Monday, September 14, 2009
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Amy Witherden.
Making headlines:
South Africa must accelerate economic growth to ease the impact of the global economic crisis that has hit the poor hardest, said President Jacob Zuma on Saturday.
Speaking at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, Zuma said that while it took a bit longer to affect South Africa, the economic crisis has bitten deep. Growing job losses this year and rising indebtedness have made it clear that the effects of the crisis have hit hardest at the poor and vulnerable, thereby deepening poverty and inequality.
Lower growth poses substantial challenges for trade and industry, employment and training, income distribution and social security. Zuma assured the council that the government would rise to the challenge and seek opportunities to speed up recovery and lay the basis for a more equitable long-term growth and development path.

Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says that he will not tolerate the persecution of Members of Parliament (MPs) or violation of the law by President Robert Mugabe. This after a European Union (EU) delegation visiting Zimbabwe at the weekend, called for the implementation of a power sharing agreement.
Speaking at a rally to mark the tenth anniversary of the formation of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, Tsvangirai said that he would not stand by as Mugabe's Zanu-PF party continued to violate the law, persecute MDC MPs, spread the language of hate, invade Zimbabwe's productive farms and ignore international treaties.
Swedish International Development Minister Gunilla Carlsson said that targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe would not be lifted until human rights abuses come to an end. The visit by EU Aid and Development Commissioner Karel De Gucht and the Swedish EU presidency was the first since the EU began targeted sanctions in 2002 against members of Mugabe's government. The EU delegation said that relations with Zimbabwe were entering a "new phase", but that full cooperation hinges on the implementation of the government power-sharing agreement.

The Presidential hot line promised by President Jacob Zuma during his election campaign and again in his June State of the Nation Address, will start operating today.
The Presidency states that the hot line and public liaison staff in the Union Buildings will be backed by 43 newly assigned public liaison officers in all government departments and offices of premiers. These officers will be responsible for following up on public enquiries and complaints lodged, and ensuring that all are attended to efficiently.
The aim of this public service is to encourage an all-round improvement in citizen care and liaison. The Presidency added that this endeavour is part of the President's directive to create an interactive, accessible and responsive government.

Also making headlines:
The United Nations remains concerned about the threat of a new north-south conflict in the Sudan.
Gabon's President-elect Ali Ben Bongo tours central Africa in search of regional support after his election win.
And, Madagascar's opposition says that it is united against incumbent President Andry Rajoelina.
That's a roundup of news making headlines today.