A post template

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

The graduate’s ideal boss

The definition of an “ideal employer” is very different for South African graduates compared with their European and North American counterparts, according to a new survey. Conducted by Magnet Communication, the survey reveals that graduates from Europe and the United States select companies such as Apple and Google as their ideal employers even though these companies recruit very few graduates.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Mining companies face taxing problem

The Zambian government’s attempt to increase earnings from its rich copper deposits by raising mineral taxes to global norms is meeting with resistance from mining companies, which signed legally binding development agreements based on a 0,6% royalty tax. Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande announced in his national budget last month that government had revised the tax regime for the mining industry.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

No gas at the end of the tunnel

A winter without enough electricity looks likely. But as government proposes switching energy sources to alternative fuels, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), problems in pricing and supply will hamper any major roll-out of LPG for the domestic market. LPG, supplied and marketed by major gas companies can be used as an alternative fuel source to heat water and cook in the home.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

‘We will intervene’

”There are numerous cases of no-fee schools that did not receive their allocations. Some things require checking and monitoring and I include myself in some of the failings. Now, every week I want a report on no-fee schools and I don’t take things at face value, ” education minister Naledi Pandor tells Ferial Haffajee.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

What is the price of breath?

Thembekile Mankayi is 49 years old. In 1995, when he was 37, he contracted silicosis and silico-tuberculosis from inhaling silica dust while working for Anglo American’s Vaal Reefs Exploration and Mining Company, which later became AngloGold Ashanti. He was awarded a lump sum of R16 320 after contracting the illness.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Don’t say the ‘M-word’

Travelling in private jets, helicopters and bulletproof limousines, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, a staunch supporter of President Pervez Musharraf, is hard on the campaign trail for Monday’s Pakistani general election. But at his lavishly funded, tightly guarded rallies there is a striking absence: any mention of Musharraf.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

‘What the goddess has joined …’

If your religious festivals follow lunar phases and seasonal solstices, you will be happy to know that marriage under pagan rite and ritual is now a possibility for South Africans. The South African Pagan Rights Alliance (Sapra) has been designated by the department of home affairs a religious organisation under section 5 of the Civil Union Act (17 of 2006).

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Makoni’s bold hope

Presidential candidate Simba Makoni used the word “renewal” a total of 13 times during an exclusive interview with the Mail & Guardian, saying Zimbabwe needed fresh leadership to “heal the wounds” of 28 years of President Robert Mugabe’s rule. Makoni, who declared his candidacy recently, predicts a landslide win against Mugabe.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Don’t say the ‘M-word’

Travelling in private jets, helicopters and bulletproof limousines, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, a staunch supporter of President Pervez Musharraf, is hard on the campaign trail for Monday’s Pakistani general election. But at his lavishly funded, tightly guarded rallies there is a striking absence: any mention of Musharraf.