Tabla de contenidos para 2024-03-28 en Mercury

MOMENTUM Metropolitan Holdings reported robust earnings for the six months to December 31 after most business units performed in line with management expectations in a tough economic and competitive environment, CEO Jeanette Marais said yesterday. She said they were proud of these results, as it was the first time since at least 2018 that all the business units had reported solid earnings contributions to the group, barring slightly lower earnings from Momentum Metropolitan Health. Normalised headline earnings increased 42% to R2.4 billion, and operating profit was up 69% to R2bn. Sales were strong with the group’s present value of new business premiums increasing 18% to R39.1bn. Marais said their model of empowered, accountable businesses again demonstrated resilience and agility, enabling the group to report robust earnings and solid financial…

THE KWAZULU-Natal Department of Education (DoE) has given assurances that all pupils who depend on meals through the National School Nutrition Programme will continue to benefit from the scheme despite it experiencing a shortage of funds. A few days ago the department stated in a circular that it was facing budget constraints and would be cutting funding for the programme which would affect 5% of pupils who depend on the scheme. However, the department has since backtracked and withdrawn the circular. Thousands of pupils across the province would have gone without meals at schools had the plan to cut funding been implemented. The school nutrition programme in the province feeds close to 2.4 million pupils daily. The Mercury understands the move would have affected close to 125 000 pupils. The…

I'M WRITING to draw attention to the really brilliant article in Business Report, March 20, written by Hugo Kruger, who has an MSc in Civil Nuclear Engineering. It should be the headline on the front page. I’ve read previous articles written by Mr Kruger, all eminently readable, but Wednesday’s one stands out. If John Steenhuisen, or one of his deputies in the DA, don’t snap up this young man and make him the Shadow Minister of Energy, they will be missing out on a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the opposition. He has all the answers to Eskom’s problems, and he, together with Dan Marokane, would sort out our electricity problems and get rid of the interfering old crooks in government who are deliberately sabotaging any efforts to fix Eskom, for…

While the outrage expressed against eThekwini Municipality’s proposed tariff increases is more than justified, it needs to be focused on those allied with the ANC whose support facilitates the increases. Without the craven support of 12 or 13 single seat, so-called parties, the ANC’s Marxist march of impoverishment of the masses and destruction of the middle class would be blunted. The combined support of the political Lilliputians effectively holds the rest of us hostage to the ANC’s cavalier abuse of the municipality’s dwindling revenue sources. In their quest to promote equality in poverty, Marxists disdain frugality and the common sense of the adage of cutting one’s coat according to one’s cloth. All the intended tariff increases not only exceed the inflation rate of 6% but with the exceptions of refuse…

When weekday mornings roll around, the validity of whatever form of worship we participate in on the weekend is tested. Synagogue, temple, mosque, church, wide-open spaces; conservative, modern, orthodox, mainline, fire and brimstone or new age, our religious and faith traditions are tested for the rest of the week. We can sing and dance all we desire and then nullify its validity with gossip and cheating. Piousness is easy to fake. It’s tax returns that challenge our respect for what’s good, right and wholesome. Are you kind, merciful, generous and forgiving? I’d suggest these are pivotal values in all faith and religious traditions. Does your weekend faith tradition translate into open and honest trading and communicating with those who are “outside” your religious family? Are you open, kind and forgiving…

In yet another legal blow for the Road Accident Fund, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria struck down a directive issued by the fund that only those foreign nationals who can prove they are legally in the country at the time of injury can claim for compensation. A full bench of three judges, led by Judge Norman Davis, set aside the directive to the extent that in respect of foreign claimants, it requires that proof of identity must be accompanied by documentary proof that the claimant was legally in South African at the time of the accident. This includes that they are required to provide copies of their passports with an entry into the country stamp and proof of an approved visa, before they are allowed to lodge a claim. Another…

Investigating officer, Warrant Officer Kumaran Pillay has, detailed in an affidavit, how the five accused charged with the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were linked to the crimes. Lindani Ndimande, 35, Lindokuhle Ndimande, 29, Siyanda Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, 36, and Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, 30, face 10 charges, including two counts of murder, five of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of unlawful firearms and possession of unlawful ammunition. The State was yesterday presenting its opposition to bail for the accused, who had detailed their circumstances in affidavits to the court last week. All five said they intended to plead not guilty. Pillay’s affidavit was read out yesterday in the Durban Magistrate’s Court by State Advocate Elvis Gcweka. Extradition processes have started for…

