challenges

The art of making and enjoying wine has always brought people together, and now this rich form of exchange is being felt on a national level with the Thutukile Skweyiya Western Cape programme, which celebrates a decade of achievement in July 2011.
• Black, female and making great wine

A passion for providing housing for all, coupled with innovative technology, has led to South African company Moladi being invited to show its concept at a prestigious exhibition organised by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
• New technologies for social housing

The appointment of the new International Monetary Fund managing director should be done through an open, transparent and merit-based process, the South African and Australian governments have said in a joint statement.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille is the latest recipient of the 2011 Abraham Geiger Award for individuals who have made great strides towards openness, courage, tolerance, and freedom of thought.
• Suzman: a fearless voice stilled

South Africa’s local government elections went well in most parts of the country, with the Independent Electoral Commission confident of reaching its 40% voter turnout target.
• New political party as poll nears

South African students Danielle Boer and Alessio Giuricich were awarded top prizes at the recent Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in the US for innovative research in dealing with social challenges through science.
• Local author gets top sci-fi award

South Africa is still on track to meet its target of installing electricity in all households by 2014, President Jacob Zuma said at the official launch of a R110-million electricity project in the rural area of Engcobo in the Eastern Cape.

Capitec Bank says it will soon open for business on Sundays, to ensure that banking services are made more accessible to its clients.

KwaZulu-Natal's Invasive Alien Species Programme has created more than 4 000 job opportunities a year since its inception in 2005, while tackling the scourge of invasive alien plant species in the province.

China is cementing its status as one of the biggest investors in Southern Africa with various projects in Malawi, including the financing of a university and five-star hotel.
• South Africa-China trade ties to strengthen