By Gabi Khumalo

Pretoria - The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has again discouraged the overuse of testing and the use of Tamiflu by people with symptoms of H1N1 Influenza, known as swine flu.

NICD Deputy Director, Lucille Bloomberg, said most confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza are mild cases, which don't need laboratory tests or intake of Tamiflu, except for severe cases and cases in the high risk group.

"This pandemic is regarded as moderate, not severe and not everyone with H1N1 influenza need the laboratory tests. We can diagnose people without testing and treat them accordingly.

"The majority of people have mild cases of H1N1 and don't need any treatment but a rest at home. Don't do any exercises and take sufficient amount of fluids," Dr Bloomberg said, warning that the excessive use of Tamiflu may encourage resistance.

She said people are expected to recover after a period of seven days.

South Africa has confirmed 3 485 cases of H1N1 with 1 576 new cases being confirmed over the weekend, the number of deaths related to the pandemic is six.

By Gabi Khumalo

Johannesburg - The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System and Gautrain will raise the standard of public transport and put pressure on other operators including mini bus taxis to improve their service.

Addressing a Public Transport Summit on Saturday, ahead of the launch of the BRT buses, Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said the Rea Vaya aimed at providing a new and efficient transport option for the city's residents and visitors.

He said since the city's implementation will be a first not only for South Africa but also Southern Africa, adding that many eyes will be on the city as it works together to bring the project to its commuters.

"We really do require a world-class public transport system for our world-class African city, if we want to ensure a sustainable city for the next generation, public transport must come first," Mayor Masondo said.

However, he stressed that the BRT was not the only project to improve public transport on its own, but it was part of a bigger picture to provide an integrated transport network for the city and the province.

By Gabi Khumalo

Johannesburg - Soweto residents have welcomed the launch of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System buses.

Thrilled Soweto residents had the opportunity to get a free ride on the state-of-the-art buses on Sunday, ahead of the official launch of the BRT on 30 August.

The brightly coloured red, blue and white busses became the centre of attraction as they parked at the station built next to Thokoza Park.

The buses are fitted with closed circuit television cameras, advanced control equipment and features that cater for people with disabilities.

The high floor buses will allow passengers to embark and disembark at closed, raised stations, with level boarding every half a kilometre to three quarters of a kilometre. It will cut traffic congestion and contribute to faster transit times as well as less fuel wastage and air pollution.

Speaking to BuaNews on his return to Orlando with Rea Vaya, Soweto resident, Sendi Sambo said the ride was so peaceful and comfortable.

By Nthambeleni Gabara

Johannesburg - The first phase of the much anticipated Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System will start operating on 30 August, says Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo.

"I am happy to announce that on the 30 August 2009, we will be celebrating the first day of the BRT operation".

Johannesburg - In preparation for the much anticipated launch of Rea Vaya, South Africa's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, at the end of August, the City of Joburg will start closing off some traffic lanes.

Dedicated traffic lanes were constructed specifically for the Rea Vaya project to ensure a fast and effective public transport system for commuters.

At the end of this month, phase 1A of the Rea Vaya will be operational between Regina Mundi and Ellis Park.

"During August, barriers will be erected across the BRT lanes at all intersections to sensitise the public not to use those lanes. There will also be road signs to indicate the 'bus only' lanes," said Rehana Moosajee, the City's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transportation.

Points-men will also be deployed at key intersections to alleviate any congestion.

Ms Moosajee warned that road users should be aware that illegally parked vehicles within the BRT corridors will be towed away.

Additionally, road users should take note of special traffic signals intended for the BRT buses at intersections.

By Proffesor Ndawonde

Johannesburg - Government will continue with its projects to help develop the lives of the disadvantaged despite a low budget, says Minister of Human Settlement Tokyo Sexwale.

During a visit to Diepsloot on Monday, Minister Sexwale said that government's budget for this financial year has declined by about R60 billion due to the global economic downturn, which has negatively impacted on government's developmental projects.

However, the minister assured the close-knit community, north of Johannesburg that government will make a plan to ensure that the poor of the poorest are living in proper human conditions.

"We are currently having problems of local and global economic recession which has decreased government's budget by R60 billion which will affect our programmes including human settlement programmes.

"However, with this insufficient budget we will make plans which will guarantee that these people are living in better and appropriate conditions," said the minister, who had set up a makeshift office in the area for queries.

By Proffesor Ndawonde

Johannesburg - Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale spent Monday night in the strife-torn informal settlement of Diepsloot as part of his "sincere listen campaign" to get first hand experience on the living conditions of the people there.

"What we are doing here is to work with people closely and close the gap between government and the poor of the poorest.

"The 24 hours that I have spent in the informal settlement was absolutely informative. We have collected valuable information about the plight of the people living in Diepsloot.

"We will use this information as part of the department's planning strategy," the minister said in an interview with 702 Talk Radio on Tuesday morning.

Minister Sexwale said his visit in the north of Johannesburg informal settlements was part of his department's listen campaign to have proper conversation with ordinary people.

He added that he spent the night in Diepsloot's extension one, the scene of recent service delivery protests, to get a better understanding of the residents living conditions.

By Proffesor Ndawonde

Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg has pledged to upgrade all informal settlements in the city by 2014, says the city's Mayor Amos Masondo.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Mayor Masondo said through its innovative Informal Settlement Formalisation and Upgrading Programme, the city will formalise all the 180 informal settlements comprising of more than 200 000 households.

He affirmed the city intends to improve the lives of people living in informal settlements by building quality houses or relocating them to areas with better conditions.

"The objective of the programme is to attend to all informal settlements within the city boundaries and to improve the living conditions of residents, including their health and safety.

