Sports fans will soon be searching for accommodation for the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament, as well as the IPL (Indian Premier League) tournament which has recently been awarded to South Africa. The first of 59 matches will commence on 18 April 2009.
In addition to this, The British Lions Rugby tour takes place between 30 May 2009 and 4 July 2009 while the England cricket team tours South Africa from 10 November 2009 to 18 January 2010.
If you are interested in any of these events (or simply looking for holiday or business accommodation), then choose from the almost 5000 properties on our website - www.wheretostay.co.za.
Remember that, with Where to Stay you book directly with the owners and won't have agent's commissions added to the price.
----------------------------------------------------
2) "The Honey Guide" is a new discount package which is linked to the Where to Stay website. Members of The Honey Guide will enjoy between 15% and 50% discount from almost 1000 specific properties listed on Where to Stay.
To find out more about becoming a member of The Honey Guide and to get your discounts (click here).
Once again, thank you for using our website.
Kind regards
The Where to Stay Team
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Save The Penguins In South Africa
Nesting in the sparkling sand, preening on the rocks and darting through the waters, the penguins on the southern tip of Africa are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. But crisis looms.
Short of food, exposed to predators and the African sun, their numbers are plummeting. But salvation may rest in a simple manmade solution — housing for penguins.
Dotting the shore of this penguin colony near the Cape of Good Hope are 200 nesting boxes, each big enough to house a happy family of parents, eggs and chicks. The experiment has already worked well on a more distant penguin island in South African waters, and wildlife rangers are eager to see whether the boxes recently installed on Boulders Beach, where tourists can watch the birds up close, will prove equally attractive.
"You look at the penguins and think they have a lovely time in sunny South Africa, but it's a struggle," says Monique Ruthenberg, a ranger with the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, where summer temperatures recently hit 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit).
Park authorities installed the boxes — made of a fiberglass mix, shaped like a burrow and dug into the sand to mimic the real nests — at Boulders Beach as part of desperate efforts to protect the dwindling populations of African penguins.
It has been a losing struggle. Numbers of the cute, curious creatures have plummeted from around 3 million in the 1930s to just 120,000 because of overfishing and pollution. Some experts fear the species will die out in as little as a decade, and are particularly alarmed at the prospect of global warming increasing the number of scorching days, raising water temperatures and altering fish migration patterns.
The Boulders Beach colony has fallen 30 percent from a peak of 3,900 birds in 2005 to 2,600 and some of the island colonies have suffered calamitous declines of 50 percent.
The African penguin, also called the jackass because of its bray, is the only one to inhabit the African continent. It has shorter feathers than the Antarctic birds because it doesn't face such cold and is just 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall.
The Boulders Colony began in 1985 when a couple of penguins moved from a nearby island onto the beach in the naval base of Simon's Town, decided they liked it and stayed. So many followed that authorities had to build fences to prevent them invading people's gardens. But the tourists poured in.
About 600,000 a year now visit Boulders Beach, which boasts that it is the only place in the world where people can swim with penguins. The real life "Happy Feet" are unfazed by all the attention and, apart from a few who were killed while snoozing under visitors' cars, don't seem to have suffered from their contact with humans.
There is a constant risk from pollution. The last big oil spill was in 2000, when 20,000 penguins were trucked about 470 miles from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth to allow workers time to clean up oil from a wrecked tanker while the birds swam home.
But even in years with no big accidents, the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds has to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of birds whose feathers are covered in oil illegally dumped at sea and washed ashore.
The population fall continues, especially on the more remote Dyer Island where numbers have plummeted from 23,000 breeding pairs in the early 1970s to just 1,500 pairs. Penguins normally mate for life.
"It's horrible," Wilfred Chivell, chairman of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, who blames bad fishing management for a dwindling supply of sardines and pilchards, the penguins' main food.
Such is the competition for fish that Ruthenberg says young seals attack penguins to rip the fish from their bellies.
Gulls prey on the eggs and young chicks, often working as a team; the nesting penguins leave their eggs to chase away the invaders, while another gull sneaks in behind, she says.
Eggs lie abandoned in the sand because the parents have taken to the water to escape the heat. Once a nesting pair abandons its eggs, other penguins often follow suit.
So volunteers calling themselves the iKapa Honorary Rangers asked the public to sponsor nesting boxes for $20 each. They initially planned 100 boxes but this was doubled thanks to a $2,000 donation from the Species Survival Plan — a cooperation program linking members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the U.S.
The nesting boxes are meant to give the penguins an edge — shelter from the heat and a better defense against egg-stealing gulls — and the 1,000 boxes on the more remote Dyer Island have proven popular, with 80 percent occupancy.
Now Ruthenberg hopes the Boulders Beach penguins that have lost eggs and chicks will learn the lesson and take to the newly installed boxes in time to lay a second batch before the laying season ends in April.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Art in Mind Symposium 2009-South Africa
NELSON MANDELA BAY PRESENTS
“ART IN MIND” SYMPOSIUM 2009
Three days of events for your enrichment and enjoyment that will draw attention to the contemporary debates and opinions that surround design, art and craft issues.
WHEN? : 25, 26, 27 March 2009
WHERE? : Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, 1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth
TELEPHONE: 041 5062000
E-MAIL: artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za
EMPTY VESSELS?
LECTURE SERIES
25 March 9:00 – 13:00
9:00 – 10:00
Feet of clay: Melanie Hillebrand – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
10:00 – 10:30 - Tea
10:30 – 11:30
Design – Craft – Art: Crafty Designer Art: Bruce Cadle, Head of Applied Design at NMMU 11:30 – 12:15
The art of Business - the business of the Arts: Anthony Harris - Anthony Harris is a professional artist and past owner of three art galleries.
12:15 - 13:00
Business & Arts SA - Promoting mutually beneficial & sustainable Business/Arts partnerships: Melanie Manson - Business and Arts South Africa Regional Representative – Eastern Cape.
“ART IN ACTION”
Public Demonstrations:
25 March 14:00 – 16:30
26 and 27 March 9:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
Interpret - Design - Develop
Therina Pienaar and a team of three skilled artists and crafters will work through the process of interpreting, designing and developing a beautiful object which is uniquely South African and can be produced for the tourist market.
Clay Feats
Artists in Residence: Charmaine Haines, Vulisango Ndwandwa and Delphine Niez. Potters/ceramic artists are designers who work with clay in their own particular way. The artists will demonstrate their ability to transform clay into exquisite art objects.
