Grace Mugabe might have avoided going to court for allegedly assaulting a young South African model. But Zimbabwe’s first lady could still face South African justice even though she was granted diplomatic immunity. Gerhard Kemp explains what diplomatic immunity does - and doesn’t - cover.
Rhino breeder John Hume has been granted permission by a South African court to host a 3-day auction of his stockpiled rhino horn. Hume argues that the sale will help curb poaching because the market will be flooded with horn cut from a cultivated herd. But Ross Harvey argues that there’s no proof that the outcome will be positive.
Some people think pipe organs are suitable only for playing hymns or “old” music, boring stuff devoid of much artistic merit. But, as Theodore van Wyk (himself an organist) writes, the instrument’s repertoire spans most genres, from capricious preludes and fugues to jazz-inspired pieces, and it has even ventured into alternative rock.
|
Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe with her husband, President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe.
EPA/Khaled el-Fiqi
Gerhard Kemp, Stellenbosch University
There is no basis in customary, conventional international law or domestic law for the spouse of a head of state to claim - as a right - some form of immunity when visiting a foreign state.
|
Environment + Energy
|
-
Ross Harvey, South African Institute of International Affairs
The rhino horn auction in South Africa is a serious setback in the fight against poaching and the survival of wild rhinos. The chances of the horns remaining in the country are next to zero.
|
|
Arts + Culture
|
-
Theodore Justin van Wyk, University of Pretoria
Other than church, the pipe organ is often perceived as belonging in horror movies. But there's more to the instrument that spans most musical genres.
|
|
Politics + Society
|
-
Kathryn Kraft, University of East London
Since civil war broke out in the Central African Republic four years ago, citizens continue to live in fear. They say that peace will only come when the war criminals are brought to justice.
|
|
Education
|
-
Stephanie Giamporcaro, University of Cape Town; Xolisa Dhlamini, University of Cape Town
Universities have the power to transform society not just through how they operate their campuses, but also through how they invest their endowments and pensions funds.
|
|
Business + Economy
|
-
Mark Chadwick, Nottingham Trent University
Piracy has risen and fallen with the ages, but international cooperation is the common factor behind their defeat.
|
|
From our international editions
|
-
Jane Feeney, Trinity College Dublin
It is a delicate – and dangerous – moment for one of the world's most ecologically important nations.
-
Scott Lucas, University of Birmingham
Trump's former chief strategist has returned to his media roots. And he has more than a few grudges.
|
|