Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287
Articles
Brazil
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Sweden
00. Editorial
United States
Latin America
Egypt
Jordan
Yemen
Thailand
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
2011/05/20
2011/05/21
2011/05/22
2011/05/23
2011/05/24
2011/05/25
2011/05/26
2011/05/27
2011/05/28
2011/05/29
2011/05/30
2011/05/31
2011/06/01
2011/06/02
2011/06/03
2011/06/04
2011/06/05
2011/06/06
2011/06/07
2011/06/08
2011/06/09
2011/06/10
2011/06/11
2011/06/12
2011/06/13
2011/06/14
2011/06/15
2011/06/16
2011/06/17
2011/06/18
2011/06/19
2011/06/20
2011/06/21
2011/06/22
2011/06/23
2011/06/24
2011/06/25
2011/06/26
2011/06/27
2011/06/28
2011/06/29
2011/06/30
2011/07/01
2011/07/02
2011/07/04
2011/07/05
2011/07/06
2011/07/07
2011/07/08
2011/07/10
2011/07/11
2011/07/12
2011/07/13
2011/07/14
2011/07/15
2011/07/16
2011/07/17
2011/07/18
2011/07/19
2011/07/20
2011/07/21
2011/07/22
2011/07/23
2011/07/25
2011/07/27
2011/07/28
2011/07/29
2011/07/31
2011/08/01
2011/08/02
2011/08/03
2011/08/05
2011/08/06
2011/08/07
2011/08/08
2011/08/10
2011/08/11
2011/08/12
2011/08/13
2011/08/15
2011/08/16
2011/08/17
2011/08/19
2011/08/21
2011/08/22
2011/08/23
2011/08/24
2011/08/25
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Antananarivo
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Alexandria
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embasy Bonn
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Brazzaville
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangui
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Belfast
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Cotonou
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chiang Mai
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Chengdu
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
DIR FSINFATC
Consulate Dusseldorf
Consulate Durban
Consulate Dubai
Consulate Dhahran
Embassy Guatemala
Embassy Grenada
Embassy Georgetown
Embassy Gaborone
Consulate Guayaquil
Consulate Guangzhou
Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Hong Kong
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kolonia
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Krakow
Consulate Kolkata
Consulate Karachi
Consulate Kaduna
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Lusaka
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Lome
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy Libreville
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Leipzig
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Mission Geneva
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Mogadishu
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maseru
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Merida
Consulate Melbourne
Consulate Matamoros
Consulate Marseille
Embassy Nouakchott
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Nuevo Laredo
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Consulate Nagoya
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Praia
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Moresby
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Podgorica
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Ponta Delgada
Consulate Peshawar
REO Mosul
REO Kirkuk
REO Hillah
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Surabaya
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy Tirana
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Thessaloniki
USUN New York
USMISSION USTR GENEVA
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Mission CD Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
US Delegation FEST TWO
UNVIE
UN Rome
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vientiane
