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/ 11 May 2007

Battle of the Surfaces proved nothing

A few years ago, a mischievous colleague emailed me a game that promised to unravel a great many hidden truths about myself, if only I answered each question truthfully. The game was simple: it put you in different circumstances and asked which fruit you would choose under each of these circumstances.

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/ 11 May 2007

Republicans warn Bush of US fatigue over Iraq war

United States President George Bush on Thursday tried to buy a few more months for his Iraq war plan after a blunt warning by Republican congressmen that their patience would not last beyond September. Bush was prodded into action after moderate Republicans at a meeting in the White House told him that he could not count on the support of his party.

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/ 11 May 2007

What if Wonka and Marx went into business?

If Willy Wonka and Karl Marx went into business together the result might resemble Ghelco. From the outside it is a nondescript industrial site in a drab suburb of Buenos Aires, the firm’s logo barely visible. Inside, the first thing you notice is the smell of chocolate, honey, caramel, ice cream, cakes and jam.

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/ 11 May 2007

SA takes knock in competitiveness rankings

South African economists expressed shock on Thursday at a report showing the country dropping 12 places in global competitiveness rankings, partly due to discrimination in the workplace. The World Competitiveness Yearbook ranks 55 countries on their ability to maintain an environment conducive to business dealings.

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/ 11 May 2007

SA electricity backlog as much as R7bn

The refurbishment backlog of South Africa’s electricity networks at all levels could be as big as R7-billion, the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa said on Thursday. A new report estimates a backlog as at the end of 2005 for utilities audited — 11 big municipalities — of R431-million.

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/ 11 May 2007

‘Reinstate Masetlha under suspension’

Former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) boss Billy Masetlha has proposed to the Constitutional Court that he be reinstated to his position, but under suspension for 15 working days. During this time, he would expect President Thabo Mbeki to take steps ”to achieve a consensual resolution” of matters pertaining to his dismissal.