
<rss version="2.0">
	<channel>
		<title>English</title>
		<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72243</link>
		<description></description>
		<language>en</language>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:09:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Travel Advice]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72320</link>
					<description><![CDATA[

On 18 August 2010, public sectors workers began an open-ended
strike. This action may affect access to public services, including
hospitals. Potential travellers should check this web page and they
should monitor media reports.


Travel Insurance


The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that
comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is
obtained before travelling to South Africa. Travellers should note
that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency
medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains



Embassy of Ireland


The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is based in Pretoria. There
is also an office in Cape Town. The Embassy contact details are as
follows:



Pretoria:


Embassy of Ireland
Southern Life Plaza
1059 Schoeman Street (Corner Festival Street)
Arcadia 0083
Pretoria


Telephone: +27-12-342-5062
Fax: +27-12-342-4752
Email: pretoriaembassy@dfa.ie
Website: www.embassyireland.org.za


Cape Town Office:

Embassy of Ireland,
LG Building,
No 1 Thibault Square,
Long Street,
Cape Town


Telephone: +27 21 4190636/7
Fax: +27 21 4190639





Entry Requirements


Visas



Irish Citizens visiting South Africa on holiday for less than 90
days do not require visas. After entry, an extension of stay may be
sought from the Department of Home Affairs, but note that this can
only be renewed once for a further period on 90 days. For further
details on entry into South Africa please contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of South Africa.


WARNING: EU CITIZENS TRAVELLING TO SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT AT
LEAST TWO BLANK PAGES IN THEIR PASSPORTS - OR WITH PASSPORTS WHICH
ARE DAMAGED IN ANY WAY - WILL BE IMMEDIATLLY RETURNED BY THE SOUTH
AFRICAN AUTHORITIES.


THE EMBASSY OF IRELAND CANNOT ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY IF YOU
ARE REFUSED ENTRY FOR THE ABOVE REASONS.


Passports


You should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six
months from your intended date of departure from South Africa.


It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport
with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your
passport at all times. As noted above, South African immigration
regulations require travellers to have at least two unused pages in
their passports.


Leaving the airport


Be vigilant when passing through and leaving South Africa’s
airports. Pick pockets and thieves patrol the airports. Never leave
your luggage unattended.
Use only recognised hire car companies or official taxis. If you
book a taxi or car to meet you at the airport, ask in advance for
the driver’s name for confirmation. Never give out details of where
you are staying where you can be overheard, there are reports of
people being followed from the airport only to be held up, often at
gun point, on arrival at their hotel or house.


On 18 August 2010, public sectors workers began an open-ended
strike. This action may affect access to public services, including
hospitals. Potential travellers should check this web page and they
should monitor media reports.


Safety and Security


Crime


South Africa has a high-level of crime, including violent crime,
rape and murder. While most cases occur in townships or in
areas away from normal tourist destinations, no where is completely
safe and visitors should exercise caution when travelling in both
urban and rural environments, including city centre areas at night
(city centres are usually referred to as Central Business Districts
or CBDs in South Africa).


Walking at night is not advisable and many
tourists consider public transport to be unsafe; private car rental
is the safest option for independent travel and is favoured by most
tourists. As elsewhere, please be particularly careful with
personal items and valuables in markets and other places frequented
by tourists.


Armed car-jacking is a serious concern throughout
South Africa. Thefts and smash-and-grab robberies from
vehicles are common. Drivers should keep their vehicle door
locked and windows closed, and exercise caution when travelling,
particularly at night and at filling stations.


If you are mugged or your car is hijacked you should remain calm,
offer no resistance and hand over possessions without
question. Avoid eye contact.


Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution if travelling to
townships. It is recommended that you only visit
townships as part of a recognised tour.


As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international
airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your
baggage with you at all times.


Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras
and cell phones out of sight. Do not change large
sums of money in busy public areas. Do not give personal or
financial account information details to unknown parties.

Ticket touting is illegal. Do not attempt to
purchase tickets on the black market. Do not travel to stadiums
without a valid ticket.


The penalties for both the supply and possession of
drugs are severe in South Africa and can include
life imprisonment.


Prostitution is illegal in South Africa. There is
also a high risk of HIV/AIDS (please see section on Health below).


Local Travel


Road Travel


A valid Irish driver’s licence is accepted in South Africa for up
to 12 months after entry, provided it carries the photograph and
signature of the holder.

South African’s drive on the left (the same side as Ireland).


Road standards in South Africa are mostly good, but some roads in
the more remote areas are poor and potholes may be
encountered. The standard of driving in South Africa can vary
greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. You
are advised to drive cautiously at all times and adhere to speed
limits. Avoid ‘road rage’ situations as they can quickly escalate
and turn violent.


It is important to be aware of your own safety and to take sensible
precautions such as ensuring the car is road worthy; splitting the
driving; taking regular breaks and planning the journeys carefully.
Never leave bags, suitcases, or items of value on display in your
car – these should be locked away in the boot.


In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after
dark. Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at
night.


Four-way-stops (unknown in Ireland) are commonly found at quieter
intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority.
Roundabouts (circles in SA) should be treated with caution. Traffic
lights are known as robots in South Africa.


You should park in well-lit areas. Do not pick up strangers.
Do not stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists, as this is
a technique sometimes used by hijackers. It is better to
report the incident to the police.


Avoid using ATMs in garages and in poorly-lit areas. Be
vigilant of anyone trying to help at an ATM.


Avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa and
stay in company. Walking alone anywhere, especially in remote
areas, is not advised and hikers should stick to popular
trails. Call the police (on 10111 (112 from cell phones)) at
the first sign of a threat.


For more about driving in South Africa please see the national
campaign for safe driving: www.arrivealive.co.za


NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE


Health



Hospital treatment in large cities of South Africa is good but can
be expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be basic.
In remote areas, air evacuation is sometimes the only option for
medical emergencies. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly
recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical
insurance, is obtained before travelling to South Africa.


The level of HIV and AIDS infection in South Africa is very high.
Irish visitors to South Africa should exercise necessary caution if
engaging in activities that expose you to possible infection. If
you suspect that you have been exposed to possible infection, you
should seek immediate medical attention.


For more information on Irish Aid's Programme on HIV and AIDS in
South Africa and worldwide please click on the following link
www.irishaid.gov.ie/south_africa.asp


Malaria



Malaria is prevalent in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo province and
KwaZulu-Natal (particularly the Wetlands area around St Lucia).
Before travelling to these areas, including Kruger Park, you should
seek medical advice on suitable anti-malarial medication and take
precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.


