12 APRIL 2011

The Young Communist League  [uFasimba] applauds parliament for having passed the Municipal Systems Amendment Bill today after having failed to do so late last month. The YCL sees the Bill as central in ensuring that municipalities improves service delivery and appoints competent officials whose preoccupation will be to serve the people than pledge allegiance to their political parties. The bill will also empower Counsellors to hold municipal officials accountable and break the intrinsic and corrupt relationship that has been evident in many municipalities between politicians and managers.

The YCL also sees the bill as being central to the continued fight against corruption at a local level, and will put municipalities on a different pedestal as they put people first and not the interests of the pockets of those at the helm.

Issued by the YCL National Office

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Mafika Mndebele

National Spokesperson

073 574 5953

23 March 2011

Standard Bank Group has successfully issued a R850-million, 10-year bond for the AA-rated City of Johannesburg, South Africa, at JIBAR (Johannesburg inter-bank agreed rate) plus 195 basis points.

Andrew Costa, Head Debt Capital Markets at Standard Bank Group, says: "Standard Bank is delighted with the success of the bond issue. It was a difficult time for a municipality to issue given the quantum of issuance in the bond market at the moment especially with the big banks who have issued approximately R15 billion already this year and add to that the pending municipal elections.

"However investors have found comfort in the quality and price of the paper issued the track record of management and the future potential of this city."

The bond, a senior unsecured fixed rate bond paying a coupon of 10.78%, was issued on 23 March 2011 within the price guidance provided to the market.

"We have a long history of innovation with the City of Johannesburg, having partnered with them to establish the first municipal domestic medium-term note programme in 2005, the first listed municipal Retail Bonds in 2007 and the first municipal commercial paper issuance (paper with a duration of under 12 months) in 2009. We were very happy to partner with them again on this bond issue, says Mr Costa.

Media statement - 8 April 2011

Friday, 8 April 2011: Eskom today detailed its plan to meet electricity supply challenges in the coming winter months, when higher demand will increase the load on a tight power system.

Brian Dames, the Eskom Chief Executive, and his senior management team provided the information at Eskom’s second quarterly briefing on the state of the power system.  As he did at the January briefing, Dames emphasised that, while Eskom is resolved to keep the lights on during difficult periods over the next few years, Eskom cannot do it alone. Success requires the support of all electricity consumers through reduced demand and energy efficiency measures.

“We are managing a tight power system. We are on alert and we will continue to communicate with our stakeholders on the state of the system,” he said. “Eskom managed to keep the lights on during the first quarter of 2011, thanks to innovative supply-side initiatives, active demand-side management and the co-operation
of 49 million South Africans.

“The winter season will be even more challenging, but Eskom is working actively to improve supply and reduce demand in order to manage increased risks to the system.” Dames reminded South Africans to use electricity wisely. “If you’re not using it, switch it off!”

The Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba said: “The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) remains resolute that the country should never go through another period of painful, rotational load-shedding as experienced in the past. Therefore the prudent use of electricity by all South Africans, including households, industry, government and business, will assist us in this regard.”

By Bokwe | Feb 16th, 2010

Dene Smuts, Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
15 February 2010
The Democratic Alliance has parliamentary questions waiting on the order paper for answer as soon as normal Parliamentary proceedings resume asking Justice Minister Jeff Radebe whether it is true, as reported by the Mail & Guardian (5 Feb) that he asked the Acting Judge President of the Western Cape to agree to appointing former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Mokotedi Mpshe to the Cape bench in an acting capacity; whether he approached the senior judge of the North West Division, and whether he approached any other Judge President in any other division.

| By Bokwe | Feb 18th, 2010