NOT all deputy ministers were announced on Thursday, but those who are known are: Dirk du Toit (Agriculture), Brigitte Mabandla, (Arts, Science and Culture), Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge (Defence), Smangaliso Mkhatshwa (Education), Joyce Mabudafhasi (Environmental Affairs and Tourism), Sipho Mphahlwa (Finance). Longtime stalwart in Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad hangs onto his post. Other new appointees include Lindiwe […]

FOURTEEN new caps have been included in the South African Under-21 rugby squad for this year’s Sanzar/UAR Tournament in Argentina in July. The 28-man squad, captained by Natal prop John Smit, was finalised at the weekend following the match between an SA Under-21 Invitation XV and the Vodacom Cup All Stars in Port Elizabeth. The […]

THE Mozambican and Chilean governments signed in Maputo on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding aimed at relaunching bilateral cooperation in the area of public works, like building of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, ports and airports. The document was signed by the Mozambican public works and housing minister, Roberto White, and his Chilean counterpart, Jaime […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 5.00pm. THE appointment of two fairly inexperienced people to head the defence Cabinet portfolio was worrying in terms of continuity, Jane’s Defence Weekly Southern Africa correspondent Helmut Heitman said on Thursday. Heitman said the appointment of former National Council of Provinces chairman Patrick Lekota as South Africa’s new Defence Minister, […]

WEDNESDAY, 12.30PM: IRELAND beat the North-West mealie farmers by 26-18 in a scrappy rugby tour match played at Olien Park in Potchefstroom on Tuesday. The match was a poor one, with both teams giving away too many penalties — 15 each. North-West were soon trailing the Irish 12-0, after being heavily penalised in the opening […]

THE respected politcal staff of the Mail & Guardian have written profiles of the new Cabinet, named by President Thabo Mbeki on Thursday. Click on the links below for each ministers history. Jacob Zuma, deputy president Essop Pahad, Minister in office of the President Nkosazana Zuma, Foreign Affairs Patrick Lekota, Defence Steve Tshwete, Safety and […]

ANDRE Joubert will remain with the Natal Sharks for, at least, the remainder of the current Currie Cup season, the Natal Rugby Union announced in a statement on Tuesday. “Joubert’s experience is seen as a tremendous asset and a possibility of being called up by Nick Mallett for the Tri-Nations and the World Cup is […]

DAVID SHAPSHAK, Johannesburg | Wednesday 4.10pm. NEW cap Corne Krige will captain the Springboks in his first Test on Saturday against Italy in place of the injured Gary Teichmann. But Krige, who sat on the bench three times druing last year’s Grand Slam tour, is still under investigation for leading a player revolt as skipper […]

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 6.10pm. NEWLY sworn in Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Ronnie Kasrils on Thursday said he was happy with his new post, describing it as a “mid-life change”. He said he would follow the policies laid down by his predecessor, Kader Asmal, and attempt to speed up the delivery of water. […]

MITCH PHILLIPS, Birmingham | Thursday 4.00pm. SOUTH African pace duo Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald took nine wickets between them as Australia were bowled out for 213 in 49.2 overs in Thursday’s World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston. Pollock is the first South African to take five wickets in a World Cup match, finishing with five […]