A QUALITY controller at Eskom’s Kusile Power Station has been fired after he breached Eskom’s cardinal rule by handling or using his cellphone while driving a vehicle on site. The Johannesburg Labour Court made the ruling after the company, SBX, who had employed him, took an earlier arbitration finding on review. During the arbitration proceedings before the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council, the bargaining council found that Simiso Nhlapo should have been given a second chance. The arbitrator in those proceedings ordered his reinstatement and a month’s backpay. Nhlapo was initially fired by his company following an internal hearing, but he won his case on arbitration. Unhappy with this, the company has now successfully turned to the labour court. His services were terminated following a disciplinary inquiry into charges…

In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship, initiatives like Savishkar India play a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations and endeavours of young minds across the nation. Savishkar, a pan-India initiative, is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and start-up creation among students, thereby nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and change-makers. Central to its mission is the establishment of Incubation Centres, which serve as crucial hubs for supporting and nurturing fledgling start-ups. At its core, Savishkar is committed to instilling a sense of curiosity and creativity among students, encouraging them to explore new ideas, projects and studies. Through a diverse array of educational events such as conferences, seminars, workshops, hackathons and internship programmes, Savishkar provides a platform for students to engage with real-world challenges and opportunities. The…

Israel bombed at least three homes in Rafah overnight, raising new fears among the more than a million people sheltering in the last refuge on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip that a long-threatened ground assault could be coming. One of the airstrikes killed 11 people from a family, health officials said. Mussa Dhaheer, looking on from below as neighbours helped an emergency worker lower a victim in a black body bag from an upper storey, said he had awakened to the blast, kissed his terrified daughter, and rushed outside to find the destruction. His father, 75, and mother, 62, were among the dead. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say. I can’t make sense of what happened. My parents. My father with his…

France has evacuated more than 170 nationals and about 70 people of other nationalities from violence-racked Haiti on French army helicopters, the foreign ministry said yesterday. They have all been taken to a “navy boat that will ferry them today to Fort-de-France” in the French overseas territory of Martinique, it said. About 1 100 French citizens live in Haiti, many of them holding dual nationality, according to the foreign ministry. Port-au-Prince has been rocked by street battles that erupted in late February, prompting the resignation earlier this month of the prime minister, Ariel Henry. His departure, a key demand by an alliance of armed gangs that now controls most of the capital, has not lessened the violence. Haitians are suffering food shortages during the wait for a new transitional government…

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s main bank issued a “last warning” yesterday to more than 5 000 customers accused of taking advantage of a technical glitch to fraudulently withdraw millions. About $19.5 million (R368m) was taken when the bank was updating a computer system in the country, meaning ATM and online transactions were not reflected in affected accounts for five hours overnight March 15-16, according to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. People rushed to ATMs and multiplied transfers after the glitch was widely shared online, especially in student groups. Some reports put the bank losses as high as $100m. About 80% of the money withdrawn or transferred has been repaid. | AFP…

Washington: The US yesterday launched a new initiative to boost imports of African foods – specialities like seafood, nuts and herbs – seeing untapped potential in items that benefit small-scale farmers. The new Africa Trade Desk aims to increase imports of African specialty foods into the US by $300 million (R5.6 billion) over the next 18 months, marking a 10% increase in the continent’s agricultural exports to the US. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the project at a trade event in Atlanta, focusing on South Africa. The focus will be on seafood, fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and juices. | AFP…

Eddie Moore’s hundred powered Western Province to a 48-run bonus-point victory over the KZN Tuskers in the CSA T20 Challenge at Newlands yesterday. Province temporarily moved to second on the log, with the Lions in action last night against the Warriors in Johannesburg. Moore’s unforgettable summer continued as he smashed his way to his maiden T20 century. Following his debut Test match against New Zealand in February, the left-handed batter adds yet another milestone to what has been a memorable season. The Tuskers, who produced a great bowling performance when they beat the Lions by eight wickets on Saturday, offered a lot of boundary balls yesterday and couldn’t contain Moore as he swiftly made his way to a T20 career-best score of 101 off just 58 balls, which included 11…

