As an election junkie, I’ve been watching the election results closely as they come in. There’ve been no real surprises, but a few interesting trends. I’m writing this post as the results are only partially in, but the trends seem clear. It’s likely that the parties with substantial rural support, such as the ANC and… Continue reading 2009 elections analysis
Month: April 2009
Fair Trade South Africa getting rooted
I’m pleased to see that Fair Trade South Africa, the South African division of Fair Trade, is getting more established. They began setting up locally last year, and this year aim to focus on implementation. In particular, we should start to see greater marketing of the Fair Trade label in South Africa, as well as… Continue reading Fair Trade South Africa getting rooted
Renewable energy feed-in tariffs approved
NERSA, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, has approved some quite generous renewable energy feed-in tariffs. In short, renewable energy feed-in tariffs mean that developers can invest in renewable energy, and sell excess energy back to the grid (Eskom) at a profit, a price more than it costs to generate, and guaranteed for a… Continue reading Renewable energy feed-in tariffs approved
Focusing on solutions – no more news
I realised this evening how to verbalise my own reasons for throwing newspapers in the dustbin, which I’ve struggled with before. At todays Facelook and Foodcook, two of the four speakers specifically advised not reading newspapers, and reasoned it in different ways. But an unconnected point one of them made sparked the connection. I’ve tried… Continue reading Focusing on solutions – no more news
Majestic Mandarin and Banking Anarchy
I enjoyed Majestic Mandarin, the March Geek Dinner. I’ve missed a couple, and it was good to go back after a lengthy gap. I particularly enjoyed the last two talks. Henk’s humorous “A brief history of modern banking”, covered familiar territory, though unfortunately I can’t find or remember the name of the well-known main source… Continue reading Majestic Mandarin and Banking Anarchy