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/ 19 September 2006
If you’re in search of good company, a relaxed ambience, and intelligent discussion on the state of the world you’d be forgiven – for searching, that is. Sometimes it seems like Jo’burg’s hip, worldly, "in the know" crowd has vanished. Khadija Magardie investigates.
Fire and brimstone rained down on northern Israel throughout most of this week. And as air-raid sirens sounded and rockets slammed into the country from Hizbullah positions in Lebanon, the state unfurled its extensive safety net. The Israeli Defence Force Home Front Command issued a list of safety recommendations via television and newspapers — including step-by-step instructions on what to do when the sirens sound.
The location of Alyn Hospital on the outskirts of Jerusalem is so idyllic it could be out of the famous tale, Heidi. Nestled on a hilltop enclosed in pine-groves and wild daffodils, the sound of birdsong and children’s giggles allow one momentarily to forget the reality inside the hospital’s walls — the damaged and deformed children who are its patients.
A lot happened during the time the so-called Muslim faithful set about their holy task of riot, pillage and arson over the notoriously unfunny caricatures of Islam’s last prophet. The shackled, manacled and hooded Muslim detainees on hunger strike against their indefinite detention at Camp X-Ray were being nourished with tubes shoved down their throats.
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/ 6 February 2006
No one can say African birds don’t know how to put on a show. Every year end, like clockwork, they’re at their best during the continent’s two greatest ornithological spectacles. In Kenya, the pink flamingos mass on Lake Nakuru. In South Africa, everyone who owns a tie-dye top and a husband who cooks leads us in the 16 Days of Non-Violence against Women.
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/ 29 December 2004
Virgins? A fresh 72, or your wife with HHR (Heavenly Hymen Reconstruction)? If you look, it’s all on the menu, sir. Brocade couches? Seating this way, sir. Silver goblets; fruit? Follow me to the dining area, madam. This is Jannah, the paradise promised by the Qur’an to the Righteous. And frankly, one can’t understand all the fuss.
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/ 10 November 2004
It’s all in the body-language: During the entire United States election campaign, Mister President’s body language and TV presence just screamed out: "I’m the man and I’ve arrived." And though we’re unlikely to be shoving dollar bills down his thong anytime soon, Dubya’s bonhomie leaves that of the lantern-jawed Mister Kerry in the shade.
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/ 4 September 2003
Astick of R2 "Rose Garden of India" incense from a Soweto spaza couldn’t beat the stench of fakeness ("I love my beautiful wife, I wouldn’t look at her") at this trial. At its heart, a charge of sexual harassment. Only politicians could pull off such brilliant insincerity.
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/ 14 February 2003
Sigh. It’s no use. Just when we women thought we alone had the right to scurry to Mister Officer if anyone flashed their flaccid tools at us as we lay sunbathing in the park — along come the PC police to rain on our parade.
Loss of respect is, perhaps, the greatest humiliation that comes with old age
THE head of the Catholic Church in South Africa, Cardinal Wilfred Napier, says some local priests found guilty of sexual abuse are allowed, and continue to serve, albeit "under very strict supervision"
LOCAL education rights organisations have slammed Minister of Education Kader Asmal for treating illiterate adults as "stepchildren" within the education system, and are calling for the convening of an education parliament on adult illiteracy in South Africa
An agreement between Mozambique and South Africa is set to boost the countries? economies. The gross domestic product (GDP) of Mozambique is expected to steadily increase by more than 20%
IF SOUTH African print and electronic media continue to transgress their own voluntary ethical codes, then punitive legislation should be introduced and enforced
Foreigners from non-African countries have been living harassment-free in South Africa for years, reports Khadija Magardie
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/ 26 January 2001
A medium-sized, flesh-coloured pair of pantyhose, valued at R7,99, is wreaking havoc on the lives of a Gauteng family.
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/ 12 January 2001
Barriers to obtaining abortions in government hospitals are forcing women into the arms of the private health care sector and backstreet abortionists.
About 12 000 infections have been reported in the province, but, with just 52 deaths, health authorities say their efforts have been successful.
The offerings at the Iranian Film Festival open a window into Iranian society, and Iranians. It is, however, a shame that much of the minutest details will inevitably be lost on film-goers who will not understand their relationship with the wider plot. From the ritual of buying a goldfish for Nowruz or new year, in […]