All articles in this week's M&G are free to read
The utility fears sabotage if Nersa doesn’t grant a price hike, which may lead to retrenchments
Despite admitting that pollutants from its plants are killing people, a cash-strapped Eskom says it cannot afford to comply with environmental laws
And if you’re not afraid of such a dangerous predator, is there anything you should really be scared of?
This week marked a new chapter in the mandate of the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture, as it turned its focus to allegations of corruption relating to Eskom.
Lawrence Mrwebi has distanced himself from the plot to stymie the investigation into the company
Embattled deputy national director of public prosecutions Nomgcobo Jiba told the Mokgoro inquiry that she felt betrayed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) when she was prosecuted for fraud and perjury
Two independent schools in Soweto remove the need for a long commute to a high-quality education
The Cope leader’s claim that the president informed on him during apartheid has been described as ‘politically bankrupt’
Tito Mboweni’s budget could pit the ANC against significant members of its constituency
Thousands of people crowded Muizenberg’s Sunrise beach this week to see the South African National Defence Force showcase its firepower. While those on the beach watched the fireworks-like display of rockets, guns and attack helicopters in awe, others were less than impressed with this year’s Armed Forces Day activities.
There’s a move to equip LGBTIQ people with skills to become leaders and decision-makers
At R375-billion, education is the fastest-growing expense on the government’s bill
Opposition parties have described Finance Minister’s Tito Mboweni’s budget as an election speech meant to prop up the ANC.
Health:
Safer sex on demand – for men
Men who have sex with men can now safely use the HIV prevention pill before and after sex, instead of every day.
HIV is my unwanted pregnancy
The day after I turned 19, I was diagnosed with HIV. In just five months, this is what happened next
It’s official. Austerity budgets may be here to stay. Here’s how South Africa should be working with what it’s got to provide healthcare
Africa:
Pakalitha Mosisili has been the pre-eminent power broker for decades. What will the Mountain Kingdom look like without him?
Conspiracies are rife and people are quick to accuse one another but the answer is sometimes obvious
The evidence is conclusive: over and over again, democrats trump dictators
Business:
Will Moody’s, won’t Moody’s? The country’s wellbeing depends on a viable turnabout plan
Tito Mboweni is plugging the revenue collection holes created by the former commissioner
Small business, specifically the Enterprise Development Agency, was allocated R480-million by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in his budget this week.
Analysts believe Moody’s will welcome the government’s intention to reduce the public sector wage bill
Increases in indirect taxes such as adjustments to the fuel levy and increases on excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products will raise R1.2-billion
The state could raise a lot more money by limiting them but it would come at a socioeconomic cost
The budget serves the interests of the rich and powerful and punts crumbs for the poor as meaningful advances
Surgical specialists are concerned that day hospitals won’t suit their own or patients’ needs
Comment & Analysis:
By ignoring the causes of poverty and injustice, prosperity churches doom people to destitution
‘In practice, bond notes have rarely traded at 1:1 with the US dollar. On the black market, the rate can be as high as 4:1’
‘The ANC surely has sufficient experience of patriarchy, male domination and toxic masculinity to know it has to tackle sexual harassment’
Our readers write in about land reforms, Israel and Brazil’s meat industry
Run your home like a country and you’ll soon learn how to hold the government accountable
Research suggests that a complex crisis of identity is at the heart of the problem
The lead-up to the election has been characterised by disturbing developments in Cabo Delgado province in the north
In many African countries, a dirty secret of journalism is that reporters earn most of their income from payments by their sources
People sacrificed to achieve liberation but they continue to suffer from poverty and exclusion
Algeria places a particular premium on the policy of deradicalisation by quelling violent extremism
South Africans need an effective unit that will tackle corruption and the party promises this
Cycling to work is healthy, cuts carbon emissions and is for everyone, rich or poor
‘I don’t feel safer knowing our military can blow algae to bits’
Earlier this year in Paris, Unesco hosted the official global launch of 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages.
In terms of both finances and learning outcomes, it’s important to look beyond prestige
Everything, in fact, if we’re going to fix South Africa’s broken education system
Friday:
For good vibes and an arts fix, don’t miss this.
A fresh look at the Fees Must Fall student movement sadly fails to fulfil its promise
Zukiswa Wanner explores Rwanda’s ongoing attempts toward equal dignity.
A negative stance toward makeup fails to acknowledge it as an everyday, wearable artform that gives its users the agency to reimagine themselves.
The hip-hop producer has hit a rich seam of talent — and the country needs to take note
Three years into a globally appraised luxury fashion business this designer is investing in honesty and environmental integrity
The exhibition ‘Options’ is a search by artist Nolan Oswald Dennis for humanity
Sport:
It’s Cape Town vs Auckland in the fight for the right to host the 2023 World Cup — with the future of the game at stake
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has challenged troubled star Mesut Özil to prove his worth after a season marred by injuries and illness
Imagination and thinking outside the box will take the Proteas to victory in the World Cup, not doggedly sticking to strategies that worked in the past
A clash between Tukkies and Maties somehow depicts the alienating energy of the capital city
Contract extensions are on the line as United aim to capture what they believe belongs to them
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri insists he can avoid being sacked if his troubled side can put together a sustained winning run.