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ADANA
ASEC
AFIN
AMGT
AE
AORC
AID
AR
AO
AU
ASEAN
AGOA
AFGHANISTAN
AFFAIRS
AMED
APER
ASECARP
APEC
AEMR
AS
AA
ANET
AFLU
ABLD
AL
ASUP
AJ
APECO
AMER
ABUD
AODE
AM
AFSN
AESC
AND
AG
ALOW
AROC
AVIANFLU
ATRN
ACOA
AEGR
AMGMT
AADP
AFSI
ACABQ
APRM
AZ
AIDS
ASE
AGAO
ADCO
ABDALLAH
ARF
AIDAC
ACOTA
ASCH
AC
ASEG
AGR
ACS
AMCHAMS
AN
AMIA
ASIG
ADPM
ADB
ANARCHISTS
ALOWAR
ARM
AUC
AINF
AINT
AORG
AY
AVIAN
AMEDCASCKFLO
AK
ARSO
ARABBL
ASO
ANTITERRORISM
ARABL
AOWC
AGRICULTURE
ALJAZEERA
AMTC
AFINM
AOCR
ABER
ARR
AFPK
ASSEMBLY
ASSK
AZE
AORCYM
AINR
AGMT
AEC
ACKM
APRC
AIN
ASCC
AFPREL
ASED
APERTH
ASFC
ASECTH
AFSA
AOMS
AORCO
ANTXON
ARC
AFAF
ADIP
AIAG
AFARI
AEMED
AORL
AX
ASECAF
AOPC
ASECAFIN
AFZAL
APCS
AMB
AGUIRRE
AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL
AIT
ARCH
AMEX
ALI
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AORCD
AVIATION
ARAS
AINFCY
ACBAQ
AOPR
AREP
ALEXANDER
ATRD
AEIR
AOIC
ABLDG
ASEX
AFR
ASCE
ATRA
ASEK
AER
ALOUNI
AMCT
AVERY
APR
AMAT
AEMRS
ASPA
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ALL
AECL
ACAO
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORD
AFL
AME
ADM
ASECPHUM
AGIT
ABT
ASECVE
AGUILAR
AT
ABMC
ALZUGUREN
ANGEL
ASR
ANTONIO
BMGT
BEXP
BM
BG
BL
BA
BR
BTA
BO
BY
BBSR
BLUE
BK
BF
BTIO
BELLVIEW
BE
BU
BN
BH
BD
BC
BTC
BILAT
BT
BX
BRUSSELS
BP
BB
BRPA
BUSH
BURMA
BMENA
BESP
BIT
BBG
BGD
BMEAID
BAGHDAD
BEN
BIO
BMOT
BWC
BLUNT
BURNS
BUT
BGMT
BAIO
BCW
BOEHNER
BFIF
BOL
BASHAR
BIMSTEC
BOU
BIDEN
BZ
BFIN
BTRA
BI
BHUM
BOIKO
BERARDUCCI
BOUCHAIB
BORDER
BEXPC
BTIU
BTT
BIOS
BEXB
BGPGOV
BOND
BLR
CE
CG
CH
CVR
CASC
CU
CI
CD
CO
CDG
CB
CJAN
CPAS
COM
CVIS
CMGT
CT
CENTCOM
CNARC
CTERR
COUNTER
CHIEF
CDC
CTR
CBW
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CY
CA
CM
CS
CWC
CN
CITES
CF
CWG
CIVS
CFIS
CASCC
CROATIA
CONS
COUNTERTERRORISM
CASA
COE
CJ
CHR
CODEL
CR
CBC
CACS
CHERTOFF
CAS
CONTROL
CONDITIONS
CONDOLEEZZA
CITEL
CV
CLINTON
CHG
CZ
CON
CTBT
CEN
CRIMES
COMMERCE
CLOK
CRISTINA
CFED
CARC
CND
CTM
CARICOM
COUNTRYCLEARANCE
CBTH
CHINA
CSW
CICTE
CJUS
CYPRUS
CW
CAMBODIA
CENSUS
CIDA
CRIME
CBG
CBE
CMGMT
CAIO
CEC
CARSON
CPCTC
CEDAW
COMESA
CVIA
CWCM
CEA
COSI
CAPC
CGEN
COPUOS
CGOPRC
COETRD
CKGR
CFE
CQ
CITT
CIC
CARIB
CVIC
CLO
CAFTA
CVISU
CHRISTOPHER
CACM
CIAT
CDB
CIS
CUL
CHAO
CNC
CL
CSEP
COMMAND
CENTER
COL
CAN
CAJC
CUIS
CONSULAR
CLMT
CIA
CBSA
CEUDA
CAC
CROS
CIO
CPUOS
CKOR
CVPR
CONG
CONTROLS
CEPTER
CVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGKIRF
CDCE
DPOL
DEMARCHE
DHS
DR
DA
DISENGAGEMENT
DEMOCRATIC
DEFENSE
DJ
DY
DARFUR
DHRF
DEA
DTRO
DPRK
DO
DARFR
DOC
DRL
DK
DOJ
DTRA
DOMESTIC
DAC
DOD
DEAX
DIEZ
DEOC
DELTAVIOLENCE
DCOM
DMINE
DRC
DCG
DPKO
DOMESTICPOLITICS
DE
DB
DOT
DEPT
DOE
DHLAKAMA
DHSX
DS
DKEM
DAO
DCM
DANIEL
DEM
DAVID
DCRM
ETRD
EAGR
ETTC
EAID
ECON
EFIN
ECIN
EINV
ELAB
EAIR
ENRG
EPET
EWWT
ECPS
EIND
EMIN
ELTN
EC
ETMIN
EUC
EZ
ET
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EU
EUN
EG
EINT
ER
ECONOMICS
ES
EMS
ENIV
EEB
EN
ECE
ECOSOC
EK
ENVIRONMENT
EFIS
EI
EWT
ENGRD
ECPSN
EXIM
EIAD
ERIN
ECPC
EDEV
ENGY
ECTRD
EPA
ESTH
ECCT
EINVECON
ENGR
ERTD
EUR
EAP
EWWC
ELTD
EL
EXIMOPIC
EXTERNAL
ETRDEC
ESCAP
ECO
EGAD
ELNT
ECONOMIC
ENV
ETRN
EIAR
EUMEM
ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID
EREL
ECOM
ECONETRDEAGRJA
ETCC
ETRG
ECONOMY
EMED
ETR
ENERG
EITC
EFINOECD
EURM
EENG
ERA
EXPORT
ENRD
ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC
EGEN
EBRD
EVIN
ETRAD
ECOWAS
EFTA
ECONETRDBESPAR
EGOVSY
EPIN
EID
ECONENRG
EDRC
ESENV
ETT
EB
ENER
ELTNSNAR
ECHEVARRIA
ETRC
EPIT
EDUC
ESA
EFI
ENRGY
ESCI
EE
EAIDXMXAXBXFFR
EETC
ECIP
EIAID
EIVN
EBEXP
ESTN
EING
EGOV
ETRA
EPETEIND
ELAN
ETRDGK
EAIDRW
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EPEC
ENVI
ELN
EAG
EPCS
EPRT
EPTED
ETRB
EUM
EAIDS
EFIC
EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM
EAIDAR
ESF
EIDN
ELAM
EDU
EV
EAIDAF
ECN
EDA
EXBS
