Tourism Awareness DayTourism Awareness Day edition 2012.pdf · Model of most developing countries. This publication is meant to give you an insight as to what our Department and government

July - September 2012 EditionJuly - September 2012 Edition

Mpumalanga’s economic story, in our wordsMpumalanga’s economic story, in our wordsMpumalanga’s economic story, in our words

Department:Economic Development, Environment and TourismMPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

the dedet

Litiko Letekutfutfukiswa Kwetemnotfo,Simondzawo netekuVakasha

Umnyango WezokuThuthukiswa KoMnotho, iBhoduluko nezamaVakatjho

Department van Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling,Omgewing en Toerisme

Mining Industry must contribute towards...

Mining Industry must contribute towards...

Spend wiselyduring the Festive SeasonSpend wiselyduring the Festive Season

Tourism Awareness DayTourism Awareness Day

Temnotf o Official Newsletter

contentsHOD’sremarks

Temnotfo was compiled by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism's editorial team. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the MEC or management of the Mpumalanga Department Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. Although care has been taken to verify the accuracy of information, the editorial team of this publication takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies.

Tourism as indicated before, is a key constituent for the Department, and Tourism Month (September) was filled with events celebrating our Province - Mpumalanga - as a tourist destination. The MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; Mr Norman Mokoena, encouraged responsible tourism at a Tourism Awareness Day event outside Malelane.

The mining industry can contribute a lot towards sustainable development and thus a Mining Lekgotla was held in Middelburg to address issues relating to mining. The high profile event was graced by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu; Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa; The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr David Mabuza and our MEC, Mr Norman Mokoena. We have also included The Pledge which was signed by the key stakeholders for your perusal.

As a top up, MEC Norman Mokoena donated a laptop to a Mining Engineer student from Aconhoek in Bushbuckridge. He also donated school shoes to needy learners in Hazyview.

Rhino poaching has been on the increase recently and this has made us adamant to declare war against this ferocious act by ensuring that our law enforcement agencies deal with them aggressively.

Mpumalanga crowns business minded entrepreneurs during the Provincial Business Launch Pad Competition. We further continue to encourage our citizens to be entrepreneurs, and not tendepreneurs, in line with the Economic Development Model of most developing countries. This publication is meant to give you an insight as to what our Department and government continue to do to fulfil our mandate, and also what we plan to do going forward.

Dr V Dlamini

Head of Department

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Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

Temnotf o Official Newsletter 2

Editorial Team

Editor : Mohau RamodibeSub Editor : Beulah LucasPhotography : Silence Mhlaba, Searabo Motshwanedi, Sunday Mbatha and Dlamini Multimedia Journalist : Searabo Motshwanedi, Comfort Ngobe, Immi Simelane, Sunday Mbatha, Patrick Mazibuko and Thabo Makhubedu Layout and : Dineo Motshegare Design

Send your letters and comments to

The Editor, Building No 4, First Floor, Communication DepartmentE-mail: [email protected]

Temnotfo

Tourism Awareness Day

MEC Mokoena donates a laptopto a Mining Engineering Student

Mpumalanga crowns business minded entrepreneurs

Mining Industry must contribute towards Infrastructure developments in the province - Mpumalanga Premier

Mpumalanga Mining Lekgotla Pledge

MEC Mokoena declares war on Rhino Poachers

Mpumalanga can have more Entrepreneursnot Tenderpreneurs

MEC Mokoena donates school shoesto needy learners

Spend wiselyduring the Festive Season

Dr. Vusanani Dlamini

contents

Ka - Mhlushwa – “Domestic tourism encourages responsible tourism,” said MEC Norman Mokoena, speaking during the Tourism Awareness Day event held at Elangeni Lodge outside Malelane.

MEC Mokoena added that the province had signed an agreement with Swaziland and Mozambique to ensure that the two countries contribute towards making Mpumalanga Province a world class tourism destination.

“Part of the agreement portrays that you can have breakfast in Mpumalanga, lunch in Swaziland and have dinner in Mozambique and sleep over. The natural beauty that Mpumalanga does not have, like a sea , can be seen by visitors while they are in Mozambique,” concluded the MEC.

