There are high expectations that the outcome of recent events in Malawi will influence other African countries facing similar challenges positively. The unexpected death of Malawi’s 78 year old President Bingu wa Mutharika left Malawi with a potential constitutional crisis but initial indications are that the country has handled the situation remarkably well.

The already existing socio-political pressures in South Africa stemming from high unemployment, widespread poverty, service delivery discontent, sharply increased electricity tariffs, runaway fuel prices and ever-rising food prices could soon be exacerbated by sharply increased water supply tariffs.

The South African-organised labour movement has experienced a largely under-reported membership crisis for some years now. The latest Adcorp Employment Index revealed that since official records began in 2006, union membership has dropped by 129 424 participants, representing a loss of almost R96 million in membership dues. This is probably what lies at the heart of many recent union policy stances and actions.

Moses arduously led the Jews for 40 years through the desert only to bring them to the single country in the Middle East that has no oil. But Moses may have gotten it right, after all. Today, Israel has an innovative economy and its population enjoys a standard of living most of its oil-rich neighbours don't offer, writes Andreas Schleicher.

And then there were fourteen. We are referring to the five South African track and field athletes and nine local swimmers who have now met the required qualifying standards for the Olympic Games taking place in London in July and August. There are still opportunities for a few more the join the rainbow nation's team.

The debate about the new Springbok coach’s attempts to lure Victor Matfield back from retirement and to surround himself with Blue Bull credentialed confidants, has intensified. For now, Heyneke Meyer still gets the benefit of the doubt about his decision to appoint Johann van Graan (forward coach of the Bulls), Ricardo Loubser (Bulls Vodacom and Currie Cup backline coach), John McFarland (Bulls Super Rugby defensive coach) and Basil Carzis (Bulls Super Rugby conditioning coach). The jury is still out on the addition of Matfield to the team.

You need to be to alert for ninety minutes and not drop your guard for one moment or your chances for the title can slip away within seconds. Just ask Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs … and Manchester United after their heart-breaking results this past weekend.

Four short years ago, in April 2008, Julius Sello Malema became president of the African National Congress’ Youth League. He won the place after a bitterly contested election battle with Saki Mofokeng. Malema soon rose to the status of crown prince at the ANC court with President Jacob Zuma, among others, describing him as a future leader of South Africa. That changed and Malema, the once prince, became whipping boy, holding two titles that have never been far apart in history.