General

I would like to share an email with you that, according to its content, may contain information which is confidential, private or privileged in nature. Indeed, I have been advised that I must notify the sender that I am not the stated addressee or such person’s authorised representative. Moreover, I must refrain from printing, copying, […]

As I watched the Beijing Olympics, I could not help myself but envy the Chinese. One question kept coming to me: Can we, as South Africans — the sport-mad nation that we claim to be — show such a united front when the world’s media and tourists descend on our shores to capture South Africa’s […]

Comments by readers of my entry on urban wildlife got me thinking more about spiders. Why do they inspire such horror? Why is it that humans generally agree on the notion of two legs good, four legs good, six legs bearable, eight legs bad (and no legs also bad, for that matter)? There are all […]

Before the main event, just a quick mention on last night’s epic struggle for the last golf Major of the year. Sergio Garcia, in Spain’s golden year of sport, looked set to claim his first big prize, but that nerveless Dubliner that is Padraig Harrington obviously didn’t read the script. Thrice, he drenched in long […]

Submitted by Muhammad Chohon I signed 12 death certificates this week in one ward at a public hospital in Johannesburg. All 12 of these unfortunate souls died directly from Aids. On average, at my hospital, 200 to 300 patients die monthly from Aids. The average age of these people is 30. Sixty-five percent are women. […]

Clearly, the weakening value system — manifesting itself in many appalling ways and propelled by various intricate factors — in our society is straining our social fabric and could end up reversing gains made thus far. It is in times like these that some readily invoke WB Yeats’s most quoted line: “Things fall apart, the […]

“I was doing well, till I felt Gay coming on my shoulder, and that’s when I panicked” — Asafa Powell. Truth be told, you cannot blame the lad. Wouldn’t you have reacted the same way? While his already established reputation for choking like a newbie at the docks guaranteed that the above statement was received […]

Submitted by Garikai Nyaruwata revolution noun [C] a deep-seated change in method of thinking often designed to effect fundamental changes in the political and socioeconomic situation. Earlier this year the University of Cape Town ANC Youth League distributed a number of posters on campus containing a treatise in commemoration of Chris Hani. A substantive portion […]

Don’t you love a creative business idea whose time has come? One that rewards local ingenuity, funky design and distributes wealth to smart people who are innovative and contribute to a community business model? Springleap is an idea whose time has come and it’s great to see that this is being recognized by The Industry […]

Africa can be rid of all its negatives if stronger nations take over weak ones. For the purposes of this discussion, weak nations shall mean all failed states experiencing all manner of ills detracting from a decent quality of life; including but not limited to severe economic decline, bad governance, inadequate or non-existent public service, […]

What a great time to be a Protea fan. No, I’m not referring to the flower, although I suppose this would also be a good time as spring is almost upon us. I am, of course, referring to the Proteas, our national cricketers. The last time I was this excited about South African cricket, Hansie […]