Fatigued Djokovic beats Murray to seal Nadal final
World number one Novak Djokovic.(REUTERS)
World number one Novak Djokovic fought off what appeared to be breathing problems and fatigue to advance to the final of the Australian Open following an epic five-set semi-final victory over Britain’s Andy Murray.
The Australian Open champion, who said he had breathing problems in his quarter-final against David Ferrer, looked tired throughout the match but still managed to win 6-3 3-6 6-7 6-1 7-5 in four hours, 50 minutes. The semi-final flirted with the record for the longest match at the Australian Open. Rafa Nadal beat Fernando Verdasco 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-4 in… Continue reading
Disaster areas declared after Mpumalanga floods
The cost to repair infrastructure is estimated at R445.7 million.(SABC)
Five municipalities in the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga – Mbombela, Nkomazi, Umjindi, Thaba Chweu, and Bushbuckridge -
have been declared disaster areas.
Traditional affairs spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene says Premier David Mabuza made the declaration after 1 452 households were damaged by storms and flooding between January 16 and January 19. Of these, about 330 households were severely affected, 130 in Bushbuckridge, 74 in Nkomazi, 59 in Mbombela, 40 in Umjindi, and 27 in Thaba Chweu.
Kunene says his department was helped by the department of Social Development and Ehlanzeni District… Continue reading
SA confident of Dlamini-Zuma getting AU chair position
Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. (SABC)
South Africa is confident its candidate will get the nod for the post of African Union (AU) Commissioner. Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is contesting the position. She will square off against incumbent Jean Ping.
There is a new building for the AU, but many are asking if it will it usher in a new era. The AU is often accused of being slow to respond to crises on the continent, the recent famine in Somalia a case in point. The rift between the AU and Western powers is widening.
Africa believes in mutual… Continue reading
Majola at centre of debate as cricket inquiry closes
Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula.(SABC)
Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola had an opportunity to disclose the bonus he awarded himself as early as May 2009 - months before an internal audit in 2010 picked up what now is the bonus scandal.
This came to light on the final day of oral submissions before the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry in Pretoria. Retired Judge and Professor Mervyn King seen as the undisputed voice when it comes to corporate governance and company law in South Africa believes Majola could have come clean as early as May 2009.
King said the board or… Continue reading
Charges finally laid against alleged Limpopo hit men
The suspects face a charge of possession of unlicensed ammunition.(SABC)
Two men have been charged for impersonating police officers and the possessing unlicensed ammunition. But one of the men is understood to be a policeman stationed at OR Tambo International. The other is believed to be a soldier based at Centurion in Pretoria.
There was a lengthy delay in the Polokwane Magistrates Court during which the magistrate threatened to release the suspects. The pair was arrested on Wednesday after allegations that they were tailing Capricorn District Mayor Makgabo Mapoulo.
Provincial ANC Youth League leaders attended the court proceedings. It is… Continue reading