Workshops
26 and 27 March 09:00 – 12:00
Interpret - Design - Develop (10 participants with artistic flair and a penchant for design)
The design process: Crackerjack’s designers will inspire and guide participants through a series of creative processes to develop an idea/concept from natural or manufactured form and design a bag, a piece of jewelry or furniture.
Clay Feat: (15 participants) Well-known ceramic artist Nicci Stewart will make and provide each workshop participant with a leather hard vessel and guide them through the creative process of transforming the vessel into a work of art. She will demonstrate a number of techniques that can be used to change the face of an “empty vessel” to give it meaning.
FEES
Demonstrations: Free Entry
Morning Lectures and presentations: R20.00
Practical Workshops:
• Interpret - Design – Develop: R100.00
• Clay Feat: R130.00
Places are limited and early booking is advised. Bursaries are available for deserving applicants.
Bookings: Telephone 041 5062000
Bursary applications: To be made in writing to The Director and faxed to 041 5863234 or e-mail artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za
For more detailed information on the lectures provided please visit
Art In Mind Symposium 2009
“ART IN MIND” SYMPOSIUM 2009
Three days of events for your enrichment and enjoyment that will draw attention to the contemporary debates and opinions that surround design, art and craft issues.
WHEN? : 25, 26, 27 March 2009
WHERE? : Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, 1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth
TELEPHONE: 041 5062000
E-MAIL: artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za
EMPTY VESSELS?
LECTURE SERIES
25 March 9:00 – 13:00
9:00 – 10:00
Feet of clay: Melanie Hillebrand – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
10:00 – 10:30 - Tea
10:30 – 11:30
Design – Craft – Art: Crafty Designer Art: Bruce Cadle, Head of Applied Design at NMMU 11:30 – 12:15
The art of Business - the business of the Arts: Anthony Harris - Anthony Harris is a professional artist and past owner of three art galleries.
12:15 - 13:00
Business & Arts SA - Promoting mutually beneficial & sustainable Business/Arts partnerships: Melanie Manson - Business and Arts South Africa Regional Representative – Eastern Cape.
“ART IN ACTION”
Public Demonstrations:
25 March 14:00 – 16:30
26 and 27 March 9:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
Interpret - Design - Develop
Therina Pienaar and a team of three skilled artists and crafters will work through the process of interpreting, designing and developing a beautiful object which is uniquely South African and can be produced for the tourist market.
Clay Feats
Artists in Residence: Charmaine Haines, Vulisango Ndwandwa and Delphine Niez. Potters/ceramic artists are designers who work with clay in their own particular way. The artists will demonstrate their ability to transform clay into exquisite art objects.
Workshops
26 and 27 March 09:00 – 12:00
Interpret - Design - Develop (10 participants with artistic flair and a penchant for design)
The design process: Crackerjack’s designers will inspire and guide participants through a series of creative processes to develop an idea/concept from natural or manufactured form and design a bag, a piece of jewelry or furniture.
Clay Feat: (15 participants) Well-known ceramic artist Nicci Stewart will make and provide each workshop participant with a leather hard vessel and guide them through the creative process of transforming the vessel into a work of art. She will demonstrate a number of techniques that can be used to change the face of an “empty vessel” to give it meaning.
FEES
Demonstrations: Free Entry
Morning Lectures and presentations: R20.00
Practical Workshops:
• Interpret - Design – Develop: R100.00
• Clay Feat: R130.00
Places are limited and early booking is advised. Bursaries are available for deserving applicants.
Bookings: Telephone 041 5062000
Bursary applications: To be made in writing to The Director and faxed to 041 5863234 or e-mail artmuseum@mandelametro.gov.za
For more detailed information on the lectures provided please visit
Art In Mind Symposium 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Road Toll Fees To Increase In Mpumalanga Province
The road toll fees are due to increase from 1 March 2009.This is directly going to impact on the pricing of our African Crafts products which we sell from the Mpumalanga Crafts Market.We normally drive there to pick up items which we have sold and the toll fees are already high.We are not going to increase our prices yet but will wait to see how much of an impact it has.We will instead try and keep more stock at our despatch area in Pretoria so we will pick up more items at one time and decrease the cost per item.This is also bad news for the many South Africans from the Gauteng area who spend a lot of their holidays in Mpumalanga as it is the closest scenic province to the Gautengers.This global recession is showing no signs of easing up.Wish we knew how much longer this is going to take..........
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Make sure your African Art is Authentic
Read the below article on the mass produced African Craft items being made in China.
African art that's Made in China
African craft artists pump about $300 million into the economy. But the locals are finding it tougher to compete with factories in China making replicas of their crafts. Gretchen Wilson explores how this is a form of identity theft.
• Listen to this Story
TEXT OF STORY• Bill Radke: If you've done some travelling abroad, you may have bought some ethnic arts and crafts for your home. A mask from Mexico, a wood carving from Kenya. But are you sure they're authentic? Globalization means more and more African arts and crafts are being made in factories not in the countries they claim to be from. Gretchen Wilson reports from Johannesburg that real crafters are struggling to compete.
• ________________________________________
• Gretchen Wilson: This sidewalk serves as a studio for South African artist Boas Manzvenga. He strings wires with tiny beads to make the distinctive sculptures this region's known for.
• Boas Manzvenga: This one is a small, small leopard. And this one is a lion.
• He's asking $35 for this lion, about the size of a house cat. It's these skills that put bread on the table for his wife and sons. And his extended family.
• Manzvenga: I think it's nearly 20 people. They depend on me. So I need to support them.
• Many of the 1 million traditional craft artists in South Africa might otherwise be unemployed. But they pump more than $300 million a year into the economy. It's tough for them to compete with Chinese manufacturers who flood the market with cheaper replicas.
• Manzvenga: They can buy things at cheaper price. Then they can go there and remake it and they make a profit out of us.
• And they do, at shopping malls like this one, in Johannesburg, where shelves are loaded with foreign-made baskets, beaded jewelry and wooden giraffes. All mass produced.
• Priscilla Nyoni is with Craft Yarona, a company that promotes local artists:
• Priscilla Nyoni: It's something that has been happening for years now, and our government hasn't been intervening.
• She says there's more at stake than just employment:
• Nyoni: That's African identity, and they're actually stealing it.
• Artists sometimes turn to copyrights and intellectual property laws to protect their work. But that's expensive. So African artists are easily exploited -- especially the rural poor.
