Janyne Simon-Meyer The rand may be down and interest rates up, but South Africans are not sitting at home these holidays. The mainstream traveller is seeking out good value destinations – like Asia – and sensible savings like all-inclusive or cut-rate package deals. Internationally, Thailand and Malaysia are the hottest best-value holiday spots. The shopping […]

Mike Cadman The long, hot and sandy track that runs from Maun to Kasane across some of Botswana’s best wildlife country is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s most popular overland trips. Youngsters from New Jersey, retired couples from Bavaria, backpackers from Holland and a seemingly endless flow of other tourists lured by the twin attractions […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Tuesday 10.30pm. THE National Assembly passed the Conversion of Sasria Bill on Friday, effectively nationalising the South African Special Risks Insurance Association. The bill, approved by all parties in Parliament except the Freedom Front, converts Sasria to a company wholly owned by government, and will allow the use of Sasria’s excess […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Harare | Thursday 9.30am. THE Zimbabwean army has been deployed in Harare townships following violence on Wednesday that developed from protests over petrol price rises. Zimbabwean state television news has shown heavily armed soldiers conducting foot patrols. It is believed the troops were requested by police struggling to contain the violence. Meanwhile, protest […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 3.45pm. WHITE right-wing farmers are joining a growing black vigilante group in a bid to deal with the crime plaguing South Africa, a Johannesburg daily reported on Thursday. The group, called Mapogo a Mathamaga, was Thursday due to launch a new branch in Ventersdorp, west of Johannesburg, a bastion of […]

SARAH BULLEN, Johannesburg | Wednesday 5.00pm. THE Johannesburg Stock Exchange gave a good rally on Wednesday in a strong session sparked by an announcement by major commercial banks of a rate cut. Nedcor, ABSA, Saambou and Standard Bank announced one percentage point reductions in their prime lending rates. The expectation of a rates cut has […]

MUNGO SOGGOT, Johannesburg | Thursday 4.50pm. KOBUS van Zyl, the former general manager of the strategic fuel fund, says he will challenge in court the fund’s decision to fire him this week – 20 months after he was suspended. Van Zyl was axed by an internal disciplinary panel on Monday after being found guilty on […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 1.30pm. JOMO Cosmos and Moroka Swallows deadlocked to a 2-2 draw in their Castle Premier League match at the George Goch Stadium on Wednesday. The match was replayed on Wednesday after Swallows players were struck by lightning during the first clash between the the sides a fortnight ago and the […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 12.00noon. A BATTLE royal awaits Sundowns on Sunday when they take on Bush Bucks at home in Umtata, on an Independence Stadium pitch which at the best of times is almost unplayable. The Brazilians will be weakened up front as their star striker Raphael Chukwu will not be playing in […]