Mandela’s shadow He lost his son and his brother in the fight against apartheid. Now he’s South Africa’s new president, inaugurated two days before his 57th birthday. Chris McGreal on Thabo Mbeki Thabo Mbeki was queuing in a Brighton post office in the early Sixties when a man demanded to go in front of the […]
Over the years I have often been a fierce critic of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), its administration and its method of operation. But I have to say that the concept underlying Strate (the acronym from share transactions totally electronic) and the way it is being introduced deserves unflinching support. Properly developed, Strate will ensure […]
There are an astonishing number of satellite networks in existence. The following table focuses on most of the major networks offering or planning voice services in the next year. Global Star: n Operational October 1999 n 52 LEO Satellites (1 400km altitude), in eight planes. n 60 Ground stations planned. One at Hartbeesthoek in North-West. […]
Charlene Smith President Thabo Mbeki is expected to provide an outline of his new government’s economic policy, and proposals for the implementation of an “African renaissance”, at next weekend’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Durban. The forum, according to briefing papers issued to delegates, is predicting a more flexible stance on inflation under Mbeki, more […]
Jonathan Ancer talks to some of the `seditious’ students who were blamed for the 1976 Soweto riots Twenty-three years after the June 16 Soweto uprising, the “seditious” students convicted of inciting the rebellion are influential members of the new South Africa they helped to create. There’s an MP, a Department of Foreign Affairs official, a […]
In his open letter to SAfm talk-show host Tim Modise (Mail & Guardian, May 28 to June 2) about the controversial issue of HIV and Aids, Donald G McNeil seems to be saying, “Don’t you worry your woolly little head, I’ll do the thinking. I’ve looked at this issue and it’s not worth debating.” McNeil’s […]
Old and new, black and white, they all marched to Pretoria to witness the new chief ascending his throne. John Matshikiza was also there Thank goodness the African National Congress, since the Oliver Tambo days, has elevated (or demoted) everyone to the level of “chief”. “Howzit, chief?” “Fine thanks, chief.” “Chief, what time are we […]
Shaun de Waal Not quite movie of the week British director Stephen Frears has often taken a notable interest in the particularities and peculiarities of human relationships, and his best films explore them from a number of angles and in different milieux. His 1986 feature My Beautiful Laundrette posited a gay love affair between a […]
FORMER Mpumalanga environment MEC Luckson Mathebula appeared with two co-accused in Bushbuckridge’s Mhala Regional Court on Friday, following his arrest for allegedly masterminding the murder of his estranged wife. Mathebula appeared with his girlfriend and a 34-year-old man. Police say they will oppose any bail application by the accused. Mathebula’s wife Aletta Rose Mnisi was […]
Luvuyo Kakaza Bishop Mvume Dandala’s working day usually begins at 5am. The presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church is also the president of the South African Council of Churches. The responsibilities that come with these positions are the reason he is up before dawn. And now the dedicated clergyman has another role to honour – […]