Cholera


There are periodic outbreaks of cholera in rural South Africa,
especially in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo
provinces. You are advised to maintain a high level of personal
hygiene and drink only bottled water if travelling in these areas.
If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to South Africa you
should seek immediate medical attention.


You should seek medical advice before travelling to South Africa
and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.


Yellow Fever


If aperson arrives in South Africa from a country
whereyellow fewertransmission is present,that
person must have ayellow fever vaccination certificate valid
at leastsix days before entry into South Africa. A
person who does not have such a certificate on arrival in South
Africa could be refused entry or vaccinated at the airport and
quarantined for up to six days.


A H1N1 - Swine Flu


For further information, please refer to www.nicd.ac.az


General


Registration


Irish citizens travelling or living overseas, outside the Common
Travel Area, (Ireland/Great Britain) are encouraged to register
their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Registration is voluntary. It is a facility available to
all Irish citizens abroad although it is primarily intended for
those who are travelling to remote destinations or locations where
they may be at risk. Registration is undertaken through
www.dfa.ie . Please indicate on
the registration form if you are travelling to South Africa for the
Lions tour and which venues you will visit.


The information submitted upon registration will be passed to and
held by the Irish Embassy or Consulate nearest your destination(s).
The only purpose for which this information will be held or used
will be to contact you, if necessary and/or requested to do so by
your immediate family, in the event of an emergency such as a
natural disaster, civil unrest or a family crisis.


The Department of Foreign Affairs is a registered data controller
under the Data Protection Acts. Any information submitted to the
Department through the citizens on-line registration system will be
used solely for the purpose of contacting you in exceptional or
emergency situations while travelling abroad. Any other
processing or disclosure of the relevant information would not be
permitted other than in the exceptional circumstances provided for
under the Data Protection Acts. Information on data protection in
Ireland can be found at www.dataprotection.ie.





Money


The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Exchange control
regulations mean that it is difficult to buy foreign currency
without going through elaborate and time consuming procedures.


There is a high incidence of credit card fraud and fraud involving
ATM's. As at home in Ireland, users of ATM's should be
vigilant to ensure their PIN number is not observed by others when
withdrawing money. Offers of assistance from bystanders
should be refused. Do not change large sums of money in busy
public areas.


Essential Numbers for Irish Visitors to South Africa


Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria+27 (0)12 343
5062
Embassy of Ireland, Cape Town+27 (0)21 419
0636/7
Emergency Embassy Contact1+27 (0)82 339
4468
Emergency Embassy Contact 2+27 (0)82 459 9893


South African Police Service10111
General Ambulance Number 10177
Fire Brigade10111
Emergency Call from Mobile Phone112


Cape Town Emergency107
Cape Town Emergency (from mobile)+27 (0)21 480 7700


Durban Health


Addington Hospital+27 (0)31 327
2000
Netcare Parklands Hospital+27 (0)31 242
4000
King Edward VIII Hospital+27 (0)31 360
3111
Crompton Hospital+27 (0)31 702 0777


Cape Town HealthChristian Barnard
Hospital+27 (0)21 423 4835
Constantia Berg Mediclinic+27 (0)21 799
2196


Pretoria HealthLittle Company of Mary
Hospital+27 (0)12 424 3600
Pretoria Academic (Steve Biko) Hospital+27 (0)12 354
1000
Zuid-Africanns Hospital+27 (0)12 343
5482
Die Wilgers Hospital+27 (0)12 807
8100
Unitas Hospital Centurion+27 (0)12 677 8000


Johannesburg HealthBedford Gardens
Hospital+27 (0) 11 677 8500
Sandton Medi-Clinic +27 (0) 11 709
2000
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital+27 (0) 11 933
8000
24Hours Emergency+27 (0)11 706 7710





]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:14:44 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Service Delivery in Limpopo]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83084</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Irish Aid's programme in Limpopo is aligned with the
Limpopo Provincial Government Growth and Development Strategy,
2004-2014.


Limpopo is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa.
Limpopo is largely a rural area with a population of
over5million people.The Province has the
lowest average annual household income in the country. Irish
Aid ispartnered with both theProvincial Government and
civil society organisations in Limpopo in working towards improving
the delivery of services for the poor peoplein the Province.


Click here
for more on Limpopo Province.


In 2008 Irish Aid provided funding of over €8 million to help
improve pro-poor service delivery in Limpopo Province, with a
particular focus on Water and Sanitation,
Education and Governance. Working in these
three sectors, Irish Aid seeks to improve the Provincial
Government's ability to:



manage service delivery,


improve the qualityand spread of social services,


improve accountability in the delivery of services, and


improve the ability of civil society to engage and coordinate with
government.



In 2009, Irish Aid allocated just over €3 million to improving
pro-poor service delivery in Limpopo.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:33:36 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Aid South Africa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=75042</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
F&#225;ilte Romhat


Welcome to the website of Irish Aid in South
Africa


Ireland and the Irish people have been supporting South Africa for
many years. During the years of apartheid Ireland took a
strong stand against the apartheid policy and Irish missionaries
have worked in South Africa for more than one hundred and fifty
years. The work of the missionaries in South Africa supports
communities to achieve their development potential by focussing on
eradicating poverty through promoting education, health, peace and
social justice for all. Following the transition to a
democratic, non-racial Government in early 1994, the Irish Aid -
South Africa bilateral programme was established.


Irish Aid is the offical development assistance programme of the
Government of Ireland. It is funded by the Irish taxpayer.


The Irish Aid programme in South Africa seeks to address the needs
of previously disadvantaged and marginalised communities. The
goal of the current programme is to contribute to the reduction of
poverty and inequality, through support for government and civil
society. The programme focuses on HIV and AIDS; pro-poor
service delivery in Limpopo Province; and support for
tackling Gender Based Violence.


Please check back regularly for updates.


With Best Wishes,


The Irish Aid Team.






Minister Peter Power, T.D., visits South
Africa 

 

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, T.D.,
visited South Africa in March, 2010, to oversee the impact of
Ireland's support to vulnerable communities in South Africa.



Minister Peter Power, T.D. visits South Africa (PDF 125kb)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:26:09 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Case Studies]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83094</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
As part of the programme in South Africa, Irish Aid will
undertake case studiesto showcase thedifferent
programmesand partners that Irish Aid support.


Please click on the pdf links below to find out more.



* * * * * * * * * *


Education


Education is a pre-condition of development. The legacy of
apartheidstill hindersthe development of quality
education for all in South Africa. Limpopo Province continues
to suffer enormous backlogs in basic service delivery - including
education. There are many factors that impact on the
edcuation system in Limpopo: lack of resources and lack of
teachers, over-crowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities
and poor infrastructure.


