Mungo Soggot A leader of the right-wing underworld, Johan Niemoller, has been sentenced to jail for trading in R1,1-million worth of illegal diamonds. Niemoller was arrested and charged in 1998 in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court for selling the diamonds, but his conviction and sentencing now have special poignancy as his name has come up in […]

Richard Williams The key words were these: “They regard him as a kindred spirit, someone who takes on all-comers and does things his way …” His way. It was impossible to miss the significance of that particular phrase. It appeared in Sunday’s Observer, as part of a piece speculating on the possibility that the members […]

Offshore listings, speculators and the situation in Zimbabwe have handed the currency a thrashing Mungo Soggot Shocking figures released by the Reserve Bank this week show that an annualised R45-billion left South Africa in the third quarter because of the major local companies that have listed offshore, exacerbating the collapse of the rand. The figures, […]

Bongani Majola The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has condemned a decision by Jonathan Ball publishers not to let Robert Kirby’s Songs of the Cockroach see the light of day at least not under its imprint. Renowned for his scathing satire, the Mail & Guardian’s television columnist’s book was refused publication on the basis that […]

Barry Streek The public protector is investigating alleged unlawful conduct by National Council of Provinces secretary Lulu Matyolo, after a top parliamentary official declined to act against her. Public Protector Selby Baqwa confirmed this week that he was investigating the matter. The inquiry was also confirmed by the secretary to Parliament, Sindiso Mfenyane. Matyolo was […]

Marianne Merten The new African National Congress-New National Party Western Cape government could find its hands tied on poverty alleviation and service delivery next year, as the 2002/2003 budget is scheduled for finalisation on Friday. Concern has been expressed that the new government has been installed very late in the budgetary process. It is understood […]

Belinda Beresford Political agendas appear to outweigh scientific evidence in South African government decision-making on the use of HIV drugs in pregnancy, according to a report by a leading international think tank. The report, produced in September under the aegis of the worldwide Cochrane Collaboration, which is locally associated with the Medical Research Council, lays […]

The government has unveiled plans to bring information and communication technologies into rural areas Ngwako Modjadji After a rocky piloting programme, multi-purpose community centres have received a boost recently after the goverment unveiled its business plan for the centres. Fourteen information technology centres were introduced a few years ago; however, many experienced problems related to […]

Recent events provide a chance for the Democratic Alliance to make meaningful changes, argues Tony Leon In a political spectacle that was part drama, part farce, most of the New National Party national and provincial leadership recently withdrew from the Democratic Alliance to pursue cooperative government with the African National Congress. Our detractors believe this […]

South Africa’s bowling line-up holds the key to victory in Australia Peter Robinson According to reports out of Australia, Allan Donald can’t wait to get up and at ’em. Well, we hope so. Even if Donald is fit for half the three-Test series only (which presumes he would break down halfway through the second Test) […]