EINTECPS
ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ
EPREL
EAC
EINVEFIN
ETA
EAGER
EINDIR
ECA
ECLAC
ELAP
EITI
EUCOM
ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID
EARG
ELDIN
EINVKSCA
ENNP
EFINECONCS
EFINTS
ECCP
ETC
EAIRASECCASCID
EINN
ETRP
EAIDNI
EFQ
ECOQKPKO
EGPHUM
EBUD
ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ
ENERGY
ELB
EINDETRD
EMI
ECONEFIN
EIB
EURN
ETRDEINVTINTCS
EIN
EFIM
ETIO
ELAINE
EMN
EATO
EWTR
EIPR
EINVETC
ETTD
ETDR
EIQ
ECONCS
EPPD
ENRGIZ
EISL
ESPINOSA
ELEC
EAIG
ESLCO
EUREM
ENTG
ERD
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ECINECONCS
ETRO
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECUN
EFND
EPECO
EAIRECONRP
ERGR
ETRDPGOV
ECPN
ENRGMO
EPWR
EET
EAIS
EAGRE
EDUARDO
EAGRRP
EAIDPHUMPRELUG
EICN
ECONQH
EVN
EGHG
ELBR
EINF
EAIDHO
EENV
ETEX
ERNG
ED
FR
FREEDOM
FINREF
FJ
FI
FRELIMO
FOREIGN
FAA
FETHI
FAS
FTAA
FRB
FAO
FCS
FINANCE
FWS
FTA
FEMA
FDA
FLU
FRANCISCO
FBI
FORCE
FO
FARC
FK
FT
FCSC
FAC
FM
FMGT
FINV
FCSCEG
FARM
FERNANDO
FINR
FIN
FINE
FIR
FDIC
FOR
FOI
FCUL
FKLU
FMLN
FISO
FIXED
GM
GMUS
GG
GR
GE
GAZA
GT
GH
GZ
GJ
GLOBAL
GV
GABY
GOI
GA
GCC
GB
GY
GATT
GC
GUAM
GEORGE
GTIP
GOV
GOMEZ
GUTIERREZ
GL
GKGIC
GF
GU
GWI
GARCIA
GTMO
GN
GANGS
GIPNC
GAERC
GREGG
GUILLERMO
GASPAR
GERARD
GI
HK
HR
HUMANR
HUMAN
HO
HA
HUMANRIGHTS
HU
HHS
HIV
HUM
HRKAWC
HILLEN
HILLARY
HDP
HUMRIT
HSTC
HUMANITARIAN
HCOPIL
HADLEY
HURI
HL
HRETRD
HOURANI
HG
HARRIET
HESHAM
HI
HNCHR
HARRY
HRECON
HRC
HOSTAGES
HEBRON
HUMOR
HSWG
HYMPSK
HECTOR
HN
HYDE
HUD
HRPGOV
HIGHLIGHTS
ID
ILC
IS
IZ
ICAO
IMO
ITU
IR
IAEA
ICRC
IPROP
IT
IBRD
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ISSUES
ITRA
IV
IO
IGAD
IRAQ
IN
IMF
ICTR
ISCON
IADB
IDB
IEA
INR
IWC
ICCAT
ILO
INMARSAT
IOM
ICJ
IQ
ISPA
ITRD
IPR
INTELSAT
ISN
IAHRC
INTERNAL
IFAD
IICA
IHO
IRAN
IL
IRCE
IC
INTELLECTUAL
IRM
IE
ICTY
IDLI
IFO
ISCA
INF
INL
ISRAEL
INV
IBB
INFLUENZA
ISPL
ITER
ITIA
INRA
ISAF
IACHR
INTERPOL
IFR
IRS
INRB
IEF
ISAAC
ICC
INDO
IIP
IATTC
INAUGURATION
IND
INS
IZPREL
IACI
IEFIN
INNP
ILAB
IA
IMTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
IFIN
IRAJ
IX
ICG
IF
ITPHUM
ITA
IP
IACW
IK
IUCN
IZEAID
IRPE
IDA
ISLAMISTS
ITF
INRO
IBET
IDP
IRC
ISO
ICES
IRMO
ITPGOV
IQNV
IMSO
IRDB
IMET
INCB
IFRC
JA
JO
JP
JM
JCIC
JOHN
JE
JEFFERY
JS
JUS
JN
JOHNNIE
JAMES
JKUS
JOSEPH
JML
JAWAD
JSRP
JIMENEZ
JOSE
JKJUS
JK
JAPAN
KMDR
KPAO
KPKO
KJUS
KCRM
KGHG
KFRD
KWMN
KDEM
KTFN
KHIV
KGIC
KIDE
KSCA
KNNP
KHUM
KIPR
KSUM
KISL
KIRF
KCOR
KRCM
KPAL
KWBG
KN
KS
KOMC
KSEP
KFLU
KPWR
KTIA
KSEO
KMPI
KHLS
KICC
KSTH
KMCA
KVPR
KPRM
KE
KU
KZ
KFLO
KSAF
KTIP
KTEX
KBCT
KOCI
KOLY
KOR
KAWC
KACT
KUNR
KTDB
KSTC
KLIG
KSKN
KNN
KCFE
KCIP
KGHA
KHDP
KPOW
KUNC
KDRL
KV
KPREL
KCRS
KPOL
KRVC
KRIM
KGIT
KWIR
KT
KIRC
KOMO
KRFD
KUWAIT
KG
KFIN
KSCI
KTFIN
KFTN
KGOV
KPRV
KSAC
KGIV
KCRIM
KPIR
KSOC
KBIO
KW
KGLB
KMWN
KPO
KFSC
KSEAO
KSTCPL
KSI
KPRP
KREC
KFPC
KUNH
KCSA
KMRS
KNDP
KR
KICCPUR
KPPAO
KCSY
KTBT
KCIS
KNEP
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KNNB
KGCC
KINR
KPOP
KMFO
KENV
KNAR
KVIR
KDRG
KDMR
KFCE
KNAO
KDEN
KGCN
KICA
KIMMITT
KMCC
KLFU
KMSG
KSEC
KUM
KCUL
KMNP
KSMT
KCOM
KOMCSG
KSPR
KPMI
KRAD
KIND
KCRP
KAUST
KWAWC
KTER
KCHG
KRDP
KPAS
KITA
KTSC
KPAOPREL
KWGB
KIRP
KJUST
KMIG
KLAB
KTFR
KSEI
KSTT
KAPO
KSTS
KLSO
KWNN
KPOA
KHSA
KNPP
KPAONZ
KBTS
KWWW
KY
KJRE
KPAOKMDRKE
KCRCM
KSCS
KWMNCI
KESO
KWUN
KPLS
KIIP
KEDEM
KPAOY
KRIF
KGICKS
KREF
KTRD
KFRDSOCIRO
KTAO
KJU
KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW
KEN
KO
KNEI
KEMR
KKIV
KEAI
KWAC
KRCIM
KWCI
KFIU
KWIC
KCORR
KOMS
KNNO
KPAI
KBWG
KTTB
KTBD
KTIALG
KILS
KFEM
KTDM
KESS
KNUC
KPA
KOMCCO
KCEM
KRCS
KWBGSY
KNPPIS
KNNPMNUC
KWN
KERG
KLTN
KALM
KCCP
KSUMPHUM
KREL
KGH
KLIP
KTLA
KAWK
KWMM
KVRP
KVRC
KAID
KSLG
KDEMK
KX
KIF
KNPR
KCFC
KFTFN
KTFM
KPDD
KCERS
KMOC
KDEMAF
KMEPI
KEMS
KDRM
KEPREL
KBTR
KEDU
KNP
KIRL
KNNR
KMPT
KISLPINR
KTPN
KA
KJUSTH
KPIN
KDEV