Providing Learners with a Platform


Letabo, Grade 12
   Learner


Lethabo Semenya, 17, is a Grade 12 learner in M.E. Makgato
Secondary School, Seshago in Limpopo Province. Lethabo is
President of the Representative Council of Learners for her
school. The Represenatative Council of Learners (RCL) is
alearner body which acts &quot;as a connector between the teachers
and learners&quot;. Irish Aid support to the Limpopo Department of
Education ensures all members of RCL's are trained in a broad range
of issues.



Providing Learners with a Platform(PDF 1250kb)





Gender Based Violence


Gender based violence is violence that is directed against a person
on the basis of gender or sex, and is essentially a violation of
human rights. In South Africa there is a high prevalence of
rape and domestic and sexual abuse, much of which goes
unreported. Gender based violence and gender equality are
complex and challenging issues in South Africa.


Tackling Gender Based Violence in South
Africa


Elisabeth, a victim of
   domestic violence.


Elisabeth, a victim of domestic violence, is staying in a shelther
run by POWA, an organisation working with
women who are affected by gender based violence. POWA works
both to support women victims of violence and to create a safe
society that does not tolerate violence against women. The
two shelters run by POWA helps women to rebuild their lives,
providing support to all during their traumatic times.



Tackling Gender Based Violence in South Africa (PDF 550kb)




Governance


HIV and
AIDS 

The HIV and AIDS pandemic is a severe threat to economic, social
and human development across all of South Africa. The
pandemic is driven by a number of factors; poverty, gender
inequality, gender based violence and social exclusion, and impacts
most severely upon those who are most disadvantaged in society, the
poor and most vulnerable, particularly women and children.


Touching One...Reaching Many





In May, 2009, The AIDS Consortium (a national network of over 1,000
HIV andAIDS organisations), opened an office in Polokwane,
Limpopo. The expansion of the AIDS Consortium into Limpopo
Province was made possibleby Irish
Aid.Theofficehosts anInformation
Centre comprising a cyber cafe,HIV and AIDS library and a
distribution centre, allowingit's affilated members free
access to information on HIV and AIDS.



Touching One...Reaching Many (PDF 1740kb)


HIV Care in rural South Africa


Matsatsi, a HIV positive
   orphan.


8 year Matsatsi is HIV positive and has been on anti-retroviral
treatment (ARV) since early 2008, after her mother died. The
treatment regime is strict and Matsati and her grandmother, who now
takes care of her, found it difficult at the beginning.
Support from local NGO CHoiCe has really
helped the family through this difficult time.



HIV Care in rural South Africa (PDF 478kb)



* * * * * * * * * *


Supporting vulnerable families in South
Africa



 Joseph, 17, head of the household.


Khanya Family Centre works in the
Johannesburg area, providing support to families such as that
headed by 17 year old Joseph, who takes care of his younger brother
and sister. The number of children orphaned by AIDS in South
Africa is set to grow to 1.7 million. Khanya is one of a
number of organisations working to support vulnerable families,
particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS.



Support for orphans and vulnerable children (PDF 646kb)




Water and Sanitation


The Consititution of South Africa declares that every
personhas the right to clean water, as water is a basic human
right. Access to Water and Sanitation has improved since the end of
apartheid but it still remains a challenge in some parts of the
country. The provision of water and adequate sanitation
facilities in Limpopo Province is experiencing a major backlog.


Access to water in South Africa



 Flora collecting water for her family.


Flora, a mother of eight, has to collect water for her household on
a daily basis, having to often make two trips - a total of almost
four hours. The new water supply in Lefahla village means
Flora no longer has to make thatgruelling journey, &quot;it has
changed our lives to have water by the house&quot;. Irish Aid is
supporting a number of NGOs in Limpopo Province to provide clean
water supply systems to isolated rural communities.



Access to water in South Africa (PDF 545kb)






]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:16:04 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About Irish Aid]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83082</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
&quot;For Ireland, the provision of assistance and our
cooperation with developing countries is a reflection of our
responsibility to others and of our vision of afair global
society.&quot;
White Paper on Irish Aid


Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland’s programme of
assistance to developing countries.


Ireland has had an official development assistance programme since
1974. It has grown steadily over the years, from modest
beginnings to its current size. Total expenditure
in2008 was €920 million. The Irish Aid programme has
had a strong geographic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Approximately 80% of Ireland's Overseas Development Aid goes to
Africa.


Ireland's development cooperation policy is an integral part of
Ireland's wider foreign policy, thus, reflecting Ireland's
longstanding commitment to human rights and fairness in
international relations. Irish Aid, as a Directorate of the
Department of Foreign Affairs, must ensure that Ireland's
development policies are consistent with all other aspects of
Ireland's foreign policy.


The Irish Aid programme has as its absolute priority the reduction
of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries.
The reduction of poverty is complex, challenging and controversial
and thus requires a strategic, multi-faceted and sophisticated
approach.


Irish Aid is strongly committed to ensuring aid effectiveness,
based on the principles of partnership, support for locally owned
strategies, better donor coordination and policy coherence.


There are four policy priority issues which cut across and
inform all of the work of Irish Aid:


Environmental sustainability: Safeguarding the
environment throughout the achievement of sustainable
development. Sustainable development is defined as
&quot;development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs&quot;.


Gender equity: All attempts at poverty reduction
needs to ensure that gender equality is an integral part of all
programmes.


Good governance: Long-term sustainable development
requires governments that are transparent and accountable to their
citizens and that are committed to combating corruption.


HIV and AIDS:Combating HIV and AIDS is a
development issue, in addition to it being a health issue.
Failure to address the development dimensions has major social and
economic implications.


These issues are part of Irish Aid's mainstreaming strategy
which seeks to ensure that all Irish Aid supported programmes
address all four issues. Therefore, these priority issues are
included in the planning, implementation and evaluation of all
Irish Aid development programmes.



* * * * * * * * * *


Irish Aid and the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals


Irish Aid works in cooperation with: governments in other
countries, other donors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and
international organisations, as part of the global effort to
achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs).


The MDGs are a set of goals drawn from the Millennium
Declaration which was adopted at the UN Millennium Summit in
2000. At this summit, the largest gathering of world leaders,
the UN member states committed their nations to &quot;free all men,
women, and children from the abject and dehumanising conditions of
extreme poverty&quot;. The MDGs are aimed at improving the
social and economic conditions in the world's poorest
countries. The eight goals seek to address extreme poverty,
hunger, disease, maternal and child mortality and the promotion of
education, environmental sustainability and gender equality.
All world leaders, present at the summit, further committed
their nations to ensure these goals would be met by 2015.


