---
title: "While you were sleeping: 17 August 2016"
description: "Poor day in Rio for SA, Forest fires cause havoc in California, and \"I am Cait\" cancelled."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "South Africa"
author: "John Stupart"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/johnstupart/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-while-you-were-sleeping-17-august-2016/"
published: "2016-08-17T06:11:33"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 968
---

# While you were sleeping: 17 August 2016

> Poor day in Rio for SA, Forest fires cause havoc in California, and "I am Cait" cancelled.

By John Stupart · Published 17 August 2016, 08:11 SAST

## Content

| \| \\| *“I cannot bear to associate with the ordinary run of people. I have to surround myself with individuals who for the most part are more than a trifle insane”*  – **Wallace Thurman** \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \| |
| --- |
| \| \\| # Story of the Day \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| \\\| ![Image](//gallery.mailchimp.com/6170d6a6d93cac57e83ba137f/images/4d7e7e2b-0c59-4059-aff3-155c345edd84.jpg) \\\| \\\| --- \\\|\\\| ## [LGE2016: Hung municipalities destined for minority councils as EFF opts to abstain](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-lge2016-hung-municipalities-destined-for-minority-councils-as-eff-opts-to-abstain/#.V7PUX_l95hE)The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will on Wednesday finally announce the role it intends to play in local government following intense negotiations over possible coalitions. With both the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) unable to secure the EFF’s support for coalition governments in the hung metros, negotiations were still underway with smaller parties on Tuesday on the formation of minority councils. The new councils will now be in uncharted territory with posts, policies and budgets all up for debate and no majority to push these through. Continued turbulence at national level could also impact on the functioning of municipalities. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY. [Read more](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-lge2016-hung-municipalities-destined-for-minority-councils-as-eff-opts-to-abstain/#.V7PUX_l95hE) \\\| \\\| --- \\\| \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # While you were sleeping \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## Poor track day at RioIt was another tough night out on the track for South Africa's athletes. None of the hurdlers managed to make it through to their semi-finals. All started well, but faded towards the end. But Sunette Viljoen did qualify for the women's javelin final and Chad Ho finished in the top 10 of people swimming 10km in open water. If you missed any of the action, here's our blow-by-blow account.[Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-rio-2016-live-blog-day-11-all-the-south-african-action-from-the-olympics-on-tuesday/) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## California fires cause havocMore than 82,000 California residents have been forced to evacuate due to raging forest fires. No fatalities have been reported as yet, and two trapped firefighters have since been rescued. The fires, however, have shown little sign of slowing down. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-urgent-more-than-82000-flee-california-fires-authorities) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## **Day 12 at Rio**Big one coming up today: Caster Semenya runs in the 800m heats at 16:02. Some other South African action includes Willem Coertzen taking part in the decathlon with events starting at around 14:30. Then there's Elroy Gelant in the 5,000m and BMX racer Kyle Dodd will show his stuff. There are other events too and you can [follow the action on our live blog right here](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-rio-2016-live-blog-day-12-all-the-south-african-action-from-the-olympics-on-wednesday/). \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## 'I am Cait' cancelledCaitlyn Jenner's series has been shelved after two seasons. Poor ratings were given as the reason behind the decision. The show attempted to initiate thought-provoking, genuine debate on gender, sprinkled with spa days and an unhealthy dose of first world problems. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-caitlyn-jenners-show-canceled-after-two-seasons) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\|  \| \| --- \|\| \\| # In Numbers \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| **3** \\| \\| --- \\|\\| The number, in millions, of shipwrecks estimated to remain undiscovered in the ocean. Less than 1% have been found. \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\|  \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Facts of the Day \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| Today is **Marcus Garvey's birth date**. The prominent activist and politician was born in 1887.Processed **cheese slices are not actually sliced.