa in the then Soviet Union ( USSR ) for military training. There he was joined by a group of young men from Dinokana in Zeerust.

During his military training, Mr Tabane committed himself to translating and interpreting the English lessons into Setswana for his compatriots who were illiterate.

After training at Odessa , Mr Tabane moved back to Kongwa , Tanzania where he continued with his literacy training programme, largely focused on Mathematics and English.

Subsequently, he was summoned by the ANC Headquarters in Dar es Salaam to take charge of Radio Freedom, the voice of the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe.

At Radio Freedom, he successfully formed a dedicated team of radio announcers and also closely working with South West African People's Organisation.

Radio Freedom played a critical role in keeping the ANC members, who were in exile all over Africa , informed about the ANC’s movements.

In 1972 Mr Tabane was sent back to the Soviet Union in Moscow where he attended the Young Communist League Party School , which was commonly known as Komsomol.

He was posted to Angola to open an ANC office in Luanda , where he became the ANC's Chief  Representative.

He established camps for the avalanche of 1976 students swelling the ranks of the ANC and also became the key negotiator between his organisation, the Cuban and Angolans.

In 1978, he was given a senior position in Umkhonto we Sizwe structures of the Deputy Secretary of the Revolutionary Council and fulfilling other functions in military headquarters.

Mr Tabane's loyalty to the movement led him to serve in the Politico Military Council, in early 1982.

His devotion to duty resulted in him and his senior commander, Joe Modise, being arrested and sentenced to a six month prison term in Botswana for illegal weapons transportation.

A father and husband, Mr Tabane was married to Thokozani Grace, who was also known as Nozipho Modisane, they were blessed with a daughter and son, Phakiso and Karabo.

At aged 43, he was elected as the National Executive Committee during the Second Consultative Conference of the ANC, held June 1985 at Kabwe in Zambia .

He was also a senior member of the Central Committee of the SACP. - BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

London – About 27 000 music fans from around the world crammed into the Hyde Park venue in London on Friday where the annual 46664 concert was held to celebrate former President Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.

The concert featured national and international artists including the Soweto Gospel Choir, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela, Loyiso Bala, Johnny Clegg, Zucchero, Kurt Darren, Agape Choir, Will Smith, Jamelia, Annie Lennox, Leona Lewis, Emmanuel Jal, Eddie Grant and Simple Minds.

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, whose actual birthday falls on 18 July, arrived in London earlier this month to take part in a series of events to mark the day.

Events ranged from exhibitions, dialogues, book launches, the 46664 concerts and the sixth annual Nelson Mandela Lecture.

The performing artists described Mr Mandela as a hero and inspiration.

Formula1 racer, Lewis Hamilton said he was defined as a here because he suffered for 27 years jailed on Robben Island but he still had the strength to forgive.

“Madiba has taught the importance of self belief and that together we can make a change,” said Mr Hamilton.

Mr Mahlasela said the slogan for the 46664 concert, “It’s in our hands”, should be used as a platform to bring the HIV message to the people.

“We have to instil more hope,” he said.

Fans went wild when Mr Grant performed his well-known anti-apartheid song ‘Give me hope Joanna’.

“Madiba is a great fellow, they’ve told me that I’m 60 years but I don’t believe them because of Madiba, he still looks good at 90 years,” Mr Grant joked.

A smiling Madiba, who was sitting backstage during the show, came out with his wife to greet his fans and the South Africans who had gathered held up the country’s flag in jubilation.

In his speech, Mr Mandela reminded the crowd that the work of eradicating HIV and AIDS and poverty was far from complete.

He urged people to take over and continue with the 46664 campaign.

“After 90 years of life, it’s time for new hats to lift the burden, it’s in your hands now,” Mr Mandela said.

He expresses his gratitude to be part of the occasion following the concert for freedom held in London some 20 years ago.

The 46664 concert is one of the main events planned around Mr Mandela’s birthday.