To-date, South Africa is making good progress in achieving some of
the goals. However, the main areas of concern for South
Africa are: maternal mortality, incidences of TB and prevalence of
HIV.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:50:17 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Types of Visa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72275</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A comprehensive list of the different visa types that are
available, and the documentation required in respect of each, is
available on the INIS website.


The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the
Department of Foreign Affairs or any Irish Embassy or Consulate may
ask for further documentation at any stage.


For ease of reference, separate links for some of the most common
visa types are set out below.


TRAVELLING TO IRELAND AS A
TOURIST


If you are a Visa-required national and you would like to visit
Ireland for a short period (less than 3 months) you will find
useful guidelines and details of requirements for Visit/Holiday
Visa applications here.


For further information on tourism in Ireland please visit the
website of Tourism Ireland.



TRAVELLING TO IRELAND ON
BUSINESS


Business Meeting
If you are a Visa-required national and coming to Ireland for a
business meeting you will find useful guidelines and details of
requirements for Business Visa applications here


ConferenceIf you are a Visa-required
national and coming to Ireland for a conference you will find
useful guidelines and details of requirements for Conference Visa
applications here


Starting a Business in Ireland
If you are a Non-EEA national and you wish to set up a business in
Ireland, you will require Business Permission from the Department
of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. For more information please
click here


STUDYING IN IRELAND


If you require an entry visa for Ireland and would like to study
here, you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements
for Study Visa appplications here.


WORKING IN IRELAND

If you are a national of a country which is not a member of the
European Economic Area (EEA) and you wish to work in Ireland, you
will require authorisation to do so.

For most types of employment, a non-EEA national requires a Work
Permit. For full information on work permits please visit the
website of the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment.

A visa-required national who has been issued with a Work
Permit can apply for an Employment visa through their local
Irish Embassy or Consulate. You will find useful
guidelines and details of requirements for Employment Visa
applications here.


For further information on finding work in Ireland, please visit
the F&#193;S website


WORKING HOLIDAYS

Ireland offers young people from Australia, Canada, Hong
Kong, Japan, 
New Zealand and the Republic of Korea
, the chance to work casually to enable them to
spend an extended holiday in Ireland. For further information
on the Working Holiday schemes, please see the Working Holidays in
Ireland page.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:19:47 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About the Embassy]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72245</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa represents Ireland’s
interests in South Africa. The Embassy is also accredited to
Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Embassy
provides a range of services, details of which are available in the
relevant sections of this website. Ireland already has strong
links with South Africa in trade, education, investment and tourism
– the Embassy strives to deepen this relationship, reflecting the
growing dynamic relationship between our countries.


The Embassy's opening hours are: 8:30–13:00 &amp;amp;
14:00-16:30, Monday to Thursday and 14:00 – 16:00 on Fridays.


Consular (passport, citizenship, visa etc.) hours are 08:30 – 13:00
Monday to Friday only.


Visa telephonequeries are between 14:00-16:00 Monday to
Friday only


Citizenship telephone queries are between 14:00-16:00 Monday to
Friday only

Embassy of Ireland
1st Floor
Southern Life Plaza
1059 Schoeman (cnr Festival) Sts
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

Main Tel: +27 12 342 5062
Fax: +27 12 342 4752


The Embassy also has an office in Cape Town:


12th Floor LG Building, 1 Thibault Square, Cape Town


Tel: 021 419 0636/7 Fax: 021 419 0639



To contactthe Embassy of IrelandSouth Africa please
click here.

Diplomatic StaffAmbassador: HE Colin
Wrafter
Deputy Head of Mission: Mr Patrick McRann


Second Secretary: Mr Luke Feeney


Head of Development: Ms C&#225;it Moran


Development Specialist: Mr Frank Kirwan





]]></description>
					<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:03:05 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Essential Numbers for World Cup 2010]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82207</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
A list of essential number for Irish citizens visiting South
Africa during the World Cup is available 
here (PDF 15kb).


We strongly recommend that all visitors to South Africa print this
list and keep it with them at all times.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:25:43 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Match City Information]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82205</link>
					<description><![CDATA[    
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa


Throughout the World Cup an Embassy Consular Officer will be
available for emergency assistance to Irish Citizens at all times.
The officer can be contacted on +27 (0)82 459 9893. Please put this
number in your phone and use in case of emergency.


WARNING: EU CITIZENS TRAVELLING TO SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT AT LEAST
TWO BLANK PAGES IN THEIR PASSPORTS - OR WITH PASSPORTS WHICH ARE
DAMAGED IN ANY WAY - WILL BE IMMEDIATLLY RETURNED BY THE SOUTH
AFRICAN AUTHORITIES.


THE EMBASSY OF IRELAND CANNOT ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY IF YOU ARE
REFUSED ENTRY FOR THE ABOVE REASONS.


Ticket touting is illegal. Do not attempt to purchase tickets on
the black market. Do not travel to stadiums without a valid
ticket. Tickets are also ID specific, and you may be asked to
produce photo ID to confirm the ticket is yours.


Information on FIFA World Cup match cities is available
    
here (PDF 95kb).

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:11:40 UTC</pubDate>
		
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				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Authentication of Documents]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=72281</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Introduction


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille
documents executed in Ireland that are to be used in other
countries.Irish Diplomatic and
Consular Missions abroad can legalise documents executed
abroad for use in Ireland.

Authenticating a document simply means confirming that a signature,
seal or stamp appearing on the document is genuine.
Legalising a document means authenticating it for the purpose of
making it acceptable to an Irish court.

Authentication and Legalisation do not mean that the content of a
document is accurate or that the Department of Foreign Affairs
approves of the content.


Why do documents need to be Authenticated\Apostilled?


If you are going to use Irish documents overseas, for business or
personal reasons, you may be asked to have your documents
Authenticated\Apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs. You
should therefore confirm with the authority to whom you are
presenting the documents what their requirements are with regard to
Authentication\Legalisation.


What is an Apostille?


The 1961 Hague Convention abolished the requirement for Foreign
Public Documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificates,
documents issued by a Notary Public) to be legalised for countries
that are parties to the Convention. The Convention entered into
force for Ireland on 9 March 1999. For further information on the
Hague Convention please access their website.

However, countries that are parties to the Convention may request
the bearer of a document issued by a public authority to obtain an
Apostille from the Authorities of the country that issued the
document.