** They are placed on the plastic sheets as blobs of pseudo-cheese, and flattened into shape. Scrumptious. \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Weather & Financial Data \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| BFN: min: 12° max: 22°, rainy CPT: min: 11° max: 21°, sunny DBN: min: 18° max: 23°, cloudy EL: min: 17° max: 25°, cloudy JHB: min: 6° max: 22° sunny KIM: min: 14° max: 20°, cloudy NLP: min: 8° max: 24°, cloudy PMB: min: 11° max: 24°, rainy PKN: min: 8° max: 21°, cloudy PE: min: 15° max: 23°, cloudy PTA: min: 9° max: 23°, cloudy \\| \\| --- \\|\\| Oil=$49.30 Gold=$1,348.30 Platinum=$1,118.70 R/$=13.35 R/€=15.06 R/£=17.41 €/$=1.12 JSE All Share=52,396.40 DJIA= 18,582.70 FTSE 100=6,893.92 [Source](http://dailymaverick.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6170d6a6d93cac57e83ba137f&id=6c17d969dc&e=371f6bebf2) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Now on Daily Maverick### **FEATURES**\\\| ![Image](//ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/pFyzszbDMRL6FIz6o6lF81k_ajKCWaXDuNBfIn6f85zDPGmHp7Yk7zWsD_55fpRTJzU3rEvjP5B80imtCg4ZA8AO5In24vi4D4IYHijiIv4grydweaKMs860qMWribyRPvrtbNLtDuGo8k37M9t8rO3fyA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Ranjeni-Coalition-no-deal.jpg)Fighters (EFF), addresses supporters at the launch of the party’s local election manifesto in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, 30 April 2016. EPA/CORNELL TUKIRI." /> \\\| [LGE2016: Hung municipalities destined for minority councils as EFF opts to abstain](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-lge2016-hung-municipalities-destined-for-minority-councils-as-eff-opts-to-abstain/)  By Ranjeni Munusamy \\\| \\\| --- \\\| --- \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/M6b_9YgESjqR-SdfGdDnacFgcRqrK1sXXkbNe6_163r_afXtLMF4cWe4CTJ5INCOGiUCQIUMcXYkaHdLOfMucB6p69yqTd9NhEomR-A3BufHP5bCu2hzHBX9wJrmJLmGhhHvfPwccN368Jr8eQuA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Marelise-Marikanarape.jpg)Mariakana. Photo Greg Marinovich" /> \\\| [Report: The SA Platinum Belt’s silent struggle with sexual assault](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-report-the-sa-platinum-belts-silent-struggle-with-sexual-assault/)  By Marelise van der Merwe \\\| \\\| ![Photo by Pim Stouten via Flickr.](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/q6VUrACtXxfwkC9hVom5MLdGME0PyTNxJdz3reIvjbQGIQ5XntfdQmuJlIzaLwW3FGiNUPnIK7QPliXNbhATrcSfedjlqtXnUrc6-mHkHr3NROZOaEiQWo1a9xVxcDF-cSbFt3L6ZdOx_Kg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Merten-BorderBill.jpg) \\\| [Long-awaited ‘Border Bill’ finds resistance in Parliament](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-long-awaited-border-bill-finds-resistance-in-parliament/)  By Marianne Merten \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/0iSp0jsBn6r9kTvXvXlAipzFfCVzN097GlIFbLiHHgzqew5F70VtjVZksAjQXUTRGNJwcPVxhza7WmpT7XCM6RhfOeWNQguO7J9FpCn020jiIjZcYItrcASkF6Ri-4XQe_fi4lr_hc6Z34HeqJQ=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Simon-Zambia-Results.jpg)inauguration in the capital Lusaka, Zambia, 25 January 2015. EPA/NOEL MACKSON" /> \\\| [Free, but not fair: Zambia’s flawed elections](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-free-but-not-fair-zambias-flawed-elections/)  By Simon Allison \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/wzQSKKTTzV47qCl1ERqYBQmXsu7L4zTjDxiW8gfNaKJWJHES7ZbBm9uAO_FsyCmNDzIU_ZZ8INsNosZhTxAUNx-nZSHr3Q8ROJBzX1rffSYEvrA33vzPRwOQPB-jvzqqVoJZdlbwykJLESc9tp24T2jH=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Kenworthy-Swaziland-SADC.jpg)as he meets with Taiwan business leaders at a forum in Taipei, Taiwan, 21 May 2015. EPA/DAVID CHANG" /> \\\| [Op-Ed: Absolute monarchy assumes chairmanship of SADC](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-op-ed-absolute-monarchy-assumes-chairmanship-of-sadc/) By Peter Kenworthy \\\| \\\| ![Photo: Boarding a bus in Luanda (S Martin via Flickr)](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ktjQdVQjlubTEqIpDZgvROxshj1MPK_KBOBpBoj4PVSNUsYLeJInBqImoyollq9QPl7wqv2Lp6uDld74cwbCdQRIlu6yLEQOXVSPR1wgiGZcDgrAY9ABjeoT2rPUL_mosUBt_nyKfKEfhxxF_uPVXHySog_ds6jINk8Agg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70MakaAngola-Social-media-censorship.jpg) \\\| [Angola to silence social media with new regulatory body](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-angola-to-silence-social-media-with-new-regulatory-body/)  By MAKA ANGOLA \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/zKDfINUUGX3vgzBty8xUuelZOTtB27hfwE_SxFhO0kYepgm5ORcN6hRXdySBIcuWFPADlWigzgEafa3GIBPR0f58Rjrn9Ua9veUTYtrnnuF466l7hQcBI8iFiEZcTaS7vu6Ned-WBSatMTgTRQ=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Conqa-Sport-and-war.jpg)Forum in Moscow, Russia, 21 October 2015. EPA/ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO" /> \\\| [Doping and Imperialism: The Modern Relationship between Sport and War](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-doping-and-imperialism-the-modern-relationship-between-sport-and-war/)  By Daniel Gallan \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/s655yzpGhOtojvBMk3Sn_aSqXLcnO0su4h_9xiu8CrxYh_AgsSGCv6j2cNNfpvz2kkZ2ItWs1kpmJ9ocrN8fH0iIBB23x1vAAduCdS_xo-ZN1_WRtKcvQM5_bBhScsY4TksEkCwnrognzBXQpRd-tZ5shLbbSSkIHNjD3A=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Bagwandeen-South-China-Sea-Dispute.jpg)Taiwan on 12 July 2016 shows an aerial photograph of Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba Island in the South China Sea, 23 March 2016. EPA/OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TAIWAN / HANDOUT" /> \\\| [United We Stand, Divided We Fall: ASEAN skirts around the South China Sea ruling](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-united-we-stand-divided-we-fall-asean-skirts-around-the-south-china-sea-ruling/)  By Mandira Bagwandeen \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Vr_cG1VkEzYMAR2aXF4SzbEhjuZsaryIzErSO1-voJPmDPCt-LMHbQxhG_qUwGLnwxEG0GsnOgMDLrEa9yh8uOicBodTil-Asp7SmqWKxE2w3rL03UDrxOyRE4ouTI2bGz_VKg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70h_52957407.jpg)several villages currently under the control of the Islamic State southeast of Mosul, north Iraq, 14 August 2016. The operation aims to recapture 11 villages, according to sources thus far six were successfully retaken with the help of US-led air support. The liberation of the villages from Islamic State forces serves as a buffer zone to protect Kurdish held-cities from IS attacks and is a stepping stone to eventually recapture the city of Mosul itself. EPA/ANDREA DICENZO" /> \\\| [While you were sleeping: 16 August 2016](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-while-you-were-sleeping-16-august-2016/)  By John Stupart \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/yttxAiqTivp_meMAHxzBL3LriZjsKEz65t_FjRRvDnoiiITi4krV-zI3Xg__ubMH2IJTZqrlW1lKthhkFK3ruBYw4Ip3LqfNuV22bWQqDUL8n6ckm26l0uzx73rlpBrJq0bGMUU6COLf=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Anaso-Jobodwana.jpg)men's 200m final during the Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium, also known as Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, 27 August 2015. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON" /> \\\| [Rio 2016 day 11 as it happened: All the South African action from the Olympics on Tuesday](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-16-rio-2016-live-blog-day-11-all-the-south-african-action-from-the-olympics-on-tuesday/)  By Daily Maverick Team \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/c7dyHauES73ixPTrdPmDemmkLzhi81J3YsLq-Z6USeOQl-is5jcbRe8loimncOiETZ7P1sAv3Kmz6kDQUpLR3kf-h_ogxmpMSoAsJXfG4P1Hz-4Ffn7kyFxRSMBHC7wDLNfwbyJWitPlhwNtfxAIRpzROsa3=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70caster-semenya-cover-day-12.jpg)women 800 metres race at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea athletics meeting as part of the IAAF Diamond League at the Olympic stadium in Rome, Italy, 02 June 2016. EPA/ETTORE FERRARI" /> \\\| [Rio 2016, live blog, day 12: All the South African action from the Olympics on Wednesday](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-08-17-rio-2016-live-blog-day-12-all-the-south-african-action-from-the-olympics-on-wednesday/)  By Daily Maverick Team \\\|### **OPINIONISTA**\\\| ![IvoVegterBW](//ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ciAM4qJZ9CPpJ6XmXCdbBFz1Y2aIPzZuGHPIazJ1l0J8zeq3LCw_6oQSOIWk6fEGCdH4uhbdnu1k4IYbqrBrUK9kn4HKjda7rq38xP2mlJ4ht2_djFdi3F_eSKa-xb7dlwShfH3Q5yFambesu4_BNRcHsDOkkUE2U-E=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70562c5ffb4076dfd1ddee1be88f4bf94a.jpg) \\\| [Keep calm and eat meat](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2016-08-15-keep-calm-and-eat-meat/)  By Ivo Vegter \\\| \\\| --- \\\| --- \\\| \\\| ![Andrew-Gasnolar.jpg](//ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/cnzJMe5IeOuJwixwgqYzGgVpmc1V5lHSR0O69vHPSv4YxfErHqiMgrGyrsuoDQlPi8GBL-mdQ91Xyh8nL_4jbZvf4HV62C-BL4rgQguraU_xBZOqbL0XSs9vlD9Bww0meH8scbtJBKPt=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Andrew-Gasnolar.jpg) \\\| [A realignment of our politics](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2016-08-15-a-realignment-of-our-politics/)  By Andrew Ihsaan Gasnolar \\\| \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \| |