The 46664 initiative, named after Madiba's prison number, is an independent, non-profit entity based in South Africa and wholly owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness about HIV and AIDS and supporting the fight against the global pandemic.

It uses mediums such as music, sport and entertainment to deliver its message to mainly young people.

The 46664 World Aids Day concert will be held on 29 November in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil .

North West Premier Edna Molewa also joined the voices in paying tribute to Mr Mandela as she sang praises to the man fondly called “Tata” by most South Africans.

“Let us live his loyalty to Africa and pronounce for all to hear our oneness with our brothers and sisters from elsewhere in the continent – taking note of his dream and desire to see Africa ’s children playing in the sun.

“His conviction that the African Renaissance is an ideal whose time has come and his call for the twenty first century to be an African century,” she said at the sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces chamber in Parliament on Friday. – BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

Rustenburg - Rustenburg Hospital has been renamed to honour of the freedom fighter, Job Tabane.

Mr Tabane, who was known as Cassius Maake while in exile, died at the hands of the apartheid security services in the 1980s.

He was assassinated in Swaziland together with his comrade, Peter Sello Motau.

On Saturday Mr Tabane’s remains were reburied at his home village of Mosenthal in Rustenburg after his body was initially buried in Lusaka .

Unveiling the new plague at the Job Tabane Provincial Hospital on Friday, Premier Edna Molewa reminded hospital personnel of their responsibilities towards their clients and attitude to service delivery.

She said that Mr Tabane had left a legacy of selflessness, sacrifice, humility and an unwavering commitment to serve the people.

"The renaming of this hospital after Job Tabane must place a responsibility on the shoulders of all health workers to match the dedication, selflessness and excellence personified by Mr Tabane," Premier Molewa said.

She said that staff at the hospital had to place patients’ interests first and internalise the ethos of community service and personal sacrifice.

Ms Molewa further warned that anything less will be a betrayal of the memory and legacy of Job Tabane and the renaming of the hospital shall have been in vain.

She described Mr Tabane as an icon of personal sacrifice and community service.

"He left behind a legacy which must inspire us all to help in the reconstruction and development of our country," she said.

A North West delegation led by Premier Edna Molewa and members of the Tabane Reburial Committee left last week for Zambia to fetch the remains of the slain freedom fighter.

Mr Tabane was born on 6 December 1942 in the village of Maile , outside Rustenburg.

His remains were exhumed from a Lusaka grave and brought home on 20 June 2008, they were then reburied on Saturday at his home village of Mosenthal in Rustenburg.

The premier noted that the arrival of Mr Tabane's bones at his final resting place will bring closure and healing to his family and friends. - BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

Pretoria – The Medicines Control Council of South Africa (MCC) has requested all manufacturers of cough and cold medicines to provide information regarding the effects of the ingredients on infants.

The MCC is currently investigating the safety of the over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children, specifically under two years old.

The Department of Health said in a statement that the investigation was in response to international and local reports of unintentional overdosing when using these products in children.

“These cases have occurred as a result of incorrect dosing or dosing frequency and the use of more than one cough and cold preparation at a time.

“In addition, cases of overdosing can occur when these medicines are not stored out of reach of children,” the department said.

Once the MCC has reviewed all available information, regulatory actions will be taken to improve the safe use of cough and cold medicines in South Africa .

Some manufacturers have already taken steps to discontinue the use of their products in these young children, said the department.

MCC Registrar, Mandisa Hela urged parents and caregivers to heed the warning on cough and cold preparations while the investigations are still underway.

Ms Hela advised parents to avoid the use of cough and cold medicines in children under the age of two years unless instructed to do so by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.

“A health care professional should be consulted even if the product information in the package insert or patient information leaflet allows the use of the medicine in children under two years,” Ms Hela said.

She said that if it was necessary to administer the medicine, parents must ensure they read the active ingredients carefully.

She warned caregivers not to give more than one cough or cold product to a child at the same time.

“These products often have many ingredients, if you use two different cough and cold medicines or fever medicine that have similar active ingredients, the child could overdose which can harm the child,” warned Ms Hela.

