BRUSSELS (IPS) – The number of asylum-seekers and other migrants expelled from the European Union in joint operations between its governments has grown three times in as many years, IPS has learned. At least 1,570 individuals were removed from the EU’s territory in 31 flights coordinated by the bloc’s external borders agency Frontex between Jan. […]
COMMODITY PRICES TO PUT UP STRONG PERFORMANCE IN 2010
Commodity prices are likely to put up a strong performance in 2010 even though the speed and extent of the global economic recovery remains uncertain, Frost & Sullivan said on Monday. This would boost the worldwide mining industry, although difficulties particular to South Africa could dampen local prospects. “The global mining industry is likely to […]
FOREIGNERS BOUGHT NET R1.481 BILLION SA BONDS
Foreigners were net buyers of R1.481 billion worth of South African bonds including repurchase agreements in the week ended 15 January, after net sales of R1.041 billion worth of local bonds the week before, figures from the Bond Exchange of South Africa show. This brought net purchases, including repurchase agreements for 2010 year to date […]
QUESTIONS OVER ESKOM'S POWER PRICE HIKE HEARINGS KICKER
The South African branch of the WWF has raised questions about the integrity of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) public hearings into Eskom’s proposed electricity price hikes. Richard Worthington, Manager of WWF’s Climate Change programme, said the nation-wide Nersa hearings, currently in their second week, were designed to allow the public to […]
STATE FIRM ON 'GREEN TAX' LAUNCH
National Treasury said there is no question about a deferral for the introduction of a “green tax” on new imported vehicles. The tax comes into operation on 1 March. According to the structure which will become effective in March, the ad valorem duty on a vehicle with a R300 000 retail price drops from 6.5% […]
COPE YOUTH UP IN ARMS
Mosiuoa Lekota’s supporters in the Cope Youth Movement say they will defy Monday’s deadline for comments on a controversial discussion document. The “Cope in 2010: The Youth Perspective” document, written by the youth movement’s national secretary, Malusi Booi, was leaked last week. The document calls for Cope’s Central Committee to disband. It also proposes that […]
NO ANTI-LEFT PLOT, SAYS ANCYL
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) says it has not begun any discussion around leadership succession in the ANC (African National Congress), denying reports it was working on a plan to stem the ascendance of the left in the party. In a statement released at the weekend by the ANCYL, the youth league said it would […]
ANC LEKGOTLA ENDS EARLIER THAN PLANNED
A media briefing following the ANC’s lekgotla will take place on Monday morning in Johannesburg, a spokesperson said. The four-day conference to discuss the government’s programme for the year ahead would conclude on Sunday, a day earlier than expected, Ishmael Mnisi said. The lekgotla is held annually to develop a programme from the January 8 […]
UNSG BAN MOURNS DEATHS OF TOP UN OFFICIALS IN HAITI QUAKE
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday paid tribute to the top United Nations officials who perished in the catastrophic earthquake which struck Haiti on Tuesday, voicing determination that the world body will persevere with its “noble work” in the impoverished Caribbean nation. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he was “deeply saddened” […]
LEADERS TO CEMENT GUINEA DEAL
African diplomats descended on Burkina Faso on Saturday to ensure a deal is sealed calling for Guinea’s injured leader to step down and for his country to hold democratic elections within six months. Arriving in Ouagadougou, Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf hailed the accord and said that she felt compelled to travel there because instability in […]