Conflict in Africa came under the spotlight when the deputy presidents of South Africa and Cuba met for bilateral discussions in Pretoria. Deputy president Jacob Zuma says he briefed his Cuban counterpart Carlos Lage about initiatives to eradicate conflict on the continent, with particular reference to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sudan and the Ivory Coast.
At a local conference on The Eradication of Unfair Discrimination through Equality Courts this week, white South Africans rubbed shoulders with black South Africans in a way that would have been impossible in the past. But despite government’s efforts, South Africa remains a polarised society.
The next time Goran Ivanisevic comes back to Wimbledon, he won’t be firing aces and ripping his shirt off on Centre Court. He’ll be wearing a suit and tie and sipping tea in the members’ lounge. Ivanisevic walked off Centre Court for the last time to a standing ovation after losing in straight sets to Lleyton Hewitt.
”Greek Tragedy,” ”The Blues’ pitiful exit” or simply ”The End”. The French press on Saturday deplored ”the dismal end of the reign,” of France’s footballing heroes, knocked out of Euro 2004 by rank outsiders Greece 1-0 in a quarter final match in Lisbon.
”The costumes were stunning. The set applausable. The technical wizardry impressive. And, contrary to various reports, the singing was easy on the ear. Except, perhaps, for one banshee who had obviously got a free transfer from an opera company.” Mike van Graan goes to see Phantom of the Opera.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon has rejected what he called President Thabo Mbeki’s attempt to label the DA as a party from the ”right”. Leon said in the president’s ”idealised world” every intervention by the state is necessary and beneficial, but the ”cold reality” of South Africa’s experience indicates otherwise.
Tobey Maguire’s impetuous behaviour nearly cost him his job and a $17-million pay cheque in the sequel to Spider-Man — and he knows it. The contrite 27-year-old actor is again playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man, but he got the role back only through the intervention of his girlfriend’s father — who heads Universal Studios — and a heartfelt apology. Robin Marchbank reports.
MOVIE MONTHLY: <i>Bright Young Things</i>, <i>Ripley’s Game</i>, <i>Mean Girls</i> and more … Dave Chislett gives us the heads-up on what’s hot and what’s not this chilly month on the big screen.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Part of the problem with sequels is that audiences want more of the same, and then some. Shrek II sort of fulfils that brief. It is a fun movie — at least as funny as the first one. Matthew Burbidge picks up some popcorn and heads to the preview.
The government of Japan will extend a grant of about -million for the construction of primary schools in Lesotho, the Japanese Embassy said on Thursday. Through the collaboration between the two countries, a total of 229 classrooms in 17 new schools and water supply facilities would be introduced in Berea and Maseru.