The Scorpions seemed to be edging closer to Mpumalanga public works minister Steve Mabona this week when they arrested his head of department and two businessmen connected to him — and claimed that a contract from which he had received R1-million was fraudulent.

M&G journalist Wisani wa ka Ngobeni received another top award this week. He was the winner in the print news category of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards 2003 (northern/southern region). The story was ”Shadow falls on Lekota”, detailing Defence Minister Lekota’s hidden business dealings.

Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota has denied that a blazing row over the restructuring of the Department of Defence has erupted between South African National Defence Force chief General Siphiwe Nyanda, on the one side, and Lekota and his director general January Masilela, on the other.

Ntuthuko Maphumulo, a Mail & Guardian sports writer, won a merit award at the Castle Premiership end-of-season ceremony in Johannesburg this week for the role that he has played in promoting football in South Africa as a journalist.

The Limpopo government has asked the national government to declare several areas in the region disaster areas after a long spell of drought. The drought has left water resources dry and hundreds of thousands of cattle dead in many parts of the province.

Evidence is mounting that those responsible for this week’s bombings are from the same far right networks that spawned an alleged treason plot earlier this year.

Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile said this week that he will quit his position at the end of his term in 2004. Stofile’s announcement comes two months after he was subjected to internal criticism from ANC leaders for slack performance.

Minister of Public Enterprises Jeff Radebe made it clear this week that the government is to press ahead with privatisation — suggesting tumultuous times ahead for the ruling alliance. The general secretary of Cosatu, Zwelinzima Vavi, voiced ”frustration” over speeches by government ministers.

REPUTATIONS are at risk as a dispute between business factions heats up. A high court judge and the national police chief both face the heat in a blazing row over a R99-million airports security contract.

MINISTER of Education Kader Asmal this week slammed the Eastern Cape education authorities, saying officials who failed to deliver basic education services should quit or face disciplinary action.