South Africa Today
Cape Town (News24.com) - Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe reportedly flew to South Africa on Wednesday - for the first time since his ouster from power in November - aboard an Air Zimbabwe flight.
A Zimbabwean journalist @ray_Ndlovu, who also travelled on the same flight tweeted: "Am on the same flight on Air Zimbabwe to Johannesburg with former President Robert Mugabe this morning. The times have changed. Really changed."
Reasons for the nonagenarian's visit remained unclear.
A report by SABC said: "Mugabe is known to have come to South Africa for a private visit earlier, but it is not clear if he is still in the country."
The report also claimed that workers at the veteran politician's residence in Harare had been "taken in for questioning by soldiers on Wednesday morning".
Meanwhile, there were unconfirmed reports that Mugabe was in South Africa for a meeting with former education minister Jonathan Moyo and other members from the Generation 40 (G40), according to Bulawayo24.
This came as tensions were mounting in Zimbabwe after Mugabe last week expressed support for the National Patriotic Front led by former cabinet minister and ally Ambrose Mutinhiri.
Some officials in the ruling party have rounded on Mugabe for that, accusing him of trying to destabilise Zanu-PF.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Durban (News24.com) - A KwaZulu-Natal triathlete who was attacked with a chainsaw while training, says he will not focus on negative aspects, but make a full recovery instead and "get back out there".
Mhlengi Gwala, 26, was talking to News24 a day after he underwent a successful five-hour surgery at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Gwala was training near the University of KwaZulu-Natal at about 03:15 on Tuesday when he was attacked.
The three assailants did not take any of his belongings, but dragged him to a nearby bush where they used a chainsaw in an attempt to cut off his legs.
After failing to start up the chainsaw, the men opted to use the malfunctioning device manually to try to cut off one of his limbs.
Unable to cut through his bone and disturbed by a nearby security guard, the men fled, leaving Gwala seriously injured.
"It was a very normal day for me. I had gone on an early training [session] before sunrise. I was cycling when these men came out of nowhere," Gwala told News24 from his hospital bed.
He said he was approaching a hilltop when he was attacked.
"They grabbed me and just pulled me into the bush. They were speaking a funny language I did not know before they started cutting my leg."
Gwala said he didn't understand what was happening and was struck with fear.
"I was panicking when it happened to me. I did not understand why they were doing this. I don't know why they would do something like that to me."
Gwala said it was hard to rule out that he was intentionally attacked.
"Maybe someone sent them too. They didn't take anything. I took out my phone but they gave it back. That was when two pinned me down and another started to cut me."
Gwala said he was disheartened that he would not be able to compete.
"I am feeling bad that I will not be able to participate. The doctor said I will have to recover for six months. But I am so happy for my support."
Gwala was referring to a crowdfunding effort that has raised more than R400,000 for him in just over a day.
Titled "Get Mhlengi back on his bike", the crowdfunding effort on backabuddy.co.za had amassed R412 743.99 of a targeted R500 000 by noon on Thursday.
"I cannot tell you how happy I am for the money raised. People have my back. People around the world, even those that I don't know are helping. It makes me feel strong to have this support."
He added: "I am not afraid after the attack. I want to get through recovery and get back on my bike and running. I don't want to think about anything negative."
Mhlengi's crowdfund describes him as an SA triathlete who was robbed while cycling.
"The robbers tried to cut his leg with a chainsaw. We are hoping to raise funds to support him with all his medical expenses, transportation, bike replacement and rehabilitation costs. We want to see him back on his bike! We received news that the surgery went very well and now the road to recovery begins," it reads.
The website indicated that Gwala received donations mainly from South Africans, but it showed that donations also came from the United States.
One American, Joan Charnley, left a message of support on the page: "I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through but I hope that you stay strong and have a speedy recovery."
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Addis Ababa (AFP) - Washington's top diplomat began his first Africa tour Thursday by meeting with the African Union chief, who said the continent had moved on from a reported insult by President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and AU commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat discussed security and counter-terrorism, trade and development, corruption and conflict in an hour-long meeting at the continental body's headquarters in the Ethiopian capital.
However looming over the meeting was Trump's alleged description of Africa as a "shithole" in January, which forced the president to pen a letter reaffirming his commitment to the continent and dispatch his top diplomat to try to heal rifts.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Freetown (AFP) - Counting began on Wednesday in Sierra Leone following a largely peaceful general election dominated by voters' desire for better economic conditions and an end to corruption.
Polls closed at 5 pm as expected for the West African nation's 3.1 million voters, who were choosing a new president, parliament and local councils.
Partial tallies are expected within 48 hours and complete results within two weeks.
President Ernest Bai Koroma, who cannot run again after consecutive five-year terms, has anointed former foreign minister Samura Kamara as his successor for the ruling All Peoples Party (APC).
The APC and SLPP have dominated Sierra Leone's politics since independence in 1961, but third parties are hoping to make their mark after mounting charismatic campaigns based on the two parties' shortcomings.
Kamara's running mate Chernor Maju Bah said the vote seemed "well organised" as he voted in the capital, confirming a statement released by civil society groups which mentioned scuffles in a rural area that were quickly brought under control.
An AFP journalist also witnessed riot police being deployed on the streets of Freetown, with Chief Superintendent Mohamed Bangura confirming two arrests after scuffles involving rival parties.
The APC and SLPP have dominated Sierra Leone's politics since independence in 1961.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Johannesburg (News24.com) - The EFF has called on its members to ensure all products linked to the listeriosis outbreak are removed from retail store shelves across the country. The party is targeting Pick 'n Pay outlets.
"If the government and all related companies will not declare a state of crisis, we must as citizens take it upon ourselves to do so. Thus, the EFF declares the listeriosis outbreak as a crisis," said EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Wednesday.
He warned managers and staff members at the targeted stores not to stop citizens from "helping" remove the products."It is a matter of fact that Pick 'n Pay, due to its arrogance and refusal to take responsibility, is failing to act on this with the necessary speed required to save lives," said Ndlozi.
David North, Group Executive, Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Pick n Pay, said in a statement that all affected products produced by Enterprise and Rainbow Foods Limited immediately after the health minister's announcement on Sunday.
"All our butchery, deli areas and fridges have been sanitized following the recall to avoid any risk of cross-contamination. Customers can be reassured that all products available in our stores are fresh and are safe to eat. No cooked meats currently sold in Pick n Pay are supplied by Enterprise or Rainbow Foods Limited," the statement reads.
Any customer who has a cooked meat product made by Enterprise or Rainbow Foods Limited which was purchased from a Pick n Pay store before the products were withdrawn can return it for a full refund, North added.