Further to this Ms Hela advised parents to read the dosing instructions carefully to check that they are not giving a larger dose than is recommended and to ask a healthcare professional for advice if you have questions about these medicines or not sure how to use them properly.

Only use the measuring spoons or cups that come with the medicine or those made specially for measuring medicines and do not use common household spoons to measure medicines for children because they are usually not accurate and can lead to incorrect dosing.

Opt for over the counter cough and cold preparations which have childproof safety caps.

It is important to understand that cough and cold medicines do not treat the cause of the symptoms only relieve symptoms.

The symptoms can also be managed by rest, sufficient fluid intake and making the child feel comfortable and comforted; 

If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, this may suggest a more serious problem that needs to be seen by a healthcare professional. If you are concerned about the health of the child, the child should be brought to a healthcare practitioner for medical evaluation. 

Parents and caregivers are urged to report any problems they experience when using medicines in children to their healthcare professionals, emphasised Ms Hela. – BuaNews

By Bathandwa Mbola

Pretoria – Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has confirmed that South Africa ’s workforce need not cash in their provident fund savings out of fear that government will nationalise the funds.

This follows service providers warning clients to cash in their savings claiming that government was threatening to seize them.

"Since the announcement of the reform of retirement funds in the national budget in February, service providers have told people that government is going to nationalise pensions and is going to take away your savings, so you will only get the statutory state old age pension when you retire," Mr Manuel told reporters on Friday.

"It would be reckless, impossible and unconstitutional that any one of us would agree with the confiscation of the savings of working people," he said.

Mr Manuel said he had heard that workers were withdrawing their savings, and that some were going so far as to resign from their jobs in order to cash in their pensions.

He was accompanied by Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya and trade union leaders.

Minister Skweyiya said he was concerned that these withdrawals would impact on the workers themselves and their families as they approach retirement, and that it would impact on the country, as savings levels are already too low.

“Government and trade unions share a commitment to improve the living standards of our people and we want to collaborate in working towards this objective.

“Part of this commitment is to ensure that all workers are able to live a better life when they retire than live in dire poverty in old age.”

Mr Skweyiya called on all shop stewards and trustees of pension and provident funds to report these “unscrupulous individuals and service providers” to trade union offices, government and regulatory agencies.

The minister said he and the trade unions would embark on road shows to visit every factory floor in the country, and ensure that shop stewards were briefed to prevent individuals mobilising workers against their own interest. – BuaNews

By Edwin Tshivhidzo , tel: (012) 314-2454

Cape Town – President Thabo Mbeki has approved a new law which will place the country among the world’s leading nations in the protection of national and international science infrastructure investments.

The Astronomy Geographic Advantage Bill was signed by the President in Cape Town this week.

Minister of Science and Technology Mosibudi Mangena introduced the Bill to the National Assembly last year after it was finalised towards the end of 2005.

Subsequent to this approval, extensive consultations were conducted with government departments, public sector entities, national operators, including role players in telecommunications and broadcasting, and other identified key entities.

The Bill gives wide-ranging powers to the minister to ensure that geographic areas within South Africa , particularly those in low-population density areas and which are highly suitable for astronomy, are protected in the long term with regard to such matters as radio frequency interferences and factors that could affect light pollution.

According to the department, the Bill gives Mr Mangena the power to declare “astronomy areas” in order to ensure that large scale and globally important astronomy facilities are protected from developments that might interfere with their research activities.

“The benefits of the legislation include the protection of large-scale investments already made in astronomy, preservation of an environment for a global astronomy hub that will continue to attract international investment,” the department said.

This will also result in the provision of a competitive advantage to help South Africa become the preferred host of the full Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in the Northern Cape as well as the Southern African Large Telescope, the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

“This marks a tremendous boost for our international bid to host the SKA, which is likely to be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the next two decades, consisting of thousands of dishes between 10 and 15 metres in diameter,” said Dr Bernie Fanaroff, project manager of South Africa's bid to host the SKA.

