July 12, 2013.
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Motshabi Hoaeane.
Making headlines:

A new United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report reveals that higher levels of intra-African trade will catalyse growth and jobs.

The European Union pledges aid to the Central Africa Republic and urges donor action.

And, the Bhisho High Court compels Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga to publish infrastructure norms.

A new United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (or Unctad) report shows that trade between African countries has declined as a share of the continent’s total trade. Despite trade rising to a record $130.1-billion in 2011, it remains far below levels being achieved in other territories.

The findings, which were presented in Johannesburg by Unctad’s Patrick Osakwe, also indicate that most of the increase in the value of intra-African trade over the past decade has been driven by price rather than volume increases.

The ‘Economic Development in Africa Report 2013’ shows that, at 11.3% in 2011, intra-continental trade has fallen sharply from the 1997 peak of 22.4%. This is paltry when compared with intra-regional trade levels being achieved in other territories.

Unctad argues that there is “enormous potential” to create employment, catalyse investment and foster growth in Africa through stimulating higher levels of intraregional trade. It thus, endorses the African Union’s renewed political commitment to fast-tracking the establishment of a continental free-trade area, made during the organisation’s January 2012 summit.

The European Union is expected to increase its aid to Central African Republic to tackle a humanitarian crisis gripping the impoverished nation since rebels seized power in March.

The toppling of former president Francois Bozize by the Seleka rebel coalition plunged the former French colony into chaos. Interim president Michel Djotodia, Seleka's leader, has failed to establish security even in Bangui and humanitarian groups have pulled back many of their staff.

The EU Commissioner responsible for international cooperation and humanitarian aid, Kristalina Georgieva, said on Thursday that Europe would provide an additional $8-million, bringing its total aid since the start of the year to $20-million.

Georgieva said during a visit to the crumbling riverside capital Bangui that the whole country, more than 4-million people, is hit by the current crisis and suffering looting and human rights violations. She also called on international partners in humanitarian aid and development to redouble their efforts to end the suffering of the population of Central African Republic.

Equal Education (EE) said the Bhisho High Court made an order-by-consent on Thursday compelling the Basic Education Minister to publish the long-anticipated norms and standards for school infrastructure.

It said the court held that Minister Angie Motshekga should prescribe "minimum uniform norms and standards" by the promulgation of regulations for school infrastructure by November 30. The regulations should also have compliance timeframes.

EE describes itself as a movement of pupils, parents, teachers, and community members working for quality and equality in South African education. It said on Thursday it would continue keeping an eye on developments in the case to ensure the court order was complied with.

Also making headlines:

The National Treasury says reforms to  reduce retirement charges and costs could double pensioner's benefits.

The World Health Organisation says tobacco advertising bans are a powerful tool to cut smoking.

Egypt braces for more protests following the toppling of President Mohammed Morsi and prays for calm.

And, expelled former African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema launched his protest movement the Economic Freedom Fighters.

That's a roundup of news making headlines today.