Delivering her Keynote address, Deputy Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa said “Domestic Tourism is key to creating sustainable jobs for locals, and domestic tourism has the power to assist the province and municipalities in developing local co-operatives.

Domestic tourism is extremely important because it is the major driver of tourism growth in South Africa”.

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Chairperson of the Board, Mr Jerry Ngomane, supported Xasa’s, views by saying, “The backbone of Tourism in any country is domestic tourism, and our main aim in Mpumalanga is to showcase the exciting attractions the province has to offer. Many of the attractions have left international tourists awestruck, although our local travellers right here at home have not discovered them yet.”

- by Sunday Mbatha

TourismTourismAwareness Awareness

DayDay

Deputy Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa and MEC MokoenaDeputy Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa and MEC Mokoena

3 Temnotf o Official Newsletter


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Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism


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in the province doing mining engineering following the assistance of MEC Mokoena who engaged Anglo American to request them to award her a bursary.

Speaking during the handover of a laptop to Confidence, MEC Norman Mokoena congratulated her for continuing to raise the name of the province very high by performing outstandingly.

malahleni – A mining engineering student at the University of Johannesburg, Confidence Nkuna 20 from Aconhoek in Bushbugridge municipality - a Ebursary holder from Anglo American, is currently

making her mark in the mining industry.

Confidence Nkuna is currently doing practicals at Anglo American as a trainee. She is a former student of Maripe Secondary Schoolin Bushbugridge. She is one of few students

MEC Mokoena

- by Ngobe Comfort

donates

Confidence Nkuna a Student at University of Johannesburgreceiving a laptop from MEC Norman MokoenaConfidence Nkuna a Student at University of Johannesburgreceiving a laptop from MEC Norman Mokoena

a laptop to a Mining Engineering Student

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study, and I will make sure that I succeed in the mining industry. In the past mining engineering was categorised as the male dominated career, and with the new opportunities that government is making available for women, I will make it in the mining sector,” concluded Confidence Nkuna.

During school holidays, Confidence motivates matriculants around Arthur-seat Circuit in Bushbugridge, and assists them with mathematics and physical science subjects.

“Government is urging learners to work very hard in their studies, and working closely with private sector government will ensure that learners who perform outstandingly, will be assisted by offering them bursaries,” said MEC Norman Mokokena.

Accepting the laptop, Confidence Nkuna said ''I am very grateful with the gift that I have received from the MEC. I really appreciate the laptop because I need it in my field of

a laptop to a Mining Engineering Student donates

MEC Norman Mokoena advising Confidence Nkuna about the importance of education

MEC Norman Mokoena advising Confidence Nkuna about the importance of education



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Mpumalanga

business minded The HoD further encouraged the SMMEs to critically study and use the growth path strategy to direct the provincial effort of creating jobs. The winners were awarded in the following categories: Manufacturing, Information Technology, Tourism, Construction, Transport, Media and Communication and Agriculture.

The HoD remarked that SMMEs provide many opportunities for employment for many people.

“The Provincial Government recognises that SMMEs have a greater potential to improve the economic growth. This is against the backdrop that research shows that 57% economic growth in Indonesia comes from the SMMEs,” said Dlamini.

The Department is mandated to transform the economy of the Province, therefore it is the responsibility of the relevant unit within the dedet to assist entrepreneurs with both funding and mentoring workshops.

“All winners, in addition to funding, received a prize package comprising of laptops, software, business library (five selected books) and mentorship through the project.

The Department together with strategic partners on Business Launch Pad such as Seda, Sefa, NYDA, Nedbank will continue to support the SMMEs,” said HoD Dlamini.

he Department recognised business minded entrepreneurs during the Provincial leg of the Business Launch Pad Competition held at Bundu Inn Ton 31 August 2012.

A total of 25 entrepreneurs were honoured with certificates during the glamorous event.

Mpumalanga Business Launch Pad is part of the national strategy to recognise the contribution of small and medium enterprises and individus in the national programme of job creation.

