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How to play in the township economy

Gauteng township-based Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and informal traders can apply for a share of R450 million from the Township Economy Partnership Fund (TEPF).

The fund is a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Incorrect credit profile? The Credit Ombud can help

Help is on hand for people who have incorrect information registered about them at credit bureaus for outstanding debt, and are unable to buy things on credit or get a loan as a result.

The Credit Ombud assists consumers with credit information disputes.

"For example, when consumers have been incorrectly listed at a credit bureau or concerning non-bank credit agreements, such as a garnishee order (when money is taken directly off your salary before you are paid)," says Kabelo Teme, the Credit Ombud's Communications Liaison Officer.

All you need to know about epilepsy

Most people with epilepsy can live a normal life if they take their medication and the condition is well controlled.

According to Dr Nhlakanipho Gumede, the Clinical Manager of Medical Services at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, epilepsy is not a psychological disorder, disease or illness, and it is not contagious.

He explains that epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Mending the economy

While there is no single remedy to rid the country of its challenges, South Africa remains a good place to inject investment.

“South Africa is open for business on many different fronts; we have very good infrastructure, a good financial system and good human capital and talent pool to draw from,” notes Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade at Aspen Pharmacare, Dr Stavros Nicolaou.

Nicolaou’s comments were in relation to the fourth edition of the South African Investment Conference (SAIC), which was on 24 March at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Fulbright scholarship offers brighter future

Applications are open for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship funds postgraduate study at a United States (US) uni­versity in any subject, excluding an MBA or studies that require contact with patients.

The (US) government and South Africa’s National Research Foundation fund the scholarship, which covers two years’ tuition fees and living expenses in the US.

Frank Whitaker, the Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Pretoria, says the programme has benefit­ted more than 2 100 South Africans.

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