There is a voice missing, or at least muffled, in the hubbub of claim and counter-claim that marks the first anniversary of the Glen-eagles anti-poverty initiative. One year after the G8 leaders promised to tackle Africa’s deepening crisis, there is no shortage of assessment of the gaps between what leaders of the world’s richest countries pledged and their subsequent performance.
The Sithengi Film and Television Market has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some filmmakers and directors, who say the pitching sessions, had effectively been hijacked by the national broadcaster. Steve Kretzmann reports.
With two weeks to go before their first democratic elections in more than four decades, it would be abnormal for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo not to be very, very nervous. Indeed, the many supporters of the African giant — both on the continent and beyond — are probably nervous enough for the 60-million Congolese.
Deadlines for signing peace agreements have come and gone, in Burundi and Darfur — two of Africa’s most vexed trouble spots — illustrating that pressure tactics are not always the answer. Arm-twisting might force warring parties to the negotiating table — and even get them to sign agreements.
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Oil surged to a record high above a barrel on Thursday on renewed worries over supply from major exporter Nigeria and as conflict between Israel and Lebanon heightened international tensions. Prices also rose as the Iran nuclear row headed back to the United Nations Security Council and North Korea walked out of talks with South Korea.
Cellphone operator MTN announced on Thursday that it will contribute R476-million towards sponsorship of the 2010 World Cup, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported. MTN is the second company to announce a major sponsorship. First National Bank has already announced it will sponsor the soccer extravaganza to the tune of -million.
A planned strike at Sasol could be called off once members of the trade union Solidarity accept a new salary offer made by the petroleum company. Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said on Thursday the union would recommend to its members that they should accept the new offer.
American Floyd Landis underlined his yellow jersey credentials with a resounding performance in the Tour de France’s 11th stage, which gave him the yellow jersey on Thursday. Russian Denis Menchov of the Rabobank team took the victory after 206,5km of racing between Tarbes and Pla de Beret, of which almost 62km was climbing into the high mountains.
World soccer governing body Fifa said on Thursday they have opened a disciplinary inquiry into the behaviour of Italy World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi. In a statement, Fifa said: ”The decision was taken following claims made by French player Zinedine Zidane, who attacked Materazzi with a headbutt during the final of the Fifa World Cup in Berlin on July 9.”