Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Spot Coverage >> 20 November 2006
Mega projekte – Vrystaat aan agterspeen: Volgens die nuutste uitgawe van die opsomming deur Engineering News en Mining Weekly van Creamer Media, Johannesburg, van die 29 belangrikste industriële projekte en 32 belangrikste mynverwante projekte tans aan die gang in Suid-Afrika, is slegs twee projekte in die Vrystaat, terwyl lg. deel in een ander nasionale projek. Die twee projekte is, eerstens, die Braamhoek Opgaar- en Hidroelektriese projek in die Oos-Vrystaatse Drakensberge naby die Vrystaat-KZN grens teen ‘n totale projekbedrag van R4,2 miljard; en, tweedens, die Voorspoed Diamantmynprojek van De Beers tussen Kroonstad en Vredefort ten totale projekbedrag van R1,1 miljard. Die nasionale projek waarin die Vrystaat deel, is die opgradering van Vodacompark teen sowat R300 miljoen vir doeleindes van die 2010 Sokker Wêreldbeker. Hierdie feite toon dat die Vrystaat wat betref die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie steeds aan die agterspeen suig. Meer besonderhede by www.engineeringnews.co.za.
UFS shines in MBA Survey: According to a recent survey published in the Financial Mail, the MBA programme presented by the School of Management at the University of the Free State was rated jointly second best in the country by its graduates in terms of quality and standard. The UFS MBA Programme was also rated fourth best by its graduates in terms of relevance to their business. According to the survey, the UFS MBA School has the lowest acceptance rate of applicants for the MBA programme, with only 33 students being accepted out of every 100 who apply, indicating no compromise on quality.
Taxi Recap officially launched: The official roll-out of the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) by the national government was launched on 28 October 2006 at the Botshabelo Sports Stadium. The overall goal of the TRP is the replacement of the current ageing and old fleet that constitutes the bulk of the taxi industry with new vehicles that are safe and reliable. It will be implemented over a period of up to 7 years at an estimated cost of R7.7 billion. This programme has the following 5 key pillars, namely: (1) safety requirements, (2) regulation of the taxi industry (3) scrapping of the old taxi vehicles, (4) effective law enforcement, and (5) economic empowerment. The event was officiated by Transport Mister Jeff Radebe and graced by the presence of the Free State Premier, Me Beatrice Marshoff as well as Transport MEC's from all the nine provinces. The Free State was also the first province to issue operating licences during last year's October Transport Month. For more info contact Gunnett Kaaf at 0827714931.
Windows Vista coming: Microsoft has announced that the next version of its operating system used on most personal computers around the world called Windows Vista is on its way. However, the world's biggest software company stopped short of providing a launch date for the Windows Vista. The first overhaul of the dominant computer operating system since Windows XP five years ago, is expected to reach consumers early next year. The new software is expected to sport a new graphical interface, giving it a new look and feel, and enhanced security and communications features. Says Microsoft: "It introduces clear ways to organize and use information the way you want to use it. It seamlessly connects you to information, people, and devices that help you get the most out of life." Windows is aiming at replacing Windows XP. The operating system, used on around 90% of personal computers, accounts for around a third of Microsoft's revenue.
Vrae oor toekoms van Bloemfonteinse landmerke: Vrae word gevra oor die toekoms van drie bekende Bloemfonteinse landmerke, nl. die Bloemfontein Dieretuin, die Stadskouburg en die Sterrewag Teater. Aldrie word geadministreer deur die Mangaung Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die eeufeesviering van die Dieretuin, die enigste van sy soort in die Vrystaat en Noord Kaap en een van slegs vyf in die land wat die Groot Vyf huisves en wat vir vanjaar geskeduleer was, is afgestel. Wat betref die twee teaters, verstyk die huurkontrak met Pacofs die einde van vanjaar en moet 'n besluit geneem word oor die toekomstige benutting en bestuur van die twee fasiliteite.
Harmony return to profit: Sixth-largest global gold producer Harmony is expected to post a net profit for the quarter ended 30 September 2006, which will be the first time in more than two years. It is being reported that although Harmony will probably show higher costs for the period, the lucrative gold price could boost Africa's third-largest gold-miner's net profit by some 25%, goading it out of its loss-making marathon.
AMTS FabLab in Bloem: The first AMTS FabLab in the Free State was opened by the Minister of Science & Technology, Mr Mosubudi Mangena, at the Central University of Technology, Science Park, Bloemfontein, today. This FabLab concept marks yet another realisation of the Department of Science and Technology's goals of providing SE&T platforms not only for social development, but also benefiting private sector competitiveness and growth. This is achieved by bringing advanced manufacturing technology platforms to the ordinary man on the street by personally participating in an environment that enables freedom to experiment, peer-to-peer learning and provides the means to solve local problems innovatively and stimulate creativity that should lead to techno-preneurship options. For more info 051 – 507 3505 or ddebeer@cut.ac.za.
4-Star gradings for Goldfields guesthouses: Four guesthouses at Welkom and Riebeeckstad have just received 4-star gradings from the Tourism Grading Council of SA, viz. Agapé Guesthouse, Blue Crane Guesthouse, Au Jardin Guesthouse and Cosmos Guesthouse. Inspections by the Grading Council at these guesthouses were done unannounced and anonymous with inter alia bedding, crockery, cutlery, recreational facilities, security, licensing, bookings, service and other amenities being checked. There are currently some 34 guesthouses in Welkom and surroundings.
Khula to lend directly to small businesses: It is being reported that small business owners will shortly be able to borrow directly from Khula, the government body that facilitates finance for small businesses. Khula currently operates as a wholesale lender by channeling funds through Retail Finance Intermediaries (RFIs) and banks, which lend to businesses. As part of the review of development of finance institutions ordered by the DTI and the Treasury, Khula developed plans to lend as from November 2006 directly to business owners, thus enabling an increase in its current lending approval rate.
Eyes are turning to Ficksburg this month with the annual Cherry Festival being held for the 39th time – from 11 – 18 November. The programme starts on Saturday, 11 November, with the Ficksburg Motorcycle Cherry Run and continues on Tuesday, 14 November, with the Cherry Bowls Tournament and a host of other competitions and entertainment and various sports items, as well as stalls with products to pick and choose. The programme continues on a daily basis, finishing on Saturday, 18 November, with inter alia the Cherry Road Cycle Race, the Cherry 23 km Mountain Race and the “Huisgenoot 90ste Verjaarsdagkonsert”. Meanwhile, it is all systems go for the development of the Stafford Hill Golf & Polo Estate at Ficksburg, comprising upgrading of the present 9-hole course to a top quality 18-hole one, as well as the development of a polo estate - together with a total of some 223 residential stands. From Bloemfontein Slabbert Toere are arranging an excellent tour from Bloemfontein to visit the highlight of the Cherry Festival on Saturday, 18 November. If accommodation at Ficksburg is found to be fully booked, one can also try some of the neighbouring towns and / or ample farm accommodation facilities in the region. For more info on the Cherry Festival 2006, visit www.cherryfestival.co.za.
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