IF EVER A PLACE EXEMPLIFIED NEO-colonial relations between the First and Third World it is Richards Bay. Priding itself as an export growth point, powerful foreign investors have big and very profitable investments in the area. This is great for them, because the environmental costs are all borne here while the largest profits flow overseas.

Professor Anthony de Crespigny's precipitous flight from South Africa in August 1982 prompted a great deal of publicity and speculation. Days before De Crespigny fled he was interviewed by National Intelligence. Using secret national intelligence reports we reconstruct the strange history of De Crespigny's involvement in the armed struggle to liberate South Africa.

We are not easily discouraged at noseweek, but the record of Terry Herbst's letter writing campaign tests even our steely resolve. But then, too, we ask ourselves: how can something so depressing also be so totally hilarious? Here’s an extract.

BANKERS – CAUTIOUS, UPRIGHT pillars of rectitude – have long been considered the moral cornerstone of any economy. So, when they start acting like opportunistic profiteers, people get nervous. That’s why the actions of the controlling directors of BoE over the past few years have been such cause for concern.

Prof William Makgoba’s recent presentation to the AIDS Advisory panel – and the Sunday Times – was certainly dramatic claiming a huge rise in deaths attributable to HIV. Only thing is – as Stats SA confirmed – the interpretation is all wrong.

Corrupt arms dealings have long played a role in SA's destiny. We reveal the network of influence of the Shaik brothers, Nkobi Holdings and the signs that all is not kosher with our strange many billion rand arms deals.

A wall of plaques of companies brought onto the JSE by stockbrokers Lowenthal and company has long been known as the ‘wailing wall’. But now it seems that Lowenthals themselves have come out on the wrong end of a sophisticated scam run behind the scenes by none other than Gert ‘Mr Kubus’ Theron late of the Saford Penitentiary, Arizona.
Plus: The Prof and the unkept promises