• Anitra Nettleton is an art historian at Wits University:
• Anitra Nettleton: They don't have access to the kinds of legal ways of protecting their designs, and so anyone can use them. Because there is nothing to stop. And that's immoral.
• South Africa's artists are trying to innovate to keep one step ahead of look-a-like imports. And they say it's now up to consumers to make sure they're buying the real thing.
• In Johannesburg, I'm Gretchen Wilson for Marketplace.
•
African art that's Made in China
African craft artists pump about $300 million into the economy. But the locals are finding it tougher to compete with factories in China making replicas of their crafts. Gretchen Wilson explores how this is a form of identity theft.
• Listen to this Story
TEXT OF STORY• Bill Radke: If you've done some travelling abroad, you may have bought some ethnic arts and crafts for your home. A mask from Mexico, a wood carving from Kenya. But are you sure they're authentic? Globalization means more and more African arts and crafts are being made in factories not in the countries they claim to be from. Gretchen Wilson reports from Johannesburg that real crafters are struggling to compete.
• ________________________________________
• Gretchen Wilson: This sidewalk serves as a studio for South African artist Boas Manzvenga. He strings wires with tiny beads to make the distinctive sculptures this region's known for.
• Boas Manzvenga: This one is a small, small leopard. And this one is a lion.
• He's asking $35 for this lion, about the size of a house cat. It's these skills that put bread on the table for his wife and sons. And his extended family.
• Manzvenga: I think it's nearly 20 people. They depend on me. So I need to support them.
• Many of the 1 million traditional craft artists in South Africa might otherwise be unemployed. But they pump more than $300 million a year into the economy. It's tough for them to compete with Chinese manufacturers who flood the market with cheaper replicas.
• Manzvenga: They can buy things at cheaper price. Then they can go there and remake it and they make a profit out of us.
• And they do, at shopping malls like this one, in Johannesburg, where shelves are loaded with foreign-made baskets, beaded jewelry and wooden giraffes. All mass produced.
• Priscilla Nyoni is with Craft Yarona, a company that promotes local artists:
• Priscilla Nyoni: It's something that has been happening for years now, and our government hasn't been intervening.
• She says there's more at stake than just employment:
• Nyoni: That's African identity, and they're actually stealing it.
• Artists sometimes turn to copyrights and intellectual property laws to protect their work. But that's expensive. So African artists are easily exploited -- especially the rural poor.
• Anitra Nettleton is an art historian at Wits University:
• Anitra Nettleton: They don't have access to the kinds of legal ways of protecting their designs, and so anyone can use them. Because there is nothing to stop. And that's immoral.
• South Africa's artists are trying to innovate to keep one step ahead of look-a-like imports. And they say it's now up to consumers to make sure they're buying the real thing.
• In Johannesburg, I'm Gretchen Wilson for Marketplace.
•
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mpumalanga Stadium On Track To World Cup 2010
Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla has assured that the province is on track to host some of the 2010 Soccer World Cup games.
On Monday, 2010 project manager, Neil Fourie, also announced that 75% of the stadium was already completed.
"The concrete structure is complete. It is the scheduled demobilisation of the building teams that raised concern about future work amongst the workers," said Fourie.
Spokesperson for the 2010 Integrated Office, Ronny Moyo, said sub-contractors would now complete the project.
"The part that is largely left will be dealt with by sub-constructors. It should be noted that about 1 300 workers were deployed on site and only 450 were shown the door," he explained.
He said the main contractor indicated that with the existing workforce, only a natural disaster would halt the project's progress.
Fourie said the Mbombela local municipality, the Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture (MSJV) and project manager Platinum Sports Consulting all agreed that the stadium would be complete before September 30 - the date set by the 2010 local organising committee.
Fourie said that since construction of the stadium began in February 2007, almost 50 days have been lost to illegal strikes in November 2007 and June 2008.
NUM signed agreement
Through the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the workers signed an agreement that any future illegal strike would result in dismissal.
Therefore, when workers went on strike again last month and demanded up to R70 000 in bonuses each, they were fired.
During his state of the province address on Friday, Makwetla said significant progress had been made in preparing for the World Cup after the provincial government helped the Mbombela municipality address management challenges that threatened to derail preparations.
He said the public transport operational plan was in place.
Construction has begun on the Matsafeni access road, the R40 high occupancy vehicle lane, and the P166 and N4 interchanges.
The budget for the stadium is R971,5m, but had a R48m shortfall, which the provincial government funded.
Moyo blamed the shortfall on certain adjustments and FIFA requirements that were registered progressively with the project.
- African Eye
On Monday, 2010 project manager, Neil Fourie, also announced that 75% of the stadium was already completed.
"The concrete structure is complete. It is the scheduled demobilisation of the building teams that raised concern about future work amongst the workers," said Fourie.
Spokesperson for the 2010 Integrated Office, Ronny Moyo, said sub-contractors would now complete the project.
"The part that is largely left will be dealt with by sub-constructors. It should be noted that about 1 300 workers were deployed on site and only 450 were shown the door," he explained.
He said the main contractor indicated that with the existing workforce, only a natural disaster would halt the project's progress.
Fourie said the Mbombela local municipality, the Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture (MSJV) and project manager Platinum Sports Consulting all agreed that the stadium would be complete before September 30 - the date set by the 2010 local organising committee.
Fourie said that since construction of the stadium began in February 2007, almost 50 days have been lost to illegal strikes in November 2007 and June 2008.
NUM signed agreement
Through the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the workers signed an agreement that any future illegal strike would result in dismissal.
Therefore, when workers went on strike again last month and demanded up to R70 000 in bonuses each, they were fired.
During his state of the province address on Friday, Makwetla said significant progress had been made in preparing for the World Cup after the provincial government helped the Mbombela municipality address management challenges that threatened to derail preparations.
He said the public transport operational plan was in place.
Construction has begun on the Matsafeni access road, the R40 high occupancy vehicle lane, and the P166 and N4 interchanges.
The budget for the stadium is R971,5m, but had a R48m shortfall, which the provincial government funded.
Moyo blamed the shortfall on certain adjustments and FIFA requirements that were registered progressively with the project.
- African Eye
Friday, February 6, 2009
Ground Hornbill Kingfisher bird nearly extinct
With more and more development of shops and homes, birds like the ground hornbill are dying out because of human invasion of their habitat.These birds are carnivorous and form groups of 3 to 10 at the most.
The World Wildlife Federation now lists this bird species as a critically extinct wildlife species.This bird species is facing extinction especially due to its extraordinary social structure and breeding habits.
