---
title: "While you were sleeping: 19 October 2016"
description: "Obama tells Trump to stop whining, UN to monitor Colombia ceasefire, and possible miscarriage gene identified."
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/2016-10-19-while-you-were-sleeping-19-october-2016/"
published: "2016-10-19T06:06:27"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 1030
---

# While you were sleeping: 19 October 2016

> Obama tells Trump to stop whining, UN to monitor Colombia ceasefire, and possible miscarriage gene identified.

By John Stupart · Published 19 October 2016, 08:06 SAST

## Content

| \| \\| *“Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational, but how much does it cost you to knock on wood?”* ***–*****Judith Viorst** \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \| |
| --- |
| \|  \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Story of the Day \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| \\\| ![Image](//gallery.mailchimp.com/6170d6a6d93cac57e83ba137f/images/909d6f7c-c02b-4ab2-b3f2-bd2d02845585.jpg) \\\| \\\| --- \\\|\\\| ## [Abrahams’ backfire: Gordhan charge leads to anti-Zuma front](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-abrahams-backfire-gordhan-charge-leads-to-anti-zuma-front/#.WAbieIN95hE)Oh Shaun, what have you done? The National Director of Public Prosecutions has got himself into such a pickle. He had hoped to ingratiate himself with President Jacob Zuma and his inner circle by putting Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in the dock. Not only is the fraud case against Gordhan likely to collapse but the announcement of the charges has mobilised a massive support campaign. Opposition parties, civil society, veterans, business, public servants and a number of people within the ANC and the alliance are rallying behind Gordhan. Abrahams has two weeks to undo the mess as a “Zunami”-type campaign develops a life of its own. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY. [Read more](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-abrahams-backfire-gordhan-charge-leads-to-anti-zuma-front/#.WAbieIN95hE) \\\| \\\| --- \\\| \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # While you were sleeping \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## 'Stop whining', Obama tells TrumpPresident Barack Obama has told Donald Trump to "stop whining" about a rigged election and suggested he get on with his campaign. Trump has shifted gears in recent weeks, making allegations of persistent voter fraud in the US electoral system. According to current polls, nobody, barring his diehard, fanatics is buying it. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-stop-whining-obama-scolds-trump) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## China posts 6.7% Q3 growthBeijing has announced a growth of 6.7% in the third quarter, slightly higher than the predicted 6.6%. This exceeded China's own growth targets, but analysts have warned that a reliance on easy credit had also increased financial risks. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-china-gdp-growth-stable-at-6.7-in-third-quarter-govt) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## UN approves Colombia ceasefire missionThe UN has agreed to send a mission to observe ongoing ceasefire conditions in Colombia. Despite a referendum vote rejecting outright peace with FARC, the UN Security Council will at least monitor the current truce. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-un-seeks-to-shore-up-colombia-ceasefire) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| ## Possible miscarriage gene pinpointedScientists have announced that a gene likely relating to recurrent miscarriages has been located. Dubbed FOXD1, the gene's identification could pave the way for vastly improved therapy and diagnostic tools. [Read More](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-possible-miscarriage-gene-found-study) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\|  \| \| --- \|\| \\| # In Numbers \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| **4** \\| \\| --- \\|\\| The