E-government - Providing government services and information using information and communications technologies, like the internet.

E-learning - Education using electronic media. This can include internet-based learning.

E-strategy - The government strategy dealing with (amongst other things) electronic transactions, programmes and means of achieving universal access to the internet and e-government initiatives.

Early childhood development - The physical, mental, emotional, moral, social and spiritual development of children from birth to 9 years.

Eastern Cape (EC) - One of South Africa's nine provinces, the Eastern Cape is situated along the East Coast.

Economy of scale - When it costs less per item to produce large volumes of something than to produce smaller quantities.

Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) - District management facilities that provide support and assistance to schools and other learning institutions in their jurisdictions.

Electronic transaction - An exchange over the internet. There are financial and non-financial forms of electronic transaction.

Embargo - Restriction on the release of a publication or on specific information for a set time.For example, a journalist cannot write an article based on an embargoed press release until the emargo is lifted.

Emergency contraception - Also called the morning after pill, this contraceptive can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Emerging exporters - New export businesses, generally from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Employment equity - Equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace. Previous disadvantage is redressed and unfair discrimination removed.

Empowerment - Increasing people's capacities and choices. It includes enabling people to make well-informed decisions about matters that affect them and positioning them to take advantage of opportunities.

Entrepreneur - A person who starts a business. They take on the risks of the business in the hope that it will be successful.

Environmental health - Health issues relating to the environment, including pollution and food and water quality.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - A report on the impact that a proposed development will have on the surrounding environment.

Epidemiological studies - Research into diseases that affect a large number of people.

Estate - A person's property, including all their assets and debts.

• Testate succession (Glossary)

Exchange rate - The difference between the values of currencies. It tells you how much it will cost to buy currency from a different country.For example, it will cost you approximately R7 to buy $1.

Executive - Also called the Administrative branch of government, the Executive is responsible for implementing laws and policies. For example the Minister of Health is a member of the Executive Council and she and her department form part of the Executive branch of government.

Executor - The person who sorts out the affairs of a dead person and makes sure that the will is implemented.

Export incentives - Government enticements, often in the form of tax breaks, to encourage export businesses.