Topic: South Africa

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Oscar Pistorius trial: Is it South Africa's version of the OJ Simpson trial? (+video)

Since Oscar Pistorius was taken into custody on Valentine's Day, accused of murdering his girlfriend, South Africa has seemed to have spoken of little else.
Oscar Pistorius defense says substance found in his home was not banned (+video)

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been charged with premeditated murder in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Officers reported finding a substance along with needles in his bedroom.
In South Africa, a brutal rape sparks unusual proposal

A controversial recommendation that arose in Limpopo Province would force men accused of rape to have an HIV test and charge them with attempted murder if they test positive.
Oscar Pistorius, suspecting an intruder, shot girlfriend through bathroom door (+video)

Oscar Pistorius, in an affidavit read by his lawyer, says that he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, thinking she was a robber. Two sponsors, Oakley and Nike, distanced themselves from Pistorius.
Family of slain girlfriend seeks answers, Pistorius to face bail hearing

The family of Reeva Steenkamp, the South African model shot on Valentine's Day, is asking why she died. South African Olympian and double-amputee Oscar Pistorius, who is accused of murdering Steenkamp, his girlfriend, will face a bail hearing on Tuesday.
Just how big was that Russia meteor anyway?

The meteor whose shock wave injured hundreds of Russians early on Friday was tiny compared to the one that struck Siberia in 1908, say scientists.
Pistorius weeps in court amid charges of premeditated murder (+video)

Oscar Pistorius wept in court as prosecutors filed premeditated murder charges Friday. Oscar Pistorius, aka the 'Blade Runner,' is charged with slaying his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, a model. His family issued a statement disputing the criminal charge the 26-year-old athlete faces.
Oscar Pistorius, the 'Blade Runner,' charged with the murder of his girlfriend (+video)

Oscar Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner,' was charged with murder Thursday. The South African runner made history at the London Games last year by being the first double-amputee runner to compete at the Olympics.
Gay marriage and adoption bill passes in French Assembly

Polls show most French support legalizing gay marriage, though that backing softens when questions about the adoption and conception of children come into play. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Global News Blog Good Reads: A family in isolation, Pakistan's difficult present, Africa's biggest game

This week's good reads includes a profile of a Russian family that lived in isolation for 40 years, a young professor's return to Pakistan from the United States after 13 years, and efforts to end big game hunting in Africa.
Focus African heritage in Latin America

Afro-descendants in Latin America have had a different experience from those in the US, experts say. Despite this, social, economic, and cultural discrimination has been historically very strong.
"Being Mandela": Nelson Mandela's granddaughters on reality show

Is there such thing as too much information when it comes to the family of a Nobel Peace Prize winner and South African elder statesman? His granddaughters – in all their gossipy splendor – are the subject of "Being Mandela", a reality show. And Nelson Mandela may be watching
Top Picks: 'Babar: The Movie' on DVD, band Blue Sky Riders' new album, and more

Barbra Streisand's album 'Classical Barbra' comes out with remastered tracks and bonus songs, 'Killing Lincoln' is an informative addition to the Lincoln pop culture frenzy, and more top picks.
How Mary Leakey carved a place for women among man's earliest steps

Google Doodle celebrates the life of renowned British paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey. Leakey, who was born 100 years ago today, gained recognition while working with her husband, Louis Leakey, and thrived long after his death.
Africa Monitor Black billionaire in South Africa pledges to give away half his fortune

The ruling party praised the mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, and said he was part of a 'patriotic bourgeoisie' of rich black South Africans with a social conscience.
Difference Maker Rodney Jackson hikes high into the Himalayas to help snow leopards

Rodney Jackson and his team take 20 to 30 yaks, each loaded with 250 to 300 pounds of gear, into the Himalayas to study snow leopards, which take the word 'elusive' to an extreme.
Opinion 5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Focus Why combat role for US women could reverberate worldwide

In many countries, women have historically served in combat when demographics demanded it. But the US move is based on equal opportunity for women – and could become a model for others.
Terrorism & Security Mali: French bring the troops, world now bringing the funds (+video)

International donors have pledged $455.53 million for an international campaign tackling Islamist militants in Mali.
Android app offers a super-secret burner phone number

The new Hushed app for Android lets Android owners create disposable, fake, fully functional phone numbers usable in 40 countries on five continents.
Opinion Attacks in Mali, Libya, Algeria show why Africa still needs US support

Attacks by Islamist insurgents on US outposts in Benghazi, Libya, at a gas plant in Algeria, and in Mali expose several reasons for persistent security weakness across Africa. For one thing, many countries are too poor to supply the funds and soldiers for regional peace efforts.
Energy Voices Should colleges divest from coal, oil?

Students at college campuses are calling on administrators to divest from fossil fuels in an effort to curb the effects of climate change. But schools are wary of doing away with some of their most profitable assets.
15,000 crocodiles escape in South Africa? Police need herding help after floods

Some South African media reports say up to 15,000 crocodiles have escaped from a local crocodile farm. Police beg for volunteers to help them round up the crocodiles, who escaped earlier this week after flooding rains.
The dung beetle as celestial navigator

Only humans, birds, and seals are known to navigate using stars. But the dung beetle does use the Milky Way to chart its path, say scientists.
Difference Maker Rachel Goble helps stop sex trafficking of impoverished children

The SOLD Project helps young girls in Thailand avoid becoming prostitutes through mentoring and education.