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/ 20 February 2007

Sin taxes likely to be increased

Although sin taxes — alcohol and cigarettes — have seen an upward tax increase in the past few years, tax specialists predict that Finance Minister Trevor Manuel will announce a further increase on these items in this year’s eagerly awaited budget. Durban-based BDO Spencer Steward KwaZulu-Natal tax director Graham Earle has predicted a substantial increase on excise duty on alcohol and cigarettes.

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/ 20 February 2007

Polish author Ryszard Kapuscinski dies

Polish author and journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski, several times cited as a likely candidate for the Nobel Prize for Literature, died on January 22 at the age of 74, TVN24 television reported. Kapuscinski’s books have been translated into 30 languages, arguably more than any other Polish author.

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/ 20 February 2007

Mubarak’s spring chill

Ostensibly building on limited political reforms enacted in 2005, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has proposed more than 30 constitutional amendments to be decided by referendum in April. But the veteran president’s bid to nurture a second "Egyptian spring" faces deep-rooted public scepticism.

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/ 20 February 2007

Nissan Diesel accepts Volvo buyout

Truck maker Nissan Diesel on Tuesday accepted a $1-billion buyout from its largest shareholder Volvo, bracing for growing costs as global rules tighten on gas emissions. Nissan has already cut its capital ties with the truck maker bearing its name to focus on more profitable, lighter vehicles.

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/ 20 February 2007

Bidding frenzy for Britney’s locks

A seller in Germany claimed to have a few locks. Another in Australia was insistent that his was the real thing, while a vendor in Glasgow said that his friend had just returned from Los Angeles and had been lucky enough to pick up a few strands. By Saturday, a seller was offering strands of the singer’s dyed black hair, while another was offering clearly fake blonde locks.