The AfricaBrief provides a daily digest of important current news and something no other newsletter offers about Africa: contributions from "ordinary" writers!
Monday, 15 January 2018
Still Friends? The trouble with old sitcoms http://ift.tt/2DzqORa
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Toronto police say scissor attack on a girl's hijab 'did not happen'
Authorities in Toronto say the incident alleged to have taken place last Friday never occurred.
Still Friends? The trouble with old sitcoms
As 90s sitcom Friends faces a backlash for alleged homophobia and sexism, we ask, was it ever thus?
Denmark Facebook sex video: More than 1,000 young people charged http://ift.tt/2r6R42J
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Denmark Facebook sex video: More than 1,000 young people charged
They are accused of sharing explicit videos of two 15-year-olds via Facebook Messenger.
Spain to replace US as second most popular tourism spot http://ift.tt/2FHJ6As
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Spain to replace US as second most popular tourism spot
The UN says Spain is set to replace the US as the world's second most popular tourism destination.
California car crashes into second floor building
The car mounted a central reservation and crashed in to the Santa Ana dental office.
California car crashes into second floor building http://ift.tt/2mxX3YN
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Pro-Putin social media campaign hijacked by critics http://ift.tt/2EIbIIi
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Pro-Putin social media campaign hijacked by critics
Russian social media users are using the hashtag #RussiaNeedsPutin to debate the President's record.
France's 'Black Widow of the Riviera' tried over poisonings
Patricia Dagorn is accused of seducing and poisoning four elderly men - two of whom died as a result.
Will technology upstage Detroit's car show?
The Detroit motor show is a major industry event, but technological advances are changing the traditional order.
Will technology upstage Detroit's car show? http://ift.tt/2D5iuHV
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Ford to boost investment in electric cars by 2022 http://ift.tt/2myfWL2
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Floor collapses at Jakarta stock exchange http://ift.tt/2D49NgM
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Ford to boost investment in electric cars by 2022
The firm says it will have 40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles in its range within five years.
Floor collapses at Jakarta stock exchange
A floor has collapsed at the Jakarta stock exchange building, sending a student group crashing into the lobby.
Syria war: US Kurdish 'border force' plan denounced
Turkey's president vows to "suffocate" efforts to train Kurdish fighters and create "a terror army".
Syria war: US Kurdish 'border force' plan denounced http://ift.tt/2r83OpQ
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Huge oil spill spreads after burning tanker sinks off China http://ift.tt/2DzafF3
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
MEDIA ADVISORY Deputy President Ramaphosa to deliver the eulogy at Prof Keorapetse Kgositsile’s Special Official Funeral service – 16 January 2018 Johannesburg - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of late Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile on Tuesday, 16 January 2018 at the Marks Park Sport Club in Emmerentia, Johannesburg. Professor Kgositsile’s funeral was declared a Special Official Funeral by President Jacob Zuma. The renowned professor, who was a veteran activist and a giant of the liberation struggle, passed away on Wednesday, 3 January 2018. Professor Kgositsile was a recipient of the National Order of Ikamanga for his contribution to the field of literature and was inaugurated in 2006 as South Africa’s second National Poet Laureate. He taught literature at various institutions across the world such as the University of California in Los Angeles, North Carolina University, State University of New York, University of Denver, University of Nairobi, University of Botswana and the University Of Fort Hare. Enquiries: Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440 Issued by GCIS on behalf of The Presidency Pretoria 15 January 2018
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
MEDIA ALERT MINISTER KUBAYI-NGUBANE TO UNDERTAKE A BACK-TO-SCHOOL CAMPAIGN The Minister of Communications, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will visit three schools based in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces to motivate learners and handover computer labs as part of the Back-to-school campaign. The Minister will also donate one television set with a set-top-box per school. Members of the media are invited to cover the events. Details are as follows:- DAY ONE: 17 JANUARY 2018 Part one - Maphophe Village Time: 07h00 – 08h30 Venue: Basopa High School, Maphophe Village in Mhinga. Minister Kubayi-Ngubane will be joined by Hosinkulu Mhinga and the Mayor of Lim 345 Municipality, Cllr Joyce Bila. Part two - Seshego-B Time: 12h00 – 13h30 Venue: Masedibu Secondary School, Seshego B Minister Kubayi-Ngubane will be supported by the Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, Cllr John Mpe. DAY TWO: 18 JANUARY 2018 The handover of a computer lab and a TV with a set-top box will take place as follows:- Time: 07h00 – 08h30 Venue: Thusa Setjhaba Secondary School, Poortjie, Gauteng Province Media RSVP and enquiries should be directed to: Ireen Mmatlou Magwai on 082 440 5676. Issued by Government Communication and Information System 15 January 2018
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
MEDIA STATEMENT MINISTER KUBAYI-NGUBANE CLARIFIES THE PROCESSES OF APPOINTMENT OF SABC EXECUTIVES The Minister of Communications, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has noted the media reports about the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer at the SABC. The Minister wishes to advise the media that all appointments of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of State Owned Entities are done through Cabinet processes and therefore the announcements of the outcome are made by Cabinet. It is the Minister’s responsibility to present any appointment of executives of the SOEs under the Department of Communications through Cabinet processes. To this end, the Minister has no knowledge of any official appointment of a COO of SABC. Media Enquiries: Ireen Mmatlou Magwai on 082440 5676 Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Ministry of Communications 15 January 2018
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Huge oil spill left after burning tanker sinks off China
Fuel from the Sanchi has spread over more than 100 sq km and could badly damage marine life.
