South Africa

17 February 2010

Honourable Speaker
It is my privilege to present the first budget of the administration of President Zuma to this House.
Last week we had the special honour of hosting former President Mandela in Parliament. He exuded his inimitable magic. He reminded us of what we have achieved in our struggle for freedom and in our democratic journey. He reminded us that South Africans are capable of extraordinary things. We are, as you also reminded us, Mr President, an extraordinary people.

Mahikeng - The North West province has partnered with The Netherlands with the aim of teaching farmers technical, business and management skills to run a farm success fully.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma is today wrapping up his state visit to Britain where he clarified government's position on the nationalisation of mines and allayed fears about security during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Komatipoort - The determination of an 18-year-old orphan from Mpumalanga to selflessly care for her three younger siblings has inspired her community to build the family a house.

Pretoria - Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, will later today meet with examination quality assurance body, Umalusi, to discuss the expected delays in the release of Mpumalanga's matric results.

Pretoria - The Minister of Women, Children, Youth and People with Disabilities, has called for an end to the projection of negative and degrading images of women in the media.

Pretoria - Last year's matrics will on Thursday have various options in finding out if they have passed all their examinations when the 2009 matric results are officially released.

Cape Town - Cash-based businesses that avoid making VAT payments are among those entities and individuals that government aims to target in a bid to reduce tax avoidance and tax restructuring.

Pretoria - Local and international media have reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged and are to marry next year - leaving many admirers of the young prince a little depressed.

Pretoria - Taxi operators have threatened to shut down all modes of public transport in the country if government fails to cancel the implementation of the points demerit system.

Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele told MPs on Tuesday that his department was finalising a disciplinary inquiry into several employees of the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) who are implicated in charges of corruption.

Cape Town - A ministerial task team will help government save R6.5 billion Rand this year and a total of R23 billion over the next three years, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan

Cape Town - Smokers and drinkers will have to once again fork out more Rands and cents for their fix

Mafikeng - North West MEC for Finance Louisa Mabe has identified service delivery as one of government's main priorities for this financial year.

Mafikeng - In an effort to improve access to quality healthcare, North West MEC for Health and Social Development, has called on communities to engage with government.