Thursday, November 26, 2009
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Dennis Ndaba.
Making headlines:
Opposition parties have expressed reservations about the appointment of Menzi Simelane as National Director of Public Prosecutions.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson on justice Dene Smuts was "shocked" at the appointment, saying that it is "difficult to imagine a more inappropriate choice". Similarly, Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said that she was shocked that President Jacob Zuma could appoint someone accused by Frene Ginwala's Commission of Enquiry of deceiving former Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla and of interfering with the National Prosecuting Authority's independence.
Simelane's testimony at that inquiry was slated as "irregular". However, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe decided not to proceed with an investigation.
The African Christian Democratic Party was "extremely disappointed" with the decision, saying Simelane was "surrounded by controversy" during his tenure as DG of the Justice Department, while the Inkatha Freedom Party said Simelane's appointment "trigger[ed] questions and concerns" as "his conduct is still under the spotlight".
The African National Congress, on the other hand, welcomed the appointment, saying that Simelane brings the "necessary experience, legal background and administrative skills" to do the job. The ruling party added that his appointment will bring stability to one of the key arms of the criminal justice system.

African economies will grow by an average of 1,7% this year, a downgrade from an earlier forecast of 3,5%, as a result of the global recession, said the World Bank's vice-president for Africa Obiageli Ezekwesili yesterday. Africa's growth in 2010 is expected to be 2,5%, down from an annual average of 5,8% over the last decade.
Speaking in Kenya where she inspected projects funded by the World Bank, Ezekwesili said that commodities are gradually strengthening, and that there will be growth if there is a resumption in private capital flows, and diaspora remittances, investments in construction and the agriculture sectors.
She said Africa's economic recovery can be quickened if governments invest in core infrastructure projects and added that China's investment on the continent is welcome. Ezekwesili warned that there will be a lead time to recovery as the last wave of the global economic crisis hit Africa last, but if governments spend resources well, that lead time could be reduced.

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) deputy general secretary Jeremy Cronin have buried the hatchet after their quarrel over the nationalisation of mines.
The ANCYL says it is relieved that Cronin has engaged with its call for nationalisation after rereading the conceptual framework released in July 2009. The ANCYL and the SACP clashed over the issue after Cronin published an analysis of the issues surrounding mine nationalisation in which he criticised ANCYL president Julius Malema. The youth leader responded to this by describing the piece penned by Cronin as "openly reactionary" and saying that he did "not need the permission of white political Messiahs to think".
In yesterday's statement on the issue, Cronin clarified his position on nationalisation, showing that it is not vastly different from that of the league. He apologised for suggesting "more in jest than seriously" that Malema thought of beneficiation largely in terms of bling. The ANCYL responded, saying that Cronin's latest explanation proves that the debate on nationalisation is a complex question.

Also making headlines:
Minister Lindiwe Sisulu feels no need to justify the R22-million theatre production meant to raise awareness on housing issues.
Commonwealth leaders seek momentum for climate deal at a meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.
African National Congress secretary-general Gwede Mantashe says that there is no need to protect the ruling party from Communist Party influence.
And, Libya offers a rare opening for a human rights assessment.
That's a roundup of news making headlines today.