February 11 to 13 saw the first days into the trial of murdered lesbian soccer player, Eudy Simelane, at the Delmas Circuit Court. Four men, aged between 18 and 24 were to appear before Judge Moses Mavundla on the charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape. Three of the co-accused – Khumbulane Magagula, Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Accused number 4, Thato Petrus Mpithi pleaded guilty to murder and robbery, not guilty to rape, but guilty to being an accomplice to rape.

Cape Town, Monday 6 October 2008, the fourth WACC congress opened  with a call on the importance of promoting communication among societies as a tool for peace and enhancement of socio-economic development.

I have been reading the text of a remarkable court judgment delivered by judge MP Tsoka, of the High Court of South Africa, at the end of April this year. It is an incredible document, and amid all the bad news coming our way lately, gives me some hope and encouragement. The judgment concerns a case brought by residents of the township of Phiri in Johannesburg, asking the court to declare unlawful, the installation of pre-paid water meters in their properties.