Specialist banker Investec will this week launch one of two funding platforms, with a combined size of R4-billion, to fund a significant portion of the growth in advances expected by Investec Private Bank. The securitisation funding platform will allow Investec to continue to offer clients superior service at competitive rates on certain banking products such as new home and car loans.
Jim Furyk avenged last year’s playoff loss at the Wachovia Championship by returning for another try on Sunday, and claimed the crown with a six-foot putt on the first extra hole to beat South Africa’s Trevor Immelman. A hard-luck loser in a four-hole playoff last year, Furyk made an eight-foot par putt to force extra holes and then sunk the winner for par on number 18.
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Judgement started in axed deputy president Jacob Zuma’s rape trial in the Johannesburg High Court at 9am on Monday. Judge Willem van der Merwe, who has presided over the trial since it started on March 6, will reportedly take about six hours to deliver his judgement.
Iran stepped up its war of words with the West on Sunday over its nuclear programme by threatening to abrogate the international treaty on nuclear weapons if a binding United Nations security council resolution is set against Tehran.
Russia hit back on Monday at United States and European Union criticism, most recently voiced by US Vice-President Dick Cheney, that it was using energy as a political weapon, and said it was time the West came to terms with Russia’s progress as a market economy.
Michael Schumacher wasn’t surprised he won his second straight Formula One race after taking out the European Grand Prix for the sixth time on Sunday. Schumacher, who also relegated F1 champion Fernando Alonso to runner-up at Nürburgring like he did at San Marino GP two weeks ago, felt Ferrari’s earlier performances in the season weren’t accurate.
South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius and Natalie du Toit both won double gold at the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester this weekend. Pistorius won gold in the 100 and 200m during Sunday’s athletics events, while Du Toit smashed two world records in the pool on Saturday.
Kimi Raikkonen continued to complain about McLaren’s lack of pace on Sunday, after finishing fourth in the European Grand Prix. The 26-year-old Finn wanted a podium finish in front of Mercedes-Benz’ home fans, but was unable to make an impression on the leading Ferraris and Renaults after starting fifth on the grid.
Wallaby captain George Gregan will miss the ACT Brumbies’ final Super 14 round-robin match after being suspended on Monday for a dangerous tackle. Gregan was suspended following a hearing by a three-man Sanzar panel for his tackle on Otago Highlanders winger Richard Kahui in Saturday’s 28-26 Brumbies’ loss at Canberra Stadium.
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is looking to encourage non-Muslim tourists, touting a unique experience and even nightlife in a country where alcohol and the mixing of the sexes are banned. "We promise you an experience that will hit your soul, mind and spirit … [with] lots of nightlife," Prince Sultan bin Salman, who heads the kingdom’s Supreme Commission for Tourism, told reporters in Dubai.