government

South Africa’s fledgling aerospace industry has received a major boost with the opening of the Centurion Aerospace Village, a supplier park and centre of excellence built along the lines of Silicon Valley in California.

Eight years of work has come to fruition with the launching of the long-awaited regional free trade area during the Southern Africa Development Community summit in August 2008.

A South African community of small-scale farmers producing organically grown rooibos tea have steamed ahead to the finals of an international challenge for social entrepreneurs.

The month of August commemorates the women who fought for change in South Africa, enabling the sisters of our nation today to enjoy the full benefits of equality before the law.

A pilot project for South Africa's R6-billion mass literacy campaign, which aims to help an additional 4.7-million South Africans achieve literacy by 2012, is well under way, with 360 000 learners enrolled and 24 000 voluntary educators being recruited.

Since its establishment in 1994, South Africa's Commission on Restitution of Land Rights has settled 74 808 out of 79 696 land claims lodged at a cost of R16-billion. Acting chief land commissioner Blessing Mphela says all outstanding claims could be settled by 2011.

The Cabinet has agreed on a progressive climate change policy which will ensure that South Africa reduces its greenhouse gas emissions to become a "low-carbon" economy.

South Africans are set to benefit from strong government action against crime and poverty. President Thabo Mbeki announced a new nationwide initiative on 27 July 2008.

Gauteng's East Rand is set to realise the benefits of the Gautrain, with 81 out of 96 of the high-speed train's coaches to be assembled at the Union Carriage and Wagon plant in Nigel - with production commencing in August.

South Africa is to launch an ambitious nationwide campaign against poverty, President Thabo Mbeki said on Sunday, with teams of professionals and community workers set to go "from household to household" in the poorest areas of the country to identify families' specific needs and make effective interventions to help them.