--- title: "While you were sleeping: 22 May 2017" description: "North Korea ups the ballistic ante, another dead protestor in Venezuela, and three Everest climbers perish." 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/2017-05-22-while-you-were-sleeping-22-may-2017/" published: "2017-05-22T06:00:36" updated: "2017-05-22T06:00:37" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 706 --- # While you were sleeping: 22 May 2017 > North Korea ups the ballistic ante, another dead protestor in Venezuela, and three Everest climbers perish. By John Stupart · Published 22 May 2017, 08:00 SAST · Updated 22 May 2017, 08:00 SAST ## Content **Monday, 22 May 2017** *“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.”* **Alexander Pope** ![Image](https://i2.createsend1.com/ei/d/0A/90A/A61/csimport/849x493q70Ranjeni-SG-post1.050811.jpg) STORY OF THE DAY [Succession Chronicles: Who wants to be the next Gwede?](http://email.touchbasepro.com/t/d-l-kjmldy-l-p/) By RANJENI MUNUSAMY There is now only one thing we know for sure about the ANC’s December elective conference. ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe said on Friday that he would not contest his position again at the 54th national conference. That means that there will definitely be a new secretary-general running the affairs of the ANC. While the focus remains on the top job, the secretary-general position is key to the party’s internal functioning and its main interface with society. Like with the presidency, this is set to be a highly coveted position. [North Korean missile tests a 'success'](http://email.touchbasepro.com/t/d-l-kjmldy-l-x/) Dear Leader has declared the weekend's testing of two ballistic missiles a "success". North Korean officials have stated that the medium-range Pukguksong-2 missile has been declared operational. The announcement created yet another wave of condemnations by the world's leaders. [Venezuela death toll hits 48](http://email.touchbasepro.com/t/d-l-kjmldy-l-m/) Another protester has died in Venezuela, leaving the death toll at a grim 48. A youngster was shot in the chest during the latest round of protests over the weekend. Venezuelans have been opposing President Nicolas Maduro for seven weeks. Orlando Figuera, 21, was beaten, stabbed and burned before being rushed to a hospital. [Three dead on Mount Everest](http://email.touchbasepro.com/t/d-l-kjmldy-l-c/) Three climbers have died over the weekend on Mount Everest. Officials confirmed on Sunday that the three had died within several hundred metres of the summit. Strong winds and unusually cold temperatures were largely to blame, with rescue services bringing down another dozen or so climbers who had been in danger. [Ronaldo defends himself, hits back at media](http://email.touchbasepro.com/t/d-l-kjmldy-l-q/) Cristiano Ronaldo went to great lengths to defend himself during a press preference after his La Liga victory. Real Madrid toppled Barcelona 2-0 to claim the title. However, when questioned about gestures Ronaldo made to Celta Vigo players in a previous match, Ronaldo defended himself, stating he was "no devil" and criticising his portrayal by the media. If it gets worse he could always just take a calming dip in his giant pool of cash. — IN NUMBERS 160 The number of emergency calls from the scientologist-owned Fort Harrison Hotel in 1997. FACTS OF THE DAY Today in 1987 the first **Rugby Union World Cup** was held. New Zealand won. The vast majority of**Bob Geldof's Live Aid** profit to support Ethiopia during its famine was spent on arms and ammunition. 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