Publisher

Mduduzi Mthembu’s dream of becoming a doctor seemed almost out of his grasp as the cost of his studies became too much for his family.

Infrastructure Development

From April patients  who are on ARV treatment will no longer have to take three tablets daily but will only need one tablet a day.

This was announced by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi recently, when he released details on a tender award for a single dose of the triple combination of tenofovir, entricitabine and efavirenz.

Dr Motsoaledi noted that South Africa had managed to reduce the cost of the tender by more than a third - 38 per cent – which is a massive saving of R2.2 billion.

Textbooks will be delivered on time to schools across the country this year. This is the promise from the Department of Basic Education as it beefs up efforts to ensure that schools, especially in Limpopo, receive all textbooks before the start of the 2013 school year.

Sport

It’s all systems go for the 2013 edition of the Orange African Cup of Nations tournament. From 19 January to 10 February 2013, the world’s eyes will once again be on South Africa as 16 of Africa’s best football nations battle it out for the prestigious continental crown.

International relations

From January 2013 South Africa will serve a three-year term as a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN).

ECOSOC is a central forum for discussing economic, human rights, health, social and cultural issues at the UN.

International relations

Preparations for the Fifth Brics Summit scheduled for 26 to 27 March 2013 are well underway.

International relations

Trade between South Africa and China keeps rising as the relations between the two countries deepen.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), South Africa’s exports to China reached an all-time high of R85 billion in 2011, an increase of 45 per cent over 2010.

There should be more collaboration, improved infrastructure and awareness campaigns for road users throughout Africa.

This was the dominant sentiment at the second Africa Road Safety Conference held recently in Boksburg.

The conference was organised by the South African Road Federation and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in partner- ship with transport stakeholders.

Residents of Thembalethu in George recently had an opportunity to raise their concerns in person with Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini. For one young mother this was a particularly special occasion, as she was served by the Minister in the new office and her grant application was approved.