DOCSLIB.ORG

2003/2004 ( PDF Format)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2003/2004 ( PDF Format) Acknowledgements Valued Sponsors Platinum Department of Science and Technology Telkom Foundation Valued Partners Gold Department of Science and Technology CSIR ESKOM National Research Foundation Silver Armscor National Electricity Regulator (NER) National Research Foundation (NRF) Sasol Bronze ESKOM AngloGold Ashanti Ltd Breathetex Corporation Pty Ltd Coaltech 2020 Medical Research Council (MRC) MTN National Laser Centre (NLC) Necsa PD Naidoo and Associates Telkom SA Ltd University of Cape Town University of Pretoria University of the Witwatersrand Siyabonga / Thank You Sponsors Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) Mintek National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) Petroleum Agency SA Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) Röth Medical Components South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) Schools Technology in Electronics Programme, University of Stellenbosch (Sunstep) University of KwaZulu-Natal University of North West (Potchefstroom Campus) University of the Orange Free State (UOFS) University of Pretoria Water Research Commission (WRC) Contents Message from the Chairperson of the NSTF 2 Message from the Chief Executive Officer 3 Ten out of Ten for Successful National Impact in Science, Engineering and Technology 4 Message from Eskom 5 Message from th NRF 5 A Tribute to Dr Ben Ngubane 6 The NSTF Awards 7 Criteria for Selection of the Award Winners 8 Category A Finalists 9 An Individual during the course of a lifetime Category B Finalists 11 Individual during the last two years through Research and Innovation Category C Finalists 13 Individual during the last two years through activities other than Research and Innovation Category D Finalists 15 Organisations - Corporate organisations during the last ten years Category E Finalists 17 Organisations: SMME during the last three years Category F Finalists 19 Not-for-Profit organisations during the last two years Category G Finalists 21 Researcher, in respect of Research Capacity Development during the last 5 to10 years Category H Finalists 23 Senior Black Researcher during the last 5 to 10 years Category J Finalists 24 Junior Black Researcher during the last 2 to 5 years Achievers in the Education Sector 26 Past Winners 27 Messagethe Chairperson of the NSTFfrom The National Science and Technology Forum has, for many years, taken the initiative to recognise outstanding contributions to South African Science, Engineering and Technology by individuals and organisations. This recognition is intended to honour South African scientists and engineers thereby encouraging them and their colleagues to greater achievement. Excellence in research and technology development is a key enabler of growth in any economy. While this is my first occasion to be part of the awards as Chairperson, I believe that we can be proud of the results achieved in the previous five years of the NSTF awards and expect the same from the event this evening. A brief look through the lists of nominees in the various categories and the short listed finalists in each of the categories shows that we, in South Africa, do not have to hide our achievements. I think that there is a formidable list of achievements by the nominees that will make the adjudicators tasks harder. While we are primarily here to honour these achievements we must not forget that it all starts in school and that we should express our gratitude to those dedicated schools, teachers and headmasters who encourage, motivate and interest pupils in the disciplines of science and mathematics sometimes very early in a learner's career. As we all know this is sometimes done under extremely difficult circumstances. I would like to take this opportunity to salute all who assist in the promotion of science and technology in South Africa. My thanks must also go to the CEO of the NSTF, Dr James Hlongwane, and the secretariat for the hard work and effort that has been put into the awards over a period of nearly six months. To the sponsors, adjudicators and nominees my special thanks as well. In this period of celebration of ten years of democracy it is also fitting that we recognise all the many contributions to the promotion of science and technology and I would particularly like to single out the role that one outstanding South African has played for much of this time, and I refer to the recently retired, past Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane. We are deeply grateful to have had the value of his advice, council and support for so long. Mr John Marriott Chairperson - National Science and Technology Forum 2 Messagethe Chief Executive Officer from Our ceremony for awards for criteria and the reasons why these have been set. The set criteria were outstanding contributions to Science, used for all categories except G, but were weighted differently in H Engineering and Technology (SET) to and J with their emphasis on research. both individuals and organisations is being held for the sixth year in The reasoning behind the choice of the criteria perhaps needs some succession. These awards are intended elementary re-emphasis. to encourage other individuals and organisations towards greater