‘Occupy Rondebosch Common’ summit to go ahead despite City’s threat of legal action, say organisers

Posted on January 26, 2012  /  2 Comments

Organisers of the Land, Jobs and Housing Summit say threats by the City of Cape Town to “criminalise” a mass occupation meeting will not stop them from going ahead with the three-day sit-in summit at the weekend.

Hundreds of residents from the city’s sprawling townships are expected to occupy Rondebosch Common to discuss plans for better employment opportunities and access to land and housing in what convenor Mario Wanza calls “one of the most unequal cities in the world”. (more…)

Refugee dies while queuing in scorching Cape Town heat

Posted on January 25, 2012  /  1 Comment

A refugee seeking an asylum seekers permit died today while waiting in a snaking queue at the Refugee Reception Centre in Cape Town.

Langton Miriyoga, member of Passop, who was at the Refugee Reception Centre after the incident said that officials refused to confirm how the as yet unidentified man had died. (more…)

Daredevil ‘Bird Man’ will not be charged over failed base-jump off Table Mountain

Posted on January 25, 2012  /  Comments Off

Table Mountain National Park officials have backtracked on plans to press charges against daredevil base-jumper Jeb Corliss for what they labeled an “illegal” jump off the mountain early last week.

Spokesperson Merle Collins said Corliss, who fractured both legs in the failed jump, will instead be issued with a fine. (more…)

Revolutionaries divided on way forward on Egypt’s ‘Day of Rage’ anniversary

Posted on January 25, 2012  /  Comments Off

Several revolutionary groups are calling for mass demonstrations against military rule today to coincide with the first anniversary of the January 25 uprising which led to the toppling of the Mubarak regime. But many express doubt the event will succeed in replicating last year’s revolutionary fervour on the part of the masses, most of whom express a desire for stability and a smooth transition to democratic governance above all else. (more…)

New tyre recycling scheme promises to tackle hazards and create jobs

Posted on January 24, 2012  /  2 Comments

Tyre manufacturers and importers will be paying a small levy on each new tyre purchased to help fund a new tyre recycling programme which aims to tackle the environmental impact of scrapped tyres and create jobs at the same time.

The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) is introducing the new Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IIWTMP) in a move to reduce the environmental risks of estimated 60 to 100 million scrap tyres stockpiled in South Africa each year. These stockpiles pose both an environmental and health hazard as a pollutant and as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and vermin. (more…)

Solar energy – South Africa’s future job creation powerhouse

Posted on January 23, 2012  /  1 Comment

Apart from curbing South Africa’s carbon footprint and being a reliable and cost-effective source of power, solar energy also has the potential to create thousands of much-needed jobs.

The South African government plans to install 1450 Megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaics (solar PV) through the initial Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer (RE IPP) program before 2014. According to international research, every MW of solar power generates 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, of which less than 10 are for production. The installation phase of plants alone would lead to at least 29 000 jobs (FTE), said Edwin Koot, CEO of SolarPlaza. (more…)

Afghan opium production to expand after US troops exit

Posted on January 19, 2012  /  Comments Off

Afghanistan’s former anti-drug czar has warned that opium poppy cultivation will dramatically increase as foreign combat troops head home, with farmers and insurgents taking advantage of a withdrawal set to be complete by the end of 2014.

Insecurity in poppy growing regions in Afghanistan — the world’s leading producer of opium — and the expectation among insurgents and farmers that the country will be under the full control of Afghan forces within years is driving production, ex-counter-narcotics minister General Khodaidad said. (more…)