Human invasion is causing them to die out typically because they do not move around.As their habitat gets invaded,lack of adaptation skills such as moving to another area with large trees,they simply die out.
Further they are extremely slow breeders.The female lays two eggs,one offspring survives and the other dies because these birds do not have the capacity to nurture both.
South Africa currently has a population of between 1500 to 2000 birds left of this species.Most of them are found in the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province.
The Mabula Game Reserve has a research and conservation project in place being run by Ann Turner who is the founder and co-ordinator of this project.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Cuban Doctors Helping in Mpumalanga
Angels of mercy
05 February 2009
Zinhle Mapumulo
Cuban doctors bring hope and much-needed skills to SA’s rural areas
One thing that puts a smile on Cuban doctor Elpidio Lopez’s face is to hear his patients boast “udokotela wami lo” – meaning this is my doctor.
“The thing that has kept me at Themba Hospital [Mpumalanga’s biggest hospital in Kabokweni, White River] for 12 years is the appreciation I get from my patients and the community.
“To them I am a hero who came into their village when they needed help the most,” said Lopez.
South Africa and Cuba signed an agreement to share medical skills and services immediately after liberation in 1994.
Lopez was among the first group of Cuban doctors who came to work in the country’s short- staffed rural hospitals in 1996.
Although he would like to return to Cuba some day, that is presently not an option.
“I love my job. Every day I get stopped by a patient who either wants to explain their case or just wants to thank me for helping them. Forgive me if I am boasting but I think I am one of the most famous people here.”
The doctor wasn’t exaggerating. When Sowetan visited him at his work, he was constantly stopped by people who simply wanted to greet him – or just to find out how he was.
The hospital’s chief executive, Mduduzi Shabangu, agreed that Lopez was highly popular and adored by his colleagues and patients.
“He loves and respects his job. People want to be treated by him because of that. As one of three senior and specialist doctors, his experience and opinion are valued. He was twice named the best doctor at the hospital by his colleagues,” said Shabangu.
Lopez is not the only Cuban doctor who has gained his patients respect.
Another remarkable man is doctor Rusbel Medina, who came here as a family physician more than a decade ago. Today he is the head of the intensive care unit at Witbank Hospital.
“I have enjoyed working in this country. I cannot say I do not miss home because I do. But as a doctor you have to put the lives of your patients first. I took an oath to help those in need.
“I will stay in South Africa for as long as I am needed.
“When I came here the environment was different. The language barrier was a huge problem, but I have since learnt to speak basic words and phrases in isiZulu. This helps me to communicate with patients. Some of them are shocked to hear me speak their language,” he said.
Provincial programme coordinator Kuki Khambule said: “Cuban doctors have helped us address the shortage of doctors in our province . We are happy with their work and commitment.”
· About 450 foreign doctors, mainly from Cuba, were contracted by the government in 1996.
Mpumalanga was allocated 13 while the rest were sent to other provinces. Nine are still working in government hospitals while four opted out of their contracts. They are still in South Africa but in private practice.
05 February 2009
Zinhle Mapumulo
Cuban doctors bring hope and much-needed skills to SA’s rural areas
One thing that puts a smile on Cuban doctor Elpidio Lopez’s face is to hear his patients boast “udokotela wami lo” – meaning this is my doctor.
“The thing that has kept me at Themba Hospital [Mpumalanga’s biggest hospital in Kabokweni, White River] for 12 years is the appreciation I get from my patients and the community.
“To them I am a hero who came into their village when they needed help the most,” said Lopez.
South Africa and Cuba signed an agreement to share medical skills and services immediately after liberation in 1994.
Lopez was among the first group of Cuban doctors who came to work in the country’s short- staffed rural hospitals in 1996.
Although he would like to return to Cuba some day, that is presently not an option.
“I love my job. Every day I get stopped by a patient who either wants to explain their case or just wants to thank me for helping them. Forgive me if I am boasting but I think I am one of the most famous people here.”
The doctor wasn’t exaggerating. When Sowetan visited him at his work, he was constantly stopped by people who simply wanted to greet him – or just to find out how he was.
The hospital’s chief executive, Mduduzi Shabangu, agreed that Lopez was highly popular and adored by his colleagues and patients.
“He loves and respects his job. People want to be treated by him because of that. As one of three senior and specialist doctors, his experience and opinion are valued. He was twice named the best doctor at the hospital by his colleagues,” said Shabangu.
Lopez is not the only Cuban doctor who has gained his patients respect.
Another remarkable man is doctor Rusbel Medina, who came here as a family physician more than a decade ago. Today he is the head of the intensive care unit at Witbank Hospital.
“I have enjoyed working in this country. I cannot say I do not miss home because I do. But as a doctor you have to put the lives of your patients first. I took an oath to help those in need.
“I will stay in South Africa for as long as I am needed.
“When I came here the environment was different. The language barrier was a huge problem, but I have since learnt to speak basic words and phrases in isiZulu. This helps me to communicate with patients. Some of them are shocked to hear me speak their language,” he said.
Provincial programme coordinator Kuki Khambule said: “Cuban doctors have helped us address the shortage of doctors in our province . We are happy with their work and commitment.”
· About 450 foreign doctors, mainly from Cuba, were contracted by the government in 1996.
Mpumalanga was allocated 13 while the rest were sent to other provinces. Nine are still working in government hospitals while four opted out of their contracts. They are still in South Africa but in private practice.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Soccer 2010 stadium attracts property buyers
Construction works at the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Nelspruit is attracting property buyers.
An eclectic collection of buyers including transferees, wealthy retirees and investors are purchasing properties in Nelspruit, all with very different goals in mind but all keen to take advantage of what the area has to offer.
Carl Jacobs, principal of Homenet Nelspruit said the growth-point for Mpumalanga, Nelspruit is increasingly attracting transferees from other towns and cities who are bringing their families with them. Typically these buyers are purchasing freehold homes priced at around R1,3m.
Overseas buyers buy into new developments with a view to letting and are purchasing guesthouses, while wealthy retirees are also making their mark, buying quality lock-up-and-go type accommodation priced at around R1,5m and above.
"But investment isn't restricted to outsiders. "Locals looking to upgrade or downsize are also generating activity in this market, "said Jacobs.
Nelspruit is ideally centrally situated on the Maputo Corridor and is within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and Mozambique as well as the picturesque countryside around Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie and Graskop.
