September 21, 2012
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Motshabi Hoaeane.
Making headlines:

Cosatu’s general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says ‘tenderpreneurs’ must not be allowed to hijack the ANC leadership.

The National Council of Provinces extends the report deadline for the Protection of State Information Bill.

And, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan says government seeks a ‘win-win’ tolls solution.

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says that the Congress of South African Trade Unions has a framework for the African National Congress leadership it wants elected at Mangaung in December.

This framework will guide the central executive committee (or CEC) of Cosatu in deciding who they will support at Mangaung.

The congress resolved that the decision on who to nominate for the leadership of the ANC would be taken by a special meeting of the CEC. This meeting will be held in the first week of October. ANC branches are also expected to nominate their leadership candidates in October.

The National Council of Provinces (or NCOP) on Thursday extended the reporting deadline for the Protection of State Information Bill by a month, to October 31.

The official secrets bill is nearing its final draft. This follows a concession made by the African National Congress this week on one of its most contested clauses.

The ruling party agreed to scrap clause 1(4), which is deemed unconstitutional by critics because it sought to make the bill trump all prior information laws, notably the Promotion of Access to Information Act of 2000.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has indicated that he may ask President Jacob Zuma to refer the bill to the Constitutional Court for certification.

The changes have been welcomed. However, they have not silenced all criticism.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has called for cool heads to prevail in the Gauteng e-tolling saga, and said the government was seeking a win-win approach for all involved.

Gordhan said a committee of ministers, chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, had consulted with "various stakeholders" on the controversial e-tolling project, and was evaluating their concerns.

He said there were several options to consider, such as continuing with e-tolling, reverting to physical tolling, or increasing the fuel levy.

The Constitutional Court has set aside a high court order halting the collection of e-tolls.

Also making headlines:

AngloGold workers strike at Kopanang mine.

The South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee leaves interest rates unchanged.

And, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba promises to use leverage at State firms to bolster the automotive sector’s competitiveness.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today.