South Africa, World
While you were sleeping: 29 March 2017
Trump signs coal-burning order, Republicans sign away privacy of internet users, and South Africa saved by the rain in New Zealand.
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
“Revolution will free society of its afflictions, while science will free the individual of his.”
Mario Vargas Llosa
STORY OF THE DAY
Stay of execution for Gordhan as South Africa bids farewell to Ahmed Kathrada
By RANJENI MUNUSAMY
President Jacob Zuma is apparently determined to fire Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, telling the ANC’s top officials that there was an irretrievable breakdown in their relationship. While the officials, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe, accepted his explanation, they advised Zuma that he could not fire Gordhan and retain the poorly performing ministers in the Cabinet. The officials also rejected Brian Molefe as the candidate to replace Gordhan. While the President has undertaken to think through the matter, South Africa will have the opportunity to mourn and lay to rest Struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada.
Trump signs coal-burning order
President Donald Trump had a busy Tuesday. One of his activities: signing another executive order lifting the lid off coal-burning limits for America’s power plants. Citing job creation, critics argue that this step will do little to generate more jobs in the coal sector, which has faced rapid decline.
Internet freedom sharply curbed in US
Trump is also now expected to sign off on a bill that allows service providers free and unfettered ability to sell customers’ data, some of it sensitive, to whomever they feel like. The House of Representatives voted 215-205 in favour of the bill, with Republicans arguing the bill peels back unnecessary regulation on big service providers like Verizon and Comcast.
North Korea on the cusp of nuclear test
A new report has indicated that the communist dictatorship may be close to conducting a nuclear weapons test. New vehicles and testing equipment have been spotted at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site through satellite imagery, indicating preparations are under way for another test. Dear Leader, it seems, is determined to test the world’s patience.
South Africa saved by the elements in Hamilton
The Proteas were saved by rain in the fifth and final day of the final Test in its tour in New Zealand. Struggling at 80-5, South Africa looked well on their way to disintegrating in front of the Black Caps. Captain Faf du Plessis expressed his disappointment at the woeful state of South Africa’s top order batsmen, with a partnership of 18 being their highest tally in the tour.
IN NUMBERS
2018
The year in which Easter will fall on April Fool’s Day.
FACTS OF THE DAY
Today in 2014 the first same-sex marriages in England and Wales are performed.
Jimi Hendrix was a private in the 101st Airborne in 1962.
FEATURED ARTICLES
OPINIONISTAS
Donald Trump’s impact on South African civil society could be far-reaching
A column by SHELAGH GASTROW
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