77 % of South Africa’s youth support the wage subsidy

May 25, 2012

In an opinion research report released by TNS, it was revealed that 77 % of young South Africans support the implementation of the Youth Wage Subsidy. On top of that, 66 % of people older than 31 (those who would not directly benefit from the subsidy) also support the implementation of the policy).

The Democratic Alliance marches for the youth in South Africa.

The people have spoken clearly. A vast majority want the youth wage subsidy and they want it now.

The South African Government’s decision to delay the youth wage subsidy is in effect putting the agenda of COSATU’s leadership above the interests and will of a vast majority of South Africans.

This policy can benefit 423 000 young people in three years. We’ve got the money for it, Treasury’s drawn up the plan and the people support it.

The time has come for government to do the right thing and put the interests of the people first.

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President Zuma must fire Bheki Cele

May 25, 2012

According to reports this morning, the Board of Inquiry into the fitness of suspended National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele has recommended that President Zuma remove him from the job.

The Board has found that Cele lacked the capacity to execute his official duties efficiently and was not fit to hold office. It was further found that his grave misconduct as national police commissioner and his apparent unlawful conduct further proved that he was unable to hold office. It is also reported that evidence suggested there was a questionable relationship between Cele and property tycoon Roux Shabangu.

The Democratic Alliance has since his appointment in 2009 maintained that Bheki Cele is not fit to occupy the position. The DA at the time specifically questioned his independence and impartiality, track-record, ethical conduct, and his skills and experience.

President Zuma must act swiftly and decisively upon the recommendations of the Board and sack Bheki Cele as top cop once and for all.

The President must further show that he is serious about restoring the credibility of and public confidence in the SAPS by appointing a National Commissioner from the ranks of the police who possesses the requisite qualifications, experience in the police service and in its management, and a track-record of professionalism and excellence.

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The cost of living in 2002

May 25, 2012

Does it feel like your money does not make it to the end of the month anymore or that life has got more expensive?

Despite salary increases, the cost of living has indeed spiralled upwards in the past 10 years with petrol being the biggest culprit. In 2002, a litre of petrol cost R 3.61, while 10 years later a litre costs R 12. 22 – a whopping 239 % increase.

Funnily enough a Ford icon motor car showed only a 66 % increase while renting a 3 bedroom house in Cape Town would be 98 % more expensive.

A litre of milk is 158 % more expensive 10 yeards later while a tin of coffee is 191 % more expensive. Life is certainly not chaep anymore.

Has your income increased by even 100 % in the past 10 years?

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More turmoil at Billabong

May 24, 2012

In a move that signifies major change at Billabong, the 20 year Billabong veteran and CEO Derek O’Neill was pushed aside last week to make way for former Target managing director Launa Inman.

Billabong founder Gordon Merchant has also refused to publicly back the retailer’s chairman Ted Kunkel, just a week after the company ousted O’Neill.

When asked where Merchant had confidence in Kunkel remaining as chairman he replied, “We will see”.

Jordy Smith will have to wait until next year to defend with WCT Billabong Pro title. Photo: ASP

Mr Merchant, a non-executive director at Billabong, said he had broken the news to Mr O’Neill of Ms Inman’s appointment.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the upheaval last week, Mr Merchant said Ms Inman’s retail experience would be valuable.

“I think she is exactly what we need,” Mr Merchant said. “She has some structure.”

In February, Billabong announced it would close up to 150 stores worldwide after a 72 per cent collapse in profit during the six months to December.

Mr Merchant was speaking at a media event hosted by a separate manufacturing company that he owns, Plantic.

He praised Mr O’Neill’s contribution to the growth of Billabong but said retail training within the company had not kept pace with its global expansion.

“Billabong has been through a lot of growth and the staff there were never really formally trained,” Mr Merchant said.

Major controversy erupted in Jeffreys Bay when Billabong downgraded the Billabong Pro surf contest from a World Championship event to a third tier “6 star” event. Financial constraints were given as the reason for the downgrade.

