National
SA on track to achieve UN millennium development goals─── 16:34 Fri, 19 Dec 2014
Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma today in his end of year statement said South Africa is on track to achieve most of the United Nations millennium development goals (MDGs) by the 2015 deadline.
According to him good progress has been made with the eradication of extreme poverty, the achievement of universal primary education, attaining gender equality and the empowerment of women. The eight goals (MDGs) include halving extreme poverty, halting the spread of HIV/Aids, and providing universal primary education by 2015. Zuma said the country had made dramatic progress in the fight against HIV/Aids.
To date, 2.7 million South Africans are on antiretroviral treatment while a total of 3 590 public health facilities are now initiating patients on antiretroviral treatment compared to 490 in February 2010.
He said 20 million people had to date been tested for HIV through the HIV counselling and testing campaign launched in 2010.
Meanwhile Zuma, has signed into law the Public Administration Management Act of 2014. The Act amongst others seeks to promote a high standard of professional ethics in the public administration. As part of promoting professional ethics and integrity by employees, the act prohibits public servants from conducting business with the State or being a director of a public or private company that conducts with the State.
Failure to comply with this prohibition constitutes serious misconduct which may result in the termination of employment by the employer. The Act also requires employees to disclose their financial interests. This Act will take effect on a date still to be determined.
Sapa