The Kruger Mpumalanga International airport located 20 minutes from Nelspruit has done much to channel tourist traffic into the area, with flights arriving from all major cities daily. Major malls and chain store groups have also sprung up in response to increased demand for such amenities.
Fuelling this momentum, said Jacobs, is the fact that Nelspruit is a 2010 Soccer World Cup host city and construction on the 2010 ‘Mbombela' stadium is well under way.
Activity in the rental market is relatively stable. Many who have re-located to the area are renting temporarily until they find a property they like. And interestingly, many landlords are opting to waive rental escalations in order to retain good "permanent" tenants.
An eclectic collection of buyers including transferees, wealthy retirees and investors are purchasing properties in Nelspruit, all with very different goals in mind but all keen to take advantage of what the area has to offer.
Carl Jacobs, principal of Homenet Nelspruit said the growth-point for Mpumalanga, Nelspruit is increasingly attracting transferees from other towns and cities who are bringing their families with them. Typically these buyers are purchasing freehold homes priced at around R1,3m.
Overseas buyers buy into new developments with a view to letting and are purchasing guesthouses, while wealthy retirees are also making their mark, buying quality lock-up-and-go type accommodation priced at around R1,5m and above.
"But investment isn't restricted to outsiders. "Locals looking to upgrade or downsize are also generating activity in this market, "said Jacobs.
Nelspruit is ideally centrally situated on the Maputo Corridor and is within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and Mozambique as well as the picturesque countryside around Hazyview, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie and Graskop.
The Kruger Mpumalanga International airport located 20 minutes from Nelspruit has done much to channel tourist traffic into the area, with flights arriving from all major cities daily. Major malls and chain store groups have also sprung up in response to increased demand for such amenities.
Fuelling this momentum, said Jacobs, is the fact that Nelspruit is a 2010 Soccer World Cup host city and construction on the 2010 ‘Mbombela' stadium is well under way.
Activity in the rental market is relatively stable. Many who have re-located to the area are renting temporarily until they find a property they like. And interestingly, many landlords are opting to waive rental escalations in order to retain good "permanent" tenants.
THE THREE RONDAVELS
The Blyde River Canyon is a significant natural feature of South Africa, located in Mpumalanga, and forming the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment. It is 16 miles (26 kilometers) in length and is, on average, around 2500 feet (800m) deep. It consists mostly of red sandstone. The highest point of the canyon is over 6300 feet above sea level (over 1900m) whilst its lowest point is well under 2000 feet (under 600m) above sea level. By some measures it is the third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia but this depends heavily on one's definition of a canyon. By any definition it is one of the largest canyons on earth, unquestionably being the largest 'green canyon' due to its lush subtropical foliage, and it has some of the deepest precipitious cliffs of any canyon on the planet. It is the second largest canyon in Africa, after the Fish river canyon, and is known as one of the great wonders of nature on the continent.Possibly the best view in the whole of the Blyde River Canyon is of the Three Rondavels; huge, round rocks, thought to be reminiscent of the houses or huts of the indigenous people, known as rondavels. This canyon is part of the famous Panorama route. This route starts at the town Graskop and includes God's Window, the Pinnacle and Bourke's Luck Potholes.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Real Estate in South Africa
Any foreigner can buy real estate in South Africa. This includes - unlike Namibia - farms and agricultural land. Due to the favorable exchange rate, property in South Africa is affordable. For example, a house in a good area of Cape Town, with a swimming pool and a big garden, costs hardly more than $US 250,000.
Apartments are offered for less than $US100,000. In other areas, such as the province of KwaZulu-Natal., it is even cheaper. The Cape region is the safest place for an investment in property, as there is still a strong influx of buyers from the Johannesburg area, which keeps the prices up. The Garden Route is a growth area as well.
Real Estate Agents
The property market in the whole country is firmly in the hands of a few estate agencies. Private sales are relatively rare. In South Africa the agent is paid by the seller, so you can readily turn to an agency (see the real estate info page), if you are interested in buying property. When it comes to signing a contract or an offer to purchase, the agent will look after the required legal proceedings.
Market Survey
To get an idea of the market situation, one has to have a critical look at the available properties in the preferred area. The big newspapers (e.g. Cape Argus) publish a big property section every weekend, where you can find almost all the places for sale, advertised with photos. Many houses are "on show" on Sundays, which means you can view them without a previous appointment.
Real Estate Prices
Property is usually advertised at a price which lies 10 to 15 above the price the seller expects to achieve. You must keep that in mind and make an offer accordingly, if you are interested in buying something. If the seller accepts your offer, a down-payment of 10 per cent is typically required.
The transfer of the property is handled by an attorney, who also secures the transfer of the payment. Registration at the "Deeds Office" takes 6 to 8 weeks. At that time, a transfer duty is charged, which falls between 5 and 8 per cent of the purchase sum, depending on the value of the property. The attorney receives about 1 per cent.
Financing of Property
Be very careful if you are considering financing a house purchase with a bank-loan. The local interest rate stands at approx. 13 per cent at the moment. European banks are very reluctant to finance properties in South Africa, so that cash payment is usually the only option.
Buying a African Farm
Many people dream of owning a farm in Africa. This dream can be fulfilled, but one - particularly a non-farmer - should not underestimate the problems that go with owning an agricultural estate. Without the proper know-how, such a possession can become very costly. In the Cape area, agricultural estates, specially the lucrative wine and fruit farms, have become very expensive.
An affordable option is still an estate in the Natal Midlands, below the Drakensberg, where one can acquire a true paradise with forest, river, streams and lakes on hundreds of hectares for less than $US 300,000. Game farms, especially in Mpumalanga, are interesting investment prospects as well.
Apartments are offered for less than $US100,000. In other areas, such as the province of KwaZulu-Natal., it is even cheaper. The Cape region is the safest place for an investment in property, as there is still a strong influx of buyers from the Johannesburg area, which keeps the prices up. The Garden Route is a growth area as well.
Real Estate Agents
The property market in the whole country is firmly in the hands of a few estate agencies. Private sales are relatively rare. In South Africa the agent is paid by the seller, so you can readily turn to an agency (see the real estate info page), if you are interested in buying property. When it comes to signing a contract or an offer to purchase, the agent will look after the required legal proceedings.
Market Survey
To get an idea of the market situation, one has to have a critical look at the available properties in the preferred area. The big newspapers (e.g. Cape Argus) publish a big property section every weekend, where you can find almost all the places for sale, advertised with photos. Many houses are "on show" on Sundays, which means you can view them without a previous appointment.