Addressing the stakeholders, The Head of Department, Dr Vusanani Dlamini, shared his delight in participating in the initiative. Dr Dlamini said that this initiative is significant because it helps the Department to promote the job creating initiatives in the province.

The competition encourages individuals and cooperatives

to translate their ideas into job creating initiatives, to improve businesses and to help

established small business to flourish and grow bigger.

- by Searabo Motshwanedi entrepreneurs

Tessa Jansen

HoD Vusanani Dlamini with SMME award winnersHoD Vusanani Dlamini with SMME award winners

the dedet officials listeningthe dedet officials listening

Immy SerakalalaImmy Serakalala


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business minded entrepreneurs

crowns

HOD Vusanani Dlamini, SMME award winner and Lemmy Mdluli

HOD Vusanani Dlamini, SMME award winner and Lemmy Mdluli

Tessa Jansen

Phumzile Mnizi(Seda - Ehlanzeni)

Phumzile Mnizi(Seda - Ehlanzeni)

Hlengiwe DladlaHlengiwe Dladla

Mining Mining

Atwo day Mining Lekgotla was held from 1st to 2nd November 2012 under the theme, “Towards Mining for Sustainable development.” It was aimed at developing better mechanisms to enhance the contribution of the mining

industry to sustainable development, with specific emphasis on human capital development, enterprise development and infrastructure development in mostly mining areas.

Mineral Resources Minister, Ms Susan Shabangu congratulated Mpumalanga for being the first province to host a Mining Lekgotla, where issues affecting the mining industries and government were discussed under one umbrella.

“Government is working around the clock to transform the mining industry in the country, which in the past was self

regulated, and the picture that has been painted today in the mining sector, is the result of the sector not being transformed. What has happened in the Marikana Mines is a lesson for the country and an eye opener for everyone, and we need to ensure that it does not happen again.

The mining industry need to skill its people and stop using cheap labour. Those engineers from the mines can be able to assist municipalities. South Africans also need to go to school to empower themselves because there are many opportunities in the mining industries, as most of these opportunities favour the educated. I am also challenging Further Education Training (FET) Colleges to produce skilled students who will be able to assist the mining sector,” said Minister of Mineral Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu.

Industry Industrytowards Infrastructure Developments in the province

by Ngobe Comfort

Middelburg – The mining industry has got a potential to contribute towards job creation and infrastructure development in the Mpumalanga province, and will be able to contribute to the economy of the country.

Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza and other delegates at the Mining Lekgotla

Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza and other delegates at the Mining Lekgotla

MEC Norman Mokoena at the Mining Lekgotla

MEC Norman Mokoena at the Mining Lekgotla

- by Comfort Ngobe

SIYAXOXA



Her sentiments were echoed by Mpumalanga Premier, Mr David Mabuza who called on the mining industries to assist government in its quest to fight unemployment, poverty and inequality in order to transfer skills to the miners.

“The Mpumalanga Provincial government is committed to work closely with the mining sector. We have identified mining as one of the key drivers of job creation and a skills development catalyst which the province needs.

In his message of support, Inkosi Mnisi from the Mpumalanga House of Traditional of Leaders, requested the mining industry in the province to contribute with tangible infrastructure projects, that will leave a legacy for the people of Mpumalanga.

Programme Director of the Mining Lekgotla,

MEC Norman Mokoena

Dr Nthabiseng Motete addressing the attendees of the Mining Lekgotla

the dedet Officials at the Mining Lekgotla

Participants engaging each other during the Mining Lekgotla

Mr Lemmy Mdluli chairing a commission

Minister Susan Shabangu delivering her speech

Almarie De Lange and Jabulile Hlatshwayo pausing for a picture

Silindile Ntshangase, Thuliswa Guzana and Nelisiwe Duma

ready to usher in delegates

towards Infrastructure Developments in the province

Middelburg – The mining industry has got a potential to contribute towards job creation and infrastructure development in the Mpumalanga province, and will be able to contribute to the economy of the country.

must contribute must contribute– Mpumalanga Premier




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MPUMALANGA

MINING LEKGOTLA

02 November 2012

Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall, Middelburg, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mpumalanga

PLEDGE

Preamble

Government, Business, Labour, Community organisations and Traditional Leaders assembled in Middleburg, Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province from the 1st – 2nd of November 2012, for the Mining Lekgotla, under the theme “Mining for sustainable development”, to engage on issues pertaining to the mining sector and its contribution towards sustainable growth and development.

