This week’s wrap up

 South Africa stares into the junk status abyss
Notching up South Africa’s economic angst, which has been steadily building in inverse correlation with the economy’s performance, Moody’s this week put South Africa’s credit rating on review. The ratings agency cited increasing risks to our economic prospects as the reason for the decision. And so it’s Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and co. to the rescue again next week, to attempt to convince Moody’s that SA is taking the necessary steps to avert further economic shocks. Meanwhile, with the current account deficit having widened by more than expected in the last quarter of last year, we’re likely looking at another interest rate hike next week. 

Petrol-bombed: Will you listen now? 
Just days after the first voters’ registration drive for the 2016 municipal elections, disillusionment with democracy bubbled violently to the surface with protests in the northern KwaZulu-Natal town of Isithebe. Residents, angered by lack of service delivery and perceived nepotism, petrol-bombed four factories – annihilating one – on Monday night. On Thursday, in a separate protest, residents of Gomora informal settlement in Hercules, Pretoria, took to the streets in similar frustration. 

Trump: Islam hates America | Rubio: Er, no.
Republican contender Marco Rubio on Thursday criticized Trump for his latest verbal offense – “Islam hates us, there’s a tremendous hatred”– with the observation that many Muslims were proud Americans. The debate was unusually policy-centered and devoid of poisonous personal attacks. Possibly Trump was feeling if not tolerant, then unusually restrained with Michigan and Mississippi under his belt and a Florida victory fast approaching.

Editor’s Picks

A former Media24 journalist criticises the country’s biggest online news publication for publishing AIDS denialism.
By GROUNDUP.

State capture: Did the Guptas offer Treasury’s top job to Deputy Minister Jonas? 

By MARIANNE THAMM

This Way Out: Holomisa’s “exit strategy” for Jacob Zuma
 By RANJENI MUNUSAMY

Trainspotter: The Madness of King Mbeki, HIV/AIDS edition.
By RICHARD POPLAK

Video of the Week

Sporting Weekend