Saudi Ritz 'gilded jail' hotel to reopen
The hotel has been a luxury detention centre for dozens of princes held on suspicion of corruption.
Former Zimbabwe aide: We feared Mugabe lynching
Zimbabwe aide says he feared the president being killed in a "Libyan scenario" during his last week.
Saudi Ritz 'gilded jail' hotel to reopen http://ift.tt/2D5VGaG
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Former Zimbabwe aide: We feared Mugabe lynching http://ift.tt/2Ddgd1i
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Hawaii alert: Employee who sent missile warning reassigned http://ift.tt/2DiJ03S
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Hawaii alert: Employee who sent missile warning reassigned
People in the US state received messages warning of an imminent attack after a human error on Saturday.
French FA suspends kicking referee http://ift.tt/2FCtHBh
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
French FA suspends kicking referee
The referee who aimed a kick at a Nantes player and sent him off against Paris St-Germain is suspended "until further notice" by the French FA.
Paul Lambert appointed Stoke manager http://ift.tt/2mFkJeD
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Singapore recruits swanbots to test water quality http://ift.tt/2mF6WEU
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Singapore recruits swanbots to test water quality
Swanbots are taking to the waters of Singapore in order to test the quality of its reservoirs' drinking water.
Car hurled into upper floor of California building http://ift.tt/2D2Rt7N
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Car hurled into upper floor of California building
The vehicle was left suspended above the ground, but both people in it survived the crash.
Twelve hurt in Russia knife fight at Perm school http://ift.tt/2rci29l
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Twelve hurt in Russia knife fight at Perm school
A teacher and 11 children were slashed at a school in Perm as two boys fought with knives.
MEDIA STATEMENT MINISTER KUBAYI-NGUBANE CLARIFIES THE PROCESSES OF APPOINTMENT OF SABC EXECUTIVES The Minister of Communications, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has noted the media reports about the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer at the SABC. The Minister wishes to advise the media that all appointments of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of State Owned Entities are done through Cabinet processes and therefore the announcements of the outcome are made by Cabinet. It is the Minister’s responsibility to present any appointment of executives of the SOEs under the Department of Communications through Cabinet processes. To this end, the Minister has no knowledge of any official appointment of a COO of SABC. Media Enquiries: Ireen Mmatlou Magwai on 082440 5676 Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Ministry of Communications 15 January 2018
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Episode #3 of 10 How to Become a Writer in a Week Sentence Structure by Sarah Stanley Brought to you by: The News of the World You’ve got your building blocks at the ready—now let’s learn how to lay them out in order to build something meaningful. This chart helps with the basic parts of speech: There are 4 basic types of sentences: • Declarative sentence: A statement | I enjoy driving quickly. • Imperative sentence: A command | Drive faster. • Interrogative sentence: A question | Why aren’t you driving faster? • Exclamatory sentence: A sentence that expresses great emotion | Slow down! All sentences have a subject and a predicate. That is, all sentences have someone or something (subject) and what it is they’re doing (predicate). There’s a star and there’s action. There’s a lot more to basic grammar and sentence structure but not nearly enough space or time to go over it. Mastering these rules is a great first step, but I encourage you to explore English grammar on your own.
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Florida casino boat bursts into flames http://ift.tt/2EIEubY
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Florida casino boat bursts into flames
People had to swim to safety after a fire broke out on a boat near New Port Richey, north of Tampa.