THE lure of setting records, no matter how minor, is often the driving force behind sportsmen. Being champions is the ultimate goal, of course. But when that is beyond reach, there are low hanging fruits such as having a better season that the previous one. For Sekhukhune United, the past season was undoubtedly their best – Ba Bina Noko reaching the Nedbank Cup final, where they were defeated by Orlando Pirates, albeit in controversial fashion. The Buccaneers’ equalising goal was via a penalty given for a ‘questionable’ handball decision against Victor Letsoalo. For having reached the final, Sekhukhune got to play continental football, and they did fairly well to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, producing some impressive home performances, but struggling on the road. The experience…

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) and tourism organisations in KwaZulu-Natal said they were expecting a busy Easter weekend. Brett Tungay, Fedhasa’s East Coast chairperson, said things were looking good for the Easter weekend. “Feedback from members indicates that there is at least 80% occupancy for some places and 100% at other accommodation venues in KZN. It’s looking good and we are also hoping that the weather plays its part this weekend. We are definitely looking forward to a good weekend in all the main tourist areas in KZN.” Tungay said it was also a relief that the province was heading into a holiday weekend without any issues with the beaches. “It’s the first major holiday in a while that all the beaches in Durban are open; we…

THIS was a different kind of procession of protest through the streets of London a few days ago – nothing to do with the wars in Gaza or Ukraine. These were British farmers driving tractors, a lengthy and impressive column protesting about their economic position. And one of the issues raised was Brexit. The break with Europe was making food exports difficult. The farmers were suffering. What would Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron have made of this? Not all that long ago as plain David Cameron, a pro-EU prime minister, he was fighting a referendum in favour of Brexit that he called, one presumes, to silence the Brexit nigglers for good. What a miscalculation. Billions of pounds left the London Stock Exchange. Some British manufacturers began setting up plants in the…

The position of a Speaker in the National Assembly is a highly esteemed one as the incumbent has the onerous responsibility of ensuring that the conduct of the members of parliament, at all times, befits their status and responsibility to ensure the decorum of parliament and the principles of democracy enshrined in the Constitution as they have taken an oath of office to serve with honour and dignity. Against the background of findings in the Zondo Commission that investigated corruption in government, the conduct of the Speaker in the National Assembly, who has taken special leave following an investigation into allegations of corruption and is accused of receiving bribes amounting to R2.25 million from a defence contractor when she was the minister of defence, is most depressive and disconcerting. This…

THE National Assembly has passed the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA) Defrayal Amendment Bill, which will allow the National Treasury to draw R150 billion from the GFECRA to reduce borrowing costs over the next three years. The bill was introduced in Parliament in February when Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the 2024/25 budget. Godongwana said at the time the account balance had grown to over R500bn over the years because the rand has depreciated over time. In its report, the standing committee on appropriation said the GFECRA captured losses and profits on certain foreign currency transactions, protecting the SARB from currency volatility. It said the SARB Act established the GFECRA and empowered the Finance Minister and the Governor to settle balances by mutual agreement and required such…

The leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) Gayton Mckenzie took to social media and announced he would be putting up a R1 million reward for the safe return of missing six-year-old Saldanha Bay girl, Joshlin Smith. In a livestream broadcast on his Facebook page, Mckenzie gave an update on the Joshlin case. “This child has become the conscience of our nation. This is a rainbow child. I am taking R1 million of my own money that I could have put into my political campaign,” Mckenzie said. “I will have a million rand less (for) posters, I will have a million rand less (for) T-shirts, I will have a million rand less of diesel for my campaign but for me, what is bigger than politics is finding that green-eyed girl,” he…

A massive search campaign for missing Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, skipper John “Matambu” Dercksen, and his passenger by family, friends and concerned members of the public has led to the passenger being found in Mozambique. This comes after Dercksen, affectionately named Matambu by the Zulu people of Sodwana Bay, failed to return home after taking a passenger out to sea on March 16. His burnt charter fishing ski-boat, Magnum Too, was discovered wrecked in the vicinity of Dobela on the Mozambique coastline the next day. Dercksen’s nephew, Michael, and his wife Candice Eilertsen were at the forefront of the search campaign dealing with Interpol, investigators and the public who sent in tips and sightings of the passenger which led to his arrest last week. Candice said a holidaymaker spotted the man…

