Tuesday October 25, 2011

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Brad Dubbelman

Making headlines:

The first phase of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, which will introduce an e-toll system to most of Gauteng’s highways, is continuing as planned and will go live in February, South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) corporate communications manager Priya Pillay said. This followed an announcement from Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele instructing Sanral to halt all processes related to the tolling of national roads, in order to allow a consultative process to share views on the toll road programme.
While South Africa required good road infrastructure to meet its economic growth targets, Ndebele said that it should not place a huge financial burden on the shoulders of consumers.

The US is increasing food aid to drought-hit and strife-torn Horn of Africa nations where millions of people are at risk of starvation and malnutrition, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. "I am pleased to announce that we are providing an additional $100-million, primarily in food assistance, for drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia," Clinton said in remarks prepared for delivery at a UN World Food Program awards ceremony. Clinton said the new funds were in addition to almost $650 million for food and humanitarian assistance the US had already provided.

South African President Jacob Zuma fired two Cabinet ministers and suspended the national police chief yesterday in an apparent bid to dispel criticism that he has been soft on corruption within his government. Cooperative Governance Minister Sicelo Shiceka, whose office oversees local administrations, and Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde will leave government, Zuma said. Police commissioner Bheki Cele, who is not in the Cabinet, was suspended on full pay pending an inquiry, Zuma added. All three have been accused of abuse of office by the Public Protector which recommended Zuma take action against them.

Also making headlines:
Moderate Islamists claimed victory in Tunisia's first democratic election, sending a message to other States in the region that long-sidelined Islamists are challenging for power after the "Arab Spring".
Ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will be buried today in a secret desert grave, a National Transitional Council official said, ending a wrangle over his rotting corpse that led many to fear for Libya's governability.
And, Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Willie Seriti will chair a commission of inquiry into the government's arms deal, President Jacob Zuma said.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today.