As social partners:

We RECOGNISE that unemployment, poverty and inequality continue to pose various challenges to our people in the Province.

We also RECOGNISE that the mining sector is facing various challenges that threaten the stability of the local economy and communities,

We Acknowledge that it is through our united and collaborative effort that we can protect and transform the industry towards fostering a meaningful contribution to economic development and job creation.

We therefore, COMMIT ourselves to work together:

To enhance human capital development through, but not limited to, the establishment of Maths, Science and Technology Academy; the establishment of a High Tech Centre of Excellence to increase the skills-base in the province, prioritising, inter alia, artisan and agricultural skills; support the establishment of the University as well as the provision of bursary scheme targeted learners;We also commit ourselves to work together:

To focus on infrastructure development and urban renewal through the rejuvenation of mining towns to promote basic, social and economic infrastructure development within the context of sustainable human settlements; to support the Coal Haulage Network initiatives and to realign Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) with Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of municipalities and collaboratively align our SLPs to create maximum impact.

We Commit to engage other strategic sectors such as metals and steels, petrochemicals, energy to participate in this initiative.

“Towards Mining for Sustainable Development”



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We further commit ourselves:

To develop and promote small businesses and cooperatives in order to stimulate local economic development focusing on the establishment of Industrial Parks for capacity building and also enhancing procurement spend of mining houses with particular emphasis on the previously disadvantaged groups;We also commit ourselves to support and promote sustainable development and the protection of the environment through rehabilitation and making land available for productive use, particularly for agriculture activities.These commitments we are making today cannot be implemented without the willingness of all parties to work together to address the triple challenges confronting our people.

Working together we commit to do everything in our power to implement the Programme of Action that was adopted at this meeting and to achieve all the objectives that we have set in this Lekgotla.We commit ourselves to finalise detailed action plans for the identified priority programmes within a period of three months.

We agree to setup an institutional structure to implement the agreed Programme of Action (POA).

IT IS THEREFORE AGREED THAT THIS IS THE DOCUMENT REFLECTING THE COMMITMENTS OF STAKEHOLDERS HEREBY UNDERSIGNED ON THIS DAY OF THE 2nd OF NOVEMBER 2012, MIDDLEBURG, NKANGALA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, and MPUMALANGA.



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MEC Mokoena

Photograph by Brent Stirton Photograph by Brent Stirton

http://troubledbiologist.blogspot.com/2012/03/war-with-rhino-poachers.htmlhttp://troubledbiologist.blogspot.com/2012/03/war-with-rhino-poachers.html

declares war on Rhino Poachers

MEC Mokoena

declares war on Rhino Poachers

DEHORNRHINO POACHERS


Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

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- by Ngobe Comfort & Patrick Mazibuko

declares war on Rhino Poaching

declares war on Rhino Poaching

elspruit – The MEC for Economic Development Environment and Tourism, Mr Norman Mokoena says goverment is concerned with the increasing number of incidents of rhino Npoaching. The MEC made the statement

following the release of figures by the Department of Environment Affairs, which indicate that a total of 588 rhino have been killed country-wide for horns since the beginning of this year.

“I fail to understand why greed should rule the lives of those who kill our rhinos for their horns. They have realized, through the arrest and convictions that the hand of the law is too long, but they continue and go back and maim our rhinos. I have a message for them – our law enforcement agencies will continue to put them behind bars. We will not let greed rule,” said MEC Mokoena.

A total of 66 people have been arrested for rhino poaching in the province since the beginning of 2012, out of a total of 246 country-wide.

“In August this year, two people were sentenced to 29 years in jail for rhino poaching by the Nelspruit Magistarte Court.