Real Estate Prices
Property is usually advertised at a price which lies 10 to 15 above the price the seller expects to achieve. You must keep that in mind and make an offer accordingly, if you are interested in buying something. If the seller accepts your offer, a down-payment of 10 per cent is typically required.
The transfer of the property is handled by an attorney, who also secures the transfer of the payment. Registration at the "Deeds Office" takes 6 to 8 weeks. At that time, a transfer duty is charged, which falls between 5 and 8 per cent of the purchase sum, depending on the value of the property. The attorney receives about 1 per cent.
Financing of Property
Be very careful if you are considering financing a house purchase with a bank-loan. The local interest rate stands at approx. 13 per cent at the moment. European banks are very reluctant to finance properties in South Africa, so that cash payment is usually the only option.
Buying a African Farm
Many people dream of owning a farm in Africa. This dream can be fulfilled, but one - particularly a non-farmer - should not underestimate the problems that go with owning an agricultural estate. Without the proper know-how, such a possession can become very costly. In the Cape area, agricultural estates, specially the lucrative wine and fruit farms, have become very expensive.
An affordable option is still an estate in the Natal Midlands, below the Drakensberg, where one can acquire a true paradise with forest, river, streams and lakes on hundreds of hectares for less than $US 300,000. Game farms, especially in Mpumalanga, are interesting investment prospects as well.
Monday, January 19, 2009
North East Crafts Bazaar-Exhibition in South Africa
North East Crafts Bazaar in South Africa will be displaying exquisite traditional crafts by artists from north-eastern states.The crafts will also be showcased in Johannesburg (South Africa) in March 2009.
Promoting the sale of art and crafts from the north-east, the exhibition displays handicraft objects made of bamboo, cane, jute and grass straw, handloom weaving, artistic textile weaving, woodcarvings embroidery, lampshades, purses, furniture, jewellery, brass, and basketry.
The hand-woven fabrics with symbolic ornamentation of Assam culture, toys and dolls made up of straw and clay, cushions and mattress made up of kauna grass of Manipur, endi silk weaving and pineapple fibre articles of Meghalaya are the centre of attraction.
Demonstrating a mattress made of kauna grass, Chanchal, an artist from Imphal (Manipur) said, “This grass is spongy inside and being a water weed, the artifacts made up of it are washable and durable. Its baskets look attractive due to delicate handwork and are strong enough to carry heavy things.”
Around 100 craftspersons from north-eastern states are participating in the exhibition.
The aim of this exhibition is to expose and promote the skills of artists from the interior of north-east region.The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) provides technical and marketing training to artists and organises 10-15 exhibitions.The Ministry of Textiles extends the financial assistance.The exhibition, open from 10 am to 9 pm, will conclude on January 26 2009.
Promoting the sale of art and crafts from the north-east, the exhibition displays handicraft objects made of bamboo, cane, jute and grass straw, handloom weaving, artistic textile weaving, woodcarvings embroidery, lampshades, purses, furniture, jewellery, brass, and basketry.
The hand-woven fabrics with symbolic ornamentation of Assam culture, toys and dolls made up of straw and clay, cushions and mattress made up of kauna grass of Manipur, endi silk weaving and pineapple fibre articles of Meghalaya are the centre of attraction.
Demonstrating a mattress made of kauna grass, Chanchal, an artist from Imphal (Manipur) said, “This grass is spongy inside and being a water weed, the artifacts made up of it are washable and durable. Its baskets look attractive due to delicate handwork and are strong enough to carry heavy things.”
Around 100 craftspersons from north-eastern states are participating in the exhibition.
The aim of this exhibition is to expose and promote the skills of artists from the interior of north-east region.The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) provides technical and marketing training to artists and organises 10-15 exhibitions.The Ministry of Textiles extends the financial assistance.The exhibition, open from 10 am to 9 pm, will conclude on January 26 2009.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pankop Women Farmers Forum-Mpumalanga
Pilda Modjadji is a founding member of the Pankop Women Farmers Forum in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The Pankop group, which now has 300 members, started with the humble goal of growing fruit collectively and using the proceeds to supplement family diets, raise incomes and pay school tuition fees. But the women quickly realized that the village offered few job prospects for graduates — their children were going off to the cities. Determined to create an alternative source of employment in the village, the women, with the agreement and support of traditional chiefs and municipal authorities, set up a fruit and vegetable dehydration plant.
The women’s plans were ambitious, and they felt that old-style microcredit loans — which usually range between $20 and $300 — were not enough. The Pankop group needed the equivalent of $100,000. They got the funds from local commercial banks because Thembani International Guarantee Fund, a South African organization created in 1996 by the US non-profit Shared Interest and the Swiss-based Recherches et Applications de Financements Alternatifs au Développement (RAFAD), put up $70,000 in loan guarantees. Such guarantees provide banks with an assurance that the guarantor will assume part of the losses if a default occurs.
With that first loan, the women in Mpumalanga converted an old school dormitory into a functioning plant. The project initially hired 65 young people. Then, with a second loan of $120,000, also guaranteed by Thembani, they increased the number of employees to 200, working in shifts. Their latest loan is worth about $1 mn, with $800,000 of it guaranteed by Thembani. With those funds, the women plan to meet European Union health and safety standards and start exporting their produce.
The Pankop group, which now has 300 members, started with the humble goal of growing fruit collectively and using the proceeds to supplement family diets, raise incomes and pay school tuition fees. But the women quickly realized that the village offered few job prospects for graduates — their children were going off to the cities. Determined to create an alternative source of employment in the village, the women, with the agreement and support of traditional chiefs and municipal authorities, set up a fruit and vegetable dehydration plant.
The women’s plans were ambitious, and they felt that old-style microcredit loans — which usually range between $20 and $300 — were not enough. The Pankop group needed the equivalent of $100,000. They got the funds from local commercial banks because Thembani International Guarantee Fund, a South African organization created in 1996 by the US non-profit Shared Interest and the Swiss-based Recherches et Applications de Financements Alternatifs au Développement (RAFAD), put up $70,000 in loan guarantees. Such guarantees provide banks with an assurance that the guarantor will assume part of the losses if a default occurs.
With that first loan, the women in Mpumalanga converted an old school dormitory into a functioning plant. The project initially hired 65 young people. Then, with a second loan of $120,000, also guaranteed by Thembani, they increased the number of employees to 200, working in shifts. Their latest loan is worth about $1 mn, with $800,000 of it guaranteed by Thembani. With those funds, the women plan to meet European Union health and safety standards and start exporting their produce.