efforts We wish amongst other things to encourage the sharing of and and for those who are productive, to exploitation of knowledge. Research, which remains locked up share their discoveries and behind the doors of the laboratory or in the notebooks of the developments. The twenty two previous inventors, is of little benefit to society. This sharing needs to be in winners of these awards have been both the scientific and the public domain. Society needs to benefit widely recognised as worthy recipients, from research and the results must be exploited in a manner that is thereby establishing themselves as role models in the SET community. sustainable. All of this prescribes that the benefits need to be quantified in monetary terms. We expect all researchers to be actively This year three new categories, sponsored by Eskom and the NRF, engaged in the mentoring of others and therefore the student list is have been introduced with the object of encouraging more Black of vital importance. For universities and business establishments the entrants into the fields of science, engineering and technology. They rules are the same and whilst there is an obvious need for the have been specifically designed to encourage Black researchers and protection of patent and development rights, this cannot be to the those who mentor them and, also, provide special research grants for exclusion of the societal demands set out. You may say that all of this the winners. is obvious given the objectives of the awards. You would be surprised how many of the nominations ignore some, if not all of these. The 2003 call for nominations attracted 77 nominees (some in more than one category) in the established categories, and 41 (some in We have again invited, as guests of the NSTF at the dinner, girl more than one category) in the new categories. learners, teachers and schools who have excelled in mathematics and science. These include girl learners who were winners of different It is only through the efforts of individuals, either on their own or Olympiads and festivals, the top teachers in maths and science as collectively, in organisations that science and technology will flourish. identified by the Telkom Teacher of the Year awards process, top The evidence of the contributions has to be looked for in the outputs, female matriculants and the top Dinaledi schools from each province but it is not the outputs as such that are recognised by us. There are identified by processes within the Department of Education. We many other awards that recognise outputs, not the least being the recognise their success by a scroll handed to each of them to Technology Top 100 awards. It is either the individual or the encourage greater achievements in Science and Technology. Our organisation that we recognise. Of course organisations are driven by thanks are due to the Department of Science and Technology, Telkom the individuals in them, and sometimes the organisation and a Foundation and ESKOM (Resources and Strategy) - who between them leading individual become almost indistinguishable. In their made this possible through sponsorships. adjudications, the panel has to be sensitive to this and in choosing one, recognition is due to the other and others who may have Our thanks are due to the adjudication panel of independent judges, contributed. An award to the other in another category would be representing all sectors within the NSTF, who reviewed the duplication and, as such, is avoided. nominations to establish the finalists, winners and runners-up where applicable and to all who have contributed to making this event a Where the panel considered that nominations would be more success, not the least being the nominators who of course are appropriate in a category other than the one chosen, they have unheralded but essential to the process and the nominees who put considered them in that category. The periods of time to be themselves on the line. considered for the different categories differ and when this is done, the information supplied may be inadequate for a proper Brief details on the motivations for the nominations of all finalists are consideration to be made. However, where possible, the adjudicators set out elsewhere in this book. have made due allowance for this. Nominators should nevertheless pay attention to the need to supply adequate detail, or to complete Finally, a special word of thanks to our sponsors, listed elsewhere, two motivations, where the nominator for that nominee selects more without whose help this would not have been possible. than one category. The panel has again been able to make its selections without calling for interviews. The panel does not have the resources to seek out more information than is presented.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report: Volume 2
