A post template

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

Triumphant White House now looks to Europe

The high turnout in the Iraqi election has strengthened United States President Bush’s hand at home and abroad, administration officials and the president’s supporters said on Monday. The courage of Iraqi voters was the perfect illustration of the Bush’s ”freedom speech” at last month’s inauguration, Bush supporters said.

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

Black empowerment short-term insurer launched

Unity Insurance — a new short-term insurance company owned 50,1% by Telesure Investments, the holding company of Auto & General, and 49,9% by a variety of black shareholders — has been launched in South Africa, the company said on Tuesday. Unity aims to bring black-empowered insurance products to the South African market.

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

Life of a legend

Ray Charles was a loner with a heroin habit that lasted decades and a voracious carnal appetite. He was also one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Richard Williams wonders whether the new biopic can do his life justice.

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

SA raises R10m for tsunami aid

South Africans have already topped the R10-million target the Red Cross set for aid to tsunami-ravaged Indian Ocean countries, the charity said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, an aircraft on a South African mercy flight to tsunami victims in Somalia landed in that country on Tuesday morning after being delayed in Uganda.

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

Bill Gates visits EU legislators

Microsoft chief Bill Gates visits the headquarters of the European Union on Tuesday, at a time when there is still a disagreement with the EU head office over how the software giant should adapt to the landmark ruling against it. Microsoft said it will respect last March’s ruling while its appeal is pending before EU courts.

No image available
/ 1 February 2005

Spain to experiment with cannabis

Four hospitals and 60 pharmacies in the north-eastern Spanish region of Catalonia will distribute cannabis to patients suffering from Aids, cancer, multiple sclerosis or chronic pain of nervous origin, local media reported on Tuesday. Patients not responding to conventional treatments will be prescribed capsules containing cannabis powder.