Tragedy, hope mingle in the week that was
Farmworker death sparks ire
The Matshelapad informal settlement near Krugersdorp has been rocked by racial tensions after farmworker Aron Mutavhatsindi was allegedly shot at point-blank range and killed by a white security officer. Mutavhatsindi was driving a tractor belonging to his employer when the incident occurred.
Could Oprah trump Trump?
Oprah Winfrey’s stirring speech at the Golden Globes, where she was awarded the Cecil B DeMille award, has prompted overtures for the much-loved media mogul to make a run for the United States presidency. It caused President Donald Trump to opine: “Yeah, I’ll beat Oprah. Oprah would be a lot of fun.”
Of Hoodies & Missteps
Swedish clothing store H&M caused a furore after advertising a black child wearing a hoodie with the words “Coolest monkey in the jungle” emblazoned on the front. South African celebrities called for a boycott and Canadian singer The Weeknd withdrew his association with the brand. H&M came under fire during its 2015 launch in South Africa for failing to use black models, exacerbating the situation by stating it had intended to convey a “positive image”.
Calamity strikes twice on rails
More than 200 people were injured after a train crashed into another stationary train at the Geldenhuys railway station in Germiston, east of Johannesburg. Days before, in the Free State, a passenger train travelling from Port Elizabeth crashed into a truck, killing 19 people and leaving at least 260 injured.
Proof of life offers ray of hope
The family of kidnapped South African photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed has received proof of life, nearly a year after his abduction in Syria. Mohamed’s family got answers to 10 questions sent to his captors that only he would be able to answer. Gift of the Givers has been working towards his release, renewing hope for his safe return.
McKinsey bleeds more clients
Coca-Cola and Sasol have become the latest businesses to cut ties with the compromised McKinsey. They join Absa, Standard Bank and Nedbank in sidelining the consulting firm, which has been implicated in aiding state capture through the Gupta-linked Trillian Capital.
Botswana reins in pastor
“Prophet” Shepherd Bushiri’s churches in Botswana have been shut down after the government said his “miracle money” contravened the country’s laws. The controversial pastor has a string of investments in South Africa and filled Jo’burg’s 87 000-seater FNB Stadium on New Year’s Eve.