While the EFF's statement refers to Pick n Pay specifically, Ndlozi said the call to help remove the products applied to all retail stores, including Shoprite and Woolworths.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - The pressure continues to pile onto Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba due to his ties with the Guptas.
Minutes before the National Assembly heard on Wednesday that he could not answer questions because he was ill, DA MP Haniff Hoosen issued a statement saying he was going to bring a substantive motion against Gigaba on Thursday.
He wants to ask that Gigaba "be referred to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members Interests for misleading Parliament and the nation about [the] Gupta naturalisation" process.
This followed widespread confusion about Atul Gupta's citizenship after Gigaba said on Tuesday that he was not a South African citizen while he was explaining why the fugitive Ajay Gupta's wife, mother and two sons were granted citizenship despite not fulfilling the usual residential requirements.
After a public outcry, Gigaba on Wednesday said he "erroneously" said Atul is not a South African citizen.
"It should come as no surprise that Minister Gigaba is being selective with the truth. On 28 February, the DA moved a substantive motion calling for Gigaba to be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Ethics based on the Fireblade judgment," said Hoosen.
He was referring to a court judgment from December that found Gigaba had "deliberately told untruths under oath". The court also found that Gigaba violated the Constitution.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Parliament is "gravely concerned" by what it deems "personal attacks" by the Ingonyama Trust on former president Kgalema Motlanthe, in his former capacity as chairperson of a high-level panel on key legislation.
Sole trustee Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini told the trust's board last month that he wanted to take the high-level panel's report - tabled in November last year - to the Constitutional Court over its recommendations.
The report recommended that the Ingonyama Trust Act be repealed or amended, and that the trust be dissolved. According to the report, the trust's current practices were inconsistent with the government's land policy, and did not secure land tenure for residents.
The KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders last month also warned of bloodshed should the government go ahead with plans to remove rural land from under its control.
"Parliament is gravely concerned at the ongoing public castigations and personal attacks on... Motlanthe, and former panel member Dr Aninka Claassens, and the unwarranted threats regarding the panel's report and recommendations," a statement read on Wednesday.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has committed itself to closely oversee the running of the University of Zululand (UniZulu), in Richards Bay, "until it is fully functional".
Committee chairperson Connie September on Wednesday said MPs had committed to enhancing the committee's oversight responsibility on the university until the institution was functioning normally.
There was a need to move with speed on the matter, said September in a statement.
"The department must intervene immediately. We cannot have a situation where UniZulu is spiralling downwards. When we come back for the next term we will decide how we move forward with regard to the institution," she said.
Thirty-two students were arrested at the university on Thursday during a violent protest over meal allowances.
Police said a building and two police vehicles were torched during the protest.
Thirteen students were released on R1 000 bail each last Friday. Nineteen other students were still in police custody.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Paris (AFP) - Higher levels of Vitamin D in the blood may be linked to a lower risk of developing certain cancers, a study in Japanese adults reported Thursday.
"These findings support the hypothesis that Vitamin D has protective effects against cancers at many sites," researchers reported in a study published in The BMJ medical journal.
Vitamin D is made by the skin in response to sunlight. By maintaining calcium levels in the body, it helps keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
While the benefits of Vitamin D on bone health are well known, there is some evidence that it may protect against chronic diseases as well, including some cancers.
Studies to date, however, have been carried out mainly in European and North American people.
As natural Vitamin D concentrations can vary by ethnicity, researchers from half-a-dozen Japanese medical schools and institutes set out to determine the potential for lowering cancer risk in Asians.
They analysed the public health records of 33,736 men and women aged 40 to 69.
At the start of the study, participants provided detailed information on their medical history, diet and lifestyle. Blood samples were taken to measure Vitamin D levels.
The researchers did not specify whether the trial participants used vitamin supplements or not.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Colombo - Sri Lankan police said petrol bombs were hurled at a mosque on Thursday as hundreds of troops patrolled a troubled central district where anti-Muslim violence has left three people dead.
Muslim-owned businesses were set on fire and vandalised in several parts of Sri Lanka, police said, days after an island-wide state of emergency was imposed to curb riots in Kandy.
Armoured vehicles and heavily-armed troops fortified the hill district, where internet services remain suspended and an evening curfew is in place.
The government ordered the internet blackout after police discovered mobs of Sinhalese rioters were using social media to coordinate attacks on Muslim establishments.
More than 200 homes, businesses and vehicles have been torched in three days of violence by mobs from the mainly Buddhist Sinhalese majority.
A 24-hour curfew was imposed on Wednesday afternoon after a hand grenade exploded in the hands of an attacker, killing him and wounding 11 others, officials said.
The day-time curfew was eased following a calm night but tensions remain high in the tourist hotspot and schools shuttered.
But in Kuruvita, 125 kilometres (78 miles) south of Kandy, police said petrol bombs were lobbed at a mosque. Little damage was inflicted and three suspects are being pursued.
In Weligama, 240 kilometres south of Kandy, a Muslim-owned business was attacked, police said, while Muslim establishments were pelted with stones in at least two other locations outside Kandy.
Sri Lanka's telecoms regulator asked internet providers to block access to Facebook and other social media platforms to prevent the spread of anti-Muslim hate speech.
Police have already identified anti-Muslim messages being shared on social networks, including a video posted by a hardline Buddhist monk urging violence against Muslims.
Muslims in Kandy complained that security forces and police - equipped with special powers to detain under the emergency provision - were slow to react as the violence unfolded.
"The main junction is going up in flames. At the same time, the authorities are folding their arms and watching," said Muslim businessman M. Jaffer, as quoted in Thursday's DailyFT newspaper.
Appeals for peace
Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara alluded to the island's history of ethnic violence in urging his countrymen "to say no to racism".
"We have to make sure that in Sri Lanka anyone and everyone feels safe, loved and accepted regardless of ethnicity or religion," he said in a video posted to Twitter.
President Maithripala Sirisena toured Kandy on Wednesday and ordered security forces to use the full force of the law against troublemakers.
Military officials said more reinforcements were sent to the area on Wednesday night to assist police who resorted to teargas to disperse rioters the previous evening.
The United Nations has condemned the violence and urged Colombo "to ensure that appropriate measures are swiftly taken to restore normalcy in affected areas".
The Kandy region, 115 kilometres (72 miles) east of the capital Colombo, is popular with tourists as well as Buddhist pilgrims.
Holidaymakers have been urged to avoid the hill resort but no foreigners have been reported involved in the unrest.
