JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s intelligence agency became weakened by corruption under ex-president Jacob Zuma, his successor Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday, weeks after unprecedented unrest overwhelmed the police and prompted deployment of the military. Ramaphosa told a judicial panel probing the plunder of state assets under Zuma: “We have been through a period of state capture that…
Category: News
S.Africa’s Ramaphosa pressed to step up fight against party ‘rot’
South Africa’s embattled health minister has bowed to pressure to step aside over corruption allegations, but analysts say President Cyril Ramaphosa still has a mountain to climb to cleanse the ruling party of graft. President Cyril Ramaphosa came to power in February 2018 on a ticket to root out the plundering of state coffers that…
After riots tear through South Africa, the nation wonders: What now?
DURBAN, South Africa — The sense of shock was palpable as a handful of residents stared at a shopping center in ruins. Windows were smashed, the parking lot was filled with debris, and “Free Zuma” was spray-painted on the facade of The Ridge, a once-pristine center that sits on Shallcross Road, a major thoroughfare in Durban,…
South Africa riots reveal political failures
This month’s riots across South Africa have underscored concerns about inequality and stability after nearly three decades of democracy. In Soweto, owners of pillaged shops accuse the government of failing them. Mahamadali Randera watched helplessly from outside his electronics shop at a strip mall in Soweto as determined looters broke through its heavy metal gate….
Scholars grieve loss of priceless antiquities in Cape Town fire
CAPE TOWN — It was no ordinary library. The University of Cape Town’s Jagger Reading Room, destroyed by a runaway fire this week, was a beacon of African history and intellect. The African studies section of the 1930s library was engulfed by flames on Sunday when a fire sparked on the foothills of the city’s…
Thousands take to London streets to protest racism, George Floyd death
LONDON — After almost a week of violence in cities across the United States following the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis, thousands took to the streets of central London on Wednesday to protest racism and show solidarity with their American counterparts. On a gray and dreary day in Britain’s capital, the crowd met…
Who was Iran’s Qassem Soleimani and why does his death matter?
The death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a United States airstrike in Baghdad on Thursday will likely unite Iran and its allies in mourning the man some considered to be Tehran’s second most powerful leader. But little is known outside the Middle East about the man who played such a key role in shaping conflicts across the…
Up to 114 degrees in France: Record-breaking heat in Europe forces tourists to adapt
PARIS — Europeans aren’t breathing a sigh of relief just yet following a day of record-breaking heat, with temperatures soaring once again on Saturday. The unusual heat has left many struggling to cope in the French capital where homes and buildings are not designed for steamy conditions or equipped with air conditioning. “We were not expecting…
Workers, seniors face health risks amid extreme heat wave in Europe
PARIS — In clear view of the Eiffel Tower, Chaima Boutouil and her colleagues have no way of keeping cool while hovering over hot plates making crepes in the midst of a heat wave spreading across Europe on Thursday. “In the morning, I drank six or seven bottles of water,” Boutouil, 25, told NBC News while working…
B.C. First Nations evade evacuation orders to fight fires
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Emergency officials and police are urging British Columbia residents to respect evacuation orders ahead of fast-moving wildfires, but some First Nations are standing their ground, successfully protecting their homes and property. The chief of the Tl’etinqox First Nation said RCMP officers told them to leave or risk having their children taken away….
B.C. Greens, riding high in polls, make election hard to call
VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s Green Party has turned the province’s election campaign into an unpredictable three-way race as polls show a phenomenal rise in support. The centre-right Liberal Party, led by Premier Christy Clark, is seeking to hang on to power after 16 years. Clark has repeatedly attacked the temperament of her main opponent, NDP Leader John Horgan,…
B.C. climate plan needs carbon tax hikes, major policy changes: experts
VANCOUVER — Experts say they’re not sure British Columbia’s overdue climate change plan will go far enough in increasing carbon taxes and tightening environmental policies to reach the province’s long term goals to reduce emissions. B.C.’s Liberal government is scheduled to announce its Climate Leadership Plan on Friday, but Green party Leader Andrew Weaver said…
Canada needs to invest in new hospitals, says health care association
Dr. Richard Johnston knew the health care system was in trouble when he walked down a hallway at University of Alberta Hospital and saw an older woman housed in a linen closet instead of a proper room.
Enrolment at private schools growing after B.C. teachers’ strike
Enrolment at independent schools across British Columbia has spiked this year, and the 2014 five-week public-school teachers’ strike is part of the reason, says a spokesman for a group representing private institutions.
Open enrolment policies raise test scores, report says
Apolicy change that gave parents greater choice in where to enroll their children encouraged B.C. schools to “up their game” and improved students’ test results, a new report says.
Downtown Eastside businesses look to improve relations with residents
Businesses in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are collaborating with local activists and community groups to improve relations with local residents.
Ministry questioned over $350,000 social media campaign during BCTF strike
Teachers and politicians are questioning the B.C. Ministry of Education for spending more than $350,000 on a digital media campaign during the teachers strike last year.
Yes campaign looks to student voters for support in transit plebiscite
About 105,000 students are eligible to vote in the transit plebiscite, and many of them use public transit, said Bahareh Jokar, co-chair of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition.
First Nations leaders highlight ‘massive need’ for reform in mining industry
First Nations leaders say regulatory changes for the mining industry are needed to prevent a repeat of the Mount Polley tailings dam collapse.
Vancouver clinic looks to recruit sexually active gay men for blood donations
Despite decades of being banned from giving blood, sexually active gay men are now being asked to donate to a Vancouver clinic that is doing research into blood products.