Though their concerns are different, the new voices from Africa offer salutary correctives to those who care to listen, writes Maya Jaggi.
Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga starred with the new ball as South Africa struggled to 113 for four at lunch on the opening day of the second Test on Friday. Malinga dismissed opener Andrew Hall for a duck and left-hander Jacques Rudolph (13) during a fiery seven-over burst with the new ball at P Saravanamuttu Oval.
Two senior United States generals on Thursday publicly agreed with a warning by Britain’s outgoing ambassador to Iraq, William Patey, that the country is slipping towards civil war and partition. ”I believe that the sectarian violence is probably as bad as I’ve seen it in Baghdad in particular, and that if not stopped, it is possible that Iraq could move toward civil war,” said General John Abizaid.
Arthur Lee, the eccentric singer/guitarist with influential 1960s rock band Love, has died in a Memphis hospital after a battle with leukemia, his manager said on Friday. He was 61. ”His death comes as a shock to me because Arthur had the uncanny ability to bounce back from everything, and leukemia was no exception,” said Mark Linn.
South African President Thabo Mbeki should publicly acknowledge the challenge by former deputy president Jacob Zuma for power and object to it as a Zuma presidency would march South African backwards, official opposition leader Tony Leon said on Friday.
Somehow, when nobody was looking, it became a shameful thing to be "nice". Benevolence became a dirty word. Philanthropy and selflessness have become so despised that Mother Teresa probably did herself a favour by dying when she did. OtherÂwise she too could have been a victim of the New Age mentality that demands that we lampoon those who dare to show that they care.
Coach Jake White is working overtime to get his wounded Springboks in the right frame of mind to pull off a spectacular turnaround in Saturday’s Tri-Nations rugby Test with Australia at Sydney’s Olympic stadium. ”The most important area to address with the players is the mental aspect,” White said on Friday.
Durban musicians claim their form of hip-hop is more authentic than the rest, writes Niren Tolsi.
Author Denis Hirson speaks to Shaun de Waal about writing and unfinished business.
Kwanele Sosibo speakes to musician Lura, who will be part of a special double bill celebrating National Women’s Day.