Beijing’s preparations for the 2008 Olympics have been hit by a high-level corruption scandal that has led to the dismissal of a vice-mayor accused of accepting bribes and sexual favours. Liu Zhihua, who oversaw the construction of the sporting venues that will be used for the games, is under investigation for allegedly taking more than 10-million yuan (,2-million) from developers.
The new four-course prix fixe menu at Cyrano’s Bistrot in downtown Chicago is something of a snip at . But before diners head for the French restaurant they might want to take a closer look at the dishes on offer. Grilled steak haché should fit in with the rest of the establishment’s offerings. But bone-marrow gateau is not renowned as a classic of the Bergerac region in which the bistro specialises.
Turkey’s tortuous European Union (EU) membership negotiations inched forward on Monday night after EU foreign ministers resolved a dispute with Cyprus over Ankara’s relations with the Greek half of the island. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, was due to fly into Luxembourg late on Monday night for a mini-summit.
Western diplomats and disarmament experts reacted with alarm on Monday to Afghan government plans to arm hundreds of southern villagers against resurgent Taliban fighters. ”There is considerable disquiet,” said Peter Babbington, director of a national disarmament programme.
Last week 6 500 people descended on Sun City for the Posi+ive Aids benefit. Tumi Makgetla asks organiser Philip Georges what the event achieved.
Peter Magubane’s poignant exhibition of pictures, captured during the Soweto uprisings of 1976, transports one back to a period of suffering and pain, writes Reesha Chibba.
George Hallett’s Portraits of African Writers begins with his tutorship under writer Richard Rive in the late Fifties and ends with studies of today’s exceptional talent.
The 27th Durban International Film Festival will engage cinephiles on a range of issues and stories, writes Niren Tolsi.
Brenton Maart reports on an exhibition that incorporates images of children branded as practitioners of the occult.
A group of Swazi sculptors has introduced an element of play to the serious worlds of fine art and religion in their latest exhibition, Ezulwinini, writes Lisa Johnston.