Newsdeck
While you were sleeping: 14 July 2017
Nobel laureate's death sparks criticism, Trump makes vague mention of climate negotiation, and the sun is not special, says science.
TGIF, 14 July 2017
“The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”
Wole Soyinka
STORY OF THE DAY
SassaGate: Agency’s CEO Thokozani Magwaza faces death threats and plot to oust him
By MARIANNE THAMM and AMABHUNGANE’s CRAIG McKUNE
Matters have taken a sinister turn in the slipstream of Sassa CEO Thokozani Magawaza’s cancellation on 29 June of costly R47-million workstream contracts set up by Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini. Magwaza, who is likely to testify against Dlamini in a public enquiry into her role in the Sassa scandal, is being pressured to accept an “exit package”. Daily Maverick has also received reliable information that Magwaza was informed that his life is under threat.
Chinese Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo’s death fighting cancer under arrest has sparked global criticism of China’s treatment of the firebrand political opponent. Xiaobo’s death placed China in the shameful category of having the first Nobel peace prize winner to die in custody since Carl von Ossietzky under the Nazis in 1935.
Trump resurrects Paris climate accord chances
Taking a break from singing Xi Jinping’s praises immediately following Xiaobo’s death, President Donald Trump also stated that “something could happen” in terms of the Paris climate accord. Characteristically vague, Trump did not go into any detail over just what the United States’ stance – if any – was on the renegotiation of the agreement.
Australia to compel chat apps to give encrypted info
If you thought Australia was already anal on rules, it might be time to pinch up a bit more. Facebook, Whatsapp, Signal and other encrypted chat applications will be forced to share encrypted messages of suspected terrorists and other criminals with police. The new law was revealed on Friday and will be implemented by the end of 2017.
The sun isn’t special — Science
Our sun is not a miracle of unique special blazing snowflake wonder. Instead, it resembles much the same characteristics as other stars. The report released today in the journal Science could settle a major debate about the nature of our solar system. A magnetic cycle that looks set to flip in 10 to 20 years was the giveaway. Apparently, the nature of the sun’s magnetic cycles was a key point contestation as to its uniqueness of lack thereof.
IN NUMBERS
90,000
The dollar amount raised by Cards Against Humanity to dig a hole for no reason.
FACTS OF THE DAY
Today in 1881 Billy the Kid is killed by Pat Garett.
Wine is not always strictly vegetarian. Various animal products are often used to filter out organic particles.
FEATURED ARTICLES
SassaGate: Agency’s CEO Thokozani Magwaza faces death threats and plot to oust him
BY MARIANNE THAMM AND CRAIG MCKUNE
OPINIONISTAS
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