Lonmin, the world’s third-largest platinum producer, on Friday told employees taking part in a strike at its Marikana operations in the North West to return to work or face dismissal. The company said in a media statement that it had issued the ultimatum on Friday morning.
Nigerian Justice Minister Michael Aondoakaa on Friday froze a plan announced last week by the central bank to re-denominate the naira currency, saying the bank had violated the law. Aondoakaa said Central Bank Governor Chukwuma Soludo should first have sought President Umaru Yar’Adua’s written approval.
Botswana has repeated its criticism of the unhealthy trade balance with South Africa, saying it is heavily skewed in favour of its economically stronger neighbour. Speaking on Friday, Botswana’s newly appointed High Commissioner, Motlhagodi Molomo, said Botswana President Festus Mogae was concerned about the trade inequality between the two countries.
McLaren-Mercedes team chief Ron Dennis on Friday said he had restored order between his feuding drivers following clear-the-air talks in Istanbul. Dennis said: ”I’ve spoken to both of them independently and we were pretty clear. We run our team in a certain way and expect from every member of the team certain behaviours.”
The African National Congress (ANC) secretary for the Tlokwe sub-region died on Thursday, the municipality said. Mpho Badirwang (36) also served in the North West provincial government. ”The office of the executive mayor of Tlokwe municipality, Maphetle Maphetle, wishes to send his deep felt condolences to the family,” mayoral spokesperson Kaizer Mohau said on Friday.
Good grace and fortune are smiling on the film version of <i>The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency</i>, writes Andrew Worsdale.
Master trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis speaks to Peter Feldman about sibling rivalry.
Shaun de Waal reviews the latest DVD releases
Turkish composer Fazil Say returns to South Africa to perform in two concerts, writes Dillon Davie.
Ondaatje, Coetzee, Swift, Lessing and Keneally cast aside in favour of novels from lesser-known authors. John Ezard reports.