number of badger cubs raised by Jasmine, a surrogate dog who acted as their mother. \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\|  \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Facts of the Day \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| Today in 1914, the **Battle of Ypres** began during WWI.High definition televisions are **easier for dogs to see**. As a result, they now watch more TV than ever. \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Weather \\| \\| --- \\|\\| # Financial Data \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| BFN: min: 12° max: 24°, rainy CPT: min: 14° max: 26°, sunny DBN: min: 18° max: 24°, rainy EL: min: 18° max: 24°, rainy JHB: min: 13° max: 27°, PM rain KIM: min: 13° max: 27°, PM rain NLP: min: 13° max: 23°, AM rain PMB: min: 11° max: 27°, rainy PKN: min: 14° max: 23°, PM rain PE: min: 17° max: 23°, cloudy PTA: min: 14° max: 22°, AM rain \\| \\| --- \\|\\| Oil=$51.77 Gold=$1,262.43 Platinum=$944.65 R/$=13.90 R/€=15.26 R/£=17.09 €/$=1.09 JSE All Share=51,126.79 DJIA= 18,161.94 FTSE 100=7,000.06  [Source](http://dailymaverick.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6170d6a6d93cac57e83ba137f&id=6c17d969dc&e=371f6bebf2) \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\|  \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \|\| \\| # Now on Daily Maverick### **FEATURES**\\\| ![Image](//ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/obUlhOZbyaC9ERR-KSDKfjzj_AubV4NjK5gNBh0cpclzgW7B4QRhECCeZo3B1XnTSTK4YJw-ODc33om2HUQd-y6S5C9GkLjZDDqup_qmchJjLKlNaT2ny_08xNdUvY3K-xMXSCaLghGg3vFr8YE=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Ranjeni-Shaun-Pravin.jpg)gestures during a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko; Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan (Greg Nicolson)" /> \\\| [Abrahams’ backfire: Gordhan charge leads to anti-Zuma front](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-abrahams-backfire-gordhan-charge-leads-to-anti-zuma-front/)  By Ranjeni Munusamy \\\| \\\| --- \\\| --- \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/wo-H2cRvJvEfUOY2NL__L47zpGNMfNlt0-Vshz-90Rdqu8vUSK_VRsCVL4nsIIP4SUL0a3DZ2QvKFwiAD01lSk0uU03kPtXwOh-xaAQleD-Z-Tp8azl05tlKCArOHS6hsR8-K8oGSvKA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Marianne-Jansen.jpg)president Jacob Zuma (R) hugs ANC Youth League president Julius Malema (L) after a signing ceremony committing parties to the electoral code of conduct in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 March 2009. EPA/JON HRUSA" /> \\\| [The Way We Are: The judge, the opposition leader, the tax settlement and the mysterious break-ins](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-the-way-we-are-the-judge-the-opposition-leader-the-tax-settlement-and-the-mysterious-break-ins/)  By Marianne Thamm \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/xlaQQy-uO5tRoCy6KRgqGesaxu31lR42PFMhfUp3kHmWYHnlNQcAY8oCLi5wzo_9k4LH-Ie4CfTTnewg0ctZ5rgY_sE6YsOVyg1xQ0U-RY-ivqDCRbtKFScZ-0-0nnB1ILt12d61wk4Y8EkkTA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Greg-JZ-to-students.jpg)conference with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (not pictured) after holding bilateral talks at Statehouse in Nairobi, Kenya, October 11, 2016. EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU" /> \\\| [Zuma: Students, you’re noble – but academics must go on](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-zuma-students-youre-noble-but-academics-must-go-on/)  By Greg Nicolson \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/z9buZA4Noko1blqZjPE8sOnXwzOrBYqORPjYD6_-p3xS6fIAR6HQmTKB0ewzwusSKzlcFAQTSNfSEtGLoff2XA60ZEPOiJ7ntlcTlHHxlWloHkPurnta3Uuy3ZPW8-ILQfpBt45OuF4OM3dBbfLJCwUy8tuWhw=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Marelise-tuesday-total-chaos.jpg)Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp" /> \\\| [#FeesMustFall: Tumultuous Tuesday](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-feesmustfall-tumultuous-tuesday/)  By Marelise van der Merwe \\\| \\\| ![Photo by Simon Allison/Daily