Pope John Paul II left hospital on Sunday night after speaking briefly in public for the first time since an operation 17 days ago to insert a tube in his windpipe. The move ensured that the 84-year-old pontiff returned to the Vatican in time for Easter.
Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court on Monday quashed a ban on the independent Daily News newspaper, known for its anti-government line, but upheld a controversial media law that has forced three other newspapers to close down. The paper’s former legal secretary, Gugulethu Moyo, slammed the court’s decision.
Tens of thousands of fans turned up for the first of two Africa Live concerts staged in the Senegalese capital this weekend aimed at raising awareness in the fight against malaria. The musicians took it in turns to appeal for mobilisation against the scourge, which kills one African child every 30 seconds.
Listed South African hotel and gaming group Peermont Global continues to look at further acquisitions to boost its growth in 2005, and is currently examining "alternative methods" for funding this investment since the company has reached its maximum level of gearing, according to CEO Ernie Joubert.
Wallaby flyhalf Stephen Larkham has had a reality check with his rugby career after he underwent weekend surgery to remove a melanoma behind a knee. The 30-year-old Test star faces an anxious week as he waits to find out whether all the malignant growth has been removed from behind his left knee.
Zimbabwe’s convener of cricket selectors, Max Ebrahim, on Monday dismissed suggestions that Zimbabwe have no place in Test cricket. Speaking after Zimbabwe’s second-innings defeat by South Africa on Sunday, Ebrahim said there are many positives that can be taken from Zimbabwe’s performance, particularly from some of the younger players.
Although the year has not yet ended, specialist banker Investec has had a good second half so far and is on track to deliver a strong performance for the financial year ended March 31 2005, Investec CEO Stephen Koseff said on Monday. "We have benefited from our continued strict focus on driving profitable growth in our key business areas and geographies," he said.
South African cement sales rose by 12,1% year-on-year (y/y) to 862 252 tonnes in February, ending two months of slowing y/y increases. In November 2004, South African cement sales surged by 26,1% y/y to a record 1 103 317 tonnes, but this slowed to a 7,8% y/y increase to 724 051 tonnes in December 2004.
Shares in retail group Spar rose by 1,4% on the JSE Securities Exchange (JSE) after the company said its saw its earnings increasing during its current interim period. Spar on Monday announced that earnings per share for the six months ending March 31 2005 will be between 20% and 30% higher than earnings for the previous corresponding reporting period.
Three men have been arrested for allegedly assaulting the state’s star witness in the lion-murder case, News24 reported on Monday. Police confirmed on Sunday that the men were arrested on charges of assault with the intent to inflict serious bodily harm after an attack on Robert Mnisi on Friday.