Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption crackdown last week resulted in the closure of five key financial institutions. President Robert Mugabe is vigorously dismantling the country’s deep-rooted economic patronage system in an effort to ensure his political survival. As many as 10 of the country’s businessmen have fled abroad in recent weeks.
In just 10 years, South Africa has been able to build itself into a top-drawer tourist destination that is currently outperforming every other market in the world, according to Southern Sun Hotels managing director Helder Pereira. The local tourism industry bucks sharp international downturn, but there is still room for improvement.
Ivo Vegter has not set foot in a bank since July 2001. His most recent interaction with his bank was to call them at 8pm and ask them to collect a cheque for deposit the next morning. They did. Vegter is one of about 1,04-million South Africans who bank online. SA’s Internet banks are rated among the best in the world, but are they too expensive?
You have to wonder when the pace is going to let up. It’s difficult to keep up with the unrelenting speed of technological advancement these days. Cellphones have become the newest culprit in this category. No one’s complaining, although you need deep pockets to keep up. Sony Ericsson’s latest release is the new P900 "smart phone".
Spain’s voters have sent a series of dramatic messages that will resonate far beyond Spain, affecting relations within Europe, with the United States and in terms of the ”war on terror”. They reminded the world that regime change is best achieved through the ballot box; and that violence must not be allowed to win.
As genetically modified foods flood global markets, environmentalists are insisting on greater protection to rein in scientists and governments that believe biotechnology is the next wave in accelerating development. South Africa, however, remains the sole stumbling block to Africa as a GMO-free zone.
”There are six boreholes in this camp between 60 000 people — that’s one for each 10 000. Each family gets only two jerry cans full per day, and sometimes you have to wait 24 hours to get yours.” Many of the children at the Pabbo Internally Displaced Persons camp have never known anything other than life inside the parameters that house 60 000 people.
England’s 36-year wait for a Test-series victory in the Caribbean is near its end. Fast bowler Simon Jones triggered another sensational West Indies batting collapse at Queens Park Oval and, when bad light stopped play 11 overs early on the penultimate day on Monday, England had reached 71 for two — just 28 runs short of victory.
Some of Australia’s leading sports have been hit by a wave of rape allegations.
More than 20 rugby league and Australian rules football players have been accused in connection with at least eight incidents of rape and sexual assault, challenging the status of some of the country’s most admired teams.
Real Madrid go into their Champions League quarterfinal with Monaco on Wednesday on the back of two defeats that have rocked the reigning Spanish champions. However, Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions that the team who have won the Champions League twice in the past four years are a diminished force.