Jean Redpath crossfire The trial of those accused of Rashaad Staggie’s murder began on Monday. The state was criticised for subpoenaing journalists. The press said the subpoenas were an infringement of press freedom and would have a “chilling effect” on media ability to gather news. But is the issue that clear cut? And who is […]
By Mboniso Sigonyela The latest Edgars consolidated store results could be the first indication that the cellular phone market, which has been a major revenue driver for retailers, has reached its peak. Edcon, the first retailer to stock cellphones, reports a 14% year-on-year decline in cellphone sales from its United retail chain. United retail is […]
Can Ginwala, the politician, be accountable to both the ANC and Parliament? Barry Streek The problem facing the increasingly beleaguered Speaker of the National Assembly, Frene Ginwala, is that she is wearing too many political hats. She is a committed and long-standing member of the majority party in Parliament, an elected member of its national […]
Letters to the best man Chez Uhuru 228 Musgrave Road iThekwini To:Dr Essop Pahad The Presidency Union Buildings Tshwane Dear Dr Pahad, In recent months I have been plagued by guilt, without being able to identify the source. Every time I have seen our leader on television, heard his inimitable voice on radio, or read […]
Barbara Ludman crime Round-up Newton Thornburg’s Cutter and Bone, circa 1976, is a post-apocalyptic novel posing as a thriller: bleak and brilliantly written, with characters you can’t shrug off, some of the best, truest and funniest dialogue you’ll ever read and a tragic and inescapable point. Cutter is Alex Cutter, a Vietnam War veteran whose […]
Malegapuru Makgoba a Second Look The challenges facing science and its development today are no longer predominantly technical, but largely social. The future of science lies in three areas: ethics, communication and attending to societal concerns. The need for science to be understood by the public and for scientists to communicate better, as well as […]
Barry Streek After shock findings of widespread financial mismanagement and lack of controls, the Office of the Auditor General refused to approve a financial audit of the statements for the now- defunct Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for the 1999/2000 financial year. Because of the significance of these findings, “I do not express an opinion of […]
The company’s new mining division will be attractive fare for global mining majors hungry for bigger exposure to iron ore Stewart Bailey Iscor’s soon-to-be-created mining division has been tipped as a star performer on the JSE Securities Exchange, but it is unlikely to grace the bourse’s resource board for very long. The division, to be […]
Matthew Burbidge food Carlton Food Network (DStv, channel 54) is a strangely compelling place to visit. The studios have a warm tint, a homely feel; it’s inviting, it’s all about sizzling food, lovely smells, tastes but none of it seems real. The portions are huge and steaming, polished. “Here’s one we made earlier,” the chefs […]
Glenda Daniels The methane explosion that killed 12 workers at the Beatrix Goldfields mine in Welkom this month could have been avoided, according to preliminary findings into the disaster. For the first time in the history of mining in South Africa, a mining company was closed down, sending a strong message that inadequate health and […]