"Shops are opening, and more people can be seen on the roads since the curfew was lifted," a police official in the area said by telephone.
Kandy is home to Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
The chief custodian of the UNESCO-listed temple, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, said foreign tourists and pilgrims were flocking to the shrine despite the tensions.
The unrest began Monday after a Sinhalese man died following injuries sustained at the hands of a Muslim mob last week. Conflict escalated when a Muslim man was found dead in a burnt building on Tuesday.
Sinhalese Buddhists are the majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up 75 percent of its 21 million people. Muslims make up 10 percent of the population.
Parliament on Tuesday issued an apology to the island's Muslim minority for the latest violence targeting them in the Indian Ocean island.
Mobs also set fire to Muslim-owned businesses and attacked a mosque in the east of the country last week. Last November riots in the south of the island left one man dead and homes and vehicles damaged.
In June 2014 riots between Buddhists, led by radical monks, and Muslims left four dead.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
London - British detectives on Thursday scrambled to find the source of the nerve agent used in the attempted murder of a Russian former double-agent and his daughter.
Sergei Skripal, 66, who moved to Britain in a 2010 spy swap, is in a critical condition in hospital along with his daughter Yulia after they collapsed on a bench outside a shopping centre on Sunday.
A policeman also fell ill after coming to their aid but is showing signs of recovery, according to interior minister Amber Rudd.
"The two targets are still in very serious condition, the policeman is talking and is engaging so I'm more optimistic for him, but it's too early to say," she told ITV1's Good Morning Britain.
The brazen poisoning in the southwestern English city of Salisbury is already being linked with Russia by British politicians and the media, sparking an angry response in Moscow.
Russia suspected
On Wednesday, British police confirmed for the first time that a nerve agent was used and that their probe was now an attempted murder investigation.
"Police are now in a position to confirm that their symptoms are a result of exposure to a nerve agent," said the Metropolitan Police.
"Scientific tests by government experts have identified the specific nerve agent used which will help identify the source."
The Times newspaper reported on Thursday that Skripal's condition was particularly severe, quoting a senior unnamed British government official.
"The feeling is that he is not going to make it out of this," the source told the newspaper. "I think it could be more positive (for Yulia)."
Police have cordoned off an Italian restaurant and a pub that the pair are believed to have visited.
A diner in the restaurant told the Times that Skripal had eaten there on Sunday, and that he was in an agitated state.
"He was going absolutely crazy, I didn't understand it and couldn't understand them," the witness said.
"He didn't seem ill physically but perhaps mentally ill with the way he was shouting."
Police say they are keeping an open mind about what happened, but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has alluded to Russia.
He noted the "echoes" with the 2006 poisoning in London of former Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which Britain has blamed on Russia.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told British television on Thursday that Russia was "becoming an ever-greater threat". Fellow Conservative MP Nick Boles tweeted that "I do not see how we can maintain diplomatic relations with a country that tries to murder people on British soil."
However, the interior minister called for "cool heads" while the police investigated.
Moscow accused British politicians and journalists of whipping up anti-Russian sentiment, with Kremlin foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova telling reporters the story "was straight away used to boost an anti-Russian campaign in the media".
World Cup threat
Hundreds of counter-terrorism detectives are working "around the clock" to create a timeline of the victims' movements, with "many hours" of CCTV under review, police said.
The Times reported police are probing whether Skripal's daughter, who arrived in Britain from Moscow last week with "gifts from friends", may have inadvertently brought the nerve agent into the country.
The paper previously said investigators would also examine the 2012 death of Skripal's wife from cancer, and that of his 44-year-old son last year in St Petersburg, reportedly from liver problems.
Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the government might consider a boycott by British officials and dignitaries of the 2018 football World Cup in Russia if it were found to have been involved.
Multiple British media outlets reported Wednesday that Prince William would now not attend the tournament, citing royal sources.
Skripal was a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who was jailed in his country for betraying agents to Britain's MI6 secret service.
He was pardoned before being flown to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap involving Russia and the United States in 2010.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Hammuriyeh (Syria) - Syria's government has recaptured half of Eastern Ghouta, battering the shrinking rebel enclave on Wednesday with air strikes that killed dozens and defying UN calls for a halt to violence.
The blistering onslaught has prompted international outrage, including accusations by the United Nations that the government was orchestrating an "apocalypse".
The Russia-backed Syrian army and allied militia began a fierce bombing campaign on February 18 on Eastern Ghouta - the last opposition bastion near Damascus - then launched a ground offensive a week later.
The campaign has so far left at least 850 civilians dead, including dozens of children, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Towns and villages have fallen in quick succession in recent days.
On Wednesday, government forces captured Beit Sawa, Al-Ashaari, and nearby farmland, the Britain-based Observatory said, putting them in control of more than half the territory once held by rebels.
Heavy air strikes, mostly by Russian warplanes, left at least 45 civilians dead including four children across the enclave, said the Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground.
An AFP correspondent in the battered town of Hammuriyeh saw the bodies of two men engulfed in flames lying near an overturned motorcycle, as a rescue worker tried frantically to put out the fire.
More than 50 air strikes pummelled the town on Wednesday. A wounded woman could be seen stuck under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Ceasefire 'inadequate'
The advance came after hundreds of Afghan, Palestinian, and Syrian loyalist militiamen arrived in Eastern Ghouta to bolster the ground push, according to the Observatory.
Government troops in military vehicles were seen on Wednesday patrolling Al-Mohammadiyeh, an agricultural zone in the southern part of Ghouta recently retaken by the regime.
Across some green farmland, columns of thick smoke rose from an urban skyline.
The bombardment has continued despite a one-month ceasefire demanded by the UN Security Council more than a week ago.
The council met behind closed doors for three hours on Wednesday to discuss the failed truce, after France and Britain requested urgent talks.
Dutch Ambassador Karel van Oosterom, who holds the council presidency, told reporters that members had "expressed concern about the humanitarian situation" and reiterated calls for the ceasefire resolution to be implemented.
UN peace envoy Staffan de Mistura briefed the meeting and offered to help broker a deal with Russia to allow fighters in Eastern Ghouta to leave, a diplomat said, adding that diplomats supported the idea as a way to halt the violence.
UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the Syrian regime and its foreign allies were already planning their next "apocalypse".
"This month, it is Eastern Ghouta which is, in the words of the Secretary General, hell on earth," he said.
"Next month or the month after, it will be somewhere else where people face an apocalypse - an apocalypse intended, planned and executed by individuals within the government, apparently with the full backing of some of their foreign supporters."
