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Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon O'Donnell.

Making headlines today:

On Wednesday, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange increased its offer for the Bond Exchange of South Africa by 39% to R125 a share, up from the previous R90 a share.

The JSE said that the offer consideration would be free from any downward price adjustments. Further, the JSE would keep Besa's fee structure without increases for two years, and would retain all staff.

In October, the JSE announced its intention to acquire Besa for R173,3-million. But, it was criticised by Besa's biggest shareholder, the New Zealand Stock Exchange, which said the offer was too low.

On Tuesday, the Department of Home Affairs introduced an events visa, for visitors from other African nations, planning to visit South Africa for the Confederations Cup, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The event visa was specifically introduced for those African countries that were not visa exempt.

DHA programme manager for 2010, Morne Fourie, said that some of the requirements for a regular visa had been relaxed for the events visa, but that applicants would have to provide proof of purchase of a 2010 ticket. If no such proof could be provided, the applicant would have to apply for a regular visa.

However, other requirements relating to regular visas, such as health regulations, would remain in place for the events visa.

Also making headlines:

The World Bank says the international financial crisis will sharply slow growth in emerging and developing economies next year.
The International Monetary Fund expects Namibia's economic growth to slow to about 3% in 2008.
Three Boeings operated by the defunct airline, Nationwide, have been sold to an unknown bidder for $1,07-million.
And, the number of people employed in South Africa's non-agricultural sectors rose by 0,4% in the third quarter.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.

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