Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa was re-elected as leader of his ruling party, results showed on Friday, winning the lion’s share of votes at a stormy party convention that set the stage for next year’s elections. Mwanawasa (58) beat his only rival, former vice-president Enock Kavindele, by a wide margin.
South African banking group FirstRand put an end to speculation late on Friday, saying it is not in talks with United States-based Citigroup. Rumours earlier this week that FirstRand could be a possible takeover target by the US bank — the world’s largest — saw a surge in the local bank’s shares.
The Western Cape education department will not take the Mikro school language case to the Constitutional Court, provincial minister of education Cameron Dugmore said on Friday. He said this decision was taken after consultation with both provincial Premier Ebrahim Rasool and the national Department of Education.
French President Jacques Chirac, whose recent comments on British and Finnish cooking provoked a minor diplomatic incident, claimed on Thursday that French cuisine is part of the reason for the longevity of his compatriots. Listing in a television interview France’s strengths, Chirac lauded the merits of the national cuisine.
A woman has pleaded guilty to scalping a teenage girl who had a mohawk hairstyle and blamed the attack on mental illness and her drug addiction. Marianne Dahle (26) entered the plea to the aggravated battery charge as her trial was to begin on Wednesday. She faces up to 15 years in prison.
This year’s Encounters South African International Documentary Festival traverses the globe, writes Matthew Krouse.
Two local writers share their best-kept secrets in a pocketbook filled with insights into the Jo’burg scene writes Sabata-mpho Mokae.
At least six suicide bombers blew themselves up in Baghdad and northern Iraq on Friday, killing 10 people and wounding about 60 in attacks targeting Iraqi and United States forces, security officials said.
The ripples of the 2004 Athens Olympics will still be felt when the 11th swimming World Championships open in Montreal on Sunday. Several of the sport’s superstars — including Australian Ian Thorpe — are taking the post-Olympic year off, while others — such as Michael Phelps — have chosen instead to refocus their efforts.
The Alps are gone forever — now the Pyrenees beckon Lance Armstrong again as he edges closer to retiring with a seventh straight Tour de France win. Armstrong finished comfortably in 41st place on Thursday’s 12th stage and preserved his overall lead. Although it was his last day in the Alps, Armstrong had little time for sentimentality.