Yearly Archives: 2004

Here is the world’s most nonsensical job description. Your duty is to work tirelessly to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. And to work tirelessly to encourage the proliferation of the means of building them. This is the task of the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohammed el Baradei. Of course Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons — and it has the legal entitlement
to do so, argues George Monbiot.

Orlando Pirates drew 2-2 against Moroka Swallows in the big Premier Soccer League local derby played at the Rand stadium on Sunday. Swallows led 1-0 at half-time, thanks to an own goal by Jimmy Tau in the 40th minute. The ball ricocheted off Tau after a thunderous shot from Shaun Permall.

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by the determined Dynamos at the Securicor Loftus stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. The visitors were let down by their lack of ideas. Mpho Maleka and Thomas Ledigwane missed early chances that could have given their team a dream start to the game.

When Vijay Singh started out as a pro golfer more than 20 years ago, -million seemed an unreachable goal for his career. One more victory — and, the way he’s playing, that could be only one more tournament away — and Singh will become the first to win -million in one year, a figure even Tiger Woods hasn’t reached.

An announcement of a leadership upheaval at the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) this week was incorrect and issued without authorisation, says Nafcoc. ”The current office bearers and leaders of Nafcoc have been and continue to be in control,” says Nafcoc President Patrice Motsepe.

Mark Chapman, the man who murdered John Lennon, could be released from jail next month in a move that has sparked fears of retribution from Beatles fans. Chapman will have a parole hearing in the week beginning 4 October, officials at the New York State Parole Division said.

Instead of arresting drag queens at the gay pride parade in Johannesburg on Saturday, police turned a blind eye to various infringements of the law. The character of the march had been threatened earlier this month, when police warned they would arrest anyone in drag.

A delegation of prominent British Muslims is expected in Baghdad on Sunday as frantic last-ditch efforts to save the life of Ken Bigley, the 62-year-old British engineer seized by Islamic militants in the city 10 days ago, reached a climax. The kidnappers have already beheaded two Americans abducted with Bigley.