An Apostille involves the addition of a certificate, either stamped
on the document itself or attached to it. It certifies the country
of origin of the document, the identity and capacity in which the
document has been signed and the name of any authority which has
affixed a seal or stamp to the document.


Documents we can Authenticate\Apostille


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille
documents of Irish origin provided that they bear an original
signature, seal or stamp from an Irish practising public official
or organisation. An Irish document means that it originated or has
been executed in Ireland. If a practising Irish solicitor, Notary
Public or Commissioner for Oaths is signing a document they should
state clearly what exactly it is they are certifying in relation to
the document. They must sign their own name and not use a company
signature.


Examples of Documents the Department can Authenticate\Apostille
are:


The Department of Foreign Affairs can Authenticate\Apostille public
documents which have been executed in the territory of One
Contracting State and which have to be produced in the territory of
another Contracting State.


Examples:



Original certificates issued by the General Registers
Office (GRO)


Company documents issued by the Companies Registration Office


Documents signed by the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland


Court documents, Powers of Attorney, and other Notarial Acts can be
Authenticated provided they bear an original signature, seal or
stamp from a practising Irish solicitor\ Notary Public in Ireland


Educational Certificates can be Authenticated provided they fall
within the National Framework of Qualifications established by the
National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland\are recognised
by the Department of Education.


We can also Authenticate\Apostille medical reports signed by a
doctor who is registered with the Medical Council of Ireland.



An appointment is necessary for large numbers of documents and for
full foreign adoption dossiers.


Photocopies of DocumentsWe can
Authenticate\Apostille photocopies of certain types of documents
provided they have been certified by a practising Irish Solicitor
or Notary Public in Ireland. However, you should in the first
instance confirm with the authority to whom you are presenting the
document that a certified copy will be acceptable to them.


How to get your Document Authenticated\Apostilled


Documents that have been executed in Ireland, and which are to be
Authenticated or Apostilled by the Department can be:


Presented to the Department at its Public Office at the following
address:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs
Hainault House
69 - 71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2


or sent via post to:


Consular Section
Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2


Documents sent by post must include the
following:
A brief covering letter stating your name, return address,
telephone number, you must state what country the document(s) are
for use in, and you must include the appropriate
fee.


Tel. (01) 408 2174
(01) 408 2322
(01) 408 2061
(01) 408 2576

For the Munster area:


Consular Services,
Department of Foreign Affairs,
1A South Mall,
Cork

Tel: 021 4944765 / 021 4944766


Opening Hours:The opening hours for the
Public Offices in Dublin and Cork are as follows:
Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
0930 - 1300
1430 - 1600

FeesA fee of €20 is charged for each
Apostille or Authentication. There is a standard fee of
€50 for a series of Apostilles or Authentications in relation
to inter-country adoptions.


Please note that there may be an additional administration fee if
applying for these services from our officesabroad. Fees will
be notified on request.


Methods of Payment
This section relates to services available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs in Dublin and Cork.


Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque (made payable to 'Department of
Foreign Affairs'), Postal Order, Bank Draft, or by Credit\Debit
card.


It should be noted that all cheques must be drawn on an Irish bank.


Legalisation


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad can legalise
documents executed abroad for use in Ireland.


Administering oaths, affirmations and
statutory declarations and certifying copies of documents:


Irish Diplomatic and Consular Officers abroad are empowered under
Irish law to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory
declarations. They can also certify copies of original Irish
documents or translations. 


If you require any of these services, contact your nearest
   Irish Diplomatic or Consular
   Mission.


The fee for these services in local currency and methods of payment
will be notified, on request, by the relevant Mission.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:23:02 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[World Cup 2010 Schedule]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82206</link>
					<description><![CDATA[The matchschedule for theFIFA World Cup 2010
inSouth Africa is available
here (PDF 235kb).
]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:18:45 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[World Cup 2010]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82203</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa


F&#225;ilte romhat,


The Embassy of Irelandwould like to extend a warm welcome to
all Irish visitors who are travelling to South Africa for the World
Cup. Over the last number of months, the Embassy has worked with
the South African Government, theSouth African Police Service
(SAPS) andthe Local Organising Committee to ensure that the
safety and security of Irish citizens visiting South Africa is
addressed. 


Most visits to South Africa are trouble free and hugely enjoyable.
I would strongly recommend that each person coming to South Africa
read the Embassy's travel advice (available here)andthe
advice provided by the SAPS (available here). The Embassy
isready to help Irish citizens who are in distress, so please
contact us if you run into any problems. Throughout the World
Cup an Embassy Consular Officer will be available for emergency
assistance to Irish Citizens at all times.


This website will be updated throughout the World Cup with any
relevant information.


With best wishes for asafe and enjoyable World Cup,


Colin Wrafter


Ambassador

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:42:33 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Aid Team]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=82991</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Theimplementation of the Irish Aid - South Africa
programme is the responsibility of the Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria
and its respective partners. The programme is headed by the
Ambassador of Ireland toSouth Africa, supported by an Irish
Aid team that includes Head of Development, Development Specialist,
Technical Advisers, a Financial Manager and Programme Support
Staff.



 * * * * * * * * * *





Ambassador Colin Wrafter,


Head of Mission


C&#225;it Moran,


Head of Development


Frank Kirwan,


Development Specialist


Rose Machobane,


Education Adviser


Tamara Mathebula,


HIV and AIDS Adviser


Ayanda Mvimbi,


Gender Adviser


Joy Summerton,


Limpopo Programme Coordinator


Anne Anamela,


Regional HIV and AIDS Adviser





Belindah Phalatse,


Programme Administrator


Mandla Msimanga,


Financial Manager


Sin&#233;ad Lynam,


Junior Development Officer


Freddy Motshophi,


Support Staff

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:39:39 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[HIV and AIDS]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83088</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
&quot;In addition to the
   enormoushuman cost, HIV and AIDS is devasting the
   productive sectors and the education systems of developing
   countries and overwhelming already weak health
   systems&quot;.White Paper on Irish Aid


Irish Aid has a very strong policy commitment to addressing
the challenge of HIV and AIDS in South Africa.


The HIV and AIDS epidemic impacts on the individual, their family
and the community at a local level, whilst at the national level
the pandemic has a substantial negative impact on South Africa's
economic and social progress. Irish Aid is working with the
Government of South Africa - through supporting AIDS Councils at
national, provincial and local level. Irish Aid supports the
Joint UN Country Strategy on HIV and AIDS and works with a number
of NGOs to contribute to the reduction of HIV and AIDS and the
mitigation of its impact. Irish Aid also provides support to
innovative HIV and AIDS interventions that encompass prevention,
treatment, care and support. In 2008, Irish Aid spent over
€1.5 million on combating HIV and AIDS in South Africa.