Catherine Deneuve apologises to sex assault victims http://ift.tt/2DfMwf9
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Portsmouth restaurant delivers takeaway curry to France http://ift.tt/2DtgHgx
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Cyrille Regis: Ex-West Brom and England forward dies aged 59 http://ift.tt/2EKsI0O
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Mount Mayon: Fears of major volcano eruption in Philippines
Authorities evacuate people from villages around Mount Mayon, known for its deadly eruptions.
Catherine Deneuve apologises to sex assault victims
The French actress said she was sorry if she had offended victims of what she called "hideous acts".
Portsmouth restaurant delivers takeaway curry to France
Portsmouth's Akash Indian restaurant chartered a private plane to transport its curry to Bordeaux.
Cyrille Regis: Ex-West Brom and England forward dies aged 59
Former West Brom and England forward Cyrille Regis has died aged 59.
Aziz Ansari responds to assault allegation
The comedian said he believed his encounter with the woman had been "completely consensual".
Ashley Judd: I was not frightened of Weinstein
Actor Ashley Judd says she believes Weinstein sabotaged her career - allegations which he denies.
Australian Open 2018: Kyle Edmund beats Kevin Anderson in five sets
British number two Kyle Edmund beats US Open finalist Kevin Anderson in five sets to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
Aziz Ansari responds to assault allegation http://ift.tt/2FBI6xF
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Australian Open 2018: Kyle Edmund beats Kevin Anderson in five sets http://ift.tt/2DgqaKw
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
North and South Korea discuss sending art troupe to Winter Olympics http://ift.tt/2r5VF5g
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Moshe Holtzberg: The Israeli boy who survived 2008 Mumbai attack http://ift.tt/2DeJQ1l
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North and South Korea discuss sending art troupe to Winter Olympics
The meeting comes after the North agreed to send a delegation to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.
Moshe Holtzberg: The Israeli boy who survived 2008 Mumbai attack
Moshe Holtzberg, 11, returns to India with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on an official visit.
Donald Trump denies being a racist after 'shithole' row
He told reporters that he is the "least racist person" after row broke out over "shithole" remark.
Donald Trump denies being a racist after 'shithole' row http://ift.tt/2D5AT7u
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Perth bushfire paints skies 'vivid orange' http://ift.tt/2DfWJs0
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment http://ift.tt/2mw0eAf
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Perth bushfire paints skies 'vivid orange'
The blaze blanketed the city with smoke, prompting many locals to post images online.
Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment
The World Bank has ordered an enquiry into the ranking it gave Chile for competitiveness.
Looking for my brother
Amer hasn't heard from his brother Mohamed since he was arrested and put in an IS jail.
The missing - consequences of Trump's immigration crackdown http://ift.tt/2D3o1OU
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Sticky business: Selling British puddings to Americans http://ift.tt/2DbRKtk
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Japan's elaborate manhole covers
The story behind the unique artworks brightening up Japan's streets.
'Floating on air' after surgeons remove 19kg tumour
Watch surgeons as they remove a 19.5kg tumour from a woman's body.
The missing - consequences of Trump's immigration crackdown
In a rural county that voted for Trump, people are shocked to see friends and schoolmates deported.
Chile's female prisoners pin their hopes on Pope's visit
Pope Francis will visit the women's prison in Santiago on Tuesday and meet some of the inmates.
Sticky business: Selling British puddings to Americans
How a UK expat introduced Americans to the joys of traditional British desserts, such as sticky toffee pudding.
Chile's female prisoners pin their hopes on Pope's visit http://ift.tt/2FEYQEj
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Sora Aoi: Japan's porn star who taught a Chinese generation about sex
Sora Aoi announced she was married on social media last week, sparking a frenzy on the Chinese internet.
How a BBC report led to the capture of a paedophile
A BBC Trending report about online predators prompted a reader to investigate and eventually led to the conviction of a dangerous paedophile.
How a BBC report led to the capture of a paedophile http://ift.tt/2mwbexH
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
Police use tear gas on protesters in Tunisia, reports say
A Reuters witness says police in Tunis fired tear gas to disperse an anti-austerity protest.
Police use tear gas on protesters in Tunisia, reports say http://ift.tt/2mHpsg7
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
California mudslide toll rises to 20, as search continues http://ift.tt/2D588b2
The News of the World http://ift.tt/2myeSYo
California mudslide toll rises to 20, as search continues
Rescue teams continue to search muddy debris for survivors in Santa Barbara County.