KTDD
KAKA
KFRP
KWNM
KTSD
KINL
KJUSKUNR
KWWMN
KECF
KWBC
KPRO
KVBL
KOM
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KEDM
KFLD
KLPM
KRGY
KNNF
KICR
KIFR
KM
KWMNCS
KAWS
KLAP
KPAK
KDDG
KCGC
KID
KNSD
KMPF
KPFO
KDP
KCMR
KRMS
KNPT
KNNNP
KTIAPARM
KDTB
KNUP
KPGOV
KNAP
KNNC
KUK
KSRE
KREISLER
KIVP
KQ
KTIAEUN
KPALAOIS
KRM
KISLAO
KWM
KFLOA
LE
LU
LH
LA
LG
LO
LY
LANTERN
LI
LABOR
LORAN
LTTE
LT
LAS
LAB
LAW
LVPR
LARREA
LEBIK
LAURA
LS
LOTT
LOVE
LR
LEON
LAVIN
LGAT
LV
LAOS
LOG
LN
LB
MOPS
MO
MARR
ML
MASS
MZ
MR
MNUC
MX
MV
MCC
MY
MEDIA
MTCRE
MG
MCAP
MOPPS
MP
MI
MK
MC
MD
MA
MU
MASC
MW
MT
MEPP
MN
MTCR
MH
MEPI
MIL
MNUCPTEREZ
MMAR
MICHAEL
MUNC
MDC
MPOS
MONUC
MAR
MGMT
MAS
MEPN
MENDIETA
MARIA
MONTENEGRO
MOOPS
MSG
MARITIME
MURRAY
MUKASEY
MOTO
MCA
MFO
MEX
MRSEC
MMED
MACP
MAAR
MINUSTAH
MCCONNELL
MAPP
MGT
MARQUEZ
MANUEL
MNUR
MCCAIN
MF
MOHAMMAD
MOHAMED
MNU
MFA
MILITANTS
MINORITIES
MTS
MLS
MILI
MIAH
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MED
MARAD
MNVC
MINURSO
MNUCUN
MIK
MARK
MBM
MPP
MILITARY
MAPS
MNUK
MILA
MTRRE
MACEDONIA
MICHEL
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
MPS
MARRGH
MRCRE
MTRE
MORALES
MAP
MCTRE
MHUC
MOPSGRPARM
MOROCCO
MCAPS
NL
NU
NS
NI
NPT
NATO
NO
NG
NATEU
NSF
NZ
NAS
NP
NDP
NLD
NGO
NEPAD
NAFTA
NASA
NEA
NGUYEN
NIH
NK
NIPP
NONE
NR
NANCY
NEGROPONTE
NRR
NERG
NSSP
NSG
NSFO
NE
NATSIOS
NFSO
NATIONAL
NTDB
NT
NCD
NTSB
NRC
NELSON
NAM
NH
NPG
NEC
NSC
NFATC
NMFS
NATOIRAQ
NAR
NZUS
NARC
NCCC
NA
NC
NEW
NRG
NUIN
NOVO
NATOPREL
NEY
NV
NICHOLAS
NPA
NW
NARCOTICS
NORAD
NOAA
NON
NTTC
NKNNP
NMNUC
NUMBERING
ODIP
OIIP
OPRC
OSCE
OREP
OTRA
OPET
OSCI
OVIP
OECD
OCII
OUALI
OPDC
OEXC
OFPD
OPIC
OFDP
OPCW
OECV
OAS
OM
OMIG
ODAG
OPREP
ORA
OIC
OEXCSCULKPAO
OIG
OASS
OFFICIALS
ORTA
OSAC
OIL
OIE
OEXP
OPEC
OPDAT
OMS
OES
OHI
OMAR
OCRA
OFSO
OCBD
OSTA
OAO
ONA
OTP
ORC
OAU
OXEC
OA
ODPC
OPDP
OVIPPRELUNGANU
OASC
OSHA
OPCD
OTR
OPPI
OPCR
OF
OFDPQIS
OSIC
OHUM
OSTRA
OASCC
OBSP
OFDA
OPICEAGR
OIM
OGAC
OTA
OTRAORP
OPPC
OESC
OCEA
OVP
ON
OPAD
OTAR
OCS
ODC
OTRD
OCED
OSD
ORUE
OREG
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PGOV
PREL
PREF
PL
PM
PHSA
PE
PARM
PINS
PK
PUNE
PO
PALESTINIAN
PU
PBTS
PROP
PTBS
POL
POLI
PA
PGOVZI
POLMIL
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLM
PD
POLITICS
POLICY
PAS
PMIL
PINT
PNAT
PV
PKO
PPOL
PERSONS
PING
PBIO
PH
PETR
PARMS
PRES
PCON
PETERS
PRELBR
PT
PLAB
PP
PAK
PDEM
PKPA
PSOCI
PF
PLO
PTERM
PJUS
PSOE
PELOSI
PROPERTY
PGOVPREL
PARP
PRL
PNIR
PHUMKPAL
PG
PREZ
PGIC
PBOV
PAO
PKK
PROV
PHSAK
PHUMPREL
PROTECTION
PGOVBL
PSI
PRELPK
PGOVENRG
PUM
PRELKPKO
PATTY
PSOC
PRIVATIZATION
PRELSP
PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ
PMIG
PREC
PAIGH
PROG
PSHA
PARK
PETER
POG
PHUS
PPREL
PS
PTERPREL
PRELPGOV
POV
PKPO
PGOVECON
POUS
PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN
PWBG
PMAR
PREM
PAR
PNR
PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO
PARMIR
PGOVGM
PHUH
PARTM
PN
PRE
PTE
PY
POLUN
PPEL
PDOV
PGOVSOCI
PIRF
PGOVPM
PBST
PRELEVU
PGOR
PBTSRU
PRM
PRELKPAOIZ
PGVO
PERL
PGOC
PAGR
PMIN
PHUMR
PVIP
PPD
PGV
PRAM
PINL
PKPAL
PTERE
PGOF
PINO
PHAS
PODC
PRHUM
PHUMA
PREO
PPA
PEPFAR
PGO
PRGOV
PAC
PRESL
PORG
PKFK
PEPR
PRELP
PREFA
PNG
PGOVPHUMKPAO
PRELECON
PINOCHET
PFOR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PRELC
PREK
PHUME
PHJM
POLINT
PGOVPZ
PGOVKCRM
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PECON
PEACE
PROCESS
PLN
PRELSW
PAHO
PEDRO
PRELA
PASS
PPAO
PGPV
PNUM
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGIV
PRFE
POGOV
PEL
PBT
PAMQ
PINF
PSEPC
POSTS
PHUMPGOV
PVOV
PHSAPREL
PROLIFERATION
PENA
PRELTBIOBA
PIN
PRELL
PGOVPTER
PHAM
PHYTRP
PTEL
PTERPGOV
PHARM
PROTESTS
PRELAF
PKBL
PRELKPAO
PKNP
PARMP
PHUML
PFOV
PERM
PUOS
PRELGOV
PHUMPTER
PARAGRAPH
PERURENA
PBTSEWWT
PCI
PETROL
PINSO
PINSCE
PQL
PEREZ
PBS
RS
REFUGEES
RW
RP
RELFREE
RO
REGIONAL
RIGHTS
REACTION
REPORT
RU
RENAMO
