Already translated into more than 40 languages, the latest version of the Mozilla Firefox web browser now sports an Afrikaans interface thanks to Translate.org.za, a non-profit organisation working to give local flavour to open-source software. The Afrikaans version was translated by one man and rigorously tested thereafter.
United Kingdom power provider Ipsa is making good progress in expanding its portfolio of power generation projects in the Eastern Cape. Two important additions to capacity are now planned at the Elitheni Clean Coal Project and at the combined heat and power project for Da Gama Textiles.
Black Earth Communications turned out to be the second applicant — after the Ndabenhle Group on Wednesday — whose submission imploded at hearings on Thursday by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) into highly lucrative pay-TV licences.
New Zealand’s players have been warned not to overplay their hand in Saturday’s first Test against France at Eden Park. Assistant coach Wayne Smith has ordered his players to curb their natural instincts so as not to give away any secrets before this year’s World Cup.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair was to hold talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki on Friday on the last day of his farewell African tour, with Zimbabwe likely to figure on the agenda. Blair was due to receive an state welcome at the Union Buildings in Pretoria before heading for discussions with the president.
A police officer and two alleged car thieves were wounded in a shoot-out on the M1 highway in Newtown in Johannesburg on Thursday night, said paramedics. The southbound M1 was closed from the Smit street off-ramp after the 9pm shooting, said ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak.
Britain is considering a direct approach to Iran for help in discovering the whereabouts of four British security guards and a financial consultant abducted in Iraq and who was responsible for seizing them. The issue was raised on Thursday at a meeting of Cobra, Whitehall’s emergency committee.
Despite pressure for Sudan to accept a force of 23 000 troops and police, a African Union committee has not approved plans sent by the United Nations. Sudan has been sent an copy of details drawn up recently but a submission cannot happen until the AU’s Peace and Security Committee gives its consent.
Jack Kevorkian, the assisted suicide advocate known as ”Dr Death,” steps out of prison on Friday and back into the debate over whether the terminally ill have a right to end their lives with medical aid. Kevorkian (79) is scheduled to be released from a prison in Coldwater, Michigan, after serving eight years for murder.
Two weeks ago, South Africa witnessed one of the worst cold fronts in a while. Fortunately, it was an unforeseen and temporary inconvenience. It is easy to forget about the mild winters currently forecast by the weather bureau. Weather remains the only unpredictable phenomenon about which we cannot do much.