With its biannual, sector-wide wage negotiations due to start next month, South Africa’s mining sector shows indications of heading for an even tougher year than it experienced last year. In the process, the country runs an increasing risk of losing out to other African countries as a resource investment destination with a number of adverse factors converging. 

In another blow to South Africa’s ability to backup its growing profile as a major power on the African continent with matching military muscle, the South African Air Force (SAAF) was forced to abandon the use of its reserve pilots for the rest of the year. The wings of its elite air display team, the Silver Falcons, have also been trimmed and the Navy has its own problems staying afloat. 

Cyber crime is a wave in South Africa that will soon become a tsunami, according to the Ombudsman for Banking Services' annual report. In the United Kingdom, one of the top police officers believes that, globally, the authorities are not winning the battle against online crime. 

When you find yourself in 'seventh heaven' because the girl of your dreams agreed to a date or you condemn someone to 'burn in eternal hell' for stealing her from you, you are using a large piece of humankind’s longest-lasting collective memory. And, when you 'unfriend' that bugger on Facebook, you probably are helping to create a collective memory for the future. 

South Africa's historical baggage is heavy, especially the ownership of land and related rights, which came sharply into focus in the last two weeks with the publication of an amended draft of the Expropriation Bill and a judgment by the Constitutional Court. What emerged was not only a highly emotive but also an extremely complex issue in which the courts are likely to play a key role for some time to come. 

In terms of a new North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) handbook, cyber war is no longer just the subject of science fiction but reality. It also sets out a legal framework for the frightening prospect of a response, or even a pre-emptive strike, with conventional weapons. Most, if not all, nations are woefully unprepared for this. 

The Bulls are leading the South African conference after whitewashing a hapless Southern Kings team, 34-0, on Saturday. The Cheetahs have moved to second on the SA conference log. This is courtesy of a late intercept try by Willie le Roux and a win against the Sharks at King’s Park in Durban, in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

The Kaizer Chiefs are six points clear at the top of the Absa Premier Soccer League after beating the Swallows 3-1 at the Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium. They are within touching distance of the domestic title, which will be their first since 2005. By contrast, the Orlando Pirates have virtually lost their grip on the crown after the past two seasons. However, the crisis at the South African Football Association (SAFA) still endangers the game in the country.