The DA has quashed speculation that City of Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink will be deployed to either Parliament or the provincial legislature after the general elections on May 29. This was despite Brink getting the nod to represent the party as either MP or Gauteng MPL following the DA’s candidate selection process by its federal council chairperson, Helen Zille. This week, Brink announced his decision to stay put at the helm of the municipality after the election to “finish what we started”. “Big announcement. I’m staying on as mayor of Tshwane. To finish what we started as a coalition: restore the finances, build energy independence and improve services. “In the face of cadres, tenderpreneurs, and everyone else who would prefer Joburg-like leadership in Tshwane,” Brink said on X. Brink, who…

SPECIALIST Security Services reported recently that they were contacted by the parents of a 15-year-old girl who had fallen victim to photograph manipulation by a group of boys in her age group. Investigator Mike Bolhuis said according to information at their disposal, the situation started after a young boy downloaded a photo of the girl from her Facebook profile onto his phone. Bolhuis alleged the boy made use of a third-party application to edit the downloaded photo to the point where she was naked. It was then sent to one of the boy’s friends via WhatsApp. However, a third boy who had access to the boy’s phone forwarded himself the photo, resulting in the photo being distributed to other parties and another school. The…

THE DA’s motion of no confidence in embattled National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe-Mapisa Nqakula will present a true test for the ANC’s much-hyped renewal. Recent incidents, such as the voting against the establishment of a parliamentary committee that would look into the Phala Phala report, showed that there was nothing to get excited about insofar as the renewal project is concerned. However, this time around, it is a lot different. The motion against Mapisa-Nqakula is set to take place on the eve of the crucial May 29 election. That will be on the minds of the ANC MPs when they vote on the motion. The party knows that voting in favour of a motion led by the official opposition party will be detrimental. Mapisa-Nqakula’s woes did not begin yesterday. About three…

Authorities in Baltimore were focusing on expanding recovery efforts yesterday after a cargo ship slammed into a major bridge, causing it to collapse and leaving six people presumed dead. All six were members of a construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US East Coast city when the structure was sent careening into the Patapsco River at around 1.30am (7.30am SA time). A desperate search in near-freezing conditions managed to pull two people from the choppy waters, but after nearly 16 hours, officials said they had given up hope of rescuing the others. “At this point we do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said. He added that responders were transitioning…

LOS ANGELES: US President Joe Biden’s son Hunter asked a US judge yesterday to dismiss the criminal case accusing him of evading $1.4 million (about R26m) in taxes, arguing that prosecutors bowed to political pressure from Republican lawmakers investigating his father. Hunter Biden’s lawyers appeared before US District Judge Mark Scarsi in federal court in Los Angeles. Hunter Biden, 54, pleaded not guilty to failing to pay $1.4m in taxes between 2016 and 2019, while spending millions of dollars on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other big-ticket items. His lawyer has said he paid back the money in full. The trial is due to start in June, a few months before Americans vote in a November presidential election that looks set to be a close contest between Joe Biden, himself…

BANGKOK: Thailand’s parliament approved a marriage equality bill yesterday, a landmark step that moves one of Asia’s most liberal countries closer to becoming its third territory to legalise same-sex unions. The bill had the support of all of Thailand’s major parties and was more than a decade in the making. It still requires approval from the senate and endorsement from the king before it becomes law and would take effect 120 days later. The legislation was passed by 400 of the 415 MPs present and could see Thailand join Taiwan and Nepal in allowing same-sex unions. Thailand has long been a draw for same-sex couples, with a vibrant LGBT social scene and campaigns to attract LGBT travellers. | Reuters…

QUITO: Forty-five mayors in Ecuador have requested police protection in the past year as violence grips the country, where 22 local officials have died in violent circumstances since 2023, the president of the Association of Ecuadorean Municipalities (AME) said. Officials have come under threat amid a national crackdown on criminal groups. President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in January and designated 22 gangs as terrorist groups after armed men stormed a television channel in Guayaquil and more than 100 prison guards were held hostage. Ports, including in Guayaquil, the largest city, have become hubs for drug smuggling. | Reuters…

