The public’s right to know about possible security problems with the new electronic traffic information system outweighed confidentiality concerns over the information, the Pretoria High Court found on Tuesday. Judge Dion Basson dismissed an application by Transport Minister Jeff Radebe to interdict Beeld newspaper.
Following two weeks of debate and legal wrangling about the identity and actions of an anonymous blogger publishing graphic descriptions of the sex he allegedly had with South African celebrities while working as a male prostitute, the blog has come to a sudden end.
The international community must fund the rebuilding of a ”shattered” Zimbabwe after decades of repression under veteran President Robert Mugabe, Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Thursday. In a keynote speech, Blair voiced Britain’s support for efforts by South African President Thabo Mbeki to mediate between the Mugabe government and the opposition.
The South African Cabinet has backed President Thabo Mbeki in rejecting alleged suggestions by Congress of South African Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi of similarities between government propaganda and that used by Adolf Hitler’s regime in Nazi Germany.
Proceedings at the two main courts in Johannesburg were disrupted on Thursday as public servants downed tools for three hours. Chanting outside the Johannesburg High Court grew louder as the morning progressed with the number of protesting workers swelling to about one hundred.
A Zambian court ordered former president Frederick Chiluba on Thursday to stand trial on corruption charges, rejecting his lawyers’ arguments that he was too ill to be prosecuted. ”I am of the view that we should proceed with this matter to help all the other parties involved,” magistrate Jones Chinyama said in a ruling issued in Lusaka.
As the head of a project that wants to take hi-tech into the developing world, Nicholas Negroponte has had to get used to criticism. Over the past two years the One Laptop Per Child initiative, a scheme aimed at building low-cost computers for education in developing countries, has been attacked many times.
One of the two units at the Koeberg nuclear power station near Cape Town was unexpectedly shut down on Thursday morning because of a technical problem, Eskom said. Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga said there was no need for concern, as Eskom had enough reserve capacity to supply the Western Cape.
What makes a successful tourist destination? Casinos, theme parks and Bollywood films — or a mix of historic sites and local culture? As Singapore reduces its dependence on electronics exports it wants to boost its tourism industry — currently about 5% of gross domestic product — and is betting on casinos and other imported entertainment to lure millions more visitors.
Most regard travel insurance as a way of covering the costs should you require medical attention while on holiday. However, it also provides the added benefit of being there for other little mishaps — not necessarily of a medical nature. A basic insurance package can cost as little as R285.