Can the Dalai Lama enlighten Western science, asks Michael Brooks As the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is accustomed to seeking enlightenment over deep philosophical issues. Recently, however, he had a new experience to contemplate as he watched a demonstration of the bizarre world of quantum physics. Anton Zeilinger, professor of experimental […]

Tensions are running high in Lesotho as an ongoing vote recount reveals evidence of election fraud, writes William Boot Long-simmering dissatisfaction over Lesotho’s May 23 elections finally reached boiling point this week, and it is clear the political temperature is not going to come down until the issue is resolved. Supporters of opposition parties marched […]

Mail & Guardian reporter Conflict is once again engulfing Central Africa, killing the dream of regeneration and renaissance that came with the euphoria that accompanied the fall of the Zairean despot Mobutu Sese Seko more than a year ago. Then, it was believed that the series of interlocking wars, from Sudan in the north-east to […]

the `magic bullet’ The first thing to know about Viagra, the little blue erection pill, is that every man alive can recall at least one occasion when they’d have really liked to pop one. The second thing to know is that if you don’t believe the first thing, you soon will. Viagra is expected to […]

Wonder Hlongwa Estranged Inkatha Freedom Party leader Sipho Mzimela may rejoin the African National Congress, according to political colleagues who say he has been seeking advice about where his political future lies. Mzimela would not comment this week, except to confirm that he is still an IFP MP and a member of the party. He […]

Kader Asmal A Second Look In 1995, an article I co-wrote on liberalism noted that it “has sadly become South Africa’s last credible instrument of privilege”, offering an oxygen tent for apartheid. We wondered whether “discerning liberals” might reverse this. Today, the answer is clear. The Democratic Party is unabashedly the new voice of white […]

Phillip Kakaza CD of the week In the past four years the Blood and Fire label has established itself as the cutting edge label in reggae reissues. It introduced a whole generation of producers and DJs who took advantage of the new musical venture. Jamaican vocal singles were released with instrumentals – sometimes just rhythm […]

Kevin Mitchell Gay Games Nothing really prepares you for the Gay Games. Certainly not 47 years of heterosexuality or a month on the testosterone circuit known as the World Cup. If there is another place on God’s earth where 15E000 of his creations are as nice to each other at one time, it was not […]

Lesley Cowling Buying yourself that coveted car, boat or string of pearls might seem a simple transaction: you pay the money, you get the goods. But unless you conduct business like a television drug deal (slide over the suitcase of money and I’ll throw you the cocaine), you may find yourself out of pocket. What […]