BRICS in a nutshell

On 13 April the BRIC economic bloc became BRICS, when South Africa joined the powerful group of emerging nations at its 2011 summit as a full member. Be informed with some interesting facts and figures.
SA at 2011 BRICS summit

Cape Town to offer free wifi on buses

The city of Cape Town plans to have free wifi for commuters on its MyCiti buses. A tender has been issued for a service provider to install and operate the internet access. The city hopes to have the process completed by the end of the year, and then to run a six-month pilot project.

SA, Flanders sign R30m arts deal

The government of Flanders has signed an agreement with South Africa involving an investment of R25-million in five new arts and culture projects over the period 2003 to 2005, with South Africa's department of arts and culture bringing an additional R5-million to the projects.

SA, Chinese firms to build cement plant

South Africa's Women Investment Portfolio Holdings and limestone miner Continental Cement have announced a joint venture with the China-Africa Development Fund and Jidong Development Group to build a R1.65-billion cement manufacturing plant in Limpopo province.

Children’s homes get some help

Child protection organisation Chubby Chums wants to help government protect South Africa's children, through partnering with and supporting children's shelters across the country.

Gautrain beats dolomitic challenges

As construction on South Africa's rapid rail link, known as the Gautrain, has moved northwards from Johannesburg to Pretoria, engineers from around the world have worked smartly to overcome the challenges thrown up by different geological conditions along the route.

SA must ‘market its achievements’

South Africa should actively communicate its economic achievements and potential to the global investor community, says the International Investment Council. The group of business leaders expressed continued confidence in the country, and commended the government for stepping up the implementation of its policies and programmes.

New fuel pipeline for Moz and SA

Construction on a R5.8-billion (US$620-million) fuel pipeline between the Mozambican port of Matola and Kendal in South Africa is due to start later in 2009.

Tshivenda research centre opens

The University of Venda in Limpopo province has opened a Tshivenda Language Research and Development Centre to promote reading and writing of the language.

Soweto to get a second state hospital

Construction of Soweto’s second state hospital is back on track after being stalled for more than two years – this is welcome news for South Africa’s biggest township, whose existing healthcare system is under heavy pressure.
SA first with HIV kidney transplant