Thursday, April 16, 2009
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Amy Witherden.
Making headlines:
The African National Congress used to be "a lot more orderly," said Finance Minister Trevor Manuel in an address to leading businesspeople from the South African Greek, Italian and Portuguese communities.
Manuel said that the ANC has always had a leadership that was able to deal with problems. One of the difficulties facing the party now, is that some respected cadres are no longer active in the ANC. He emphasised, however, that he is still an ANC member because he is sure that this will pass.
Regarding black economic empowerment, the Minister said that this is one of government's policies that needs to be "rethought".
He added, however, that the project to build a better life for all is not something that can be abandoned.

In other news, South Africans living abroad voted yesterday, a week ahead of elections that are likely to bring five more years of rule by the African National Congress.
In London, people waited up to two hours to cast their vote, with many expressing disapproval of the ANC.
Opposition parties such as the Congress of the People are likely to fare well among the small number of educated expatriate voters.
However, the ANC still commands huge respect among ordinary black South Africans for its long fight against white minority rule.
Cope Presidential candidate Mvume Dandala has added his voice to those fearful of a slide towards the one-party political dominance that has ruined other African countries.

Also in South Africa, a senior advocate has warned that the National Prosecuting Authority's decision to drop charges against African National Congress president Jacob Zuma, was a tipping point that could lead to the erosion of the rule of law.
Constitutional law expert Wim Trengove says that acting NPA chief Mokotedi Mpshe's decision was based largely on peripheral considerations, such as issues relating to the timing of the prosecution.
In addition to determining whether the case had been "fatally infected" by manipulation, Mpshe should also have determined whether this contamination outweighed the public interest in seeing justice done, said Trengove.
The advocate added that Mpshe's conduct "seem[ed] to be that of one only too relieved to find an escape from unbearable pressure".

Also making headlines:
A media research group reports that international perceptions of South Africa have improved since the axing of ex-President Thabo Mbeki, despite the corruption charges that likely President Jacob Zuma was facing.
ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa admits that the ANC has made mistakes.
A pre election survey shows that ANC president Jacob Zuma is South Africa's favourite politician.
And, in Madagascar, former leader Marc Ravalomanana states that he is willing to share power with the new President Andry Rajoelina.

That's a roundup of news making headlines today.