The Republican senators who have devoted their careers to mauling the United Nations are seldom accused of shyness. But they went strangely quiet last week. A report by the former chairperson of the US Federal Reserve was meant to have proved that, as a result of corruption within the UN’s oil-for-food programme, Saddam Hussein was able to sustain his regime by diverting oil revenues into his hands. But Volcker came up with something else, writes George Monbiot.

With complete press censorship, one of the last remaining freedoms from the 1990 People’s Movement is gone. Since February 1, Nepal’s press, until then one of the freest in the world, has been subjected to absolute censorship. Nothing critical of the king’s move, in letter or spirit, is allowed to be printed or broadcast, and action will be taken against anyone who violates this ban.

A last-gasp goal from Phumudzo Manenzhe earned Orlando Pirates a lucky 1-1 draw in their Castle Premiership derby against Moroka Swallows played at Ellis Park on Saturday. The drama erupted 10 minutes into the second half with the Birds leading 1-0 and Bucs getting a penalty.

Manning Rangers beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in a Castle Premiership encounter at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Saturday night. Rangers got full points thanks to an injury-time goal by Phumlani ”BMX” Mkhize who came on for MacDonald Mukansi in the 88th minute. The score was 0-0 at the break.

Golden Arrows compounded their problems even further after losing 1-2 to Wits University in a Castle Premier Soccer League match played at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday night. Despite recently appointing Khabo Zondo as their head coach, Arrows are still languishing near the bottom of the log.

Bush Bucks collected maximum points when they beat Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in a closely contested Castle Premier Soccer League relegation battle on Saturday evening. The winning goal came in the 66th minute when Agent Sawu scored from a well-taken free kick.

Dynamos’ impressive home winning streak came to an abrupt end when they went down 2-1 to a revitalised Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premier Soccer League match at Giyani Stadium on Saturday. Dynamos led 1-0 at the break. Despite the result, the home side gave Sundowns a run for their money, particularly in the second half.

South Africa urgently needs a well-funded institute to research water demand management. This is the view of Pieter Pansegrouw, professor of civil engineering at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, who wrote on the topic in the latest issue of Farmer’s Weekly.