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/ 1 November 2007

SA-Mozambique pipeline fuels regional growth

Four years on, a Mozambique-South African gas pipeline is fuelling economic growth and regional cooperation in Southern Africa. It challenges Western assumptions of a natural-resources "curse" in Africa and offers evidence that the New Partnership for Africa’s Development is beginning to deliver on its promises.

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/ 1 November 2007

The Jake White budget

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel took a leaf out of Springbok coach Jake White’s book on Tuesday. Competitiveness will be boosted with a long-term, three-year plan to raise the economy from a slow but steady jog into a marathon-winning pace. Excess fat will be shed, with government departments told to slash their entertainment allowances in favour of a renewed focus on the goal of service delivery.

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/ 1 November 2007

Good, but room for improvement

There is a healthy pattern evolving in government, if you read last year’s ­inaugural DG report card in tandem with today’s. The state is decidedly less patient with under-performers — five failed DGs have recently lost their jobs. In the past year Itumeleng Mosala (arts and culture), Linda Mti (correctional services), Glen Thomas (land affairs), Jeff Makutula (home affairs) and Jabu Sindane (water affairs and forestry) have been sent packing.

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/ 1 November 2007

Africa seeks to boost home grown high tech

After years of neglect, Africa must play catch-up in the fast-moving world of science and technology. With a new plan and new determination, African leaders and the UN are looking for new ways to boost the continent’s inventors and innovators, and give agriculture, industry and commerce a high-tech shot in the arm.

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/ 1 November 2007

Chávez courts Campbell

She, in the words of one Caracas newspaper, was wearing a ”revolutionary and exquisite white dress from the prestigious Fendi fashion house”. He was wearing a baggy red shirt. But the sartorial inequality did not stop the leader of the pink tide sweeping Latin America from giving the catwalk deity a big hug.

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/ 31 October 2007

Warning against closing elite police units

Closing specialised police units may result in a loss of informer networks, expertise and team spirit, a seminar on policing in South Africa heard on Wednesday. ”To destroy this is a very serious thing that needs to be thought through,” said a senior researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, Johan Burger.

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/ 31 October 2007

Four candidates for Bok job announced

Four candidates have been shortlisted to take Springbok coach Jake White’s place, SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday. They are: Alistair Coetzee (currently one of White’s assistants), Pieter de Villiers (national under-21 coach), Heyneke Meyer (Bulls head coach) and Chester Williams (1995 World Cup winner).