The intimate relationship between the governing African National Congress and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) since the run-up to the first fully democratic elections in 1994 and the subsequent formal 'governing alliance', is increasingly emasculating government on the labour front. Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's stakeholders agreement for a sustainable mining industry is in grave danger of becoming its next casualty.

Personalities at the helm of governments and political parties change, governments or even whole systems of government are replaced. But, as President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle last week proved, political processes and strategies in essence mostly stay the same.

When asked about corruption in the country most South Africans would say they believe it is on the increase. That it is more than just a perception, the Transparency International’s (TI) Global Corruption Barometer 2013 confirmed. But it is a problem shared by most countries around the globe with serious implications for social stability.

The increasingly intense and ugly battle for political control of the North West city of Tlokwe is turning this university town and agricultural centre into a microcosm of what is awaiting South Africans in the crucial general election next year. And, it is not a pretty picture.

Key elections across Southern Africa during the next 18 months could trigger critical political and economic changes in the region and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Zimbabwe’s make-or-break elections are first up at the end of July, followed by Swaziland in August and September, and Mozambique and South Africa next year.

When it comes to resolving conflicts and disputes involving divergent interests or beliefs, be it within the Mandela family about where their deceased members should be buried or Egypt’s warring population about how their government should be run, compromise becomes virtually impossible if puritans are involved.

Had the first Ashes test between England and Australia taken place in India, England might have lost it by one wicket instead of winning the closely fought match by 14 runs. Jimmy Anderson needed the Decision Review System (DRS) to capture the final wicket of of Brad Haddin for 71.

The DHL Stormers produced arguably their most cohesive performance of the 2013 Vodacom Super Rugby season while the Bulls looked out of sorts and were comprehensively outplayed in first phase at Newlands on Saturday. Had the Stormers played with this level of intensity, excellent vision and with this five-star attention to the basics all season, they would have waltzed into the playoffs.