South Africa : Eastern Cape IEC hosts seminar with political parties

By Nthambeleni Gabara

East London - The Eastern Cape Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is to host a two-day provincial seminar with representatives from political parties on Tuesday.

Provincial leaders of the various political parties at national, provincial and municipal levels will converge to pledge their support and to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct.

This gathering forms part of the IEC readiness programme for the 2009 general elections, according to a statement by the national office of the IEC.

A seminar is also expected to take place on Tuesday where 250 representatives of various organisations, including traditional and religious leaders, will deliberate on the ways and means of promoting a culture of tolerance in the build up to the elections.

Areas of focus include understanding the general legislative framework that will govern the national and provincial elections; understanding the role of civil society to promote tolerance and peace in the province and the role of political parties in promoting the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The role of law enforcement agencies in prosecuting offenders that undermine the Electoral Code of Conduct will also be discussed.

The seminar will culminate in a formal function where the provincial political party leaders will give their public pledge to the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Last Tuesday, the IEC hosted a pre-election conference in Durban with leaders of political parties represented at the National Assembly. They had also pledged to support and abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct. - BuaNews

Children with cancer at Bloem hospital receive teddy bears

Bloemfontein - Children at the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein were given teddy bears and snack packs to brighten their day on Monday.

The 30 children, who are suffering from cancer and spend much of their time at the hospital's cancer pediatric ward, were excited at not only receiving the gifts but receiving visitors too.

The Free State Treasury donated the bears and Corporate Services Manager Mpho Tshihlo said the gesture formed part of the department's social responsibility initiatives.

"We want to reach-out to the most vulnerable sector of the community not only through donations but by way of sharing our skills and expertise, through volunteering to various institutions including this hospital," Ms Tshihlo said.

While the children have terminal diseases such cancer and HIV and AIDS, they can become productive adults if their illnesses are managed well.

This was part of the Treasury's support for the 16 days of activism against abuse of women and children campaign.

The campaign was originally initiated by United Nations (UN) to raise awareness and foster action against the violation of the rights of women and children across the globe.

South Africa joined this campaign in 1998 and has been hosting parallel program annually from November 25 to 10 December. The national convener for the campaign is the Deputy Minister of the Provincial and Local, Nomatyala Hangana.

Meanwhile, in the rural communities of Masoyi and White River in Mpumalanga will complete a health walk and have a community meeting on Tuesday.

The Provincial Department of Local Government, the Masoyi Local Traditional Council and employees from the municipality are to take part in the walk as well.

Masoyi is a rural area and like any other areas of this nature have a high level of crime, unemployment, and other social ills. - BuaNews