In South Africa, it is estimated that 5.5 million (11% out of the
total population) of just over 49 million people are infected with
human immunodeficieny virus. According to the Human Science
Research Council (HSRC) and UNAIDS reports in 2008, the impact of
HIV and AIDS is most severely felt by the poorest of the poor,
particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children and the
elderly. Therefore, Irish Aid has prioritised support for
women and children in its current programme.



* * * * * * * * * *


At the national level, Irish Aid is supporting the
South African National AIDS Council
(SANAC) in two sectors that specifically work to address the needs
of women and children whose lives have been impacted by HIV and
AIDS. The host organisations for the women and children
sectors of SANAC are:



The Western Cape Network for Violence Against Women


The Children's Rights Centre.



SANAC is repsonsible for HIV coordination at the national level and
for the implementation of the National Strategy Plan on
HIV and AIDS and STIs, 2007-2011 (NSP). The NSP
is the Government's policy that seeks to provide guidance to all
government departments and sectors of civil society to respond
effectively to the impact of HIV and AIDS in South Africa.
With Irish Aid support, UNAIDS are providing support to the
Monitoring and Evaluation of the NSP.


At the Provincial level, Irish Aid engages with the Limpopo
Provincial Department of Health and Social Development.
The focus is on building the capacity and coordination role of the
Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), the District AIDS Council (DACs)
and the Local AIDS Council (LACs).



* * * * * * * * * *


In the Mopani district of Limpopo - which has the highest HIV
prevalence rate in the province - Irish Aid was instrumental in
establishing a collaborative partnership of AIDS NGOs. The
collaborative partnership is comprised of three NGOs:
CHoiCe, AIDS Foundation South
Africa (AFSA), and The AIDS
Consortium (AC). The partnership, funded by
Irish Aid, works with 20 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in
Mopani and provides the following:organisational development
training, home-based care training and provision of home-based care
services, and awareness of HIV and AIDS and gender based violence.


Irish Aid provides support to the Children in Distress
Network (CINDI). The CINDI network comprised of
NGOs, CBOs and government agencies and individuals who work as a
collaborative organisation in the best interests of children
infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in the province of
Kwazulu-Natal.


In the province of Gauteng, Irish Aid funds three NGOs: CARe,
Friends for Life and Khanya Family Centre. Each of which
focuses on home-based care, care for orphans and the vulnerable,
HIV and AIDS prevention and care and support.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:05:23 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Events and Photo Gallery]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83092</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Events


As part of the Irish Aid programme in South Africa, Irish
Aid provides support to major events that are held throughout the
year. The events raise awareness on issues that impact on
human development in South Africa. These events on health and
hygiene and the prevention and response of HIV and AIDS are focused
on improving the quality of life for everyone in South
Africa.





World AIDS
Day



World AIDS Day is held on December 1st every year.The
firstWorld AIDS Day was held in 1988. It is
aninternational event that raises awareness of HIV and AIDS
around the world. The red ribbon is an international symbol
of AIDS and it is worn on World AIDS Day to showsupport
forpeople living with HIV.


Click on pdf to read more.



World AIDS Day 2009 (PDF 166kb)



World AIDS Day 2008 (PDF 81kb)





Global Handwashing Day 


Global Handwashing Day is held on October 15th. The inaugural
Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008. It is an event to
raise public awareness of the importance of washing their hands
with soap to ensure disease prevention.


Click on pdf to read more



Global Handwashing Day 2009 (PDF 173kb)



Global Handwashing Day 2008 (PDF 95kb)

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:39:55 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About Limpopo]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83085</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
The province of Limpopo is located in the North East of
South Africa. The province
sharesinternationalborders withBotswana,
Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Limpopo is comprised of five
districts, its capital Polokwane, lies south of theZimbabwean
border.


Limpopo Province encompasses about 10% of the country'stotal
land mass, with apopulation of over five million
people.Rainfall in Limpopo is seasonal and unreliable
and thereforehas a negative impact on the very modest
agriculture sector. The South African Bill of Rights declares
that everyone has the right toaccess sufficient water, yet in
Limpopo, availability and access to clean water for basic human
needs is scarce.


Limpopo is a largely rural area and is comprised of four former
homeland areas. During the apartheid years, black
South Africans had their citizenship revoked and instead became
citizens of one of ten designated homelands. These
homelands comprised of small areas of land and were
located in the most economically unproductive areas of the
country. Very few employment opportunities existed and the
people residing there were generally poor. In addition, the
provision of basic public services, including education, health and
water, to people in the homelands, were of a very poor
standard and in some cases they were non-existant. The legacy
of the homelands still impacts on the people in Limpopo.


The Provincial Government in Limpopo is making positive strides in
Limpopo but challenges in terms of self-governance and service
provision still exist. Consequently, since 1994 Limpopo has
continued to suffer enormous backlogs in the delivery of basic
services of education. health and water and sanitation. Irish
Aid has been working in Limpopo since 1998 having been requested by
the Government of South Africa to direct our resources to the
province.


The province of Limpopo has the highest proportion of people living
on less than $1 a day. Limpopo has the lowest average annual
household income in the country and the largest proportion of
children living in income poverty (82% in 2007). The province
also has the highest levels of unemployment in South Africa, in
some areas unemployment levels are as high as 70%. Irish Aid
provides support to both the Provincial Government and civil
society organisations in Limpopo, with the overall objective aimed
at improving the delivery of services for poor people.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:01:58 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Water and Sanitation]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83086</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
&quot;We are committed to reducing poverty by
environmentally sustainable development&quot;. White
Paper on Irish Aid.


Access to safe water and sanitation for all in a
sustainable manner is a priority for the Government of South
Africa.


Following the end of apartheid rule in South Africa, the democratic
government sought to redress the inequalities of apartheid's
legacy. Over a third of the population had no basic water
supply and more than half the population were without adequate
sanitation facilities. The Constitution of South Africa
declares that every person has the right to clean water, as water
is a basic human right. Access to water and proper sanitation
in South Africa has improved since 1994 but it still remains a
challenge in some parts of the country. In Limpopo Province,
the provision of water and adequate sanitation faciliaties is
experiencing a huge backlog.



