The Scorpions struck countrywide on Thursday in early morning raids connected with the investigation of two corruption charges against former deputy president Jacob Zuma. The Congress of South African Trade Unions said: ”The central committee [CC] unequivocally condemns the systematic brutal persecution of Jacob Zuma by the National Prosecuting Authority.”
Nasa compromised safety in an attempt to meet unrealistic launch dates for the space shuttle Discovery, according to a report by some members of a taskforce appointed by the space agency to monitor safety. Poor leadership by smug managers who influenced important decisions were still present in the run-up to Discovery‘s flight, the report said.
Black Americans get fewer operations, tests, medications and other life-saving treatments than white Americans and have less access to the best doctors, hospitals and health plans, according to three studies published on Thursday. However, the research also shows that the healthcare gap is closing on many simple, cheap medical treatments.
Scientists have created the ultimate ribbon. A thousand times thinner than a human hair and a few centimetres wide, the carbon sheet is stronger than steel for its weight, and could open the door to everything from artificial muscles to a space elevator capable of sending astronauts and tourists into orbit.
It wasn’t perhaps the start he would have wanted. As Pope Benedict XVI emerged from his plane yesterday at Cologne airport, the wind immediately whipped off his white cap. He briefly considered whether to retrieve it. He decided not to bother and, hatless, descended the steps on to German soil.
Molly, the "receptionist" at Klippe Rivier guesthouse, drags herself from the spot where she has been enjoying the early morning sun. Her eyes peruse the breakfast room, where a scrumptious morning meal has just been served, hoping that some scraps remain for the taking.
South Africa’s banking giant Absa has been roped into Zimbabwe’s biggest media scandal in 25 years, which erupted recently with revelations that the country’s state security agency had taken over three mainly private newspapers. Absa was dragged into the rumpus after disclosures that Zimbabwe’s central bank governor was instrumental in helping the Central Intelligence Organisation take over the newspapers.
A Welkom community comprising the poorest of the poor lost a total of R640Â 000 after housing consultants backed by politicians encouraged them to participate in a housing scheme. Among those accused of promoting the scheme is former Free State Premier and now national MP Winkie Direko.
Grain SA’s beleaguered chairperson, Bully Botma, has escaped dismissal as a Maize Trust trustee — but has been barred from further meetings of the trust. This follows the disclosure that, under Botma’s care, more that R7-million of Maize Trust (used to promote farming) money was either misdirected by Grain SA or not spent.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions is out of step with the public in its support for former deputy president Jacob Zuma, report <i>Marianne Merten</i> and <i>Ferial Haffajee</i>. Public opinion polls suggest South Africa is far more ambivalent about Zuma than his union and business backers.