Fiction, or faction, that novelist’s blend of verifiable information and original spin, has a place in our magazine culture that writers have yet to reclaim. Can Themba, Casey Motsisi, Bloke Modisane and other Drum writers perfected a style of social realism that was perfectly compatible with a commercial format. Graeme Addison tackles the central problematic of the black magazine press: where are the menacing truths of modern South Africa?

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” said science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. When you watch a magazine go straight from the computer screen to the final printing plate, you would tend to agree. But, asks Megan Chronis, is this black or white magic we’ve seen practised in publishing over the last 20 years?

South Africa paddled to a landslide victory at the third African Canoeing Championships at Lake Tunis, winning 19 of the 24 gold medals on offer at the event. The nine-strong South African team bagged 19 golds, five silvers and three bronze medals.

Ernie Els had a million reasons to smile when he crushed Thomas Bjorn 4 and 3 in the final of the World Match Play final in the United Kingdom on Sunday. But he stressed he had no intentions of splashing out after his record-busting win. ”Bank it,” he announced. ”I’ve spent enough money. I’ve kids to feed.”

Orlando Pirates fled Chatsworth Stadium in Durban in police vans after losing 1-2 to Manning Rangers in a Coca-Cola Cup last 16 encounter on Sunday afternoon. This was necessary after Bucs supporters showed their dissatisfaction over their team’s poor performance.

Simon Danielli scored two tries on Monday as Scotland again struggled against a relative minnow before beating the United States 39-15 in a World Cup Pool B encounter. The Scottish secured a bonus competition point in the 71st minute when flyhalf Gregor Townsend scooted in for the fourth try.

Danish Kaneria and Shoaib Akhtar rattled South Africa with spin and pace on Monday, bringing Pakistan close to a big victory on the fourth day of the first cricket Test. Akhtar (4-36) polished off the top order, while Kaneria (5-46) mopped up the tail to dismiss the Proteas for 241 in the second innings and set up a victory target of 161 runs.