A Cape Town conference last week pondered the impact of science and technology on culture, writes Lesley Cowling THERE’S a story of a Western explorer in Africa whose bearers sat down at the side of the path after carrying his goods for some hours and refused to continue the journey, despite his urging. They were […]

Denise Louw WRITTEN by talented young musician and composer Bongani Ndodana, South Africa’s first Xhosa opera, Temba and Seliba, premiered at the 1820 Settlers National Monument in Grahamstown on December 7. Nederburg Opera Prize-winner Gwyneth Lloyd researched and wrote the libretto for Temba and Seliba, a love story based on a conflation of two Xhosa […]

THE shortcomings of the media have been much commented upon by President Nelson Mandela this year, most memorably when he criticised our fraternity for failing to solve the country’s political crimes. Last weekend he further compounded our sense of collective inadequacy by denouncing the press for failing to use “scientific analysis” – a shortcoming which […]

The Constitution was signed this week at Sharpeville. Guest writer Pippa Green takes a look behind the scenes THERE is a moment in the making of the Constitution when Sheila Camerer of the National Party asks, “What are universally accepted fundamental rights? Perhaps we need a workshop to discuss them?” It is a moment way […]

There are plenty of surprises at the top of the Premier League table with only Kaizer Chiefs representing the big names SOCCER: Andrew Muchineripi WHEN the Castle Premiership kicked off last August, traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns were expected to lead the chase for a record R500 000 first prize. As the […]

Contenders for Gauteng’s only medium wave licence are eagerly awaiting the IBA’s decision, reports Jacquie Golding-Duffy THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) faces a tough decision as the time draws near for it to award the single medium wave (MW) licence up for grabs in Gauteng. According to an IBA representative, the licence for Gauteng will […]

POP & ROCK CDs: Shaun de Waal CHRISTMAS looms, and thus it is the time of the greatest hits compilation. There are various straightforward collections — Simply Red, Fine Young Cannibals, Van Halen, Queen, Roy Orbison, even Boney M — and then there are variations on the theme. Rod Stewart, for instance, has followed the […]

Mail & Guardian Reporter IT appears some unusually colourful curricula vitae have been thrown at the Judicial Services Commission which is selecting new permanent judges in Cape Town this week. In his enthusiasm for a seat on the Bench, one of the applicants, Solly Sithole of the University of the North, apparently flagged some of […]

Commentators believe Cosatu’s latest document is out of step with the ANC and worldwide economic trends, writes Madeleine Wackernagel THE latest submission to the economic debate by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) – A Draft Programme for the Alliance – has been largely ignored by the business community, but not for very […]

Marion Edmunds THE National Party is not interested in recruiting African National Congress renegade Bantu Holomisa, says NP deputy secretary general David Malatsi, as he is on his way down. “He is not on our recruitment list,” he told the Mail & Guardian. “Personally, I am suspicious of his staying in power because to be […]