© 2021 South Africa - The Good News No images? Click here March 2021 By Steuart Pennington In 1998, 22 years ago, our then Deputy President, Thabo Mbeki in opening of the debate on nation-building commented “This reality is South Africa comprises two nations, underwritten by the perpetuation of the racial, gender and spatial disparities born of a very long period of colonial and apartheid white minority domination, constitutes the material base which reinforces the notion that, indeed, we are not one nation, but two nations. [read more] Vodacom and Google South Africa give smartphones to deep rural communities free of charge to drive Digital Inclusion JOHANNESBURG – Vodacom Limpopo Region, in partnership with Google South Africa, will give hundreds of residents with Android powered smartphones at no cost in eleven villages across the Limpopo province. [read more] Investec and JWVH open first dedicated pangolin ward in Africa 18th February 2021 – In commemoration of World Pangolin Day on 20 February 2021, Investec today announced plans to fund and support the first dedicated pangolin veterinary ward in Africa in partnership with the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH). ..[read more] What did NOT happen?It is useful to start with what was expected by many commentators, but then did not actually materialise in the budget. There were no income tax increases. On the contrary, taxes were reduced, largely paid for by the usual culprits, sin taxes and the fuel levy, and this year joined by carbon taxes. Even more, R40 billion of tax increases over four years flagged by the Finance Minister last year, were withdrawn. Clearly there is an acceptance that higher taxes is not the way forward. [read more] The countdown to Rare Disease Day 2021 has officially begun. Taking place on 28 February, the annual event will see Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) ‘Redefining Rare’. In order to create #RareAwareness around the challenges that people living with a rare disease and their families face everyday, RDSA has likened the ‘new norm’ to ‘living rare’....[read more] REMINDER: MEDIA INVITATION: Corruption Watch to launch Veza, a tool to enhance Saps accountability In 2018 Corruption Watch was one of four winners of The Google Impact Challenge, which tasked local innovators to solve a social problem using technology. ...[read more] 2021 Concerns The South African economy is expected to contract by almost 8% YoY. Real GDP growth forecasts for 2021 range from 2.3% to 3.8%. Blocks to 2021 growth include energy supply challenges, the delayed Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, and unresolved fiscal issues. (http://bit.ly/3k9jUr8) Follow us: © 2021: South Africa - The Good News You are receiving this email Newsletter as a subscriber to our Newsletter group Share Tweet Share Forward Preferences | Unsubscribe |