While you were sleeping: 17 March 2016

Zuma in for a rough day, Nigeria's former minister could be rather corrupt, and Djokovic to quarter-finals.

By John Stupart

17 Mar

“Power, wrongly used, defeats the oppressor as well as the oppressed.”

– Wally Lamb

Story of the Day

Zupta chamber of secrets blown open: Tide turns in ANC
President Jacob Zuma had countless opportunities to disown and distance himself from the actions of the Gupta family as they commandeered control of the South African state. He did not. He surrendered his constitutional powers to his marauding friends and for this he must face the consequences – legally and politically. This is the approach of a significant and growing lobby in the ANC as the party finally confronts the staggering crisis the Zuma-Gupta nexus has plunged the country into. The best thing opposition parties can do now is to sit this round out. The ANC is ripe for a cull, although it might not be immediate. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.

While you were sleeping

The Teflon shovel loses his handle
A torrent of ANC-based condemnation for alleged dealings between President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family issued forth over the evening. Last on the bandwagon before bedtime was ANC MP, Jackson Mthembu, who tweeted that the "arrogance" of the Guptas should be dealt with. Zuma is due for a rough day in Parliament.
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Former Nigerian defence minister moderately corrupt
New allegations have emerged that indicate former Nigerian defence minister, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, diverted staff salaries for his own gain. Badeh is currently on trial in Abuja for illegally suckling $19.8 million from the defence ministry's teat.
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Colombian 'FARC' frog in extinction battle
A rare species of frog in Colombia's jungles has been the victim of the state's war on FARC rebels. Named Atelopus farci after the rebel group, the frog is the ironic victim of improving relations between government and rebels. The result of ongoing talks has resulted in the expansion of organised agriculture in the frog's habitat, leading to its possible extinction.
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Djokovic advances to quarter-finals
Novak Djokovic has defeated Feliciano López 6-3, 6-3 in the fourth round of his Indian Wells campaign. He now advances comfortably to the quarter-finals, where he will face either Dominic Thiem or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

In Numbers

2,309,262

The current annual salary in Rands of a cabinet minister in South Africa.

Facts of the Day

Today in 1992 a referendum to end Apartheid was voted on. It was passed 68.7% to 31.2%.

Fact of the day: Actress Eva Longoria produced the hit 2014 action movie John Wick.

Weather & Financial Data

BFN: min: 18° max: 25°, rainy
CPT: min: 15° max: 27°, cloudy
DBN: min: 15° max: 31°, rainy
EL: min: 18° max: 26°, cloudy
JHB: min: 15° max: 28°, sunny
KIM: min: 20° max: 29°, rainy
NLP: min: 18° max: 31°, cloudy
PMB: min: 14° max: 29°, rainy
PKN: min: 16° max: 29°, rainy
PE: min: 19° max: 24°, cloudy
PTA: min: 17° max: 28°, rainy

Oil=$40.27 Gold=$1,261.68 Platinum=$976.73
R/$=15.66 R/€=17.58 R/£=22.34 $/€=1.12
JSE All Share=52,685.70 DJIA=17,325.76 FTSE 100=6,175.49 : Source

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