Government has moved to clip the Independent Broadcasting Authority’s (IBA) wings. Its views are contained in a discussion paper released last week, which many believe is a sneak preview of a White Paper for the sector. The document, written by a task team appointed by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Jay Naidoo, also recommends […]
Chris Roper: CD of the week From the first smoky bars of the opening track, On Green Dolphin Street by the Dave Lithins Trio, you’re transported back to the freezing cold alleys, muggy venues and inexpressible intensity of the Grahamstown Arts Festival. A reminder of that peculiar evocative quality jazz has of perfectly encapsulating moments, […]
FRIDAY, 1.15PM: THE Central Energy Fund is considering streamlining its operation by ridding itself of non-core interests and establishing itself as an integrated energy company, to be listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. According to proposals made at a CEF bosberaad, the state will retain a 50% to 60% controlling interest in the listed company, […]
Robert Kirby: LOOSE CANNON Nigeria gets Pope John Paul II, we get Bill Clinton. From such respite we may hang conjecture. I believe the pope’s visit to Nigeria was so he could administer last rites. When an entire country is shuffling off its mortal coil, the Vatican likes to send the foreman along to murmur […]
For decades, ‘Miss Katia’ was the first port-of-call for war reporters in Angola. John Grobler met her in Cape Town, where she is retired Sometime in 1977, the government in Luanda had “a little coup trouble” and imposed a midnight-to-6am curfew – which remained in place for the next 15 years or so. “I think […]
Dan Wylie, academic, poet and the Mail &Guardian’s chief poetry critic, has been awarded the 1998 Ingrid Jonker Prize for his debut collection of poems, The Road Out. The prize is awarded by fellow-poets and carries a purse of R1 000, to be handed over at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn on April […]
Babak Dehghanpisheh An Egyptianwriter who converted from Islam to Christianity and is resident in South Africa has come under fire from Muslims and is now under police protection. Known only as Mustafa, the name under which he writes, he is a scholar who fled persecution in Egypt -where conversion is illegal – making an incredible […]
Andrew Muchineripi: Soccer Arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet for the third time this season at FNB Stadium on Saturday, and after two drawn championship clashes there must be a result in the Bob Save Super Bowl second-round clash. The luck of the draw brought together at an early stage two teams the public […]
Lorraine Pace While out walking his dog one summer’s day John Payne met an angel. “It was an ethereal bright golden image, a bit like a shadow embossed on air,” says Payne of his encounter. “The angel was very tall, about 3m, and while no words were spoken I heard a message: ‘You are loved.’ […]
Andy Capostagno: Rugby I am reminded of the story of the man who made his own wine. When the vintage had been trampled and bottled he threw a dinner party for the chosen few to sample his pride and joy. After a few sips his oldest and dearest friend said, “So you grew the elderberries […]