Eastern Ghouta's roughly 400,000 residents have lived under government siege since 2013, facing severe shortages of food and medicines even before the latest offensive began.
Forty-six aid trucks entered the area on Monday for the first time since the offensive, but had to cut short their deliveries and leave due to heavy bombardment.
Nearly half of the food aid could not be delivered and Syrian authorities removed some medical and health supplies from the trucks, the United Nations said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all warring sides to allow aid trucks to return for a planned second delivery to the enclave's main town of Douma on Thursday.
Linda Tom, spokesperson for the UN's humanitarian coordination office OCHA in Syria, said the aid would aim to reach 70,000 people in Douma and would include medical supplies not allowed in Monday's delivery.
Thousands scrambling for cover
The offensive has displaced more than 10,000 people in Eastern Ghouta, according to the Observatory.
Outside of Douma on Wednesday, dozens of residents could be seen pushing wheelbarrows and carts piled high with mattresses, rugs, and cardboard boxes.
They have opted to flee deeper into the rebel-controlled enclave, despite a so-called "humanitarian corridor" announced by Moscow last week.
Russia said it would guarantee safe passage to civilians and rebels wishing to flee the enclave during a "pause" that is meant to bring calm to Eastern Ghouta between 9:00 am (0700 GMT) and 2:00 pm.
No Syrian civilians are known to have used the "corridor".
The two main rebel groups in Eastern Ghouta - Jaish al-Islam and Faylaq al-Rahman - deny the exit routes or the pauses have been coordinated with them.
"There is no communication with the Russians, directly or indirectly," said Wael Alwan, spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman.
More than 340,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in Syria since the civil war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Jerusalem - Israeli lawmakers have passed a controversial bill allowing police to hold the corpses of alleged Palestinian assailants indefinitely, parliament said on Thursday.
The act was passed late Wednesday by 48 votes to 10, a Knesset statement said, hours after another measure permitting the interior minister to strip Palestinians in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem of their permanent residency permits "if they are involved in terrorism."
The government announced in 2016 that it would not release for burial the bodies of Palestinian assailants killed during attacks unless Palestinians in Gaza released the remains of two Israeli soldiers believed to have been killed in a 2014 war in Gaza.
In November 2017, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled that Israel would not repatriate the bodies of five Islamic Jihad militants killed when the army blew up a tunnel stretching from the Gaza Strip into its territory.
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled in December that the policy was illegal under current law, but it gave the government six months to enact new legislation.
The revised act gives authority to police district commanders "to set conditions for returning the body of a terrorist for family burial," the Knesset statement said.
If the commander decides that a funeral may spark another attack or turn into a political rally in support of violence he can impose limits on the time, location and number of mourners and "a body could be held until the family agrees to the terms," the statement adds.
The bill was sponsored by two MPs from Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and the religious-nationalist Jewish Home.
Arab MP Yousef Jabareen, of the opposition Joint List party, said it was "a delusional and draconian law of a delusional government."
It applies only to Israel and east Jerusalem, where the police have authority, and not to the occupied West Bank, which is under army rule.
The legislation on revoking permanent residency permits, proposed by a Likud MP, passed by 48 votes to 18, the Knesset said.
Israel seized control of Arab east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war.
It later annexed the territory, in a move never recognised by the international community, and today it is home to about 300,000 Palestinians.
Although they have the right to apply for Israeli citizenship few take up the offer and of those many are refused, often on unspecified "security grounds."
The vast majority opt for permanent residency status, which gives them free movement throughout Israel, access to health and welfare services and a vote in Jerusalem municipal elections.
They cannot vote in parliamentary elections and they do not hold Israeli passports.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Madrid - Spain marked International Women's Day Thursday with an unprecedented strike in defence of their rights that saw hundreds of trains cancelled and countless protests scheduled throughout the day.
Called by 10 unions to demand gender equality, particularly where salaries are concerned, the strike dominated the headlines with famous female presenters noticeably absent from radio or television shows.
Feminist groups have also called on women not to spend money, particularly on items such as deodorant whose versions created for women often cost more, and to ditch domestic chores for the day.
The strike is attempting to emulate Iceland's 1975 work stoppage, when women took a day off in October to demonstrate their vital contribution to the country's economy and society.
However Spain's two main unions - the CCOO and UGT - have called on their members to stop work for only two hours on Thursday.
Ana Reyes, a 37-year-old PR executive, said she was striking "in the hope that the importance of half of the population will be recognised and that it will bring about a real change."
She told AFP the action gave "visibility to the malaise and discrimination we women suffer".
The strike comes as countries around the world mobilise for #internationalwomensday2018, a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, and comes hot on the heels of #MeToo and #Timesup campaigns that went global with allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
Spain fights hard
Spain is a leading country in the fight for women's rights and against gender violence, even though much remains to be done.
In 2004, for instance, the then Socialist government approved a law on violence against women that the European Council has upheld as an example to follow.
The groundbreaking legislation set up a hotline that would not appear on users' phone bills, offered free legal aid and established special courts for victims.
Last year, though, 49 women died at the hands of their partners or ex-partners, an increase on 2016 when 44 were killed, official statistics show.
Women earn 14.9 percent less than men in Spain, slightly better than the EU average of 16.2 percent, according to the bloc's statistics agency Eurostat.
Official data also show that more women leave their job when they have children than men.
It was not yet clear how many Spaniards went on strike, but trains on the Madrid and Barcelona undergrounds were less frequent than usual.
Meanwhile, more than 300 intercity and long-distance trains were cancelled throughout Spain.
The mobilisation started at midnight when women gathered on Madrid's central Puerta del Sol square to bang pots and pans.
In major cities across the country on Thursday evening, representatives of political parties, unions and associations will join regular men and women protesting for more equality.
Deputy PM speaks out
High-profile women politicians have also spoken out strongly against inequalities.
Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria on Wednesday spoke of the discrimination she has suffered: "When you're a woman and you take on certain responsibilities... you realise that there are still many things that need changing because even as deputy prime minister you experience unacceptable sexist behaviour."
Barcelona's city hall, led by Mayor Ada Colau, hung up a purple banner reading "Barcelona city hall supports the feminist strike."
On Madrid city hall, also led by a woman mayor, Manuela Carmena, banners read "Now is the time for real equality" and "Now is the time to end gender violence."
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
London - US actress Meghan Markle has been baptised by the leader of the Church of England ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry in May, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby performed the 45-minute ceremony at London's Chapel Royal on Tuesday in the presence of Prince Charles, her future father-in-law, the paper said.
