Afghan and United States troops backed by British warplanes pounded a mountain hideout in southern Afghanistan in a day-long battle that left more than 76 Taliban guerrillas dead. The battle was the bloodiest engagement yet in a summer of escalating violence that has dimmed hopes for an early end to the Taliban insurgency.
Rupert Murdoch has dedicated years of lobbying to launching his television channels there and Warner Bros recently established a film production joint venture in the country. But media moguls with ambitions to expand in China should perhaps look at a less glamorous or politically sensitive medium: outdoor advertising.
Simmer & Jack Mines (Simmers) said on Wednesday it has signed employment agreements with three unions as part of its bid for DRDGold’s North West operations. Simmers, the preferred bidder for the liquidated mining operations in Stilfontein, has entered into agreements with Solidarity, the South African Electrical Workers Union and the United Association of South Africa .
South African media and entertainment group Johnnic Communications lifted headline earnings by 129% from R177-million to R406-million for the year ended in March. This translates into headline earnings per share of 390 cents compared with 170 cents the previous year, which exceeded the I-Net Bridge consensus forecast of 279,5 cents.
Experienced French prop Sylvain Marconnet should be able to resume full training on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s second Test against South Africa. The 28-year-old Stade Francais stalwart has been suffering from a right thigh injury picked up during the thrilling 30-30 draw with the Springboks in the first Test last Saturday.
Caffeine can help athletes by boosting the body’s absorption of carbohydrates, scientists at the University of Birmingham said on Wednesday. According to a study conducted by researchers at the university’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, introducing caffeine into sports drinks increases the absorption rate of carbohydrates by 26%.
International banking group Barclays bought up a total of 1,158-million shares in Absa in the open market on Wednesday at prices ranging from R81,65 to R81,81 per share, adding to the 554 400 shares it purchased on Tuesday, the company revealed on Thursday.
United States feminist Gloria Steinem was among a small group of protestors on Wednesday who sought to take the sparkle out of the gala opening in New York of South African diamond giant De Beers’ first US showroom. The protest, organised by the lobby group Survival International, picketed celebrities like Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan as they arrived at the event.
The trade union Solidarity on Wednesday threatened ”the biggest strike this year” should its members in the metal and engineering industry reject their employers’ final offer of a 4,8% to 5,8% pay rise. General secretary Johan Pieterse said it appeared that the employers were bent on forcing a strike.
A Japanese hamburger chain will on Thursday start selling whale-meat burgers, hours after the International Whaling Commission condemned Tokyo’s plans to double the number of whales it kills during so-called research hunts. Despite condemnation, Japan has recently stepped up its campaign to promote whalemeat consumption.