    VOLUME TWO Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa Report The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presented to President Nelson Mandela on 29 October 1998. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize Chairperson Dr Alex Boraine Mr Dumisa Ntsebeza Vice-Chairperson Ms Mary Burton Dr Wendy Orr Revd Bongani Finca Adv Denzil Potgieter Ms Sisi Khampepe Dr Fazel Randera Mr Richard Lyster Ms Yasmin Sooka Mr Wynand Malan* Ms Glenda Wildschut Dr Khoza Mgojo * Subject to minority position. See volume 5. Chief Executive Officer: Dr Biki Minyuku I CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 6 National Overview .......................................... 1 Special Investigation The Death of President Samora Machel ................................................ 488 Chapter 2 The State outside Special Investigation South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 42 Helderberg Crash ........................................... 497 Special Investigation Chemical and Biological Warfare........ 504 Chapter 3 The State inside South Africa (1960-1990).......................... 165 Special Investigation Appendix: State Security Forces: Directory Secret State Funding................................... 518 of Organisations and Structures........................ 313 Special Investigation Exhumations....................................................... 537 Chapter 4 The Liberation Movements from 1960 to 1990 ..................................................... 325 Special Investigation Appendix: Organisational structures and The Mandela United
    [Show full text]
  • Intergovernmental Relations Policy Framework
    INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1 POLICY : INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS POLICY FRAMEWORK Item CL 285/2002 PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS POLICY FRAMEWORK MC 05.12.2002 RESOLVED: 1. That the report of the Strategic Executive Director: City Development Services regarding a proposed framework to ensure sound intergovernmental relations between the EMM, National and Provincial Government, neighbouring municipalities, the S A Cities Network, organised local government and bulk service providers, BE NOTED AND ACCEPTED. 2. That all Departments/Portfolios of the EMM USE the Intergovernmental Relations Policy Framework to develop and implement mechanisms, processes and procedures to ensure sound intergovernmental relations and TO SUBMIT a policy and programme in this regard to the Speaker for purposes of co-ordination and approval by the Mayoral Committee. 3. That the Director: Communications and Marketing DEVELOP a policy on how to deal with intergovernmental delegations visiting the Metro, with specific reference to intergovernmental relations and to submit same to the Mayoral Committee for consideration. 4. That intergovernmental relations BE INCORPORATED as a key activity in the lOP Business Plans of all Departments of the EMM. 5. That the Ekurhuleni Intergovernmental Multipurpose Centre Steering Committee INCORPORATE the principles contained in the Intergovernmental Relations Framework as part of the policy on multipurpose centres to be formulated as contemplated in Mayoral Committee Resolution (Item LED 21-2002) of 3 October 2002. 6. That the City Manager, in consultation with the Strategic Executive Director: City Development Services, FINALISE AND APPROVE the officials to represent the EMM at the Technical Working Groups of the S A Cities Network. 7. That the Strategic Executive Director: City Development SUBMIT a further report to the Mayoral Committee regarding the necessity of participation of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and its Portfolios/Departments on public bodies, institutions and organisations.
    [Show full text]
  • Submission and Executive Summary Submission Submission
    SUBMISSION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SUBMISSION SUBMISSION SUBMISSION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma; I have the honour of presenting the 2002/03 Annual Report of the Department of Foreign Affairs. 2 3 Annual Report 2002/2003 Annual Report 2002/2003 DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SOUTH AFRICA DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SOUTH AFRICA SUBMISSION SUBMISSION Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. 2 3 Annual Report 2002/2003 Annual Report 2002/2003 DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SOUTH AFRICA DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SOUTH AFRICA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OUR DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR SISTER DEPARTMENTS in African region, remained the core focus of our foreign policy. the International Relations, Peace and Security Cluster, has over To give practical expression to our foreign policy objectives the the past year worked extensively in many very important areas priority areas for the Department’s work included: in pursuit of our foreign policy goals. At the same time we have • African Renaissance had to adjust our focus to a global environment that has been – Launch and operationalise the African Union (AU); fundamentally changed by the seminal events of 11 September – Restructure the Southern African Development Community 2001 and the war against Iraq. (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); During the period 2002/03, our foreign policy programmes – Implement the New Partnership for Africa’s Development were aimed at supporting the rapid delivery of basic needs to our (NEPAD); people; developing human resources; building the economy and • Peace, stability and security; and creating jobs; combating crime and corruption; transforming the • Economic development and co-operation.
