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US rebukes Rwanda about human rights

BY NICHOLAS KOTCH – THE US has signalled to Rwanda’s hardline government that there is a limit to its support, particularly when human rights are deemed to be under threat. The US state department rebuked Rwanda on Wednesday for holding people incommunicado and threatening journalists. “The US is deeply concerned by the arrest and disappearance […]

Young women less likely to find employment than young men

By Shannon de Ryhove – South Africa’s unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 34 years increased from 32.7% to 36.1% between 2008 and 2014, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Thursday. The unemployment rate was consistently higher among youth than among adults by more than 20 percentage points in the post recessionary period, […]

Global Witness Warns That Majority of Inaugural Conflict Mineral Reports Are Inadequate

By Global Witness – The first set of company reports submitted under a landmark U.S. law that aims to stop the minerals trade fuelling violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fall short of the mark, warns Global Witness. “Some firms have made strong submissions containing detailed information about the steps they have taken […]

Majority of People Lack Proper Social Protection, UN Agency Reports

UN News Service – In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, more than 70 per cent of the world population is without proper social protections, the United Nations labour agency today reported, urging governments to scale up investment in child and family benefits, pensions and other public expenditures. As many as 122 governments are […]

Social Protection a Human Right – ILO

BY JOE DECAPUA – The ILO has released its World Social Protection Report: Building economic recovery, inclusive development and social justice. It says that “social protection policies play a critical role… reducing poverty and inequality… and boosting human capital and productivity.” The ILO report said inadequate or a lack of social protections “is associated with […]

Patriarchy: An obstacle to women empowerment?

By Matshidiso Motsoeneng and Brian Mathebula The CGAP-Ford Foundation Graduation pilot programs around the world have been credited for reaching the most vulnerable groups (ultra-poor) living in the bottom 15% of the economy. In fact, what we know internationally is that poverty is more prevalent amongst women, whom in most instances development interventions do not […]

Glencore to cut 124 jobs at Namibia zinc and lead mine

By: Reuters LONDON – Global mining and commodity trading company Glencore said it was cutting 124 jobs, or about 20% of the staff, at its Rosh Pinah zinc and lead mine in Namibia to control costs. Glencore bought an 80.1% stake in Rosh Pinah zinc and lead mine, in southwestern Namibia, 800 kilometers south of […]

Striking Amcu workers to consider state wage proposal

Reuters – Amcu is considering a government proposal to resolve a five-month platinum strike and will put it to its members this week. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) is considering a government proposal to resolve a five-month platinum strike and will put it to its members this week, union president Joseph Mathunjwa […]

Marikana commission: Lonmin condemned for avoiding miners

By Gabi Falanga – A member of Lonmin management has faced strong criticism for not being willing to negotiate directly with the miners during their strike. A top Lonmin employee faced strong criticism on Tuesday at the Marikana commission for the company’s inflexible approach towards miners in the days leading up to the Marikana massacre. […]