Dennis Davis criticised the Human Rights Committee; the chairman responded by calling him a racist. Now Davis asks why a man in this position uses hate speech SPEECH characterises our humanity. It is fundamental to the development of a community. But speech can be employed to exclude targeted individuals or groups from participation, or even […]
A 61-year-old white farmer stands accused of sexually abusing nine schoolgirls. Strangely, none of his neighbours seem surprised. Ricardo Dunn reports Ockie Olivier’s smallholding in Louisrus is typical of this depressed area south of Johannesburg: a creaking windmill, wild flowers and stray dogs set against the backdrop of steelworks, industry and pollution billowing into the […]
We consulted some doctors about Nelson Mandela’s health. They say it’s excellent for his age Rehana Rossouw It’s hard to regard a man who jets across a continent and back in three days, gets to bed after 1am, then chirps energetically at the media seven hours later, as a geriatric. But at 77 years and […]
Tough bouts in Tunisia are the last chance for South African boxers to book their places to the Atlanta Olympics BOXING: Julian Drew A rhythmic whirling sound intensifies the hypnotic concentration etched on the faces of the national boxing squad at a small hall in Maraisburg. They have just completed a warm-up run and are […]
others GOLF: Jon Swift THIS season heralds great things for Wayne Westner, the runaway winner of the FNB Tour’s Order of Merit with a staggering R709 308 in winnings on the circuit. The hugely talented Westner has ironed some of the inconsistencies out of his game and shown an admirable composure in adversity, such as […]
TELVISION: Hazel Friedman IF the SABC archives contained a special section filed under MO for Missed Opportunities, Rhythms and Rights would probably occupy pride of place. Commissioned by the SABC as part of its local-content drive, this made-for-the-RDP dramatised documentary series is brimming with potential. Yet less than five weeks into this 13-part television series, […]
One committed to emulating Europe; the other finding talent at home. COENRAAD VISSER reports on two opera companies fighting to survive TWO professional opera companies are playing in Gauteng — only one likely to survive in the long term, according to current thinking in the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. The teasing question […]
Ruben Mowszowski Commuters travelling to and from work might complain about being harangued by preachers in the coaches, but they can always move. However, if Metrorail goes ahead with a plan to pipe radio broadcasts into its trains, those who value the quiet journey will have to put up with it or find some other […]
Marion Edmunds reports on the outstanding issues The Constitutional Assembly is to release the fourth working draft of the Constitution next week. It will chart almost three months of progress since the last draft was published in December. But in anticipation of this draft, here is a summary of where we stand now. Unresolved issues […]
Ricardo Dunn and Nicole Fritz report on the state of crime today Almost 90 percent of the 132 people who were murdered in one weekend in February were poor, young, black men. Many headlines in South Africa give the impression that whites are the primary target of violent crime in this country. That is not […]