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa After Apartheid: a Whole New Ball Game, with Labor on the Team
    r , * ',-,- - i i-.-- : ii ii i -ii,,,c - -. i - 198 Broadway * New York, N.Y. 10038 e (212) 962-1210 Tilden J. LeMelle, Chairman Jennifer Davis, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Key Labor Contacts FROM: Mike Fleshman, Labor Desk Coordinator DATE: June 7, 1994 South Africa After Apartheid: A Whole New Ball Game, With Labor On The Team Friends, The victory parties are finally over and, in the wake of Nelson Mandela's landslide election as South Africa's first-ever Black President, South African workers are returning to their jobs and to the enormous challenges that lie ahead. For the 1.2 million-member Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), whose support for Mandela's ANC was critical to the movement's runaway 62.5 percent victory, the end of apartheid brings new opportunities for South African workers, but also some new problems. One result of the ANC victory is the presence of key labor leaders in the new government. Two high ranking unionists, former COSATU General Secretary Jay Naidoo, and former Assistant General Secretary Sydney Mufamadi, were named to cabinet posts -- Mufamadi as Minister of Safety and Security in charge of the police, and Naidoo as Minister Without Portfolio, tasked with implementing the ANC/COSATU blueprint for social change, the national Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP). Former National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) economist Alec Erwin was named Deputy Minister for Finance. Former Mineworkers head Cyril Ramaphosa, elected General Secretary of the ANC in 1991, will exert great influence on the shape of the permanent new constitution as the chair of the parliamentary constitution-writing body.
    [Show full text]
  • IAN BREMMER, President CLIFF KUPCHAN, Chairman
    : IAN BREMMER, President 1 Independent America CLIFF KUPCHAN, Chairman 2 China overreacts 3 A weaker Merkel 4 No reform 5 Technology and the Middle East 6 Central banks get political 7 The White House versus Silicon Valley 8 Turkey 9 North Korea 10 South Africa * Red herrings Overview IAN BREMMER, President CLIFF KUPCHAN, Chairman It’s been six years since we first wrote about the coming G-Zero world—a world with no global leader. The underlying shifts in the geopolitical environment have been clear: a US with less interest in assuming leadership responsibilities; US allies, particularly in Europe, that are weaker and looking to hedge bets on US intentions; and two frenemies, Russia and China, seeking to assert themselves as (limited) alternatives to the US—Russia primarily on the security front in its extended backyard, and China primarily on the economic front regionally, and, increasingly, globally. These trends have accelerated with the populist revolt against “globalism”—first in the Middle East, then in Europe, and now in the US. Through 2016, you could see the G-Ze- ro picking up speed on multiple fronts: the further deterioration of the transatlantic al- liance with Brexit and the “no” vote on the Italy referendum; the end of America’s Asia pivot with the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Philippine president announcing a break with the US; the Russian victory in Syria after backing President Bashar al Assad through nearly six years of war. But with the shock election of Donald Trump as president of the US, the G-Zero world is now fully upon us.
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa's Nuclear New-Build Programme: Who Are the Players and What Are the Potential Strategies
    REPORT ZA 2018 Energy South Africa’s nuclear new-build programme Who are the players and what are the potential strategies for pushing the nuclear new-build programme? Authors: Nicky Prins, independent consultant and Ellen Davies, WWF-SA Reviewed by: Ellen Davies, WWF-SA Text editing: Marlene Rose Design: Farm Design, www.farmdesign.co.za Cover photograph: Shutterstock.com Citation: Prins, N and Davies, E (2018) South Africa’s nuclear new-build programme: Who are the players and what are the potential strategies for pushing the nuclear new-build programme? WWF South Africa, Cape Town If you would like to share copies of this paper, please do so in this printed or electronic PDF format. For more information, contact Ellen Davies: [email protected] or Saliem Fakir: [email protected] Series overview The World Wide Fund for Nature, with the generous funding of the Open Society Foundation, South Africa, launched a research initiative to unpack and understand the South African Governments strategy for the nuclear new build programme to date, its possible strategy going forward, and possible points of intervention for civil society groups and other stakeholders opposed to the nuclear new build programme. This report is the first in the series which includes the following reports: South Africa’s nuclear new-build programme: Who are the players and what are the potential strategies for pushing the nuclear new-build programme? www.wwf.org.za/report/nuclear_new_build_programme_players_ strategies South Africa’s nuclear new-build programme: The
    [Show full text]
  • Gender and Class Dynamics During the Quest to Restore Inanda Seminary's
    Gender and class dynamics... Inanda Seminary’s financial integrity, 1999-2001, New Contree, 77, December 2016, pp. 100-122 “Let’s do things on our own …”: Gender and class dynamics during the quest to restore Inanda Seminary’s financial integrity, 1999-2001 Scott Everett Couper University of KwaZulu-Natal [email protected] It would really be a sin to let this great institution die out while we are all looking Mangosuthu Buthelezi, 1999 Abstract During the 1990s, decades of disinvestment caused by Bantu Education prohibited Inanda Seminary from competing equally with other previously advantaged Whites-only private and former public ‘Model C’ schools within South Africa’s new democratic dispensation. In December 1997, after decades of institutional corrosion, the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa decided to close the Seminary. Yet, the Seminary opened in January 1998 under new management composed entirely of middle-class alumnae determined to breathe new life into the school still teetering precariously. This article chronicles three years, 1999 to 2001, thereby documenting the school’s ultimate defeat over and recovery from Bantu Education. Though Inanda Seminary’s middle-class alumnae saved it from closure, its more elite graduates did not initially feature prominently in the school’s financial stabilisation. Rather, men, both serving the church and government (most notably, Nelson Mandela), intervened and provided the crucial financial and infrastructural impetus to salvage the school from the wreck of ecclesiastic decay and establish it as a Section 21 private company. The article explores if and why gender and class dynamics likely played a role in the events leading to the school’s resuscitation.