South Africa and Australia have been shortlisted to host the SKA.

South Africa is offering a site in the Karoo, in the Northern Cape . It is now expected that the decision on which country will host the SKA will be taken in 2011, instead of during this year, as originally intended.

The Bill also provides for developing the skills, capabilities and expertise of those engaged in astronomy and related scientific endeavours in Southern Africa and identifying and protecting areas in which astronomy projects of national strategic importance can be undertaken.

The new legislation will enhance the country's geographic advantage by restricting activities that cause or could cause light pollution or radio frequency interference, or might interfere in any other way with astronomy and related scientific endeavours in these areas. - BuaNews

Edwin Tshivhidzo , tel: (012) 314-2454

Grahamstown – The Grahamstown National Arts Festival will be extended next year to cater for the thousands of soccer fans who will visit the Eastern Cape during the Confederations Cup in 2009.

This will also occur in 2010 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to the media in Grahamstown during the official opening of this year’s National Arts Festival, Premier Nosimo Balindlela said government had decided to prolong the National Arts Festival in 2009 and 2010, in order to cater for soccer fans visiting South Africa ’s shores for the Confederations Cup and the world cup.

The premier said the 12-day National Arts Festival which kicked off on Tuesday, remained a critical platform for people of different cultures to showcase and appreciate their cultures.

“We know that soccer fans are passionate people, and I am sure that they will come and spend their time here at the festival. We are planning to have a public viewing park for them.”

Asked about whether the local residents were benefiting from the festival, Ms Balindlela outlined the interventions made by government to promote the now successful Kwam eMakana homestays (Township Bed and Breakfasts) initiative. 

“All festival lovers who have been accommodated in the ‘homestays’ will tell you that they had an authentic township experience of hospitality.

“The homestays are run by home owners who are trained by government to understand the hospitality industry standards of best service,” said Ms Balindlela.   

The premier announced that the provincial government has invested over R2 million to fund a number of different art form groups.

Nceba Mokoena, an organiser from the Office of the Premier, said the youth will play a big role in showcasing the province during this year’s festival.

“We will be showcasing and profiling the province to our missions that will be coming from other provinces.

“We have trained our young people to become tour guides, this to help tourists who will be visiting the province,” he said.

As part of the festival, the Office of the Premier will also be showcasing developmental programmes for the youth.

The festival is to showcase South Africa 's rich and multi-faceted culture of drama, dance, visual arts, music, film, jazz, painting and sculpting among others.

It features an extensive line-up of South African and international events, mixing new talent with established stars and capturing the spirit of the moment for a broad spectrum of audiences.

Plasma screens have been erected to enable people to view the proceedings of the festival with ease.

According to the organisers, the festival is expected to attract more than 100 000 people.

The National Arts Festival started in 1974 with about 60 events.

The festival is sponsored by the Eastern Cape government, Standard Bank, the SABC, the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and the National Arts Council. – BuaNews

By Gabi Khumalo

Durban – R40 million has been set aside to replace storm water pipes and to repair roads damaged in the recent floods which hit the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Two weeks ago torrential rains left the South Coast flooded and numerous people had to be evacuated from their homes. At least six people died in the floods.

The funds will be concentrated on the worst-hit areas including Amanzimtoti, Merebank, Umlazi, Isipingo and Bluff.

eThekwini Municipality ’s Manager of Stormwater Engineering Greg Williams said new storm water pipes will be laid at Amanzimtoti and construction is already underway at Amanzimtoti Ocean View road.

“In Umlazi G section, where houses are being rebuilt, both grounds and aerial site inspection and assessment of damages caused by floods have been conducted to establish the full extent of the damage,” Mr Williams said.

He said different eThekwini Municipality units including Coastal Stormwater and Catchment Management, Electricity, Engineering and Road Maintenance will jointly work together to ensure effective reconstruction.

About 100 people were displaced in the eMagabheni areas alone.

City’s Health Unit has st