Friday, January 16, 2009
MTN to invest R15M in skills development
Mobile giant,MTN has invested R15-million in a skills development programme, which will officially be launched in February this year and aims to facilitate job creation, skills development and the upskilling of young graduates
entering the telecommunications sector. The initial investment of R15-million will be spent over a two-year period.
It will identify 83 prospective graduates for the first year in the fields of engineering, finance, logistics and information technology, the ‘core’ fields for the MTN group. The graduates will be managed not only by the human resources department, but also by MTN’s line managers.
The bursary programme will target 30 of the top high school achievers who are entering a tertiary institution to further studies in the fields of engineering and finance.
Stresses that the responsibility of investing in skills development is not that of government alone, but that both the private and public sectors must play a significant role in human resource development.
Through such investments, MTN will not face a skills challenge in the next ten years. South Africa could still be reeling from a skills shortage in the next ten years, if the necessary steps are not taken. Executive research firm Landelahni Busi-ness Leaders has forecast that the skills shortage could last for at least the next decade.
This is not just an investment for MTN, but also for the betterment of South Africa and the continent.
It will identify 83 prospective graduates for the first year in the fields of engineering, finance, logistics and information technology, the ‘core’ fields for the MTN group. The graduates will be managed not only by the human resources department, but also by MTN’s line managers.
The bursary programme will target 30 of the top high school achievers who are entering a tertiary institution to further studies in the fields of engineering and finance.
Stresses that the responsibility of investing in skills development is not that of government alone, but that both the private and public sectors must play a significant role in human resource development.
Through such investments, MTN will not face a skills challenge in the next ten years. South Africa could still be reeling from a skills shortage in the next ten years, if the necessary steps are not taken. Executive research firm Landelahni Busi-ness Leaders has forecast that the skills shortage could last for at least the next decade.
This is not just an investment for MTN, but also for the betterment of South Africa and the continent.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Killing of endangered Rhinos in Africa
I am spitting angry.
In 1995 a conference was held and attended by TCM delegates from the Far East, as well as academics, government officials, and conservationists. The meeting indicated that there are strong cultural attachments to the merits of TCM(traditional chinese medicine). Some practitioners felt that the West maligns TCM and should not seek to legislate moral or health-care choices in the East.
Its the last part that makes me angry.Really?when one of the beliefs of TCM is the use of rhino horn to treat life-threatening fevers. And also as an aphrodisiac apparently.The amount of stuff in the world that is apparently an aphrodisiac.Why the need for so much aphrodisiac?Why not start looking internally for the cause of this problem.Yes the answer to the world's problem is definitely educating people.But if some nations are proud of their link and hold on traditional beliefs how do you do it?
So in answer to the West should not seek to legislate moral or health care choices in the East let me give you an answer from Africa.We will interfere in your outdated health care choices if it means you come to destroy our continent in order to fulfil your traditions and beliefs.Try and get your health care beliefs based on ingredients from your own continent.
See below for news reels on today January 15 2009.
Another two rhino deaths in Mpumalanga have been reported but not confirmed - some game reserves are reluctant to comment on such killings. If the figure is correct it would put the unofficial death toll of rhinos poached in South Africa since January last year at 96. The dead animals include critically endangered black rhinos.
In many cases Mozambicans, allegedly employed by Vietnamese syndicates operating out of South Africa, are the prime suspects. The syndicates are said to provide their local recruits with high-calibre weapons. Crossbows are also used because they are silent.
Three men were arrested on Wednesday for possession of four rhino horns, Mpumalanga police said.
"The men, aged 33, 43 and 46, were being monitored by police for a while," said spokesperson Malcolm Mokomeni.
They were arrested at Bruma Lake in Gauteng, near Cyrildene during a joint operation by Mpumalanga police, the Gauteng provincial task team and the SA National Parks Unit.
The men are thought to be Chinese nationals.
"Besides the four horns, they were also found with R16 000 cash. We are not sure if they live in South Africa, or if they are from another country...they are being very stubborn and just wont talk to police when they are asked these kind of questions."
He said police believe the horns were to be smuggled into China for certain business deals.
"There is a lot of money to be made from rhino horns," he said.
More arrests were to be made.
The men were being held and would appear in court soon.
The name of the court could not be disclosed in case investigations were jeopardised, Mokomeni said. - Sapa
In 1995 a conference was held and attended by TCM delegates from the Far East, as well as academics, government officials, and conservationists. The meeting indicated that there are strong cultural attachments to the merits of TCM(traditional chinese medicine). Some practitioners felt that the West maligns TCM and should not seek to legislate moral or health-care choices in the East.
Its the last part that makes me angry.Really?when one of the beliefs of TCM is the use of rhino horn to treat life-threatening fevers. And also as an aphrodisiac apparently.The amount of stuff in the world that is apparently an aphrodisiac.Why the need for so much aphrodisiac?Why not start looking internally for the cause of this problem.Yes the answer to the world's problem is definitely educating people.But if some nations are proud of their link and hold on traditional beliefs how do you do it?
So in answer to the West should not seek to legislate moral or health care choices in the East let me give you an answer from Africa.We will interfere in your outdated health care choices if it means you come to destroy our continent in order to fulfil your traditions and beliefs.Try and get your health care beliefs based on ingredients from your own continent.
See below for news reels on today January 15 2009.
Another two rhino deaths in Mpumalanga have been reported but not confirmed - some game reserves are reluctant to comment on such killings. If the figure is correct it would put the unofficial death toll of rhinos poached in South Africa since January last year at 96. The dead animals include critically endangered black rhinos.
In many cases Mozambicans, allegedly employed by Vietnamese syndicates operating out of South Africa, are the prime suspects. The syndicates are said to provide their local recruits with high-calibre weapons. Crossbows are also used because they are silent.
Three men were arrested on Wednesday for possession of four rhino horns, Mpumalanga police said.
"The men, aged 33, 43 and 46, were being monitored by police for a while," said spokesperson Malcolm Mokomeni.
They were arrested at Bruma Lake in Gauteng, near Cyrildene during a joint operation by Mpumalanga police, the Gauteng provincial task team and the SA National Parks Unit.
The men are thought to be Chinese nationals.
"Besides the four horns, they were also found with R16 000 cash. We are not sure if they live in South Africa, or if they are from another country...they are being very stubborn and just wont talk to police when they are asked these kind of questions."
