Staff Reporter
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/ 21 November 2007

Inflation-hit Zim to issue new bank notes

Zimbabwe will soon issue new bank notes, for the second time in as many years, to try to control rampant inflation and curb black-market trade, central bank Governor Gideon Gono said on Wednesday. The Southern African country is in the grips of a severe economic crisis and battling the highest annual inflation rate in the world, at nearly 8 000%.

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/ 21 November 2007

Progress on Zim election talks, but …

The leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition said on Wednesday that talks with his government over electoral reform have made progress, but added that ensuring implementation will be crucial. He also said the Movement for Democratic Change might shun next year’s election unless it is sure President Robert Mugabe will not rig it.

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/ 21 November 2007

No suspicious circumstances in Olympic site fire

huge blaze in an empty warehouse on London’s 2012 Olympic Park last week was started when an oxy-acetylene torch ignited insulating material, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said on Wednesday. Black smoke billowed across the city last Monday, briefly sparking security fears. The ODA has ruled out any suspicious circumstances.

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/ 21 November 2007

ANC succession battle enters next phase

<a href="http://www.mg.co.za/specialreport.aspx?area=ancconference_home"><img src="http://www.mg.co.za/ContentImages/321750/Icon_ANCconference.gif" align=left border=0></a>The battle for the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) enters a climactic phase this week with the party’s two leagues and nine provincial branches each nominating their final candidates. With less than a month to go before the ANC elective conference, the nine provinces are to hold special meetings to consolidate nominations.

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/ 21 November 2007

New chance for political offenders

People convicted of alleged political offences before June 16 1999 will be able to apply for a presidential pardon during a three-month ”window of opportunity” from January 15, President Thabo Mbeki said on Wednesday. He said consideration had been given to using presidential pardons to deal with the so-called ”unfinished business” of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.