Parkhill Bowling Club was alive with anticipation on Sunday, March 24, as the eight semi-finalists in the men’s and women’s PNB Trips Championships took to the green to do battle for gold, silver and bronze medals. Mount Edgecombe Bowling Club members were out in full support to witness club history as their member and club secretary, Heather Wright, led Jenny Robinson and Debbie de Kock out for what would be the club’s first district medal. Having taken out the 2023 champions from Amanzintoti BC in their quarter-final game, the ladies from Mt Edgecombe faced Estelle van der Merwe, Amanda Ninow and Hendrina Cairncross from Winkelspruit BC in their semi-final and, with a convincing plus-15, found themselves in the final against Susan Nel, Hilary Lindsay and Leslie Levy from Amanzimtoti BC.…

SOME MPs have expressed their disapproval at the public enterprises portfolio committee for thanking Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan for his co-operation in its probe into the alleged irregularities in the SAA-Takatso deal. This, after the draft report thanked him and former director general Kgathatso Tlhakudi when they probed the now-cancelled deal. “Having considered the petition of the former director-general, Mr Kgathatso Tlhakudi, the committee wishes to thank the Minister of Public Enterprises for his co-operation, and Mr Tlhakudi for entrusting Parliament with investigating this matter,” read the draft report. This part of the report did not satisfy some MPs, who felt they did not receive joy from Gordhan. EFF MP Nqobile Mhlongo expressed her shock that Gordhan was thanked for being co-operative to the committee. “The minister was not…

JUDGMENT was reserved in the case brought by the ANC against the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in which the ruling party challenged the latter’s use of the name uMkhonto weSizwe, the abbreviation “MK” and the logo. The ANC has said the matter was about infringement of its trademark. The case was heard in the Durban High Court yesterday. Former president Jacob Zuma, who is leading and campaigning for the MK Party, was in court and addressed supporters who had gathered outside. The ANC also had its supporters at court. They were addressed by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Advocate Gavin Marriott, for the ANC, argued that the MK Party was seeking to “ride on the coattails of the ANC’s heritage” to achieve the same advantage that the ANC enjoyed based on…

THE South African judiciary has been an unshakeable pillar of strength for our democracy. When the whole country was falling apart, we could always trust the judiciary to deliver fair and equitable justice without fear or favour. The judges were of impeccable character, and beyond reproach and stood head and shoulders above all of us. But, recently, several judges have got into trouble, like naughty schoolboys, and brought the judiciary into disrepute. First in the firing line was retired Judge Nkola Motata who was found guilty of gross misconduct for a drunken driving offence committed in 2009. Next was none other than Judge President John Hlophe who was found guilty of trying to influence two Constitutional Court judges to violate their oaths of office in the Zuma corruption case. The…

THE ongoing massacre, genocide and wanton destruction, using every conceivable mode of killer-equipment possible (but the ultimate nuclear one) in Palestine has clearly showcased, on a full, wide- screen panorama scale, the various and diverse behavioural reactions of individual people, collective crowds, countries, religious leaders, institutions and of even complete continents. Myriads of changing-faces, making-faces, spewing hate, different versions, different visions all coming from different directions. All rushing to take sides. Some for the US. Many for Israel. Few, at first, for Hamas- infected Gaza. Resolutions at the UN ever vetoed by the US and its comrades-in-arms. Many countries vying for Zionists. Condemning Hamas, ignoring the blatant massacre of tens of thousands of innocent women and children. Most stuck on the single track record: “Israel and its right to defend…

The DA says there was no reason why the National Assembly should not call a sitting next week to consider the motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. This comes after acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli gave the green light for the consideration of the DA’s motion against Mapisa-Nqakula. Tsenoli received the motion calling for the removal of Mapisa-Nqakula from office, citing various allegations of improper conduct, last Thursday after she took special leave. This followed a raid at her home by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate (ID) in its investigation of corruption allegations against her. On Monday, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserved judgement in her application to interdict the Investigating Directorate from arresting her. On Tuesday, Tsenoli wrote to DA chief…

Police in Giyani, Limpopo, are investigating a shooting in the aftermath of an armed robbery, which resulted in the death of one of the alleged robbers. Another robber was injured during the shoot-out, according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. “The incident took place on Tuesday in Bode village. According to reports, a foreign national shop owner and his employee were on the way to deliver stock when they were accosted by armed suspects driving a white Toyota Corolla,” said Ledwaba. “The suspects robbed the victims of cash and cellphones, and drove off with the victims’ bakkie.” Moments later, the robbed shop owner notified his vehicle tracking company and alerted the local police. He said a security officer located the stolen bakkie in bushes along the road between…