Prince Harry's Kensington Palace office declined to comment.
Markle, 36, is understood to have chosen to be baptised and confirmed into the Anglican church out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II's role as the head of the denomination.
The ceremony involved the "Suits" actress being doused with holy water from the River Jordan from the private royal family font, according to the Mail.
The couple will wed on May 19 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, a residence of Queen Elizabeth II's located west of London.
Markle's father is an Episcopalian û- an offshoot of the Anglican Church in the US - while her mother belonged to another Protestant denomination.
However, she attended the Roman Catholic high school in Los Angeles.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Durban (News24.com) - Two Durban attorneys who were embroiled in a legal tussle over the alleged sale of a law firm from one to the other, have settled their differences amicably.
In an order taken by consent in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban recently, Pavitra Govender and Bulelwa Ndamase Paledi recorded that they had settled their civil litigation and that each would pay their own legal costs.
News24 first reported on the matter in October 2017 when Govender launched an urgent High Court application accusing Ndamase - who has also acted as a judge in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng - of attempting to destroy the Umhlanga-based law firm, Ndamase Inc, that she said she had bought from Ndamase as a going concern in June 2016.
In her affidavit, Govender said the agreement made provision for her to take over some clients, office equipment and employees. It also provided for a restraint of trade against Ndamase.
She alleged that Ndamase had broken the restraint of trade agreement and had effectively locked her out of her offices, reported her to the law society and laid baseless criminal charges against her, which led to police seizing her computers.
Allegations
At that time, in terms of an interim order granted by consent before Judge Jacqui Henriques, the investigating officer was ordered to present the relevant docket to the provincial director of public prosecutions for a decision on the merits of the allegations contained in it.
It was also recorded that Ndamase had undertaken not to lay "any false charges or false complaints" with the police or the law society, pending the finalisation of the application.
Ndamase, in her opposing affidavit reported on by News24 in October 2017, claimed her signature was forged and there was no sale of the law practice.
She said she had engaged the services of handwriting analysts who confirmed, in an interim report, that the signature on documents put up by Govender to support her claims, were not hers.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Cape Town will not have Day Zero this year, but only if residents continue to save water, DA leader Mmusi Maimane announced on Wednesday.
Maimane gave an update on the water crisis at a press briefing at the DA federal head office on Monday.
"Every week, water consumption has steadily declined and if we continue at this rate and receive rainfall, we can ensure that Day Zero will not occur," Maimane said.
"This means that the taps will remain open."
Maimane was joined by MEC Anton Bredell, Western Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela, Premier Helen Zille, Deputy Mayor Ian Neilson and mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water, waste services and energy Xanthea Limberg.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Neilson said the City of Cape Town projected that Day Zero would arrive on August 27, 2018 if there was no rainfall.
This date was not announced at the press briefing, nor was it reflected on the City's online dashboard.
"As this date falls deep within the normal rainfall period, it is no longer appropriate to project the date without any consideration of rainfall. Thus, provided we continue our current water saving efforts, Day Zero can be avoided completely this year. It is now up to all of us. If we keep on saving, we will not have to queue for water this year," he said in the statement.
Maimane thanked the drought water crisis team, water transfer service providers and farmers for their assistance in avoiding Day Zero.
"We are excited about the fact that the South African Weather Service has predicted heavy rains, but they predicted the same thing last year," said Zille.
"I am not blaming them, because we now know that climate change made it difficult to foresee. The only way we can avoid Day Zero is if Capetonians continue to save."
Neilson made it clear that level 6B water restrictions and punitive tariffs would remain in place, but would be reviewed at a later date.
Neilson also explained the situation concerning the three desalination plants still under construction.
"We are still intending to put out tenders and contracts for a couple of large desalination plants that strengthen assurance in the diversity of water supply," said Neilson.
Neilson added in the statement that the City's dashboard for this week showed a slight increase in water consumption, bucking the recent downward trend over the last few weeks.
Consumption as at March 5 stood at 537 million litres per day, up from 516 the previous week.
Dam levels have dropped by 0,4% to 23,6%.
News24
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - SABC3's popular Presenter Search on 3 show is back for a fourth time, looking for men and women across the country who have the charisma, looks and telegenic smile to become TV presenters on SABC3 shows ranging from Top Billing and Expresso to Afternoon Express.
Presenter Search on 3 is produced by Cardova Productions. Nationwide auditions will be held and filmed soon for the show that will start broadcasting on SABC3 on Thursday, 10 May at 19:30.
People who think they have what it takes - bods, brains, and being able to walk and talk while not making it look as if you're reciting lines but really having a conversation with viewers - don't have to do anything but pitch up at the audition venues on the right date and fill out an entry form.
SABC3 says the channel is not just looking for a presenter for a TV show - "We are looking for brand ambassadors that embody the spirit of SABC3 as a channel that shines the spotlight on our progress and aspirations".
Do you have what it takes?
Here is the type of person that SABC3 and Presenter Search on 3 is looking for: "Life in the spotlight will not only be filled with glamour and travel, the potential winners need to reflect the dynamic spirit of SA with a go-getter attitude that makes them own any room they walk into. They should be unapologetic about who they are, proud of their background and be able to represent South Africa on any stage be it local, regional or international."
While it looks glamorous, the competition is looking for people who are serious about being and becoming TV presenters and who have an understanding of the hard work it requires behind the scenes, that you need to be a team player, work long hours and still be able to smile at the end of a long day even if things went wrong but the camera man needs you to deliver lines faultlessly in the last few minutes of natural sunlight left.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Sydney (AFP) - Australia vice-captain David Warner says he will always stick up for his family after claiming a "vile and disgusting" remark about his wife by South Africa's Quinton de Kock led to their ugly altercation.
Both players were punished Wednesday for the bust-up during the opening Test in Durban, with Warner fined 75 percent of his match fee and De Kock 25 percent.
They are free to play the second Test starting Friday in Port Elizabeth, although Warner was also given three demerit points, meaning he will be banned if he gets one more within the next year.
Warner admitted he let his emotions take over after confronting the Proteas wicketkeeper/batsman as the players walked up a narrow staircase to the dressing rooms during the tea interval on Sunday.
Footage was captured on CCTV and leaked, showing the Australian being restrained by his team-mates.
Warner said he was used to taking flak from fans and opposition players, but claimed De Kock's remark crossed a line.
"The other day I was probably out of line. I've seen the footage and I regret the way it played out but for me - it is how I am and I responded emotionally and regretted the way I played out," he told Australian media in South Africa.