RIGHTSPOLMIL
REFORM
RM
REFUGEE
REL
RELATIONS
ROW
RREL
REGION
RATIFICATION
RBI
RICE
ROOD
RODENAS
RUIZ
RODHAM
ROBERT
RGY
ROY
REUBEN
RELIGIOUS
RUEHZO
RODRIGUEZ
RUEUN
RELAM
RSP
RF
RSO
RCMP
REO
ROSS
RPTS
RENE
REID
RUPREL
RMA
RI
REMON
RPEL
RFE
RFIN
RA
RAFAEL
RAY
RUS
RPREL
ROBERTG
RECIN
RAMONTEIJELO
SNAR
SP
SN
SMIG
SL
SOCI
SU
SG
SF
SENV
SZ
SOE
SCUL
SY
SO
SR
SYR
SE
SA
SW
SIPDIS
SCIENCE
SADC
SI
SCI
SOCIETY
SC
SAARC
STR
SECRETARY
SANC
SSH
ST
SNA
SGWI
SEP
SOCIS
SETTLEMENTS
SPECIALIST
SK
SHUM
START
STET
SCVL
SREF
SCHUL
SCUIL
SYRIA
SECURITY
SPCE
SYAI
SMIL
SOWGC
STEPHEN
SNRV
SKCA
SENSITIVE
SECI
SNAP
SPP
SCUD
SOM
SPECI
SMIGBG
SENC
SCRM
SGNV
SECTOR
SENVEAGREAIDTBIOECONSOCIXR
SENVSXE
SASIAIN
SACU
SENVSPL
SWMN
STEINBERG
SOPN
SOCR
SCOI
SCRS
SILVASANDE
SWE
SARS
SNARIZ
SUDAN
SENVQGR
SM
SNARKTFN
SAAD
SD
SAN
SIPRNET
STATE
SENS
SUBJECT
SFNV
SECSTATE
SSA
SPCVIS
SOI
SOFA
SCULKPAOECONTU
SPTER
SKSAF
SENVKGHG
SHI
SEVN
SANR
SPSTATE
SMITH
SCOM
SH
SNARCS
SNARN
SIPRS
SNARM
SIPDI
SCPR
SNIG
SELAB
SULLIVAN
SENVENV
SECDEF
SOLIC
SOIC
SPAS
SASC
SOSI
SEC
SEN
SENVCASCEAIDID
TU
TH
TW
TSPA
TRGY
TPHY
TBIO
TIFA
TS
TZ
TX
TSPL
TT
TK
TC
TINT
TERFIN
TERRORISM
TIP
TURKEY
TI
TECHNOLOGY
TNGD
TRSY
TRAFFICKING
TOPEC
TPSL
TP
TD
TR
TA
TIO
TREATY
TO
THPY
TECH
TRADE
TPSA
TG
TAGS
TF
TRAD
THKSJA
TVBIO
TNDG
TN
TBIOZK
TWI
TV
TWL
TRT
TWRO
TSRY
TTPGOV
TAUSCHER
TRBY
TRBIO
TL
TPKO
TIA
TGRY
TSPAM
TREL
TNAR
TBI
TFIN
TPHYPA
TWCH
THOMMA
THOMAS
TERROR
TRY
TBID
TPP
TE
THANH
TJ
TBKIO
UNGA
USUN
UN
UG
UNSC
UK
UP
US
UNCTAD
UNVIE
UNHRC
USTR
UNAMA
UNCRIME
UNESCO
UV
UNDP
UNHCR
UNCSD
UNCHR
UZ
USAID
UNEP
UNO
UNPUOS
UY
UNDC
UNCITRAL
UNAUS
UNCND
UA
UNMIK
USTDA
USEU
USDA
UNICEF
UR
UNFICYP
USNC
USTRRP
UNODC
UNRWA
UNOMIG
USTRPS
USAU
USCC
UNEF
UNGAPL
UNFPA
UNSCE
USSC
UGA
UEU
UNMIC
UNTAC
UNION
UNCLASSIFIED
USPS
UNA
UMIK
USOAS
UNMOVIC
UNFA
UNAIDS
UNCHC
USGS
UNSE
UNRCR
UNTERR
USG
UE
UAE
UNWRA
UNCSW
UNSCR
UNCHS
UNDESCO
UNPAR
UNC
UB
UNSCS
UKXG
UNGACG
UNREST
UNHR
USPTO
UNFCYP
USCG
UNIDROIT
UNSCD
UPU
UNBRO
UNECE
USTRUWR
UNCC
UNESCOSCULPRELPHUMKPALCUIRXFVEKV
VM
VE
VT
VETTING
VN
VZ
VIS
VC
VTPREL
VIP
VTEAID
VTEG
VOA
VA
VTIZ
VANG
VISIT
VO
VENZ
VAT
VI
VEPREL
VEN
WFP
WTO
WHO
WTRO
WBG
WMO
WIPO
WA
WI
WSIS
WHA
WCL
WE
WMN
WEBZ
WS
WAR
WZ
WMD
WW
WILLIAM
WEET
WAEMU
WM
WWBG
WWT
WWARD
WITH
WMDT
WTRQ
WCO
WEU
WALTER
WRTO
WB
WHTI
WBEG
WCI
WEF
WAKI
WHOA
WGC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 08PRETORIA2032, SOUTH AFRICA ECONOMIC NEWS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER SEPTMEBER 12,
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08PRETORIA2032.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08PRETORIA2032 | 2008-09-15 07:08 | 2011-08-24 01:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Pretoria |
VZCZCXRO2643
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHSA #2032/01 2590708
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 150708Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY PRETORIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5692
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUCPCIM/CIMS NTDB WASHDC
RUCPDC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHJO/AMCONSUL JOHANNESBURG 8358
RUEHTN/AMCONSUL CAPE TOWN 6004
RUEHDU/AMCONSUL DURBAN 0155
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 PRETORIA 002032
DEPT FOR AF/S/; AF/EPS; EB/IFD/OMA
USDOC FOR 4510/ITA/MAC/AME/OA/DIEMOND
TREASURY FOR TRINA RAND
USTR FOR COLEMAN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV ETRD EMIN EPET ENRG BEXP KTDB SENV
PGOV, SF
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICA ECONOMIC NEWS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER SEPTMEBER 12,
2008 ISSUE
PRETORIA 00002032 001.2 OF 006
¶1. (U) Summary. This is Volume 8, issue 37 of U.S. Embassy
Pretoria's South Africa Economic News Weekly Newsletter.