* * * * * * * * * *


In 2008 Irish Aid provided €3 million to supprot the Government's
water supply and sanitation programme known as Masibambane
meaning 'let's work together'. Masibambane is the first (and
so far, only) Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in South Africa, which
has resulted in one strategy and an integrated workplan for the
sector. ?? The overall aim is to ensure that the policy priorities
of the SWAp in Limpopo Province are advanced. The policy
priorities arewater for growth and development, gender
equity, HIV and AIDS, use of appropiate environmentally sustainable
technology, health and hygiene promotion and civil society support
(acknowledging the role that NGOs can and should be playiing in
partnership with government).


Irish Aid has also supported two specific infrastructure activities
in the Province:


- Construction of toilets at schools: Sanitation
facilities in schools in Limpopo Province are either in adequate or
non-existant. The lack of facilities deter children,
particularly girls, from attending school as they often feel
unsafe.


- Job creation through sanitation: Groups of rural
residents, mainly women, are provided with tools and training to
allow them to make and sell bricks, blocks and toilet pedestals to
sanitation development projects. Fifteen groups were
supported by Irish Aid and they continue to operate in various
rural locations in Limpopo. The Department of Water Affairs
provides guidance and support to each programme director to ensure
successful continuation of the project.



* * * * * * * * * *


Irish Aid established, and is supporting, a consortium of six water
and sanitation NGOs based in Limpopo Province for a period of five
years. The LImpopo Water and Sanitition
NGO - LINGO consortium comprises
of water and sanitation service providers. Irish Aid supports
LINGO to build its capacity as legitimate partners for Government
in providing services in rural areas and to provide actual services
in at least 7 rural locations in Limpopo each year. This can
range from promotion of improved hygience practice and sanitation
to supporting provision of actual water supply using sustainable
technology.


LINGO members are involved in organising Global Handwashing
Day, an annual event aimed at promoting health and hygiene in
households in Limpopo.



* * * * * * * * * *


Irish Aid supports two research projects in the area of Water and
Sanitation, through the national Water Research Commission
(WRC). The support provided is to allow the WRC
develop practical solutions for insitutional and management issues
in water use and waste management areas. Both projects are
pilots intended to stimulate further government and private sector
interest and involvement in critical service issues. The
first researchproject is the franchising of water and
sanitation services and provision to rural areas that experience
problems in attracting qualified personnel to live in and
managethe maintenance or water andsanitation. The
second research project is concerned with the safe
disposaland re-usein agriculture of human waste from
pit latrines. Many of the pit latrines were provided to poor
communities over the last fifteen years and are now full, and thus
require emptying.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:39:56 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[Irish Aid in South Africa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83080</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Irish Aid began working in South Africa in 1994 providing
bilateral aid in assisting the process of transformation to a
democratic, non-racial society.


In 1994 South Africa made the transition from apartheid to
consitutional democracy. Whereas the political transition has
been smooth, serious inequality and huge poverty
persists.Certain parts of society enjoy socio-economic
conditions equivalent to those in the developed world, however, in
other parts of South Africa there is extreme deprivation and
exclusion, leading to poverty comparable with that of
least-developed countries. Thus, there exists a huge economic
disparity amongst the population.


The main challenges facing South Africa are the HIV and AIDS
pandemic and high unemployment, which in turn increases poverty,
inequality and crime - particularly gender based violence.
Inequality has increased across race, gender and location.
Consequently, the Government faces an uphill struggle in extending
opportunities to all and in improving the delivery of public
services.



* * * * * * ****


The primary focus of Irish Aid's programme in South Africa
is on reducing poverty, simultaneously helping the poorest people
attain a decent quality of life.


The Irish Aid programme in South Africa works closely with
National, Provincial and Local Governments - particularly the
National Treasury, non-government organisations - both Irish and
local, and civil society organisations - including community based
organisations. Sustainable progress is more likely to be
achieved when all stakeholders are cooperating and working
together.


Working in partnership with the Government of South Africa ensures
Irish Aid's objectives and focus on reducing poverty are aligned
with the Government's policies and priority issues. The
partnership is important and encourages the Government to take
ownership of their own development and lead in the formation of
development strategies. Irish Aid's support for capacity
building within Limpopo Provincial Government Departments, reform
of the public sector and ensuring accountability are important
factors in the attainment of a better quality of service delivery
to the poor.


Civil society organisaitons encompass all organisations outside the
government including: non-government organisations (NGO), community
based organisations (CBO), faith-based organisations (FBO) and
professional associations. Irish Aid works closely with civil
society organisations and the work is focused on building and
strengthening the capacity of partner organisations. These
organisations are encouraged to become more active within the
democratic process - influence public policy decisions, hold
government accountable for their actions and to provide services to
communities where government are unable to do so.



* * * * * * * * * *


Irish Aid's first multi-annual programme for South Africa was,
Country Strategy Paper, 2001-2003.
The programme had a modest budget of €3 million in 2001 and this
increased substantially to €11 million by 2003. The programme
focused on five areas: education, good governance, health, HIV and
AIDS and water and sanitation, partnering with both government and
non-governmental partners to implement projects.


The Country Strategy Paper, 2004-2007,
continued the focus on the five sectors from the previous
programme. The programme expanded its support in the Limpopo
Provinceand includingsupport foran innovative
approach to Local Economic Development. The issues of the
environment, gender, government, HIV and AIDS, and the role of
civil society became central and were prioritised throughout the
programme. Expenditure for this programme averaged at €10
million per year.


All Irish Aid - South Africa Country Strategy Papers are relevant
and appropiate to the South African development context. Each
Country Strategy Paper builds on the success and lessons learned
from the previous.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:27:25 UTC</pubDate>
		
				</item>			
			
				<item>
					<title><![CDATA[About South Africa]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83081</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
South Africa is situated at the
southern tip of the African continent. The country is
bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Indian Ocean on
the south and east. Its neighbouring countries are Botswana,
Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and
Lesotho.


South Africa is a vast country with a surface area of over 1.2
million square kilometres, and a coastline of nearly 3,000
kilometres. The country's climate varies from region to
region. South Africa is classified as a semi-arid country
with an average annualrainfall of 450mm (the average annual
rainfall in the world is 860mm. The relatively small
agricultural sector suffers from both land and water
shortages. Water shortages are a severe problem in much of
South Africa as the country has no commerically navigable rivers
and no significant natural lakes.


There are nine provinces in South Africa - Eastern Cape, Free
State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West
Province, Northern Cape and Western Cape. Pretoria (Tswhane)
in Gauteng is the executive capital and Cape Town in Western Cape
is the legislative capital.