Maverick](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/8JrDO0kkMer99hAfua7zUCjW4-FEQd3WxarS2YEJkg7SyDCvSCxP39TKhfHKzpvchR8sWCcuBttRGINErQZUxVTgHxscz9NOlBHiVbDh9jm_GIiwVmiH_SigF-ieOByxfqgunt9HYA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Zuma-at-Dirco.jpg) \\\| [Zuma’s message to diplomats: This is democracy, deal with it](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-zumas-message-to-diplomats-this-is-democracy-deal-with-it/)  By Simon Allison \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/lWgEBizlIkQJYGzFvxb26g_Cl1jLI6HKYFfAea_LQSONAYE84lRqZM0heuMdx5T4hZKQDjA-lrGQu0F7T5rVxTVZ0B16QrCT62uBnhLGZn7eZ8aAfcBbkT3WJFvF-32HzKonF6YUR5JZVZHK=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70GroundUp-Max-Price.jpg)Vice-Chancellor Max Price on Friday afternoon, October 14. Screenshot from EWN video." /> \\\| [GroundUp: Accusations of assault at UCT – what really happened?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-groundup-accusations-of-assault-at-uct-what-really-happened/)  By GroundUp \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/R4PRoMwNTN_RTPcI3qk-SS7_74AYB0ersfrPOiRoWQ94BnNVho8rtw_dQnEa91s3CXUg45rhr4G9hOuG1M79b2G_Hj7visatFrvB_jkGbVtUDAfyTeYLX7HO4YzykoJ_noKvjtkybUth8qDmrr5_FtiLdDV1MuVwn9bAX6U=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70PIC-investment-in-Independent-Media.jpg)Africa is captured during the session ‘Sustainability Champions’ at the Annual Meeting 2012 of the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, Switzerland, January 28, 2012. Copyright by World Economic Forum swiss-image.ch/Photo by Monika Flueckiger" /> \\\| [Media: PIC discloses exact exposure in Surve’s Independent Media Group](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-media-pic-discloses-exact-exposure-in-surves-independent-media-group/)  By News24 \\\| \\\| ![Photo: Nouakchott. (Greg Mills)](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/kDB-IHx97pNkuMtFIffkMDnvmsi_KRmUZaPQbyVlSJdDplyv8E0urVbGcVsvRLatfSszH1JEyrXGPfYdrefhFev2LC1EtiIEtovRXLOgjplFoQhUjHdv6T9-NcgMWsGddLpR8D_Ccrr9MZ_ftWWB=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Nouakchott-main-photo.jpg) \\\| [Reform in the Sahel: Mars, Mauritius or Mauritania?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-reform-in-the-sahel-mars-mauritius-or-mauritania/)  By Greg Mills \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/1Ix6SSbLEGFdEfdgPJvYrf2N7yYINvxLUS1JmnC185fq4ONlwdcNMuJSgKSvsigRfLCqzQX2fqcqGzban2o4mHy_yqg2KS1mDGzXcxe04MpaYWDTP-yWLscoCp842Ifrw22BvWX2GNEXzxDgtk_C=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70GroundUp-Soweto-house.jpg)house. Photo: Ciaran Ryan." /> \\\| [GroundUp: Soweto man’s house sold behind his back for R100](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-groundup-soweto-mans-house-sold-behind-his-back-for-r100/)  By GroundUp \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/SWUHLE6vDB6a282s5-qJZ0V7tCCeghO9JhZf2-FZzPie3MLUGBR99WtIxWMlRrBKCzkJ9nRHf10NvWwIxlt2K8HmegaM6-v_HIkUPx06IK4HveoHXTII--Qn7O1JjiyI3Yz0i0ai3UC0BsyYAXR5BpyE5rwedr1-me5BgA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Roberts-Van-heerden-Letter-Gordhan.jpg)themselves as they advance during clashes with police forces during ongoing protests against the cost of higher education in Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 October 2016. EPA/KIM LUDBROOK" /> \\\| [Open letter to Minister Gordhan in response to Wits academic Dr Kelly Gillespie](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-19-open-letter-to-minister-gordhan-in-response-to-wits-academic-dr-kelly-gillespie/)  By Nicky Roberts & Oscar van Heerden \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/baBvCQ5u-rCKS6j-aSl3yoKqOR0nYJs2zASlqPhWeh67GqHpuxwYoMP45uRNBbqiLtBdQC3aMtUEgs3FzqiJlj0yfOOysj3_lGS5QPBtIo2Y61TsbTGqVQe4PbDRsT2Q2pZ0jl2FpokxzV24CpIMa8C9yhKr-oQ38w=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70GroundUp-UCT-clashes-MAIN-PHOTO.jpg)Photo: Ashraf Hendricks" /> \\\| [GroundUp: Protesters clash with private security at UCT](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-groundup-protesters-clash-with-private-security-at-uct/)  By GroundUp \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/1Mz4lS9pAb4vNS_IKDYPzK1W3pzbDwJhQ1WtYOzxcAOeHeFW3tFXFPrm2WjS2yt_PfAlI9yIDoiqeDppW1_AIj9NcM6rqbBHHGp9o7D4ti3FP3SYJ71l-mL4QURg_wgI8ePxZP72rMlE1x9g2uPS8VA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Joubert-new-perspective.jpg)mounted above a window in the informal shack settlement of Redhill, Cape Town, South Africa, 29 October 2008. This settlement is in a television and radio shadow, out of reception from the national broadcasters airwave signals. The only form of television possible is by using a satellite dish which then has to be mounted as high as possible to receive a decent signal. Although most of the community is extremely poor and exist on very little, some homes and bars have satellite television. EPA/NIC BOTHMA" /> \\\| [Op-Ed: Education Deprived? There’s a high-speed solution for that.](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-op-ed-education-deprived-theres-a-high-speed-solution-for-that./)  By Jacques Joubert \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/NL1EnJ3pTGJP6Vt0UMJYoOTBWy9rZLVNu2TRwEEQIfx6U9Ru3F1VlQ537xV7WzDCSRmD4t6DZq8SL2ifdtGZKF-SsOwC_D_qq582MrLnCgyzf12oXxaiYLXrCyfIoxoM6lZbpuAtrU2Kepg_1nSS0x0Ew5WM8ghXaLr6gg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70GroundUp-wits-students-police-MAIN.jpg)Great Hall earlier on Tuesday. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee" /> \\\| [GroundUp: Wits staff protest against police on campus](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-groundup-wits-staff-protest-against-police-on-campus/)  By GroundUp \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mzvuUen3xtb4qiLHpDhwBkwa-HbasBbkPQf2-2TF_a8NcTCPANrjLrNlvzEr_5s7vNSiovFI77v7SYBjm2g24VF1pkpYexxlKkyJ2Kjo-BitC6dWgVIGYzcr2gOR8gfRh_fwatdUDNiRtb3Bx1mNmcdPug=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70John-Duncan-Ocean-economy.jpg)Africa 08 July 2015. EPA/NIC BOTHMA" /> \\\| [Op-Ed: Blue growth only possible if we look after our oceans](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-op-ed-blue-growth-only-possible-if-we-look-after-our-oceans/) By John Duncan \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/DXDTlrsRHEBBuGrTjSNNP_1DMHD4a1fhiFmwXiJrGEMMfbFekcMGUr8xKW9luNIzUqSge7deU_WupjLFvbRVP5bYqBLZs1e9o0ppYQ4yspak621BxzJlFR0tNA8gMm1CCChdvXJXlihtkye7rMNTuPrN-pCE=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70Ant-The-Paper-RoundOct18\(2\).jpg)Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Kings Park Stadium, Durban South Africa on 08 October 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix" /> \\\| [The Paper Round: What’s wrong with the Springboks?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-the-paper-round-whats-wrong-with-the-springboks/)  By Antoinette Muller \\\| \\\| ![Image](//ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/3NCSZNXwBT4bUAFQKo1ArNUoq_vJdVHawKTLwsEeYmiGSs8TS4OZXCSyOYFNrbi5QGOBs_Gz14dx9NCXLo-kaJfa3qtPaZaJqjfBZx0KGb2GfQVVLdVZO4TID1dH3NnEErU7iw=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70h_53070956.jpg)spacecraft takes off from the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, Gansu province, China, 17 October 2016. China launched the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carrying two crew members into orbit to dock with the Tiangong-2 space lab on a 30-day mission. EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG" /> \\\| [While you were sleeping: 18 October 2016](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-18-while-you-were-sleeping-18-october-2016/)  By John Stupart \\\|### **OPINIONISTA**\\\| ![steven-sidley.jpg](//ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/wbmKVw6rLlkcwMTP9Yj7o0pB_4MiPD0iOmCyPAhbZUMmc10l88O8rQBuIWvGFAj7wtsLh0fPBVg0a8ErZtw6blQP6Vis8EKPMwGfQvuYk6IEgjDAGbLarEXKPHu9lWSnrz7R7uVslw=s0-d-e1-ft#http://images.www.dailymaverick.co.za/images/resized_images/80x70q70steven-sidley.jpg) \\\| [Are we still welcome here?](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2016-10-19-are-we-still-welcome-here/)  By Steven Boykey Sidley \\\| \\\| --- \\\| --- \\\| \\| \\| --- \\| \| \| --- \| |