    [Show full text]
  • AC Vol 43 No 10
    www.africa-confidential.com 17 May 2002 Vol 43 No 10 AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL SOUTH AFRICA I I 3 SOUTH AFRICA Mbeki’s front line President Thabo Mbeki’s rapid rise Will the real Thabo Mbeki stand up? in the ANC followed years of Ahead of a hectic six months of hosting world leaders and trying to building a circle of friends and wring trade concessions from them, Mbeki changes course supporters in his exile years. Most of them now occupy key positions This year’s workload for President Thabo Mbeki is overwhelming. He and his colleagues from Africa’s in business and the media but most big nations must oversee the transformation of the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union of all in the party hierarchy. in July when it meets in Durban. In June, he will be in Canada, as chief salesman of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NePAD). In August, his government will host, in Johannesburg, the United SUDAN 4Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development (known as ‘Rio plus 10’, since it is ten years since the first such meeting, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). And in December, he will face the 50th annual The fire does not conference of his own African National Congress, whose old allies, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the SA Communist Party, will grumble loudly about the government’s free-market economic cease policies. The US-brokered ceasefire in the Mbeki is clearing the decks. To the relief of his supporters and the surprise of his detractors, he has Nuba Mountains was meant to changed his stance on HIV/AIDS and Zimbabwe, which had seriously damaged his own and South bring relief to the Nuba people and push the government towards Africa’s standing in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • From the Desk of Jennifer Davis
    From the Desk of Jennifer Davis June 17, 1999 SA's new cabinet Ministers: 1. President: Thabo Mbeki 2. Deputy President: Jacob Zuma 3. Agriculture & Land Affairs: Thoko Didiza 4. Arts, Culture, Science & Technology: Ben Ngubane 5. Correctional Services: Ben Skosana 6. Defence: Patrick Lekota 7. Education: Kader Asmal 8. Environmental Affairs & Tourism: Valli Moosa 9. Finance: Trevor Manuel 10. Foreign Affairs: Nkosazana Dlarnini-Zuma 11. Health: Manto Tshabalala-Msimang 12. Horne Affairs: Mangosuthu Buthelezi 13. Housing: Sankie Mthernbi-Mahanyele 14. Justice & Constitutional Development: Penuel Maduna 15. Labour: Shepherd Md1adlana 16. Minerals & Energy Affairs: Phurnzile Mlarnbo-Ngcuka 17. Communications: Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri 18. Provincial and Local Government: Sydney Mufamadi 19. Public Enterprises: Jeff Radebe 20. Public Service & Administration: Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi 21. Public Works: Stella Sigcau 22. Safety & Security: Steve Tshwete 23. Sport & Recreation: Ngconde Balfour 24. Trade & Industry: Alec Erwin 25. Transport: Dullah Ornar 26. Water Affairs and Forestry: Ronnie Kasrils 27. Welfare & Population Development: Zola Skweyiya 28. Intelligence: Joe Nhlanhla 29. Presidency: Essop Pahad Deputy ministers: 1. Agriculture & Land Affairs: Dirk du Toit 2. Arts, Culture, Science & Technology: Bridgitte Mabandla 3. Defence: Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge 4. Education: Smangaliso Mkhatshwa 5. Environmental Affairs & Tourism: Joyce Mabudafhasi 6. Finance: Sipho Mphahlwa 7. Foreign Affairs: Aziz Pahad 8. Horne Affairs: Lindiwe Sisula 9.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis Hum 2009 Vickerman Ro
    The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town Buthelezi's emergence as a key national politician in Apartheid South Africa and his decline in status thus far, in the country's democratic context Rosemary Vickerman (VCKROS002) A minor dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Social Science in Political Studies Town Faculty of Humanities University of CapeCape Town 2009of DECLARATION This work has not been previously submitted in whole, or in part, for the award of any degree, It is myUniversity own work. Each significant contribution to, and quotation in, this dissertation from the work, or works, of other people has been attributed, and has been cited and referenced. Signature: _______________ Date: _________ Buthelezi's emergence as a key national politician in Apartheid South Africa and his decline in status thus far, in the country's democratic context Rosemary Vickerman (VCKROS002) A minor dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Social Science in Political Studies Faculty of Humanities University of Cape Town 2009 DECLARATION This work has not been previously submitted in whole, or in part, for the award of any degree.
