Human beings, in nearly all cultures, have long engaged in a strange activity. They take a literary text, give it special status and attempt to live by its precepts. These texts are usually of considerable antiquity — yet are expected to throw light on situations their authors could not have imagined.
The Democratic Alliance’s hopes of regaining control of the Western Cape legislature were dashed recently when three New National Party members pledged their seats to the African National Congress during the upcoming floor-crossing period. The move will give the ANC an overall majority of 22 of the 42 seats in the Western Cape legislature. They are already ANC members.
The Credit Bill, which is currently being tabled before Parliament, has highlighted the practice of credit life insurance when purchasing a vehicle. The aim of this insurance is to pay out the outstanding debt on the vehicle should you die or are unable to make some of your repayments, either through disability or retrenchment.
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.
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.
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.
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.