"But I'll always stick up for my family. I cop it left, right and centre, especially off the field from spectators. I am used to that and it doesn't bother me."
"But in the proximity of my personal space and behind me, a comment that was vile and disgusting and about my wife and just in general about a lady was quite poor, I felt."
He added: "When it comes to family or racism comments or anything like that, that's just a no-go zone."
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the Proteas who will be awarded national contracts for the 2018-19 season.
The contracts cover the bilateral tours away to Sri Lanka and Australia as well as the home series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, finishing with the 2019 edition of the ICC World Cup to be played in England and Wales.
First time national contracts have been awarded to Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi who have both made their international debuts during the course of the past contract year.
"We made an exception last year in increasing the number of contracted players to 21 but this year we are comfortable that the normal standard number of 18 will be appropriate to maintain our national squads across all three formats," commented CSA Acting Chief Executive, Thabang Moroe.
"This enables us to contract both our Test players as well as those who are limited overs specialists.
"Aiden and Lungi have both made an immediate impact on the international scene and this is a continuation of our policy of having a strong squad with a good mix of young and experienced world-class stars."
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Wydad Casablanca, whose great defence won them the CAF Champions League last year, showed another side of their game as they thrashed Williamsville of the Ivory Coast 7-2 on Wednesday.
The visitors were first to score after only three minutes, then came from behind to hold the reigning champions 2-2 at half-time in a last-32 first leg in Casablanca.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, who preceded Wydad as champions, drew 0-0 with Rayon Sports in Rwanda while compatriots Wits fell 1-0 to a late Primeiro Agosto goal in Angola.
A 4-0 win for Mazembe over Mozambican visitors Songo was no surprise given the gulf in strength between the clubs and rapidly improving Ben Malango helped himself to a hat-trick.
Jean Francis Kouadio N'Da scored both goals for Williamsville, who upset vastly experienced Stade Malien of Mali in the preliminary round.
Recently appointed coach Faouzi Benzarti said before the match that he "saw no reason why Wydad could not retain the title".
It will be a tough task for the Moroccan outfit given that only Al Ahly of Egypt, TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Enyimba of Nigeria have achieved the feat in 54 years.
However, scoring seven goals in a first outing can only boost the belief of a side that lost star attacker Achraf Bencharki to a Saudi Arabian club after conquering Africa.
It has been a season of goal sprees with another Moroccan club, Difaa el Jadida, scoring 10, Mouloudia Alger of Algeria nine and Zesco United of Zambia seven in preliminary matches.
Jadida found V Club of DR Congo much harder to penetrate and had to settle for a 1-0 victory at home to the 1973 champions through an early goal from Tanzanian Simon Msuva.
Mouloudia and Zesco both suffered one-goal losses, but the Algerians will be much the happier of the two teams.
They lost 2-1 to Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) in Nigeria and will fancy their chances of overcoming the slender deficit in north Africa, especially having scored an away goal.
African debutants MFM, who are bankrolled by a popular pentecostal church, scored and conceded before Bashiru Monsuru snatched the winner six minutes from time.
Zesco reached the 2016 Champions League semi-finals and were expected to build a first-leg advantage at home to former champions ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Mark Alexander is set to stand for another term as president of SA Rugby after nominations for official positions were confirmed on Wednesday.
However, in a press release sent by SA Rugby, the organisation confirmed that Alexander will be opposed by Andre May from the Leopards.
Alexander has stood as president of the union since 2016 after succeeding Oregan Hoskins.
He previously served as deputy president from 2007.
One of Alexander's main priorities when taking over as SA Rugby president was securing the 2023 Rugby World Cup for South Africa.
However, South Africans were left stunned in November last year when France won the right to stage the prestigious event despite the World Rugby council recommending that South Africa host it.
The general council meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Nominations received by Tuesday's deadline for positions to be elected at a General Council meeting of the South African Rugby Union are as follows (in alphabetical order):
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Durban (News24.com) - The Sharks , desperate for a win, have made a number of changes to their side for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves in Durban.
Curwin Bosch returns for his first start of the season at fullback, while Lwazi Mvovo drops to the bench.
There is also a Super Rugby debut for Wian Volsoo, who starts in the No 6 jersey, while Gideon Koegelenberg will also debut should he come off the bench.
In the front row, hooker Akker van der Merwe gets a start while Chiliboy Ralepelle comes onto the bench with Franco Marais missing out.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Johannesburg (News24.com) - Lions coach Swys de Bruin has named his side for Saturday's Super Rugby encounter against the Blues at Ellis Park (kick-off 17:15).
De Bruin named an unchanged starting XV from the one that ran out in last weekend's 49-35 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.There are however three changes to the bench, with loose forwards Kwagga Smith and Hacjivah Dayimani coming back into the fray and utility back Ashlon Davids also included.
Smith had missed last weekend's match due to compassionate leave.
De Bruin has therefore opted for only two backline reserves, with back-up scrumhalf Marco Jansen van Vuren falling out of the match-day 23.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Mark Cavendish has been ruled out of Tirreno-Adriatico after a heavy crash on Wednesday's opening stage, in which he sustained a rib fracture, saw him finish outside of the official time limit.
The 32-year-old got back onto his bike after crashing and completed the stage, where he was immediately treated by Jarrad van Zuydam on the team bus.
Preliminary examination revealed no concussive symptoms but Cavendish did complain of pain in his chest which the medical staff ruled warranted further investigation at a local hospital.
"Unfortunately Mark was involved in a crash with about 5km to go in yesterday's team time trial," said Van Zuydam.
"He came down pretty hard at around 55km/h and he sustained multiple abrasions and soft tissue injuries to his knees, hips, hands and some swelling on his face as well; but he had a lot of rib pain which we went to x-ray, and found that he has a fracture of the seventh rib on the right side.
"The fracture's nice and stable and should heal well," he said.
"The plan was to let him start stage two but unfortunately it was ruled he finished outside the time limit and so won't be allowed to take the start," said Van Zuydam.
Cavendish expressed his gratitude for the messages of support he and the team had received since the incident.
"Thanks, as always, to everyone that's sent messages, it's hugely appreciated. It's frustrating to have crashed, particularly in light of the concussion that I sustained in Abu Dhabi, but I'm just pleased that there's no major damage done.
"Despite the pain from my injury I was really looking forward to a fast second stage and naturally disappointed that I'm not going to be a part of it."
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Pretoria (News24.com) - Handre Pollard moves back to flyhalf for the Bulls when they take on the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Springbok No 10 had been moved to inside centre for last weekend's clash against the Lions at Ellis Park following the late withdrawal of Burger Odendaal.
