The Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope (SKA) and its precursor, the MeerKAT,
will create enormous opportunities and alter the image of South Africa and the continent. So says Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
On the taxing issue of finance, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is taking
urgent steps against what he calls "significant tax avoidance schemes" in connection with the new dividends tax.
It's not surprising that companies are doing this - the dividends tax, which came into effect on 1 April this year at 15%, has pushed company tax in SA above an international norm of around 30%.
While the armed forces are not democracies and orders have to be obeyed, not debated, there's discipline... and then there's discipline - and when soldiers die or commit suicide, it's no wonder
SANDF discipline is in spotlight. This comes after a woman soldier apparently committed suicide after her commanding officer allegedly humiliated her.
Finally, for you petrol heads out there, our own little cookie, Henrie Geyser reckons the new Chinese offering from Great Wall Motors, the C10 has
promising fortune cookies. He likes the neat little hatch from the land of noodles and Mao's
Little Red Book.
Rod Baker, content director
Submit your company news to
environmentalnews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to
contributors-environmental@bizcommunity.com.
Kumi Naidoo, the South African director of Greenpeace International, was one of 15 activists who chained their boats to a passenger ship that transports workers to a Russian oil rig in the Arctic yesterday. 
Adopting simple strategies, especially when it comes to print procurement, can make a big difference towards going green. The three Rs (Reuse, Recycle, Recyclable) are the most important factors to focus on when it comes to managing a corporate's carbon footprint, reducing waste and paper usage. 
Philips Lighting Solutions has joined a Standard Bank programme that helps companies sell carbon credits they create by using energy efficient lighting. The programme provides a mechanism through which companies can save up to 80% on their lighting costs and simultaneously generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits. 
Kruger National Park (KNP) has joined hands with traditional health practitioners in an attempt to fight the escalating rhino poaching pandemic. Over 500 traditional health practitioners from Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces gathered at Skukuza soccer stadium on Friday, 31 August to declare their stand against rhino poaching. 
Four suspected rhino poachers were arrested this week during an anti-rhino poaching operation at the Kruger National Park. 
