Bog bodies are an archaeologist’s dream come true. They can bring history alive more than any old document. But now, exploitation of the preservative peat in which they are found stands to rob us of this crucial link, writes Michael Pitts Given that he was an archaeologist, you wouldn’t think he’d have needed a drink. […]
This week two new councillors took office at the IBA. Ferial Haffajee profiles the new kids on the block The two thirtysomething councillors add to an Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) that has grown younger and younger since it was established in 1994. It is led by lawyer Felleng Sekha, herself just on the cusp of […]
David Coldwell Have you ever wondered if the labourer mowing your lawn or the cleaner of your office might have been an engineer, a scientist or a successful business person had they had access to a good education? The question may be a little cliched and the same could certainly be asked in New York […]
Although most smaller local enterprises are in a state of denial about the year 2000 computer glitch, a recent survey reveals they are at the highest risk, writes David Shapshak Local government structures together with small and medium businesses have emerged as high-risk areas most likely to be affected by the year 2 000 computer […]
Fred Pearce takes a visit to a Kenyan valley where environmental theory has been turned on its head Jane Ngei, a 30-year-old Kenyan mother and farmer, built her own dam with an ox-plough, spade and wheelbarrow. It’s not a big dam; less than 15m across. “It collects the water running down the road after it […]
Shaun de Waal: CD of the week ‘I was born with the gift of a golden voice,” sings Leonard Cohen in a sepulchral rasp on Tower of Song. He clearly isn’t talking about vocal prowess of Pavarotti proportions, but we know what he means (and we cherish his sense of humour). He is one of […]
Anthony Egan MY WINDS OF CHANGE by Wilhelm Verwoerd (Ravan, R59,95) If ever a country deserved a “paradox” theory of history, it is South Africa. Where else would one find a situation where today the grandson of HF Verwoerd, the grand architect of modern apartheid, is a member of the African National Congress, the movement […]
Ralph Borland A division of a major advertising agency has been contracted by cigarette giant Rothmans to create a brand aimed at a new generation of smokers: 18 to 24-year-olds. Insiders at Ogilvy & Mather Rightford Searle-Tripp Makin say the Cape Town- based advertising agency took up a multi- million contract to market brands owned […]
Swapna Prabhakaran: Movie of the week In Shooting Fish, a cheeky British version of the American Dream, Dylan (Dan Futterman) and Jez (Stuart Townsend) are down-but-not-out unemployed twentysomethings who dream of owning a mansion and a million pounds each. In the meanwhile, they live in squalor inside a huge old gas tank, furnished with various […]
Bill Buford: GRAFFITI I am privileged to be among the first to address a concern that has been neglected for too long: toenail fungus. Later tonight, when you get home or as you get ready for bed, take a look at what you’ve got down there, discoloured, at the end of your toes. A little […]