Topics of this week's newsletter are:
- Reserves Fall on Gold Revaluations
- Business Confidence Plunges Further
- SA Leaps in Business-Friendly Rankings
- Old Mutual CEO Quits on U.S. Subprime Loss
- Light on Distant Horizon for Cargo Transport
between South Africa and Maputo
- Carmakers Poised to Shift Maritime
Transport Focus to Maputo
- Johannesburg Signs MOU for Bus System
- Limpopo Chosen for Coal-to-Liquids Project
- Mining Production Declines
- Slow Pace of Mining Right Conversions
Worries Government
- Death is Stalking the Workplace
- Government Seeks ICT Advice
- ICASA Moves to Issue New Licenses
- Cable-laying Company to Profit from ICASA
Decision to Issue New Licenses
- SA Firm Acquires Stake in Indian Distributor
End Summary.
----------------------------------
Reserves Fall on Gold Revaluations
----------------------------------
¶2. (U) South Africa's net gold and foreign exchange reserves fell by
$669 million (2%) to $33.5 billion in August 2008. The decline is
attributed to the depreciation of the Rand and a sharp decline in
the price of gold, and not due to intervention practices. The gold
price is continuing to trade at lower levels indicating the
potential for further declines in reserves, should current levels
persist at the end of September. Due to the decline in net reserves
and the growth in imports, South Africa's import coverage has
declined from 5.5 to 4.0 weeks of import coverage. (ABSA
Newsletter, September 9, 2008)
-----------------------------------
Business Confidence Plunges Further
-----------------------------------
¶3. (U) The Rand Merchant Bank and Bureau for Economic Research
(RMB/BER) Business Confidence Index declined by a further 11 index
points during the third quarter of 2008, after falling 22 index
points in the first half of 2008. Business confidence declined in
all five sectors covered by the index during the third quarter,
while it declined in only two of the five sectors during the second
quarter survey. "The persistent decline in business confidence is
another indication that the second quarter rebound in GDP growth was
a mere technical recovery following the negative impact electricity
outages had on the mining and manufacturing sectors during the first
quarter. The large third quarter drop in confidence indicates that
the underlying economic slowdown has become even more marked.
However, as interest rates have probably already peaked, and are
likely to start declining in the first half of next year, and as the
oil price has fallen by nearly one third, an outright contraction in
economic activity is unlikely," said the survey analysts. The RMB
and BER researchers noted that most businesses found themselves
squeezed between rapidly rising costs and weak domestic and foreign
demand. The domestic political environment also remained a source
of uncertainty and concern for business confidence. (Business Day,
September 11, 2008)
--------------------------------------
SA Leaps in Business-Friendly Rankings
--------------------------------------
Q--------------------------------------
¶4. (U) The World Bank's annual Doing Business Index found that South
Africa's efforts to make it easier for businesses to start-up and
pay taxes have lifted its ranking from 35 to 32 out of 181
countries. South Africa ranked 28 in 2005, but fell behind
economies that were faster to reform in recent rankings. The index
tracks how business friendly the regulatory environment is in each
country, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. It is
based on 10 indicators, which measure the time and cost required to
start and operate a business, trade across borders, pay taxes, and
PRETORIA 00002032 002.2 OF 006
close a business. South Africa's recovery in the rankings is
attributed to the Companies Act Amendments, which made it easier to
register a new business. The removal of the regional services
council levies and the reduction in the rate of secondary tax on
companies also helped. South Africa is ranked second in the world
on ease of getting credit. It also ranks well for protecting
investors and paying taxes, but is ranked very low for ease of
employing workers and trading across borders. (Business Day,
September 11, 2008)
------------------------------------------
Old Mutual CEO Quits on U.S. Subprime Loss
------------------------------------------
¶5. (U) Old Mutual CEO Jim Sutcliffe became South Africa's first
sub-prime casualty when he resigned amid large write-downs and
urgent cash injections linked to the insurer's U.S. Life business.
U.S. Life recently reported that a product from its Bermuda unit had
incurred liabilities and had been withdrawn. A downgrade of Freddie
Mac and Fannie Mae bonds tipped the scale for Old Mutual. It was
holding bonds through one of its affiliates, and recorded a
write-down of $135 million. Old Mutual's Head of Skandia business
Julian Roberts was immediately named as the replacement, but Old
Mutual's stock dropped 8%, when the news first broke. No other
South African companies have reported crises related to the
sub-prime crisis yet. Investec said it had "absolutely no exposure
to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac". Nedbank, which is owned by Old
Mutual, said it had no exposure and that its parent company's woes
would not affect it. (Business Day, September 11, 2008)
--------------------------------------------
Light on Distant Horizon for Cargo Transport
between South Africa and Maputo
--------------------------------------------
¶6. (U) Maputo Development Corridor (MDC) Director Blessing Manale
announced that an agreement between South Africa and Mozambique
regarding the movement of cargo between the two countries moved
forward this week. Finalization of an agreement is crucial to the
development of the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. Manale indicated
that the negotiations, which began three-years ago, should be
finalized by September 2009. He noted that the South African
Department of Transport has been recruited to push state-owned
transport and logistics group Transnet towards a final agreement.