I wonder why these cruel people are not learning from this situation. Maybe the sentences are not sending a clear message or are not harsh enough. I hope that all the others who have been arrested will receive the harshest sentence ever.

We urge our people to work closely with the law enforcement agencies and report all incident of rhino poaching or to provide any tip – off s that could lead to the arrest of, and prevention of illegal poaching by calling the national toll- free number at 0800 205 005,” concluded the MEC.

Mpumalanga

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Gauteng

Eastern Cape

Northern Cape

MNP (SANParks)

KNP (SANParks)

North West

Western Cape

Limpopo

Free State

146

17

38

15

4

1

252

31

34

9

11

0

6

21

6

74

4

0

57

0

52

3

2010 2011

362

27

59

1

7

0

3

75

2

52

0

2012

Rhino poaching statisticsSouth Africa

448333 588

Rhino poaching arrests statistics

Mpumalanga

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Gauteng

Eastern Cape

Northern Cape

MNP (SANParks)

KNP (SANParks)

North West

Western Cape

Limpopo

Free State

61

66

15

26

0

1

82

73

4

16

2

0

0

21

0

34

0

0

32

0

39

6

2012 2011

67

16

25

10

7

0

0

2

2

36

0

2010South Africa - arrests

232246 165

Of the 246 arrested individuals, 217 are at the level of poacher, 18 are couriers and 11 are receivers.

can have more Entrepreneurs

- by Ngobe Comfort

Tenderpreneurs

Nelspruit – South Africa needs to develop entrepreneurs not tenderpreneurs, who are in line with the Economic Development Model of most of the developing countries, MEC Norman Mokoena has said.

MEC Mokoena was speaking at the annual feedback session which was organised by the Department of Trade and Industry entity, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) in Mbombela.

“We are urging role players such as SEDA, to continue with the support so that our province can have enterpreneurs

not tenderpreneurs. The Province has many small, micro and medium enterprises, therefore SEDA must continue to encourage the creation of more co-operatives as this will benefit more people instead of individuals.

Motivating other aspiring business people in the province, Zodwa Masinga who runs

Nkozwenhle Manufacturing Company in Kabokweni outside White River,



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can have more Entrepreneurs Tenderpreneurs

shared her success story with other enterpreneurs. “My company started with an idea that SEDA turned into a reality in 2007. We had the same vision with my partner and through SEDA’s mentorship and a well prepared business proposal, we secured a loan from ABSA and recieved the funding from the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA),” said Masinga.

Nkozwenhle company is one of the few companies in the province that are suppliers of polypropylene and woven bags that are used in the agricultural industry. Now Nkozwenhle employs 2 000 people on a permanent basis. It requires more financial assistance from any recognised financial institution to expand its business. This will be able to create more job opportunities for the people of the province.

MEC Mokoena was also impressed by the enterpreneurial spirit especially by the owner of Nkonzwenhle Manu-facturing company and said, “What I heard today has proven that through partnership with government, business people and other financial institutions, anything is possible in business.”

Delegates listening attentivelyDelegates listening attentively

MEC Mokoena do nates school shoes

to needy learners -by Ngobe Comfort

Learners waiting to receive their school shoesLearners waiting to receive their school shoes

MEC Mokoena and Bushbuckridge Regional Manager MS Sibongile Mhlanga

MEC Mokoena and Bushbuckridge Regional Manager MS Sibongile Mhlanga

Dedet Officials and Teachers showing the boxes with school shoes insideDedet Officials and Teachers showing the boxes with school shoes inside



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Hazyview- Two hundred destitute learners in Mpumalanga will be wearing new school shoes. This was made possible by MEC Norman Mokoena and Old Mutual, who opened their hearts and donated 200 pairs of school shoes to learners of Puledi Secondary School, Green Valley

Primary School and Phatsadi Primary School in Bushbugridge outside Hazyview.

Speaking during the hand over of the school shoes at Puledi premises, MEC Mokoena said, “When Premier David Mabuza took over the current administration, he mandated all MEC's to make an imprint in changing the face of education in the province. Today, I am happy to be handing over school shoes to learners, who are the future of this country.