"We are also seeking to make significant progress in the upgrading of services and infrastructure," said Mayor Masondo.

The programme would further ensure that all settlements within the municipality boundaries are legally recognised and that where settlements are hazardously or poorly located, alternative provision would be made.

By Chris Bathembu

Pretoria - Johannesburg Metro police have urged people to stay away from the city centre ahead of the threatened municipal workers strike on Monday.

"We reiterate our plea that if you don't need to be in the CBD, please stay in your offices until at least 2pm," Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Edna Mamonyane told BuaNews.

She said police were monitoring the situation but that no major incidents have been reported so far, adding that pickets have started in some parts of the city.

"Our members are on high alert and we hope to make sure the action is kept as peaceful as possible," she said.

More than 150 000 municipal workers are set to down tools and municipal services countrywide are set to be disrupted.

The workers are demanding a 15 percent wage increase.

The strike may affect refuge collection and traffic services, but efficient services such as police and emergency work will not be affected by the mass action, according to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The National Construction Week is celebrated in many industrialized countries in the world and in South Africa it is traditionally observed during the last week of July (Sunday 26 July to Sunday 02 August).

A brainchild of the Department of Public Works, the National Construction Week, has been celebrated annually since 2006 and the 2009 theme is: "Construction industry lays concrete foundations in the era of renewal" and is sub-themed "the role of the construction industry in economic growth, social development and human resources development".

Government job creation and poverty alleviation programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme, the Rural Development and the Urban Renewal strategies were to a larger extent dependent on the viable construction and built environment industries for their achievement and impact. The industry is also pivotal to the provision of other basic but essential public infrastructure such as water reticulation, sanitation, rural road network, low cost housing, schools, clinics, and the Thusong (multi purpose community information) centres.

By Gabi Khumalo

Johannesburg - Deputy Minister of Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu on Sunday visited construction projects at a correctional facility and a police station to check on the progress made.

The visits formed part of the annual National Construction Week which kicked of today. The week is coordinated by the department to showcase the role and contribution of the construction industry in the Reconstruction and Development Programme of Government.

Ms Bogopane-Zulu first visited the Boksburg Correctional Facility to check on the progress of a R28 million project aimed at repairing and maintaining the mechanical and electrical installations inside the facility.

Among the equipment which are being fixed and repair at the correctional facility include boilers, steam pipes, generators, security fencing, kitchen, laundry and workshop equipments, intercom system as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Through the project over 27 youth are employed and are being trained in various specialised trades as part of government's job creation and skills development initiative under the Expanded Public Works Programme and National Youth Service.

Durban - Durban Mayor, Councillor Obed Mlaba, has strongly condemned the criminal behaviour of members of the Unemployed People's Movement who looted shops in the city centre on Wednesday.

"Notwithstanding the constitutional right of people to strike and the plight faced by the unemployed, the looting of shops can not be justified," said the mayor, in a statement on Thursday.

"We are disturbed by the movement's criminal activity. These are purely criminal deeds and they can never be tolerated."

According to reports, a group of about 100 people looted the Shoprite and Pick n Pay stores on Dr Pixley KaSeme Street. The group allegedly took chicken, groceries and other items without paying for them until the police arrived.

A number of the movement's members were arrested.

Councillor Mlaba said: "I have asked the police to investigate this criminal activity and bring the people who were involved to book. The organisers of this march should be equally held liable."

The Unemployed People's Movement handed a memorandum to the eThekwini Municipality recently, demanding that they be given basic income grants.

Johannesburg - Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has expressed concern about the state of the country's poor environment, saying it was a violation to a person's constitutional right to clean surroundings.

"I am extremely concerned about the state of our environment, especially in the townships and other municipal areas.

"We as a department are extremely worried that our communities have to live in such squalid conditions that violate their constitutional right to a clean environment," the minister said at the Local Government Indaba on Wednesday.

She urged municipalities, communities and other stakeholders to forge partnerships to take better care of the environment, adding that there was a need to focus on financial resources committed to environmental management.

"The time has come for all of us to act. I must also hasten to add that rights are accompanied by responsibilities which also place a degree of responsibility on our communities to be active agents of a clean environment," the minister said.

Global Witness to testify at Financial Services Committee Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON DC: Some of the world's major banks, including Barclays and Citibank, have been facilitating corruption and undermining development in some of the worst-governed countries in the world, campaigning organisation Global Witness will testify to the U.S. House of Representatives' Financial Services Committee today (May 19).

Global Witness lead investigator, Anthea Lawson, will tell Committee members, including Chairman Barney Frank, that a catalogue of failures in the design and enforcement of anti-money laundering laws has enabled banks to help politicians from some of the world's most corrupt regimes to use government money to fund lavish lifestyles, while their populations live in poverty.

"The key factors allowing banks to do business with corrupt regimes are precisely those which allowed banks to destabilize the U.S. and other major economies […] People now agree that we need to reassess the way we regulate banks. We must also take this opportunity to tackle the way banks facilitate corruption, and thus help fuel poverty," said Ms Lawson.

By Chris Bathembu

Johannesburg - Construction bosses and unions are currently meeting at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offices for crucial talks aimed at ending the week long strike by workers.

Speaking to BuaNews shortly before the meeting on Tuesday, head of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Danny Jordaan said he was confident a consensus can still be reached to end the dispute.

"We are confident but please let's speak after the meeting," said Dr Jordaan.

The National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) has rejected the latest wage offer put forward by employers.

Workers have been striking for over a week now, demanding a 13 percent increase. The employers, represented by the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, upped their offer to 11.5 percent from the initial 10 percent.

The mass action has crippled work in major 2010 projects including the construction of rapid rail network, Gautrain. - BuaNews