A leading South African HIV/Aids expert on Saturday advocated male circumcision as the best available ”vaccine” against the virus in his country, where an estimated six million people are infected and more than 600 people die every day. South Africa has the one of the highest number of people living with HIV/Aids in the world.
The Zimbabwean Parliament’s approval of constitutional restrictions on civil liberties has fuelled calls for President Thabo Mbeki to reconsider his policy of gentle diplomacy with his northern neighbour. Some even suggest Mbeki withdraw an offer of a loan aimed at keeping Zimbabwe from being kicked out of the International Monetary Fund.
South Africa is looking forward to a windfall from hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and hopes other top sports events such as the Rugby World Cup and formula-one auto racing will follow. But who will really benefit from the promised bonanza in a country still bearing the social and economic scars of apartheid?
Georgie was hit over the head and is missing part of his ear. Penny’s right hand was mangled in a trap. Tammy’s bullet-riddled leg was amputated. Golden Arrow was shot dead, leaving her infant to starve to death. The baboons of the Cape Peninsula are caught in a war of attrition with their human neighbours.
A century ago, ostrich plumes were South Africa’s most valuable export after gold, diamonds and wool. The outbreak of World War I and the advent of the motor car — which made fancy-feathered hats impractical — snapped the trend in flight. Today, ostrich feathers and other luxury goods such as ostrich leather and meat are making a global comeback, one that faces new threats.
South Africa’s film industry has exploded on to the world stage with a spate of award-winning movies in the space of a few weeks. The domestic audience, though, remains in Hollywood’s thrall. Yesterday, the poignant tale of a woman infected with the Aids virus, narrowly missed out on an Oscar for best foreign language film. It was the first South African film to be nominated for an Oscar.