Zimbabwean teachers have gone on strike to press demands for huge wage increases as the Southern African country battles with the fastest rising consumer prices in the world. Critics say President Robert Mugabe has plunged the state deeper into economic crisis by ordering public institutions and private businesses to stop raising wages and prices without official authority.
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The Wallabies are focusing on blunting the effectiveness of Jonny Wilkinson in their crunch Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Marseilles on Saturday to ensure there is no repeat of his match-winning heroics for England in the 2003 final. The masterful flyhalf has steadied England after their rocky start to the tournament.
Seventy-five years ago this month, the England cricket, team led by Douglas Jardine and under the auspices of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), arrived in Australia on the steamship, the SS Orontes. Over the ensuing six months Jardine’s despised tactics not only threatened the future of Test cricket, but even undermined the bonds of the British Empire.
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Fiji are braced for a titanic forward battle when they take on South Africa in the World Cup quarterfinals in Marseille on Sunday. The Pacific Islanders, shock 38-34 winners over Wales in their decisive pool game, are expecting the Springboks to target their set-piece play, according to coach Ilie Tabua.
Tottenham marked the 125th anniversary of the club’s formation with an extraordinary fightback to earn a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa that may just have been enough to save manager Martin Jol from the sack. Under-pressure Jol had the air of a condemned man as Spurs were left trailing 4-1 with half an hour left to play.
The JSE was up sharply by midday on Tuesday, adopting the strength in overseas markets that were driven higher by a powerful performance on Wall Street overnight. By 12.03pm on the JSE, the all-share index had collected 1,01%. Financials advanced 2,02% and banks collected 2,86%, while industrials added 1,06%.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday gave the strongest hint yet that he will remain at the centre of power in Russia for the forseeable future, saying the possibility of him becoming prime minister after the presidential election in March was ”entirely realistic”.
South Africa’s acting chief prosecutor said on Tuesday he would investigate police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi amid reports a warrant had been issued for his arrest for links to organised crime. Mokotedi Mpshe, acting director of the National Prosecuting Authority, said he could confirm an investigation of Selebi was under way.
Schabir Shaik, former financial adviser to Jacob Zuma, on Tuesday lost his final appeal against fraud and corruption charges and a 15-year prison sentence. Shaik’s appeal to bring new evidence was dismissed and the court ruled that his trial was not unfair.
Pickled cows, elephant dung paintings and a transvestite potter — the Turner Prize deserves its reputation as one of art’s most controversial awards. Now art lovers can decide for themselves if the prize rewards pretentious twaddle or cutting edge British art.