Briefs

Latest news and views in Brief

Google Android system for Audi, Honda, Hyundai, GM

From the SA Press Association-DPA: Google has teamed up with some of the world’s largest carmakers to integrate its Android operating system directly into cars, the tech companies announced Monday. In addition to the web search giant, the so-called Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) also includes Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, and chip-maker Nvidia. The consortium … Read more

Germany’s annual inflation well within ECB target

From SAPA-DPA: Annual inflation in Germany rose to 1.4 per cent in December amid a pickup in the nation’s economy and rising wages, data released Monday showed. The December rate compared with 1.3 per cent in November, the federal statistics office said. The gain was in line with analysts’ forecasts. Still, consumer prices in Europe’s … Read more

Premier’s new luxury BMW “insults” the poor – DA

From the SA Press Association: North West premier Thandi Modise’s excuse for buying a R1.3 million BMW 750i is a slap in the face for the people of the province, the DA said on Monday. “Premier Modise simply ignored the new policy and bought herself the most expensive car she could find,” Democratic Alliance North … Read more

Long dead man’s e-Toll SMS warning to pay R612

From the SA Press Association: A man who has been dead since October 2012 received an sms warning that he had overdue e-toll fees of R612.21, the Beeld newspaper reported on Saturday. “I did not know whether I should laugh or cry when I received the sms [on December 30]. My father last registered a … Read more

Blackberry suing American Idols’ Ryan Seacrest

From DPA: Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry announced Friday it had filed suit against Typo Keyboards, a California startup founded by TV star Ryan Seacrest, charging the company’s new iPhone case with an integrated keyboard copied BlackBerry’s design. “This is a blatant infringement against BlackBerry’s iconic keyboard, and we will vigorously protect our intellectual property against … Read more

Zimbabwe imports 150 000t maize to avert crisis

From Associated Press: Zimbabwe’s agriculture ministry says it is importing 150,000 tons of corn, the nation’s staple food, from neighbouring South Africa to avert a looming food crisis as millions face starvation. Deputy Agriculture Minister Davis Marapira said Friday the government had so far received 300 tons which will be distributed to hard-hit parts of … Read more

Discovery; Goldman Sachs fund

Take a bow Discovery – again

By Alec Hogg There are a handful of globally competitive South African businesses. SAB Miller was the pioneer. It’s being joined by a growing number of others. After a shaky start Old Mutual is getting into that league. Judging by its success with French retailer Conforama, Steinhoff is also graduating into that elite club.  Investec, … Read more

Fiat shares jump on full ownership of Chrysler

By Frances D’Emilio of Associated Press: ROME – Shares in Fiat soared on Thursday on the news the Italian automaker will take full ownership of Chrysler, but some Italian unions worried what the deal will mean for jobs and investments in the country. In a New Year’s day announcement, Fiat Spa said it could complete … Read more

SA’s December road deaths highest in six years

By Adam Wakefield of SA Press Association: The number of road deaths between December 1 and 30 last year would likely be the highest recorded since 2007, an advanced driving skills company said on Thursday. A total of 1184 deaths took place over this period, or 39.5 deaths per day,www.driving.co.za managing director Rob Handfield-Jones said in … Read more

Rwanda’s ex-Intelligence head, Kagame opponent Karegeya found strangled in Michelangelo Towers

From SAPA-AP: Rwanda’s former spy chief has been found dead, possibly strangled, in a luxury hotel in South Africa, police said Thursday, and opposition leaders immediately accused President Paul Kagame of ordering his assassination. The opposition coalition Rwandan National Congress said Patrick Karegeya, a former colonel and longtime Kagame ally in war who turned against … Read more

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