* * * * * * * * * *


1994 was a major turning point in the country's history.
Prior to 1994, South Africa was ruled by an all white minority
government, the National Party, which had come to power in 1948 and
subsequently enforced a strict seperation of the races i.e. the
apartheid policy. The policy of apartheid imposed
restrictions on all non-white people, dictating that black,
coloured and white communities should live in seperate areas, stand
in seperate queues and travel on different buses. The Group
Areas Acts of 1950 and 1986 enforced the resettlement of about 1.5
million black South Africans who were forced to live considerable
distances outside of towns and cities, where they lived in abject
poverty with little or no adequate services provided. There
was widespread opposition to apartheid and uprisings in Soweto left
more than 600 dead - after black high school student protestors
clashed with security forces. In the 1980s, a State of
Emergency was declared as fighting in township areas resutled in
great violence, labour unrest, classroom revolts, rent strikes,
consumer boycotts and guerilla warfare. The early 1990s
witnessed a positive turnaround in South Africa. Nelson
Mandela, leader of the African Congress Party (ANC), was
freed after being imprisoned for twenty-seven years. Talks
between Nelson Mandela and President F.W. De Klerk, leader of the
National Party, resulted in the unbanning of the ANC and other
anti-apartheid organisations and ultimately the repeal of apartheid
laws. In 1994 South Africa held its first non-racial
elections, and Nelson Mandela, representing the ANC was elected
President. The ANC have successfully been re-elected on three
further occasions and remain the ruling political party in South
Africa.



* * * * * * * * * *


South Africa's economcy is the most advanced on the Africa
continent. The country's economy has a marked duality, with a
sophisticated financial and industrial economy having grown
alongside an underdeveloped informal economy.


South Africa is a middle income country, albeit a lower
middle income country. In the 2009 United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP)Human Development
Report (HDR) South Africa ranked 129 out of 182 in the Human
DevelopmentIndex (HDI). The report, which ranks human
development across the globe, is published on an annual
basis. South Africa's HDI ranking has continuously declined
over the past decade. The HDR takes into account life
expectancy, health, literacy rates and living standards.
South Africa continues to have one of the highest
GINI-coefficent in the
world.TheGINI-coefficient measures inequality, 0
is complete equality and 1 is complete inequality.
SouthAfrica's GINI-coefficient has risenin the last
decade and is now above .60, renderingSouth Africa an
extremely unequal society and reflecting an enormous gap
betweenrich and poor. Inequalityhas increased
across race, gender and location. Equitable distribution of
resources and opportunities is an ongoing and important challenge
for the government of South Africa to deliveron. South
Africa's richest are continuing to expand their wealth, however
there has been relatively little progress in decreasing the number
of poor people still struggling to make ends meet, thus reflecting
acountry with ballooning economic inequality.




]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:49:54 UTC</pubDate>
		
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					<title><![CDATA[Governance]]></title>
					<link>http://192.168.99.95/home/index.aspx?id=83339</link>
					<description><![CDATA[
Without good governance, long-term sustainable
development is not possible. White Paper on
Irish Aid


Governance is one of the four priority policy issues mainstreamed
throughout all Irish Aid's work. The principles of governance
include: accountability and transparence, administrative and
bureaucratic capacity and efficiency, participation and tolerance,
political openness, respect for the rule of law, and ultimately
respect for human rights. In 1994, after almost fifty years
of apartheid rule, South Africa made the transition from apartheid
to constitutional democracy.


In South Africa, Irish Aid is committed to supporting institutions
and organisations that promote democracy, governance and human
rights.



* * * * * * * * * *


At the institutional level, Irish Aid is involved in supporting two
initiatives which seek to address the challenges and strengthen the
management and planning structures within the Limpopo Provincial
Government.


Infrastructure Development Improvement Programme
(IDIP): This programme is a multi-sector approach aimed at
strengthening the capacity of the nineProvincial Governments
to plan and manage infrastructure for service delivery. The
programme is managed at a national level by National
Treasury, the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA)
acts as the fund manager and implementing agent. Irish Aid
supports this programme in the Limpopo Province which is aimed at
improving governance and addressing poor planning capacity.
The Provincial Treasury is the lead Department in Limpopo, and they
in turn support the Provincial Departments of Education, Health and
Social Development and Public Works.


Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP): The
PSRP supports the implementation of South Africa's National
Anti-Corruption Strategy. The Department of Public
Service and Administration (DPSA) is the lead Government
Department and GTZ, Germany's 'international cooperation enterprise
for sustainable development', is responsible for fund management
and implementation of the programme. The programme is being
rolled out at national level and at provincial level in Eastern
Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Irish Aid is
supporting the implementation of this programme in Limpopo
Province. The programme is focused on strengthening
governance structures within the Province. In addtition, the
PSRP addresses the issues of gender and HIV and AIDS, ensuring that
public sector reform raises awareness and promotes gender equity
and strives to combat HIV and AIDS.



* * * *** * * * *


Irish Aid stronglyrecognises the important role played by
civil society in the promotion of human right and the democratic
process. In South Africa Irish Aid is supporting two national
organisations that are focused on building the capacity of civil
society to engage with accountability issues.


South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR)
is an independent research organisation that has been in operation
since 1929. The Institute continuously monitors trends and
statistics relating to business, health, education, demographics,
living conditons, crime and politics at the national and provincial
level. SAIRR's high quality work is an excellent source of
information for civil society. Irish Aid funds the Provincial
Information System (PIS) which is designed to provide information
and data to all members of the nine Provincial Legislatures,
provincial researchers, as well as other provincial government
officials in South Africa. It is envisaged that providing
members of Provinical Legislatures with comprehensive data will
empower them to monitor the delivery of publci and social
services. The PIS will keep the Provincial Legislators up to
date on the challenging issues facing their respective
Provinces. Ultimately the service shoul improve the capacity
of the legislators and allow them to operate more effectively.


Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) is
an independent public interest organisation committed to promoting
sustainable democracy based on active citizenship, democratic
institutions and social justice. IDASA's iLEDA programme is
aimed at strengthening democratic leadership throughout South
Africa through training future generations of political and citizen
leaders. Irish Aid funds the Citizen Leadership
Training element, in the district of Mopani in Limpopo
Province. This programme is focused on selecting and training
local participants from community based organisations to develop a
deeper understanding of government and the importance of citizen
participation. Twenty-five to thirty participants will be
selected each year for an intensive training course over a four
month period (the programme is running for three years). The
training will enable citizens to participate actively in effective
lobbying campaigns, ensuring government accountability, policy
consultations and co-operative governance structures. The
training will empower the citizens to empower their respective
organisations and ultimately benefit the community as a whole.

]]></description>
					<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:10:46 UTC</pubDate>
		
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