The catastrophe in Burma has provided a good reason for the United States and others to insist on access to the secretive state.
South Africa’s manufacturing output shrunk by 1,1% year-on-year in March from an upwardly revised 3,9% expansion in February, official data showed on Thursday, partly weighed down by higher interest rates. Compared with February, manufacturing production in volume terms contracted by a seasonally adjusted 4% in March.
Nationwide’s ”arrogant” management was squarely to blame for its recent provisional liquidation, the South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union said on Thursday. In a statement, the union said the team, led by chief executive Vernon Bricknell, had proven itself incapable of managing the airline.
Murder accused Najwa Petersen claimed repeatedly she had ”nothing to hide” when she made her first formal statement to police about her husband’s death, the Cape Town High Court heard on Thursday. She also said there had been no bad feelings between and her and her husband, Taliep, investigating officer Captain Joe Dryden said.
When the massive storm surge churned up by Cyclone Nargis struck his village, fisherman Zaw Win clung to a tree for three hours. The strength in his arms saved his life. He could only watch helplessly as his wife, 10-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were dragged to their deaths.
Newly appointed acting CEO of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Gabriele Mampone said on Thursday that he would act as CEO of the corporation for the next 30-days. His appointment was announced on Wednesday to temporarily replace chief executive Dali Mpofu, who was suspended for apparently failing to implement decisions of the board.
JSE-listed SABMiller, one of the world’s largest brewers, has entered the Ukrainian market, the company said on Thursday. It announced that it agreed to acquire a 99,84% interest in the Ukrainian brewer CJSC Sarmat. ”We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Sarmat,” said Alan Clark, managing director of SABMiller Europe.
Lonmin, the world’s third-biggest platinum producer, posted a 63% jump in first-half underlying earnings per share (EPS) on Thursday on strong platinum prices. Lonmin said EPS, excluding movements in the value of a convertible bond, rose to 132,5 cents for the six months to end March from 81,5 cents in the same period a year ago.
Australian batsman Michael Clarke has scoffed at suggestions his team’s mantle as the world’s top cricketing nation is under threat after the retirement of players ranked among the all-time greats. Opponents have been hoping that the loss of players such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist will spell the end of Australia’s long dominance.
Ajax Cape Town have opened up a two-point gap over SuperSport United at the top of the Absa Premiership log following their 3-0 trouncing of AmaZulu at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night. SuperSport, however, have a game in hand — they meet Moroka Swallows on Saturday evening in a must-win match.