Service delivery is a major problem as it is, but what exacerbates the issue is when those charged with using our tax monies to deliver services too often use it to further their own ends and enrich themselves. So it is to be welcomed that Minister of Justice and Reconciliation Jeff Radebe has announced that the names of those government officials convicted of corruption are to be published.

In a similar vein, National Planning Minister Trevor Manuel says there should be consequences for public servants who do not deliver. Many people might add to that: "What about adding non-performing government ministers and provincial MECs to the mix?"

Writing from the US, Reuben Yonatan tells us what we can expect from VoIP in 2013. As he says, the future is always bright for any kind of computer-related or especially internet-related technology so we can always expect new innovations, but just what sort of innovations can we predict?

It is the government's job to provide the environment in which business can thrive, and it is the job of business to then provide employment. Unfortunately, it appears that in SA much conspires against the establishment and healthy growth of SMEs; a recent study finds South Africa is hostile to SMEs.

Finally, the thought of our tame motoring editor Henrie Geyser in makeup - fancy or otherwise - is, well... deeply disturbing. But the same cannot be said, thank goodness, for Opel's new OPC rocket, which Henrie reckons is a rocket ship with fancy make-up.

Rod Baker: Content Director

Submit your company news to maritimenews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to contributors-maritime@bizcommunity.com.