A post template

No image available
/ 15 December 2006

Pirates shun African competition

There is method in the seemingly mad decision by Orlando Pirates not to participate in next year’s Confederation of African Football Champions League: each time they do well in the continental competition, they suffer domestically. But will withdrawing from the competition do any favours for Southern African soccer?

No image available
/ 15 December 2006

Southern Africa mulls circumcision to battle Aids

Southern Africa, the epicentre of the Aids epidemic, on Thursday agreed to look at male circumcision to fight the pandemic in the wake of reports that it could halve the risk of males contracting HIV. The Southern African Development Community said it will develop an HIV-prevention strategy that will be released early next year.

No image available
/ 15 December 2006

Ban Ki-moon sworn in as next UN chief

South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon was sworn in on Thursday as the next United Nations Secretary General at a General Assembly ceremony during which he vowed to be "a harmoniser and bridge-builder" and build on the legacy of the incumbent, Kofi Annan. The 62-year-old South Korean is to take up his post officially on January 1.

No image available
/ 15 December 2006

Opec welcomes first new member since 1975

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) decided on Thursday to enlarge its membership for the first time in 30 years by admitting African producer Angola, a decision aimed at reinforcing the cartel’s grip on world oil resources. Angola was one of three possible new members waiting to join Opec.

No image available
/ 15 December 2006

Alfa’s lovably arrogant Brera

It’s no secret that Italians are passionate people — they’re passionate about their food, their family, their culture and, most importantly, their cars. They are proud to the point of obstinance — try to disagree with Italians about anything that has come out of their country (including the Mafia) and they’ll argue with you until you give up out of sheer exasperation.