With the current stakeholders involved in the education sector, I am confident that the province will do well in this year's matric pass rate.”

The MEC also thanked teachers and councillors who assisted in identifying the 200 learners who are the beneficiaries of the shoes, and urged the learners to be disciplined and dedicated towards their school work.

Mokoena's sentiments were echoed by Old Mutual, Bushbuckridge Regional Manager, Ms Sibongile Mhlanga who said, “We will continue to respond to the challenges faced by the education system in this country, and through our corporate social responsibility programme, we will continue to support and partner with Mpumalanga Provincial Goverment. We have already donated 600 pairs of shoes to learners in the province.”

A jubliant school principal of Puledi secondary School could not hide her joy when she saw her learners wearing new school shoes for the firts time, and thanked the commitment showed by MEC Norman Mokoena who always assists them when it matters most.

do nates school shoes

to needy learners

MEC Mokoena giving shoes to learners

MEC Mokoena giving shoes to learners

MEC Mokoena chat with one of the shoes beneficiaries

MEC Mokoena chat with one of the shoes beneficiaries



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he festive season is around the corner and as is the tradition, consumers will fall prey to heavy marketing ploys in the form of lucrative advertising and other forms of merchandise promotions by businesses that seek to generate Tthe hard earned income from consumers.

We live in a period shrouded with tough economic challenges characterized by high levels of food prices, high fuel prices, high electricity rates which have negative effects on our disposable incomes.

A lot of consumers are struggling to pay school fees, medical expenses and municipal services, to mention but a few. Unemployment and high inflation rates play a major role in the financial difficulties for South African consumers.

The Financial vulnerability of South African Consumers remains high and borrowing habits show worrying trends as consumers borrow money to finance essential expenses such as electricity, food and transport.

There has been a noticeable increase in granting of unsecured loans by banks and other various providers to the middle and lower income groups, who are already experiencing high level of over-indebtedness. The granting of unsecured credit has a potential to increase social and economic tensions as many South African consumers struggle to pay their debts.

Despite the gloom economic situation, we are however obliged to do the right things. Let us manage our finances well. We need to cut on unnecessary expenditure and importantly, save for a better future for the children.

Spend wisely during Spend wisely during the Festive Seasonthe Festive Season- by Thabo Makhubedu



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1. Cash is the cheapest option – it is interest free, you can negotiate discounts and shop around for better prices.

2. Remember credit options have additional cost implications such as finance charges and interest.

3. Read contracts or agreements carefully before signing. Your signature is your yes and legally binding. Never sign a blank document.

4. Be aware of NO Return NO Refund policies when purchasing items. 5. Always keep your original packaging and receipt (till slip) as you may not be

able to return default goods or exchange items without it.6. Make sure that you understand the warrantees and guarantees of the goods.7. Grey/parallel goods will not be repaired by any dealership, and you might

only be able to service/ fix goods at store purchased. 8. Take note of expiry / sell-by dates. 9. Do not cancel / skip payments on your medical aid or insurance – if anything

happens to you during this period, you are not covered.10. Do not spend more then what you have. Save for the January expenses such

as school fees and school clothes, transport costs, etc.

Spend wisely during Spend wisely during the Festive Seasonthe Festive Season

The Provincial Consumer Affairs Office has produced

for consumers. a top ten shopping list The 10 tips are:

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our Clients!

Hi, I am Lungile Libambo, Miss Mpumalanga 2012, official Ambassador of the Mpumalanga Gambling Board.

I support Responsible Gambling and urge you to do the same.

Gambling responsibly means gambling for entertainment only and not spending more money or time gambling than once can afford to.

The essence of responsible gambling is informed consumer choice.

Gambling is for persons 18 years and above.

For problem gambling counselling call 0800-006-008 or email: [email protected]

Pioneers in gambling regulation

Documents

Tourism Awareness DayTourism Awareness Day edition 2012.pdf · Model of most developing countries. This publication is meant to give you an insight as to what our Department and government