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South Africa

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South Africa

While you were sleeping: 8 August 2016

First medal for South Africa at Rio, Mexico landslides kill 38, and Bafana Bafana on the verge of elimination.
John Stupart
By John Stupart
8 Aug
71st anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima

“Outside, the music pumped. But no one looked like they were in the mood for a party. The late winter crescent moon hung in the sky like a scythe. Five pieces of paper had worked like a car bomb, blowing the night apart."

? DM's Richard Poplak

Story of the Day

Blame game and confusion after ANC election losses and #RememberKhwezi protest 

An issue that had nothing to do with the local government elections campaign has crashed down on the ANC, causing further divisions at a time when the party is in the biggest political crisis since taking power in 1994. The silent protest to highlight rape culture that activists staged at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) election results announcement on Saturday is now in the mix of issues causing disputes as the ANC scrambles for coalition partners to retain control of municipalities where they did not get the required majority. Respective factions are blaming each other for the ANC’s bad performance at the polls and are in conflict over whether they should engage in talks with the EFF. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.
Read more

While you were sleeping

Van der Burgh wins silver in men's 100m breaststroke

Cameron van der Burgh won South Africa's first medal at Rio 2016, taking silver in the pool. Superstar Adam Peaty from TeamGB, who smashed the world record twice at the Games, beat him. Chad le Clos also qualified for the final of the 200m fly event and there were a few shocks in the tennis with the Williams sisters and the Murray brothers eliminated from the doubles while Novak Djokovic lost in the singles. Here's how Sunday's action unfolded. Read More

Storm kills 38 in Mexico

Tropical storm Earl has killed at least 38 people in Mexico, as landslides devastate the region. A month's rainfall poured down in the space of 24 hours, triggering the deadly landslides in Puebla and Veracruz. Read More

Japan's emperor to address nation

Japanese Emperor Akihito will address the country today. Addressing speculation over his possible abdication, which would be the first such announcement in two centuries if it happens, this is only Akihito's second official address since he became emperor in 1989. Nobody, it seems, is asking why on earth the emperor exists in the first place anymore. Read More

AmaGlug Glug on the brink of elimination

Despite playing some beautiful football, the South African men's soccer team was made to rue their wasted chances after a 1-0 defeat to Denmark. Read More

Daily Maverick Olympics Live Blog

Follow all the Rio action while you're pretending to work. Bookmark and refer toDM's daily Rio blog here.

In Numbers

93

The percentage of the Great Barrier Reef affected by coral bleaching.

Facts of the Day

Today is Happiness Happens Day. So, if you're happy, stop complaining and just bloody well go with it.

The Olympic torch relay was actually invented by the Nazis.

Weather & Financial Data

BFN: min: 5° max: 21°, cloudy
CPT: min: 8° max: 20°, sunny
DBN: min: 15° max: 20°, sunny
EL: min: 14° max: 18°, sunny
JHB: min: 6° max: 23° sunny
KIM: min: 7° max: 22°, sunny
NLP: min: 8° max: 26°, cloudy
PMB: min: 4° max: 17°, sunny
PKN: min: 8° max: 26°, sunny
PE: min: 13° max: 18°, sunny
PTA: min: 7° max: 24°, cloudy

Oil=$44.27
Gold=$1,336.00
Platinum=$1,145.85
R/$=13.72
R/€=15.20
R/£=17.91
€/$=1.10
JSE All Share=52,348.36
DJIA= 18,543.53
FTSE 100=6,793.47
Source

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FEATURES

 

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By Ranjeni Munusamy
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Photo: Gift Motupa of South Africa during the men's preliminary round<br />group A match between Denmark and South Africa of the Rio 2016 Olympic<br />Games Soccer tournament at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, Brazil,<br />07 August 2016. EPA/ANDRESSA ANHOLETE BRAZIL OUTSoccer: Familiar failing haunts South Africa in Rio 2016 group qualifier against Denmark 
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OPINIONISTA

Trevor-Shaku.jpgRevolutionary struggle and tactics: Reply to Andile Mngxitama on his letter to EFF 
By Trevor Shaku
Wayne DuvenageE-Tolls: An ill diagnosed national scourge in conflict with local voter pain 
By Wayne Duvenage
Siya-Khumalo.jpgIn loss, the ANC justifies decision to vote against it 
By Siya Khumalo
alison-tilley-01.jpgOne way to #rememberkhwezi: Re-establish Sexual Offences Courts 
By Alison Tilley
Judith-February.jpgResponse to #RememberKhwezi protest highlighted Zuma’s ambiguity on women’s rights issues 
By Judith February

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