Instead, new signing Johnny Kotze will play at inside centre against the Reds.
There is also a return to the starting line-up for Warrick Gelant, who replaces Divan Rossouw at fullback.
The Bulls started their 2018 campaign in superb fashion when they beat the Hurricanes at Loftus in week two, but they came unstuck against the Lions in week three.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Durban (News24.com) - Kings Park in Durban has a new title sponsor, the Sharks confirmed ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves on Saturday, and the stadium will undergo a name change as a result.
According to a statement from the Sharks on Thursday, the famous venue will now be called Jonsson Kings Park after the South African workwear manufacturers came on board as a sponsor.
Jonsson Workwear, although a national brand with a strong presence internationally, was founded in Durban and continues to be headquartered there.
The partnership, the Sharks say, will see the revitalisation of Kings Park and the surrounding precinct as well as Jonsson branding on the Sharks' kit.
"Both brands are proudly KZN with a national attraction because of our relevance and commitment to excellence. We look forward to a long-term partnership that will seek to move boundaries and redefine the profile of our wonderful province of KZN," Sharks CEO Gary Teichmann said.
Nick Jonsson, CEO of Jonsson Workwear echoed Teichmann's sentiment.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with The Sharks in renaming, rebranding and revitalising Kings Park. As a proudly Durban based business we wish to encourage other local iconic businesses to work with us to make Durban a lifestyle and business destination of choice. And we are neighbours after all," he said.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - New Zealand referee Glen Jackson will take charge of Friday's Super Rugby clash between the Highlanders and the Stormers in Dunedin.
Kick-off is at 08:35 SA time.
The Capetonians will be desperate to cause an upset after they were smashed 45-28 at the hands of the Crusaders last weekend.
Another Kiwi referee, Jamie Nutbrown , will officiate Saturday's clash between the Reds and the Bulls in Brisbane (10:45 SA time) while Argentina's Federico Anselmi will blow the match between the Sharks and Sunwolves in Durban (15:05).
In the other match involving a South African side, Australia's Nic Berry will be in charge of the clash between the Lions and the Blues in Johannesburg (17:15).
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Lock Salmaan Moerat is set to make his Stormers debut off the substitutes bench against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.
There are five changes to the Stormers starting line-up and a further four on the bench for the encounter at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, which kicks off at 08:35 South African time.
The only change to the backline sees Dillyn Leyds move back to wing to make way for the returning Damian Willemse, with Seabelo Senatla ruled out due to a groin strain and JJ Engelbrecht providing cover among the substitutes.
Up front Kobus van Dyk will start at blindside flank in the absence of Cobus Wiese, who is nursing a shoulder injury.
There is an all-new lock pairing in Jan de Klerk and Chris van Zyl, with JD Schickerling having returned home injured and both Pieter-Steph du Toit and the 20-year-old Moerat set to provide impact off the bench. Du Toit is recovering from concussion and has been bracketed with George Whitehead.
The only change to the front row sees Steven Kitshoff back in the starting XV, with JC Janse van Rensburg on the bench.
Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said that his team will be going all-out to end their tour on a high.
"We have had some brave performances on this tour and the players are looking forward to the challenge in Dunedin against the Highlanders," he said.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Johannesburg (News24.com) - Jean Hugo and Hennie Du Plessis shot a final round 11-under 61 (betterball) to claim the inaugural Steyn City Team Championship on a total of 23-under-par.
The first day saw the pros play foursomes in the morning and greensomes in the afternoon, and, the pairing came into the final round one shot off the pairings of Neil Schietekat and Colin Nel and Lyle Rowe and Matthew Carvell.
Three birdies in a row saw the duo turn in 30 on the front nine and that set the standard for the rest of the day's play.
"We needed a quick start and we got off to a nice one. We birdied the first three - but we always seemed to be a bit behind. I think the birdie on the ninth hole by Hennie actually changed things for us because I don't think there were many birdies on that hole," explained Hugo.
It came down to the last hole as newly turned pro Kyle McClatchie and last year's Rookie of the Year Christiaan Bezuidenhout needed a birdie to force a play-off.
"Kyle and Christiaan played very well on the back nine and they didn't let up and they didn't give us any breathing space," said Hugo.
"We're very chuffed and we both played very well today, myself on the front nine and Hennie basically took over on the back, so it was brilliant."
Du Plessis echoed the thoughts of his playing partner and was overjoyed with his form on the homeward nine.
"We saw from the scoreboards out there that we were always one shot behind," said Du Plessis. "We just kept the gas going after our brilliant start and did our thing, so yeah, I'm really happy with the win."
Looking back on the week, Hugo praised the layout at Steyn City and highlighted how impressed he was with the venue.
"It's an amazing place and it sets up well for this type of format. They moved up a few holes today that you could actually drive and it's risk and reward. The vibe here this week between all the golfers was excellent. We just really happy we got the first one," Hugo explained.
With the pros in a jubilant mood, next week there will be more fun to be had as the top 50 on the Order of Merit head to Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate for the season-ending Tour Championship.
Scores:
193 - H Du Plessis & J Hugo 66 66 61
194 - K McClatchie & C Bezuidenhout 65 67 62
195 - R McGowan & T Tree 69 63 63, N Schietekat & C Nel 67 64 64
196 - T Ryan & H Porteous 68 66 62
197 - T Moore & W Coetsee 70 67 60, JJ Senekal & R West 68 65 64, L Rowe & M Carvell 70 61 66
198 - S Ferreira & R Huysamen 69 66 63, O Bekker & J Harding 69 65 64, J Harvey & M Hollick 69 69 60
199 - L de Jager & W Dingle 69 66 64, M Williams & A Michael 71 65 63
200 - T Spangenberg & NJ Arnoldi 67 69 64, C Mowat & B Meyer 69 66 65, J Walters & R Tipping 69 68 63, A De Decker & M Rohwer 66 68 66, T Fisher Jnr & U van den Berg 73 65 62, C Swanepoel & M Bremner 75 63 62
201 - C Martin & T Gauche 67 68 66, K Barker & A Haindl 70 67 64, F Coetzee & A Rosado 70 67 64
203 - B Easton & G Mulroy 69 69 65
204 - C Cannon & N O'Briain 66 68 70
Sport24
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Springbok Sevens player Ruhan Nel does not mind when things happen in threes, but if the Blitzboks manage to reach the final for a third consecutive year at the Canada Sevens, he would prefer it to end up differently.
