Before we start the weekend, let’s take a look at good news that made the headlines in South Africa this week – with a focus on conservation and raising awareness around conservation issues.

SA makes a globally significant commitment to our oceans
An area of 180 000 square metres around the Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean has been proclaimed a marine protected area – raising awareness for conservation of vulnerable species such as albatrosses, penguins, seals, and killer whales. This new preserve is South Africa’s 21st marine preserve, and the fourth largest on earth – following the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Great Barrier Reef, and the Pacific Ocean’s Phoenix Islands.
Reference: SA Good News

The grey-bearded adventurer is on the road again
Kingsley Holgate, 63, has started another journey to raise awareness around important conservation issues. This time he is promoting wildlife parks without man-made borders, and will pass through the trans-frontier areas of Maloti-Drakensberg, Lubombo, Great Limpopo, Limpopo-Shashe, Kavango-Zambezi, Kgalagadi and Ai Ais-Richtersveld. Holgate will also advertise the 2010 soccer world cup and tourism attractions that can be enjoyed by foreigners after the tournament is over.
Reference: Independent Online

Financial boost for students of social work
The government has allocated R210 million to bursaries for students of social work. According to Independent Online previous Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, announced a new strategy to recruit and retain more social workers in the public sector to address what he called “an acute shortage of social service professionals”. Apart from reviving interest in the profession by recruiting new students, the strategy is also set to improve working conditions and provide better salaries to those already in the profession.
Reference: Independent Online

Dalai Lama is now welcome in South Africa
“The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is welcome to visit South Africa at any time – just like any other global citizen,” said International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. “South Africa does not discriminate against anyone,” she added. The Dalai Lama was refused entry earlier this year – not being able to attend a Peace Conference in March. At the time the government said it did not want the Dalai Lama’s visit to detract from the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Reference: News 24