The brutal kleptocracy of Equatorial Guinea hopes to gain a measure of international acceptance by hosting the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) soccer spectacle that kicked off this weekend, writes Terry Bell. The oil and gas wealth generated by this “Kuwait of Africa” provides the economic wherewithal for the ruling elite to buy favours while the bulk of the population wallows in repressive poverty. Bell was the only foreign journalist to cover the independence of Equatorial Guinea more than 46 years ago.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 19 January 2015
Once again, there is a furore about plans to name a major Cape Town street after former apartheid president FW de Klerk. As well there should be, although there is considerable support for the proposal.
Terry Bell
Opinion | 19 January 2015
In December Kenny Solomon crossed the final hurdle needed to achieve what no other South African has. He won the African Individual Championship to become South Africa’s first chess grandmaster. Along the way he beat Egyptian grandmaster Ahmed Adly.
Nathan Geffen
News | 18 January 2015
Residents of Kraaifontein can now cool off at a spray park opened by mayor Patricia de Lille on Wednesday.
Michael Nkalane
News | 16 January 2015
Last year, the eviction of hundreds of shack dwellers from Lwandle, Strand on the eve of a winter storm sparked a national outcry. Seven months later, construction of alternative accommodation has ceased, and yet dozens of evictees remain homeless - holed up in a temporary relief shelter at a nearby community hall. They have been all but forgotten.
Daneel Knoetze
News | 16 January 2015
A group of about 100 Mfuleni backyarders who raised eyebrows in the community after erecting and moving into a tent in an open space, more than five months ago, say they are not going anywhere until they are heard.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 16 January 2015
Zimbabweans who travelled to Zimbabwe before their Special Dispensation Permits were issued have complained of problems on their return to South Africa after the holidays.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 15 January 2015
New rumours of a “plasma gang” stealing TVs in order to retrieve a powder have surfaced in Cape Town, but police and scientists are unconvinced.
Mary-Anne Gontsana
News | 14 January 2015
A Khayelitsha woman has been spotted by English netball talent scouts and will play in the United Kingdom (UK) league on a four months contract.
Michael Nkalane
News | 14 January 2015
Charlie Hebdo journalist Laurent Leger is no stranger to South African newspaper readers. Over the last ten years or so, as a freelancer, Laurent has written several reports for South African newspapers on the French connection in the arms deal, and also on failed attempts to find the killers of ANC Paris representative Dulcie September.
Alide Dasnois
Opinion | 13 January 2015
The question of whether Prophet Muhammad can be depicted in Islam is something that perhaps most Muslims have failed to explain. With every cartoon or drawing, most people wonder why Muslims are in such an uproar – and admittedly, in some cases in a manner that is frankly unbefitting of the Prophet himself.
A’Eysha Kassiem
Opinion | 13 January 2015
Hope Street’s pavement carpenter Mark Philander again had his material confiscated by officers from the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement this morning. Now, a local councillor has committed to linking Philander to the City’s informal traders unit in an attempt to find a public space for him to work legally and unhindered.
Daneel Knoetze
News | 13 January 2015
Deer Park, which slopes its way from Table Mountain into the City Bowl, provides a fascinating view of Cape Town's diverse cultures. Besides being popular for picnics, cycling and hiking, it is also a source of water for some and where others perform religious activities.
Photos by Masixole Feni. Text by Kevin Elliott.
News | 12 January 2015
It has taken almost 50 years for a school in Mitchell's Plain to achieve a 100% matric pass rate. Not since the community’s inception in the 1970s has a school in the area managed to ensure that each of its pupils not only made the grade but also excelled at maths and science.
A’Eysha Kassiem
News | 12 January 2015
Plans for the upgrade of Monwabisi Beach will be finalised early this year, says the City of Cape Town.
Mary-Anne Gontsana and Johnnie Isaac
News | 9 January 2015
The eleven workers who were dismissed from Steytler Boerdery outside Robertson for taking part in strikes in January 2013 have reached a settlement with their employer and have been reinstated.
Daneel Knoetze
News | 9 January 2015
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