High court in Sapporo rules Japan ban on marriage equality ‘unconstitutional’…

High court in Sapporo rules Japan ban on marriage equality ‘unconstitutional’…

A High Court in Japan has ruled a national ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional. It upheld a decision by a lower court but did not award the 40-thousand dollars in compensation for emotional damage plaintiffs were seeking. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

March 15, 2024 8

South Africa

ActionSA implores Parliament to appoint a qualified and competent Deputy Public Protector

ActionSA is calling on Parliament’s Justice and Correctional Services committee to not put forward narrow party-political interests as it finds a suitable candidate for the vacant position of Deputy Public Protector. The position became vacant last year after Kholeka Gcaleka was interviewed and appointed as the new Public Protector. The committee interviewed seven candidates on Wednesday and will deliberate next week. ActionSA’s, Julie Seton, says the Public Protector’s office needs […]

March 15, 2024 30

World

Biden and Trump neck and neck in new polling

US President Joseph Biden had a one percentage point lead over Donald Trump ahead of this year's presidential election, according to new polling. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found many voters remain undecided - after the two contenders effectively clinched their nominations. November is likely to be the first presidential election rematch in nearly 70 years. Sally Patterson has more.

March 15, 2024 26

South Africa

Economic Freedom Fighters MPs Found Guilty of Contempt for Remarks Against SA President Ramaphosa

Nine members of South Africa's Parliament from the Economic Freedom Fighters have been convicted of contempt of Parliament after branding President Cyril Ramaphosa a money launderer and refusing to retract their statements during the June 2022 budget speech. This marks the third instance of EFF members being found guilty by the Powers and Privileges Committee in recent months. Despite a delay in January, the committee concluded its investigation into the […]

March 15, 2024 16

Business / Economics

Mines and Energy Ministry to Launch Online License Applications Portal in April

The Mines and Energy Ministry has unveiled plans to introduce an innovative Online License Applications Portal, slated for launch in April. The ministry has declared its intent to shift entirely to online application submissions once the portal is operational, discontinuing the acceptance of manual applications. Ministry spokesperson, Ten Hasheela, shared insights on the initiative. The Ministry further says this transition marks a significant step towards modernization and aligns with the […]

March 15, 2024 42

Business / Economics

15 March 2024 Morning Biz News: Recent Developments in Business and Finance

1. Custos Energy Strikes Oil in Mopane-2X Well Custos Energy has made a significant breakthrough with the discovery of high-quality light oil during the drilling of the Mopane-2X well. Galp Energia, a subsidiary of Portugal's Galp, leads the operation under Petroleum Exploration Licence 83, holding an 80% interest. The National Petroleum Corporation retains a 10% stake, with Custos Energy holding the remaining 10% working interest. 2. PAR Group Announces Expansion […]

March 15, 2024 5

South Africa

Undersea Cable Breaks Cause Internet Disruptions Across South Africa

South Africa grappled with extensive internet disruptions following multiple undersea cable breaks, leading to reports of service outages from major platforms like FNB, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp. Microsoft is investigating an outage affecting users in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, with notable impacts in South Africa, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. The exact location of the cable breaks, potentially near the Ivory Coast in West Africa, remains uncertain. Vodacom […]

March 15, 2024 8

World

Judge denies Trump’s request to throw out charges in classified document case

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's classified documents case in the US state of Florida has denied his request to dismiss charges against him. US District Judge Aileen Cannon says one of his two motions to dismiss the case on the basis of 'unconstitutional vagueness' was premature. Trump is accused of illegally taking sensitive government documents with him when he left the White House in 2021. He denies the charges. […]

March 15, 2024 24

Namibia

President Mbumba Open to Testifying in Fishrot Trial if Court Requests

President Nangolo Mbumba stated that he would be willing to testify in the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial if summoned by the court. His response came during a parliamentary session when Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani inquired whether Mbumba, as a former Swapo secretary general, would be willing to provide testimony in the trial.

March 15, 2024 6