The agreement to improve the exchange of cargo at the common border
between the two countries relies on speeding up rail transport,
which is controlled by Transnet. Industry analysts blame the delay
on Transnet's ability to negotiate due to the fact that it also has
vested interests in South African ports. (Port and Ship News,
September 5, 2008)
----------------------------------
Carmakers Poised to Shift Maritime
Transport Focus to Maputo
----------------------------------
¶7. (U) The construction of a $30 million car terminal at the Port of
Maputo comes as Transnet rejected a proposal to build a new R2.6
billion ($325 million) car terminal at the Port of Durban last
month. Transnet opted instead for a R460 million ($57 million)
expansion of its existing car terminal in Durban. Shipping
Qexpansion of its existing car terminal in Durban. Shipping
specialist Grindrod emphasized that the expansions at Maputo do not
compete with Durban, as "all ports are choking at the moment." He
added that expansions were needed in both South Africa and
Mozambique. The Port of Maputo is roughly the same distance from
Gauteng as the Port of Durban, which currently handles most of South
Africa's vehicle imports and exports. Grindrod has just completed
the first phase of its Maputo car terminal, which will have a
capacity to handle 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles a year. Further
expansions could raise the potential capacity to 250,000 units a
year. "We're talking to (manufacturers), especially Rosslyn-based
(Gauteng Province) companies to do their vehicle exports and imports
through Maputo," said Grindrod Freight Division Director Dave
Rennie. He noted that the first South Africa-based manufacturer
will transport its vehicles through Maputo starting October, but
declined to name the manufacturer. Trials have been run to test the
corridor, which includes a recently up-graded rail-link to Maputo.
Other projects at the Port of Maputo include a $50 million expansion
of the coal terminal and the development of a bulk-liquid facility.
PRETORIA 00002032 003.2 OF 006
The coal terminal will be expanded to an export capacity of
six-million tons of coal a year. Grindrod CEO Alan Olivier believes
it would be possible for the port to move eight-million tons of
goods in 2008, compared to six-million tons in 2007. Grindrod
increased its shareholding in the consortium that manages the Port
of Maputo from 12% to 25% last year. The Mozambique government
controls 50%, and the remaining 25% is held by Dubai Port World.
(Engineering News, September 8, 2008)
-------------------------------------
Johannesburg Signs MOU for Bus System
-------------------------------------
¶8. (U) The City of Johannesburg and bus operators Johannesburg
Metropolitan Bus Services (Metrobus) and Putco signed a memorandum
of understanding (MOU) outlining the framework for the first phase
of the planned Rea Vaya bus-rapid transit (BRT) system. The city
aims to have 43 new buses move along the BRT system's newly-widened
streets by the time the FIFA Confederations Cup kicks-off in June
¶2009. Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said engagement with
operators was vital to the timely and successful implementation of
the BRT system, which would "vastly improve" the city's public
transport. The city confirmed that the BRT system would be
available to provide bus services for the Confederations Cup,
concentrating on areas that would ensure that the BRT could provide
services around and between the key soccer stadia, as well as
looking to satisfy the need for enhanced public transport for
commuters travelling from Soweto and surrounding areas.
(Engineering News, September 10, 2008)
------------------------------------------
Limpopo Chosen for Coal-to-Liquids Project
------------------------------------------
¶9. (U) Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) champion Sasol has selected a coalfield
in the western part of Limpopo province as part of its
pre-feasibility study into the proposed Mafutha CTL project. Sasol
and the Industrial Development Corporation may need to find up to
$16 billion to construct the 80,000 barrel-per-day project,
according to a Sasol spokesperson. One analyst described this
figure as "crazy", noting that it would cost one-half this amount
for a comparable facility under investigation in China. An
anonymous analyst did not expect Mafutha to proceed as it appeared
that Sasol had agreed to investigate the project as a result of the
Treasury's inquiry into a possible windfall tax on the company.
Sasol announced that its operating profit soared 32% to a record $4
billion in 2007. The energy security master plan released last
September shows that the state has ambitions to meet 50% of local
liquid fuels demand through synthetic production from coal and gas
(currently 35%). Sasol is taking steps to reduce its emission and
carbon footprint, given its ignoble label as the world's largest
single-point source of greenhouse gases. (Engineering News and
Business Report, September 8-11, 2008)
--------------------------
Mining Production Declines
--------------------------
¶10. (U) Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported that total mining
production for the third quarter of 2008 decreased by 6.6% compared
to the third quarter of 2007. The total mining production for the
Qto the third quarter of 2007. The total mining production for the
month of July 2008 decreased by 12.6% compared with July 2007. Gold
production decreased by 16.4%. The platinum group metals recorded a
large decrease in actual production of 32.8% compared with July
¶2007. StatsSA said the platinum group decline was mainly
attributable to deferred maintenance, whichQd normally have
occurred in the first half of the year. (Business Day, September
11, 2008)
-------------------------------------
Slow Pace of Mining Right Conversions
Worries Government
-------------------------------------
¶11. (U) Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) Minister Buyelwa
Sonjica reiterated her concern for the "snail's pace of mining
rights conversions," with less than envisaged progress towards
attainment of the objectives of the South Africa's Mining Charter to
date. "Less than 30 % of old-order mining rights have been
PRETORIA 00002032 004.3 OF 006
submitted to my department for conversion. While the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) provides for security of
tenure, submissions close to the deadline of April 30, 2009 will
create unnecessary bottlenecks in processing of applications," she
said in her address at the South African Mining Summit in
Johannesburg. The summit convened stakeholders to discuss issues of
transformation in preparation for review of the Mining Charter in
¶2009. "Failure to convert will not be without consequences," she
warned. Sonjica asserted that only a few of the empowerment
transactions embraced "the true spirit of broad-based black economic
empowerment (BEE)". The Minister also urged the mining houses
holding mining rights to find more meaningful ways of participating
and consulting with their local communities, expressing worries
about tension between mining companies and the communities where
they operated. Sonjica said DME had constituted a task team to
investigate reports of disinvestment in the mining sector.
Preliminary findings cited negative factors as: a lack of
infrastructure capacity; a paucity of skills; non-proximity of the
country to new markets, typically the Far East; introduction of the
new mining legislative framework, which created some investor
uncertainty; and currency fluctuations. The Minister claimed the
government had taken many steps to address these challenges.
(Mining Weekly and Business Day, September 10, 2008)
-------------------------------
Death is Stalking the Workplace
-------------------------------
¶12. (U) Unions have launched a series of costly one-day protests
against a spate of fatalities in the mining, construction, and
manufacturing industries - but they say the government shares the
blame because it does not have enough safety inspectors. National
Union of Mineworkers President Senzeni Zokwana struck hit out at
mining companies during a health and safety summit on September 5.
