South Africa, World
While you were sleeping: 10 April 2017
ISIS suicide attacks kill 44, Gupta armoured car leaves compound, and Garcia claims Masters victory.
Monday, 10 April 2017
“Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.”
Shakuntala Devi
STORY OF THE DAY
The Zuma defence strategy: Intimidation, Thuggery, Alternative Facts
By RANJENI MUNUSAMY
The disorderly behaviour by members of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) at the Durban memorial service for Ahmed Kathrada on Sunday afternoon is a worrying glimpse into the future as President Jacob Zuma struggles to hold on to power. The addresses of former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize were disrupted by ANCYL members singing and chanting in praise of Zuma. The President and his supporters are meanwhile offering alternative explanations and justifications for his actions and the economic crisis South Africa is immersed in. This is South Africa’s very own post-truth politics. By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.
Isis blasts kill dozens in Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has declared a three-month state of emergency after devastating Isis attacks killed dozens, with initial estimates of at least 44 dead. Targeting churches in Tanta and Alexandria, two suicide bombers later claimed by Islamic State were to blame.
Gupta armoured vehicle slips away in the cover of night
The mysterious Armoured Personnel Carrier seen in the Gupta compound in Saxonwold was transported out late on Sunday night. The APC is a prototype manufactured by Gupta-owned Scipio technologies, raising questions
Garcia wins Masters in first playoff hole
Sergio Garcia secured his single greatest career win at the Masters, beating Justin Rose with a birdie on the first playoff hole. Speaking of his achievement, Garcia said that he was “going to enjoy it for the rest of my life”. At 37, the victory is his first major title in 73 attempts.
Great Barrier Reef recovery impossible
At least two-thirds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has “zero prospect” of regeneration. Massive and repeated warming of the ocean area has led to the sensitive coral system becoming overly stressed, scientists warned. This combined with Cyclone Debbie means there is no chance of the reef recovering
IN NUMBERS
189,819
The number of letters in the longest word in English.
FACTS OF THE DAY
Today is International Siblings Day. Time to remind each other why you’re the favourite child.
General Tso’s Chicken was not made popular in China until chefs brought the recipe over from the United States.
FEATURED ARTICLES
OPINIONISTAS
Memo to the honest ANC/SACP MPs: Are the good people in your caucus ready to stand up?
A column by PAUL HOFFMAN
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