    [Show full text]
  • Ÿþm Icrosoft W
    r , * ',-,- - i i-.-- : ii ii -ii, i ,,c - -.i - - r , * ',-,- - i i-.-- : ii ii -ii, i ,,c - -.i - 198 Broadway * New York, N.Y. 10038 e (212) 962-1210 Tilden J. LeMelle, Chairman Jennifer Davis, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Key Labor Contacts FROM: Mike Fleshman, Labor Desk Coordinator DATE: June 7, 1994 South Africa After Apartheid: A Whole New Ball Game, With Labor On The Team Friends, The victory parties are finally over and, in the wake of Nelson Mandela's landslide election as South Africa's first-ever Black President, South African workers are returning to their jobs and to the enormous challenges that lie ahead. For the 1.2 million-member Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), whose support for Mandela's ANC was critical to the movement's runaway 62.5 percent victory, the end of apartheid brings new opportunities for South African workers, but also some new problems. One result of the ANC victory is the presence of key labor leaders in the new government. Two high ranking unionists, former COSATU General Secretary Jay Naidoo, and former Assistant General Secretary Sydney Mufamadi, were named to cabinet posts -- Mufamadi as Minister of Safety and Security in charge of the police, and Naidoo as Minister Without Portfolio, tasked with implementing the ANC/COSATU blueprint for social change, the national Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP). Former National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) economist Alec Erwin was named Deputy Minister for Finance. Former Mineworkers head Cyril Ramaphosa, elected General Secretary of the ANC in 1991, will exert great influence on the shape of the permanent new constitution as the chair of the parliamentary constitution-writing body.
    [Show full text]
  • Government System
    Chapter 12 Government System The Constitution on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law The Constitution of the Republic of South • build a united and democratic South Africa Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), was approved by able to take its rightful place as a sovereign the Constitutional Court (CC) on 4 December State in the family of nations. 1996 and took effect on 4 February 1997. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No other law or government action can Fundamental rights supersede the provisions of the Constitution. Fundamental rights are contained in Chapter South Africa’s Constitution is one of the Two and seek to protect the rights and free- most progressive in the world, and enjoys high doms of individuals. The CC guards these acclaim internationally. rights and determines whether or not actions by the State are in accordance with constitu- tional provisions. The Preamble The Preamble to the Constitution states that the aims of the Constitution are to: Government • heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social Government is constituted as national, provin- justice and fundamental human rights cial and local spheres, which are distinctive, • improve the quality of life of all citizens and interdependent and interrelated. The powers free the potential of each person of the law-makers (legislative authorities), gov- • lay the foundations for a democratic and ernments (executive authorities) and courts open society in which government is based (judicial authorities) are separate from one another. Since the establishment of Parliament in 1994, a number of steps have been taken to make it more Parliament accessible, more accountable and to motivate and facilitate public participation in the legislative process.
    [Show full text]