He said police believe the horns were to be smuggled into China for certain business deals.
"There is a lot of money to be made from rhino horns," he said.
More arrests were to be made.
The men were being held and would appear in court soon.
The name of the court could not be disclosed in case investigations were jeopardised, Mokomeni said. - Sapa
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Poverty Campaign in Africa in Mpumalanga,South Africa
Deputy President Baleka Mbete will attend the launch of the War on Poverty Campaign in Mpumalanga (known as Eastern Transvaal under apartheid South Africa) this month.
This War on Poverty Campaign is a national initiative that was launched by the department of social services in October last year.
Spokesperson for the provincial department of social development, Abie Ndlela, said the campaign will focus on the most poverty stricken and deprived communities in the province.
The most deprived households will be visited periodically during the campaign by a team of youths called Masupatsela (which means “give direction”) and community development workers who will identify their specific needs, help them access government services and provide mosquito nets to protect them from malaria.
Ms Mbete will attend the provincial campaign launch in Skhwahlane village near Malalane on 30 January.
The national "War Room on Poverty" in the deputy president's office will lead the campaign.
Mr Ndlela said the War Room on Poverty aimed to bring together government departments to identify and help impoverished households that are in urgent need of assistance, without duplicating any programs.
One intervention seeks to assist children aged 14 to 18 by providing child support grants for them, ensuring they are being educated, have access to health care and that schools are able to properly implement the school nutrition program.
He said younger children, regardless of where they live, must also attend creche to prepare them for school.
The above are baby steps but nevertheless steps towards eradicating poverty in the world starting in Africa.
This War on Poverty Campaign is a national initiative that was launched by the department of social services in October last year.
Spokesperson for the provincial department of social development, Abie Ndlela, said the campaign will focus on the most poverty stricken and deprived communities in the province.
The most deprived households will be visited periodically during the campaign by a team of youths called Masupatsela (which means “give direction”) and community development workers who will identify their specific needs, help them access government services and provide mosquito nets to protect them from malaria.
Ms Mbete will attend the provincial campaign launch in Skhwahlane village near Malalane on 30 January.
The national "War Room on Poverty" in the deputy president's office will lead the campaign.
Mr Ndlela said the War Room on Poverty aimed to bring together government departments to identify and help impoverished households that are in urgent need of assistance, without duplicating any programs.
One intervention seeks to assist children aged 14 to 18 by providing child support grants for them, ensuring they are being educated, have access to health care and that schools are able to properly implement the school nutrition program.
He said younger children, regardless of where they live, must also attend creche to prepare them for school.
The above are baby steps but nevertheless steps towards eradicating poverty in the world starting in Africa.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
10 000 uniforms donated to poor children in Mpumalanga
School uniforms will be donated to 10 000 poor children in Mpumalanga before the end of January to help parents who can't afford to buy them.
Mpumalanga Health and Social Development MEC Fish Mahlalela will start visiting schools from Wednesday, when uniforms will be given to 600 children.
"The department acknowledges that going back to school can be very costly, especially with school uniform prices soaring," said department spokesperson Abie Ndlela on Monday.
The children will also be given food parcels for three months, while a poverty alleviation project called War Room on Poverty will be launched by the end of January.
The MEC will use the uniform handovers to encourage children to attend all their classes and for communities to take care of their children.
Ndlela thanked social workers and community development workers for helping the department identify poor children who need school uniforms and food parcels.
- African Eye
http://africancraftsdirect.blogspot.com/
Mpumalanga Health and Social Development MEC Fish Mahlalela will start visiting schools from Wednesday, when uniforms will be given to 600 children.
"The department acknowledges that going back to school can be very costly, especially with school uniform prices soaring," said department spokesperson Abie Ndlela on Monday.
The children will also be given food parcels for three months, while a poverty alleviation project called War Room on Poverty will be launched by the end of January.
The MEC will use the uniform handovers to encourage children to attend all their classes and for communities to take care of their children.
Ndlela thanked social workers and community development workers for helping the department identify poor children who need school uniforms and food parcels.
- African Eye
http://africancraftsdirect.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Good or bad news for Africa??
Obviously coming from Africa I believe there should be no trade on ivory at all.The fact that there is trade creates an opening for poachers who do not follow guidelines on culling and related issues.It is difficult to ascertain which of the ivory was legally obtained and which not.Until Africa can get out of this poverty the world should not tempt poverty ridden Africans into destroying our heritage so they can have money to buy food.Why not help Africa to grow our own food which we can then export?Ivory sales should be banned completely.See article below for China's "contribution" to ivory sales
China strengthens regulation on ivory consumption
BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is trying to keep its ivory carving industry alive by banning any new companies from entering the market. The move, announced Friday by the State Forestry Administration (SFA), will help extend existing supplies of ivory for another 15 to 20 years.
Because there are limited amounts of the raw material, the SFA said Chinese companies can now only use no more than five tonnes of it every year.
Also included in the new regulations, is a guideline stating all ivory products must obtain official labels for trade, exhibition or export.
The SFA placed the African elephant under first-class state protection which means they can't be killed, captured or traded. The SFA also vowed to execute a national audit regarding material sand products involving the endangered species.
Ivory carving has taken place for more than 1,800 years in China. The cultural art craft faced severe material shortages after China joined the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1990, which banned global commercial trade of ivory.
In July 2008, China became the second approved trade partner of African ivory by CITES after Japan. China was allowed a one-time purchase of ivory from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, which helped to increase material supply for the ivory carving industry.
China strengthens regulation on ivory consumption
BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is trying to keep its ivory carving industry alive by banning any new companies from entering the market. The move, announced Friday by the State Forestry Administration (SFA), will help extend existing supplies of ivory for another 15 to 20 years.
Because there are limited amounts of the raw material, the SFA said Chinese companies can now only use no more than five tonnes of it every year.
Also included in the new regulations, is a guideline stating all ivory products must obtain official labels for trade, exhibition or export.
The SFA placed the African elephant under first-class state protection which means they can't be killed, captured or traded. The SFA also vowed to execute a national audit regarding material sand products involving the endangered species.
Ivory carving has taken place for more than 1,800 years in China. The cultural art craft faced severe material shortages after China joined the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1990, which banned global commercial trade of ivory.
In July 2008, China became the second approved trade partner of African ivory by CITES after Japan. China was allowed a one-time purchase of ivory from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, which helped to increase material supply for the ivory carving industry.
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