Xolile Maliti, a former driver, bulldozed his way past attempts by onlookers to extract pompous comments last week when he became the first HIV-positive patient to receive medicine in the long-awaited national roll-out of anti-retrovirals.
He steered straight to the core of the matter: ”It will let me live longer,” said Maliti (57).

Scientists believe that they may soon discover lakes beneath the arid surface of Mars. Some of these subterranean pools could provide homes for primitive life forms. Researchers’ hopes of finding liquid water on Mars has been raised by the dramatic discovery of evidence of ice on the planet’s surface.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has called on international investigators to probe an illegal underground traffic in nuclear secrets, stretching from Asia to Europe. Pakistani investigators are investigating nine scientists, officials and senior soldiers on suspicion of selling nuclear technology to Iran and other countries.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe discreetly slipped into South Africa on Saturday, but the purpose of his visit is not known. The visit comes hot on the heels of President Thabo Mbeki’s remarks that Zanu-PF and opposition MDC would soon engage in talks. The MDC has since denied any knowledge of the talks.

A 70-year-old farmer diagnosed with Congo fever has been admitted to hospital, the North West health department said on Saturday. Spokesperson Barba Gaoganediwe said the man, who has been identified only as Mr Zeiwick, was in a stable condition in the infectious diseases unit of Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital.

Silver Stars showed great character when they fought back from a 3-1 deficit to force a 3-3 draw with Black Leopards in a Castle Premiership match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.