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal described the list of candidates it has put forward on its regional and provincial candidate lists for the May 29 national and provincial elections as “the most diverse field of candidates the DA in KZN has ever fielded”. Those on the party’s regional list include Dean Macpherson (provincial chairperson), Sbongiseni Vilakazi, Tim Brauteseth and Billy Mzamo (deputy caucus leader, eThekwini Municipality). The provincial list includes Chris Pappas, Francois Rodgers, Imraan Keeka and Mmabatho Tembe. The party said that a number of MPs and MPLs have decided to retire from Parliament and the Legislature “to create space for the next generation of leaders”. These include former provincial chairperson Haniff Hoosen, former provincial chairperson Greg Krumbock, former chairperson of finance Alf Lees, former MPL Sharon Hoosen and…

To keep in business, we need to fire the leaders and apply the principles of good governance If South Africa was run as a listed entity then according to the JSE listing requirements, it would have been de-listed years ago. In July 2021, I wrote that we had a leadership crisis. That has not changed, in fact if anything, it has deepened. In that same article, I referenced the state of our media and its role to play in ensuring that our fractured democracy has the chance to knit and bind through the telling of all sides of South Africa’s multi-layered story. The media have failed. Just as surely as our leaders. It is difficult for me as a media owner to come out and state this, but it is…

A US appeals court has kept on hold a Republican-backed Texas law that would let state authorities arrest and prosecute people suspected of illegally crossing the US-Mexico border – a statute that President Joe Biden’s administration has argued intrudes on the authority of the federal government. In a 2-1 ruling this week, a panel of the New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request by Texas to let the law take effect while the state’s appeal of a judge’s ruling blocking it plays out at the appellate court. The law, formally called SB 4, has become a flashpoint in a broader battle between Texas and the Biden administration over border security and immigration. It would make it a state crime to illegally enter or re-enter Texas from…

Organised crime rings who fuelled an “explosion” of human trafficking and cyber scam centres during the pandemic have expanded from Southeast Asia into a global network making up to $3 trillion (about R57 trillion) a year, the head of Interpol said yesterday. “Driven by online anonymity, inspired by new business models and accelerated by Covid, these organised crime groups are now working at a scale that was unimaginable a decade ago,” Interpol secretary-general Jurgen Stock said at the global police coordination body’s Singapore office. “What began as a regional crime threat in Southeast Asia has become a global human trafficking crisis, with millions of victims, both in the cyber scam centres and as targets.” The new cyber-scam centres, often staffed by unwilling staff trafficked with the promise of legitimate jobs,…

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, whose frail health has been a growing source of concern in recent weeks, appeared in better shape yesterday ahead of a busy Easter week schedule. The pontiff, 87, read out in full pre-prepared texts for his weekly audience, rather than delegating an aide to read most of them, and made a few off-the-cuff remarks. Francis made fresh appeals for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, The pope has been suffering from a cold, bronchitis and influenza for more than a month. | Reuters…

ALICE SPRINGS: Australia’s Outback capital Alice Springs introduced a two-week curfew for those under 18 yesterday, as authorities in the troubled community grappled with a recent surge in unrest. The town of 25 000, which sits in the middle of Australia, has long struggled with crime and social difficulties, fanned in part by tensions between the Aboriginal and white communities and problems with alcohol consumption. Recently it has been on edge since the death of a teenager, who died when the allegedly stolen car he was in crashed two weeks ago. A funeral was held for the teenager on Tuesday, with violence flaring afterwards. | AFP…

OFFSHORE fishing has been a mix of bottom fishing when the gamefish go quiet and chaos when the drags start screaming. The North Coast has been fishing very well, from uMdloti all the way to Sodwana. The closer inshore reefs have seen some amazing couta caught, mostly on live bait. Down rigging your live bait has been key to getting the bigger bites. Try to fish one bait close to the bottom and another slightly higher in the water column. The general rule is to start fishing closer to the surface and move deeper as the day goes on. The bottom fishing has been a bit slow on the North Coast but some smaller reds and daga have been caught. The Durban section of KZN has produced some good gamefish…