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South Africa, World

While you were sleeping: 12 June 2017

While you were sleeping: 12 June 2017
Macron project to secure large majority, Berlin hosts African business conference, and Melania Trump heads to the White House.





Monday, 12 June 2017


“There are friends one makes at a youthful age in whom one simply rejoices, for whom one possesses a love and loyalty mysteriously lacking in the friendships made in after-years, no matter how genuine.”
William Styron




 



 












STORY OF THE DAY


#GuptaLeaks: Cracks appear in the Zupta edifice


By RANJENI MUNUSAMY





It has been two straight weeks of non-stop revelations about the Gupta tentacles and interference in state affairs. The tranche of leaked Gupta emails have removed any doubt that the family is the controlling force in government. As the methods of courting and manipulating people in government and state-owned enterprises continue to be exposed, panic has set in among some of the people who are compromised or in danger of being outed for their dealings with the family. Some are now seeking legal advice and considering options to “come clean”, while others are banking on the next Zuma Presidency providing continued protection for the racket. But how long before the dam walls burst? 





 



 



 









Macron set for huge majority win



There appears to be no bittersweet Borodino situation for French President Emmanuel Macron's party in the wake of Sunday's elections. The president's sway appeared to have created a massive majority vote in his favour. For Macron, the next week's second round of voting could see 400 and 445 seats in the 577-member National Assembly for his Republique en Marche (Republic on the Move, REM) party and its ally MoDem. Resident fanatic Marine Le Pen and her far right National Front appear set to get just under 10 seats.





 





Merkel to seek African miracle



German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be hosting a large African-focused summit today. With the focus on alleviating poverty and reducing refugee flows, Germany will see over 100 businesses, banks, government leaders and NGOs descend upon Berlin. Although  the aims are clear, whether any serious outcomes will materialise from the summit certainly remains to be seen.





 









Melania Trump heads for the White House



Six months after Donald Trump took occupancy at the White House, Melania Trump and their son Barron have moved in. The Trump's child had been finishing his school year in New York, but will now join a nearby establishment just outside Washington. For Melania, the move will now establish just what kind of First Lady she intends to be.





 





Penguins clinch Stanley Cup



The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup by securing a 4-2 series win. Defeating the Nashville Senators in a final 2-0 clash on Sunday, the Pens retain their title and become the first franchise to do so in 19 years.





 









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IN NUMBERS


18,000



The dollar cost per KG of a caterpillar/fungus hybrid creature. 





 









FACTS OF THE DAY



Today is the World Day Against Child Labour.


There are zero rules that prevent female players from entering the NFL.





 









FEATURED ARTICLES






















OPINIONISTAS















Trevor, Ithi Awazi


A column by FIKILE MBALULA



 















Betraying the Martyrs of June 1976


A column by BRIJ MAHARAJ



 












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