Nel, who scored three tries on debut for the Blitzboks, believes they can go all the way in Vancouver this weekend, despite the absence of a number of stalwarts for the sixth tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
For that to happen, Nel is willing to put up his hand and make his presence felt, especially on defence.
"I am more than happy to be seen as one of the pillars on defence," said Nel.
"Playing fifteens last year made me more aware of the physical dominance on defence and I am happy to apply that in sevens. In fact, I could use some sevens skills in fifteen as well, like spatial awareness for example.
"I was happy with my contribution in Vegas, considering that I was not part of the original squad and was aiming towards the Vancouver tournament."
The influential midfielder was called into action in Las Vegas last weekend as the official replacement when Werner Kok was concussed in the first match of the tournament. The original plan was for him to make his return in Vancouver, but Nel was more than happy to run onto the Las Vegas pitch.
"When I saw Werner taking the knock, I thought I might be in business sooner than planned. My knee came through fine though and I am ready for this weekend," said Nel, who has played 25 tournaments so far.
"We slipped up in Las Vegas and we know what we did wrong, so we are keen to get back on the field and rectify those mistakes. There is no reason why we cannot do that and be successful again."
The Blitzboks visited West Vancouver Secondary School on Tuesday and according to Nel it was a fruitful afternoon.
"We love meeting local kids in all the countries we play and this was no different," he said.
"This time around we visited a different school from the previous two years and it was quite a scenic route to get here, so it was a nice trip overall."
Last year was an extraordinary season for Nel, who was part of three different title-winning squads. The first was the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title with the Blitzboks, and then both the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and Currie Cup with Western Province.
He is quick to name another three on his "to-do" list: "Well, Vancouver for one, then the Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast in April) and the Rugby Sevens World Cup (San Francisco in July). Looking at the last two, a good performance here in Vancouver is then non-negotiable."
The tournament is played on 10-11 March and South Africa face New Zealand, Scotland and Russia in Pool D.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - Defending champion Kent Main repeated his triumph of a year ago as he climbed to victory on top of Du Toitskloof Pass on the third stage of the Tour of Good Hope near Paarl on Wednesday.
The 137km queen stage of South Africa's premier road stage race saw the DiData Continental team scoop the top three placings.
Main, a 22-year-old pro from Johannesburg, and team-mate Stefan de Bod, who won the overall title two years ago, crossed the finish line together in 3:39:56.
Completing the clean sweep of the podium was Italian Matteo Sobrero, who got the better of Gustav Basson (ProTouch) in the closing metres.
With two stages left, De Bod provisionally leads the race ahead of Main and Basson.
The key element in their success during the stage, Main said, was their teamwork.
He and team-mates Luca Mozzato and Louis Visser were part of a breakaway group that went clear after 40km and, although they were later joined by De Bod, their efforts came to nothing as the peloton reassembled before the start of the finishing climb.
"Luca then started off things at the beginning of the climb, keeping the pace nice and high," said Main, who won the tour in a heart-stopping grand finale by one second last year.
"He and Ollie (Jones) did a good job. Once they peeled off Matteo did a massive job for us with a bit of a surge, bringing it down to about five riders at the front.
"From that position, with about 4km to go, I did a small acceleration to get rid of the last riders, leaving just Stefan and myself."
He said they worked together until the finish, riding conservatively but putting in some harder turns to open the gap to their closest challengers.
"The biggest thing I can say today is that it was a perfect team effort. If it wasn't for that, it would not have worked out so well for us in the end," said Main.
"My team-mates were able to put pressure on the rest so by the time they reached the climb they were already battling a bit."
The stage winner said they rode fairly conservatively in the early breakaway.
"When Stefan came across to us, we tried to open up a gap, but, because of the nature of the course, a lot of guys came back to us," he said.
"We knew BCX were chasing for the sprint points so we sat up and waited for them until the 115km mark and had a free ride all the way to the climb.
"From there, everyone did a massive job for the team and as a unit we really worked well together."
Although he felt his form was better than 12 months ago, he reiterated that there was still a lot of work to be done.
"The tour is not over yet and anything can happen," said Main, suggesting that they would continue to ride aggressively to limit the stress of anyone dangerous getting in a breakaway.
Ariane Luthi consolidated her place at the top of the standings with her second stage win in as many days.
She stopped the clock on 4:20:39 to beat Carmen Buchacher (dormakaba) and Lucy James to the line.
Luthi, who won the individual time-trial on Tuesday, led a breakaway of six after an attack by Buchacher had spread the field. Their breakaway companions were national road champion Carla Oberholzer (Demacon), Namibian Vera Adrian and Catherine Colyn.
"We basically rode to the start of the pass fairly slowly, but Carmen then started pacing quite hard," she said.
"Even though the legs were starting to hurt a bit, I felt comfortable with the pace.
"I thought Carla was my biggest threat for yellow," explained Luthi.
"When I looked back and saw her suffering a bit, I pushed harder and was able to force a split in the final few kilometres. Carmen and Lucy stayed with me."
From that point, it became a tactical battle, but she managed to surge ahead in sight of the finish and was able to maintain the gap.
"I am very pleased to win the stage and keep the yellow jersey. In comparison to last year, I feel 100 times better and that's important," she said.
"I do feel confident, but in road racing anything can happen and I will not be underestimating anyone over the last two days."
Thursday's fourth stage - the same one that was cancelled due to high winds last year - is over 134km with an equally challenging 2 900m of climbing.
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
Cape Town (News24.com) - South Africa's Lee-Anne Pace has duel objectives on the mind ahead of the South African Women's Open at Westlake Golf Club from March 8-10 in Cape Town.
Last year, the 12-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner completed a hat-trick of titles with her third successive victory at San Lameer Country Club to join Mandy Adamson as a three-time national Open winner.
Winning the title four times is her first big aspiration.
"My goal this week is simple; I want to win," said Pace. "I'd really like to lift that trophy. I will try to get good scores in the first two rounds to put myself in contention. But we'll have to see what the weather does. Sometimes level par can be a good score if the wind really blows."
The South African Women's Open is the marquee event on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
This year's edition is co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour for the first time since 2014 and offers a purse of R2-million, with the winner getting the lion share worth R317 000.
Pace also has the season-long points list on her mind.
At 15th with 590 points, the Boschenmeer golfer is some way off top of the pile Stacy Bregman on 1710 points but with 2400 points up for grabs for the winner, the motivation is certainly there and Pace could make the jump to claim the points list title and continue to dominate the money list title she claimed in the 2014, 2015 and 2016,
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
A KVH SatNews service. Sources: TEAMtalk Media Group, AFP
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