The decision split the surf community and caused a huge public outcry as a result. There is subsequently no World Tour event anywhere on the African continent.

The Billabong share price closed yesterday at $ 2.06 after bottoming out at $ 1.75 on 30 December 2011.

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Greenpeace meeting in JBay tomorrow

May 23, 2012

Representatives from Greenpeace will address a meeting in Jeffreys Bay tomorrow to which the entire community is invited.

Will we see more protests by residents in future? Photo: Andre Lategan

They will be discussing the proposed nuclear power plant at Thyspunt and what the potential ramifications will be of having the biggest nuclear power plant in the world on our coastline.

Many residents are opposed to the building of Thyspunt due to the flawed impact studies presented by Eskom. The various concerned community organisations have grouped together under the umbrella of the Thyspunt Nuclear Alliance Group and are prepared to challenge any decision to build a nuclear power plant at Thyspunt in court.

The meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at the African Perfection guest house in Pepper Street and will start at 10 am.

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Missing girl: Kaylene Lewis

May 23, 2012

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Photo of the day – whale and swimmer

May 23, 2012

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Kouga Sports Council is well supported

May 23, 2012

The newly established Kouga Sports Council (KSC) is up and running under the steady hand of chairman Trevor Watkins and his committee who were elected by the different sports codes in late March.

Surfing is represented on the Kouga SPorts Council

There are 700 registered sportsmen and women under the umbrella of the KSC with 57 registered clubs representing 27 different sports codes.

The sports council has its own website which can be found by clicking here

The top three sports codes represented are: Netball 113, Soccer 110, Rugby 99

The top three area in Kouga: JBay 333, Humansdorp 184, Sea Vista 70

Many sports codes and clubs in Kouga have not registered with the KSC as yet. Registration is free and simple, and does not involve any obligations, other than to be better informed about sports in our area.

Trevor Watkins said that many hours of hard work and negotiations went into the establishment of the KSC.

“Our goal is to see at least one Olympic medal being won by a Kouga sportsperson. Then it will all have been worthwhile”, said Watkins.

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Jon Jon Florence wins Billabong Rio Pro

May 22, 2012

John John Florence 19, has won his maiden ASP World Championship Tour event, taking out the Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson in barreling 3 – 4 foot waves at Barra da Tijuca.

Jon Jon Florence after his victory in Brazil. Photo: ASP

Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of the competition, topping Australians Julian Wilson and Josh Kerr on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today’s massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

“This helps my confidence so much,” Florence said. “I have a lot of confidence going into events with barreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels from my experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats.”

Parkinson utilized his complete skill set at Barra Da Tijuca, driving through barrels, lofting airs and unloading powerful carves en route to his Finals berth, but was unable to find a rhythm against Florence and finished runner-up overall.

Parkinson’s finish today propels the Australian into the frontrunner position for the ASP World Title, but Parkinson was humble in claiming his spot atop the rankings.

“It’s a good feeling I suppose,” Parkinson said. “It’s a long way to go and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I’m stoked. I have been in this position before though so I’m hoping to maintain my performance level throughout the rest of the year.”

Kelly Slater missed the Billabong Pro Rio. Photo:ASP

Kelly Slater the reigning 11-time ASP World Champion, was absent from the Billabong Rio Pro, citing an ankle injury. The Floridian’s absence relinquished his former frontrunner status on the ratings and Slater now sits at ASP World No. 8.

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL:

1 – John John Florence (HAW) 16.37
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:

SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00
SF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.94 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.86

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:

QF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.90 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.60
QF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.57 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5.90
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) 14.94 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.43
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.84 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.27

Current ASP WCT Top 10 (After Billabong Rio Pro):

1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19700 pts

2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18250 pts

3. Josh Kerr (AUS) 18200 pts

4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17200 pts

5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15750 pts

6. John John Florence (HAW) 15750 pts

7. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15700 pts

8. Kelly Slater (USA) 13700 pts

9. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12250 pts

10. Owen Wright (AUS) 12150 pts

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Photo of the day – African lion

May 22, 2012

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