Somali security forces are seizing and even burning Muslim women’s veils to stop Islamist insurgents from disguising themselves for attacks, authorities and witnesses said on Wednesday. The crackdown on veils is a highly symbolic turnaround for Mogadishu after Islamist leaders had instructed women to wear them.
Taxpayers will have until October 31 to submit their returns this year using a new, much easier system, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel announced in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has not only cut down on the number of tax returns, but has significantly simplified them — particularly the two for individual tax.
The Scottish city of Glasgow was to formalise in a ceremony on Wednesday its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hoping to hold the quadrennial games for the first time in its history, Glasgow will face competition from the Nigerian capital, Abuja, which is bidding to become the first African host.
Test cricketer Vusi Sibanda has urged Cricket Australia to honour its commitment to Zimbabwe and play its scheduled three-match tour of the troubled Southern African nation in September. The Australian government and Cricket Australia are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the limited-overs tour with Prime Minister John Howard.
At least 80 Mozambican children lost their parents to the blasts at the national army’s Malhazine armoury in Maputo in March. Spokesperson Luis Covina told national Radio Mozambique that authorities had finished compiling a ”social impact report” of the blasts. According to official figures the death toll was 103, while more than 500 were injured.
South Africa’s Nedbank lifted its first-quarter headline earnings per share (EPS) by 26,3%, helped by solid retail and corporate lending growth but said it expected bad debts to increase. Nedbank, majority-owned by insurer Old Mutual, said on Wednesday its headline EPS increased to 322 cents per share.
Nadia Neophytou speaks to Will Smith about his departure from big-budget blockbusters.
All Black lock Ali Williams said on Wednesday his playing future next year in New Zealand is uncertain after being sent home in disgrace by the Auckland Blues. Williams arrived back in New Zealand from South Africa late on Tuesday after the team management and senior players from the Blues decided to banish him ahead of their Super 14 semifinal against the Sharks.
Australia’s Adam Gilchrist did not contravene the rules by using a squash ball in his left glove during the World Cup final, the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) said on Tuesday. ”The incident could not be classed either as contravening the law or as breaching the spirit of the game,” said the MCC.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has apologised to Cristiano Ronaldo for comments over his upbringing, the Portuguese winger was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Mourinho reportedly said that Ronaldo was ”ill-educated, disrespectful and immature” after the 22-year-old had said his compatriot could never admit a mistake.