The death of a miner at DRD Gold's Blyvoor mine the day before took
the death toll in South Africa's mines this year to 116, only
slightly below the pace of last year's fatalities. Minister Sonjica
said mine safety audits ordered by President Mbeki earlier this year
had been completed and would be released after being presented to
the President. A mining industry expert said the audit was not
serious, reflecting skills shortages at the ministry. Official
figures for deaths in other industries are not available, but a
steady stream of fatal accidents on construction sites and in
factories has been reported. (Sunday Times, September 7, 2008)
---------------------------
Government Seeks ICT Advice
---------------------------
¶13. (U) Appointments of a raft of advisers are expected to help
South Africa utilize ICT more effectively. The announcement follows
a three-day meeting between President Thabo Mbeki and his
Presidential International Advisory Council on Information Society
and Development, which ended on August 7. The council is a
high-level panel made up of 23 advisors, including representatives
from SAP, Microsoft, Nokia, Oracle, and HP. Mbeki said: "The
establishment of the council is born from the fact that there is a
Qestablishment of the council is born from the fact that there is a
lack of a coordinated, coherent and integrated approach for
addressing the ICT skills shortage at all levels in the country."
The meeting focused on developments in ICT and reviewed progress in
areas such as e-government, education, and health. A new, local
CEOs' forum is expected to help implement decisions taken by the
advisory council, now in its seventh year of existence. In
addition, advisers would work with the Department of Trade and
Industry's Trade and Investment South Africa Division to ensure that
South Africa improves its ICT investment. A scorecard would be
developed to measure progress against set goals. Mbeki said "as
government, service providers and operators we need to look into
innovative approaches to expand connectivity in rural areas." The
country's readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup was also
discussed. The country is expected to spend between R2 billion and
R5 billion ($250-625 million) on ICT infrastructure for the games.
This would include event management systems with software to manage
the accreditation of delegates, as well as transportation, travel,
and protocol systems. (Business Day and Engineering News, September
8, 2008)
---------------------------------
ICASA Moves to Issue New Licenses
PRETORIA 00002032 005.2 OF 006
---------------------------------
¶14. (U) ICT regulator Independent Communications Authority of South
Africa (ICASA) has begun issuing new licenses that will permit
operators to build their own networks. The announcement comes just
a week after ICASA lost a legal case that opened the sector up to
increased competition. ICASA will hand out two types of licenses to
replace those that became defunct when the Electronic Communications
Act was promulgated in 2005. The most valuable version should
ultimately be issued to about 300 internet service providers and
other voice and data carriers, thanks to a court case instigated by
Altech. ICASA said it would not challenge the high court verdict,
which declared that every company holding an old Value Added Network
Services (VANS) license was entitled to build its own network. The
verdict was a rebuke for ICASA and Department of Communications
Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, since they were planning to reserve
the network-building licenses for a handful of select players.
Altech's triumph heralds a new level of competition and the promise
of cheaper calls, as the companies will no longer be forced to lease
their facilities from Telkom. ICASA said it was now ready to issue
the new licenses. However, only 27 companies were included in the
initial list to collect the two types of licenses; one letting them
build their own networks and the other letting them offer electronic
communications services. Those companies can also collect a
separate license giving them access to the spectrum they need in
order to operate. ICASA spokesman Sekgoela Sekgoela said this was
the first part of a process that would eventually reach all players.
ICASA would issue a further notice "in due course" with regard to
the outstanding licenses for those not among the first batch, he
noted. Telkom, Neotel, and the cellular operators can collect their
converted licenses only after ICASA has finalized how much it
intends to charge them in license fees. Industry analysts have
criticized ICASA for the delay in finalizing the fees structure.
Although hundreds of companies will technically have the right to
construct their own networks, only a dozen or so will be able to
afford the estimated R1 billion ($125 million) it would cost to roll
out a national infrastructure. However, just holding a license to
build their own networks will give them substantially more clout in
negotiating the cost of leasing their facilities from the incumbent
players. (Business Day, September 8, 2008)
-----------------------------------------
Cable-laying Company to Profit from ICASA
Decision to Issue New Licenses
-----------------------------------------
¶15. (U) Cable-laying company Dark Fibre Africa sold a 10% stake in
its business to Absa Capital. Absa would not comment on the value
of the 10% stake, but said the amount is separate from the R950
million ($118 million) pledged by Absa to help Dark Fibre grow its
business. Dark Fibre focuses on the unglamorous part of the ICT
sector, which involves digging up roads and laying cables. Its
prospects have been raised by the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa's (ICASA) decision to heed a court ruling
QAuthority of South Africa's (ICASA) decision to heed a court ruling
and grant additional ICT licenses, which will allow Value Added
Network Services (VANS) to build their own ICT networks and
infrastructure. These VANS may hire Dark Fibre Africa to do the
dirty work if they decide to take advantage of the ICASA decision.
The company plans to invest R2 billion ($250 million) on rolling out
broadband infrastructure to sell or operate for multiple ICT
players. Absa Capital spokesman Sollie Nortj said Dark Fibre
Africa was South Africa's only fiber-optic specialist to use
trenching technology that installed cables up to three times faster
than traditional methods. Dark Fibre's plans include entering other
lucrative African countries with a lack of ICT infrastructure.
(Business Day, September 11, 2008)
--------------------------------------------
SA Firm Acquires Stake in Indian Distributor
--------------------------------------------
¶16. (U) South Africa-based ICT group Datatec has acquired a 50.01%
stake in India-based ICT distribution business Inflow Technologies.
The stake in Inflow provides Datatec with an entry point and initial
footprint in India. Inflow has a presence in nine key Indian cities
and has operations in Sri Lanka and Singapore. Datatec CEO Jens
Montanana said: "India is a very large and fast growing market
offering strong prospects in our sector with a lower cost of entry
compared to many other developing markets and potentially higher
PRETORIA 00002032 006.2 OF 006
returns and greater organic investment opportunities." He added
that investment in Inflow is another step in Datatec's strategy to
increase its exposure to the world's major emerging markets.
(Engineering News, September 11, 2008)
BOST