Since 2000, the United Nations (UN) member states observe International Mother Language Day on 21 February. This day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November 1999. The purpose of the celebration is to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The UN encourages member states to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world. This is a reminder to each one of us to enjoy and be proud of our languages and culture.

In this issue of Mbalo Brief we present the educational article based on the National Household Travel Survey, 2013 highlighting different modes of transport used, education and business-related travel patterns and travel times, amongst others. The survey was conducted by Statistics South Africa from February to March 2013 and released in July 2014, to gain strategic insight into the travel patterns and transport problems in the country.

Solutions to last month’s puzzle and a new puzzle to test your general knowledge are included on page iv. Our regular articles such as wholesale trade, land transport, tourist accommodation and manufacturing, among others, are also featured in this publication.
Articles published in this issue are based on results of industry surveys conducted for the months ranging from November to December 2014 which were released in December 2014 and January 2015. For more details on any of the surveys, visit our website at www.statssa.gov.za
Enjoy the read.

Download Mbalo Brief – February 2015