Publisher

Government priorities

President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address (SoNA) highlighted infrastructure development, which will enhance economic growth and job creation in the nine provinces.

A glance at the SoNA and the spending pattern among the nine provinces, clearly indicates that provincial growth and development strategies are aligned with the President’s vision, particularly in the priority areas of job creation, education, rural development and health.

Government priorities

Victims of crime are beginning to see results in the fight against crime. According to the recently released results of the Victims of Crime Survey undertaken in 2011, there is a marked improvement in the treatment of victims.

Government priorities

Court cases dragging on for months will soon be a thing of the past, as efforts to speed up the finalisation rate start yielding results.

“The country-wide situation regarding the outstanding and backlog cases per court level has continued to improve,” said Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe.

Government priorities

It will soon be the end of the road for suspects of serious corruption. Government is set to meet its target of arresting and prosecuting 100 people suspected of fraud and corruption who have more than R5 million in illicit assets, by April 2014.

Government priorities

The Crossways Farm Village project in Thornhill near Port Elizabeth is the first of its size in South Africa to combine a rural residential development with scientifically based farming. Many new jobs, as well as new opportunities for investors are also being created.

Government priorities

People in rural areas do not have to relocate to the cities to access a better life, said Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana.

Government priorities

The Department of Basic Education celebrated the 12th anniversary of its National Teaching Awards this year.

This signifies "a landmark calendar event for the South African community to pay tribute, appreciate and salute teachers whose extraordinary efforts and contribution are the pride of the nation", said Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga at the awards ceremony. 

Northern Cape

FREE STATE

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs recently approved a process to increase the number of women ward councillors. This was announced at the Women in Provincial and Local Government Summit held in Bloemfontein in August. The process is expected to be put into practice ahead of the local government elections in 2011. Since 2006, women councillors have increased from 29 to 40 per cent. The aim is to reach 50 per cent in 2011.

- BuaNews

EASTERN CAPE

Ordinary citizens now have a chance to speak to President Jacob Zuma to voice their concerns and complaints. This follows the setting up of the presidential hotline earlier this month and a public liaison service in The Presidency. While members of the public will not always speak directly with the President, he will attend to callers as and when he finds time from his presidential duties.