Economic news and analysis with Nerina Visser of ETF SA Mining and manufacturing production stats released yesterday points to ongoing sluggishness in the South African economy, finance minister Nhlanhla Nene say GDP growth of 2% is "attainable and realistic", despite the electricity shortages and the African Union Annual Summit is currently taking place in Sandton ...

Convicted fraudster, Shabir Shaik, is considering working again after his medical parole conditions were relaxed. But the 57 year old doubts that he will be able to find suitable employment given the fact that he is still being restricted to the Durban area. Shaik has told SABC News that he needs to be able to leave the country to work, but that he doubts he will ever be allowed to do so after the department of correctional services refused to convert his medical parole into ordinary parole...

The prevalence of HIV infections is highest among sex workers and truck drivers in Africa when compared to the general population. According to a study by the health network - North Star Alliance - the infection rate among sex workers and truck drivers is 40 percent. This study was presented yesterday at the 7th AIDS Conference in Durban. Nonjabulo Mntungwa reports

South African CEO's are fast losing confidence in their ability to do business. This is because Eskom is struggling to keep the lights on. The Merchantec CEO confidence index released yesterday (Wednesday) showed that many CEO's believe the general public are not getting the full story behind the national power crisis, the true state of the power stations and their level of deterioration. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Merchantec CEO confidence index market reseacher, Nikki Rayner

1. Asian stocks climbed a second day amid optimism Greece will forge a debt deal, while Australian debt fell after stronger jobs data
2. Japanese stocks rose for the first time in five days
3. South Africa's Q2 business confidence eases to 43 points , CEO's upset!
4. Thursday Investment Theme: Trading CFD's ( Contracts For Difference )

Amnesty International has intensified its action in fighting gender equality and women empowerment. Under the slogan: "Universal access to sexual and reproductive rights, a non-negotiable for achieving gender equality and women's empowerment", a team of experts ranging from ministers, commissioners, legal experts and community activists have met ahead of the African Union Summit to address these sensitive issues. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Amnesty International's researcher for Southern Africa, Louise Carmody...

The South African National AIDS Council says hundreds of HIV positive South African women have been sterilized against their wishes, because of their HIV status. For more on this Sakina Kamwendo spoke to CEO of the South African National AIDS Council Dr Fareed Abdullah…

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the benefits of the new e-toll dispensation are beginning to be felt. He has told Parliament the idea of having a referundum on e-tolls is not being considered, adding that government sometimes has to take unpopular decisions for the benefit of its citizens. Lulama Matya filed this report

1. Asia Stocks Swing as Energy Producers Rise
2. A-Shares Delay With Regulator Working Group and CNNP suspended for reaching high levels
3. The U.S. Economy Can't Hire Health-Care Workers Fast Enough

The African Union is reviewing country contributions and searching for alternative funding methods as it strives to claim its independence by not relying on foreign donors. Several alternative forms of funding have been proposed that could see ordinary Africans in some countries paying the AU bill. On other issues that will be discussed at the summit, Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chris Landsberg, Professor and SARChi Chair of African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at the University of Johannesburg.