In March 2011, DMT Agricultural Services Co-operative acquired a R2,5 million loan through the National Youth Development Agency’s (NYDA) SME Funding Programme. The young entrepreneurs grow plants such as tea tree and lemongrass for essential oils as well as vegetables such as maize, cabbage, spinach, green pepper, potatoes and butternut.
Photo caption: Sebenza Nathi graduates.
Eleven graduates now have a bright future after graduating from the Sebenza Nathi Project. The project, headed by the Gauteng region Department of Water Affairs and the Gauteng based Rand Water Foundation, is aimed at fighting unemployment by developing skills amongst the youth.
Samona Murugan
Photo caption: Xolile Mabika.
For 21-year-old Xolile Mabika of Jozini village in KwaZulu-Natal, the thought of ever sailing the seven seas and be- coming the captain of a ship someday was just a dream. But now, thanks government and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), she is on the fast track to making her dream a reality.
Photo caption: Abel Malebela
Hard work pays
Losing his job at the age of 44 after suffering a stroke, Abel Malebela was faced with the daunting reality of not knowing how he would provide for his family. “I have two daughters, aged 14 and 17, to support, so sitting at home was not an option.”
Louise van Niekerk
The development of young scientists and engineers is among the major benefits of the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project. South African universities are therefore keen to make the most of the opportunities offered by the project. A total of 23 universities and other research organisations have already benefited from research grants. The project is also reaching out to schools, especially in the Northern Cape.
Gabi Khumalo
Photo caption: Government is committed to creating job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Photo caption: Steady progress is being made in promoting disability rights
Mob justice or plain injustice?
Mthunzi Mhaga
Hardly a week passes without us hearing about a suspect killed by members of the community in so-called mob justice. The concept of mob justice has created an impression that there is an alternative form of justice other than that of the courts.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decisions to charge accused motorists with murder instead of culpable homicide (an act of killing not regarded as murder) in the event of a crash where someone was killed, has caused great confusion. Many people believe that car accidents resulting in death are regarded as culpable homicide as no one would deliberately crash his or her car to kill someone.
The role of the National Prosecuting Authority in the criminal justice system
OTHER STATE ROLE PLAYERS:
Department of Justice: court administration Department of Social Development: services for victims of crime
Legal Aid South Africa: legal defence support for accused persons
Legacy project bridges the rural divide
Mphati Sehloho - Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has made significant progress in the construction of the 140-metre Nelson Mandela Legacy Bridge over the Mbashe River in the Eastern Cape.
This is in line with the commitment made by President Jacob Zuma during his State of the Nation Address to develop infrastructure to boost the economy and create jobs.