South Africa:Judge Declares Zuma Prosecution Invalid Sep 12, 2008
Delivering judgement in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, Nicholson found that before prosecutors filed charges against Zuma last December, under the particular South African law relevant to his case they should have given him the opportunity to make representations as to why he should not be charged. He said his ruling was on a "procedural point" and that prosecutors were at liberty to lay charges once they had granted Zuma the opportunity. (allAfrica.com)
South African court throws out Zuma graft case Sep 12, 2008
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AFP) - A South African court on Friday threw out a corruption case against ruling ANC party chief Jacob Zuma, who is at the forefront in the race to become the country's president ... "It is declared that the decision taken by the National Prosecuting Authority (...) to prosecute the applicant (Zuma) is invalid and set aside," judge Chris Nicholson of the Pietermaritzburg High Court said. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Tipping point reached as resources, rates recede Sep 12, 2008
One of the least reassuring sights will emerge today - the spectacle of thousands of people preparing to protest against a judge's verdict in the Pietermaritzburg high court. Eating out for survival. (Business Report, South Africa)
Malema fired up for Friday Sep 11, 2008
The ANC Youth League is planning "a huge party" outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday, league president Julius Malema said on Wednesday ... "Every fight we fight, we win. We don't fight to lose. That's why everybody, every little artist, [must come to] Pietermaritzburg there's going to be a huge party," he said to loud applause from supporters ... The Pietermaritzburg High Court is ruling on an application on Friday by Zuma's lawyers to have his prosecution declared invalid. (iAfrica.com)
Tongues wag over cartoon Sep 10, 2008
"This Zapiro character is irritating to say the least," wrote Thabo of Sekhukhunye, discussing plans for the region to attend Zuma's Pietermaritzburg High Court judgment on Friday. We applaud Shapiro. (iAfrica.com)
'Leave Zuma or die' Sep 1, 2008
Jacob Zuma dances outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Sapa. (iAfrica.com)
Zulu leader speaks out on Aids crisis after son's death Aug 29, 2008
The leading South African opposition politician Mangosuthu Buthelezi announced at the weekend that his son had died of Aids. The leader of the Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom party (IFP) spoke at the funeral of his son, Prince Nelisuzulu Benedict Buthelezi, 53, who died last Wednesday. (Yahoo News -- Africa AIDS Epidemic)
Uncertainty at Assmang Aug 22, 2008
" In her statement read out at the start of the hearing, Tager said that she had first been asked in March 2006 to examine two of Assmang's employees. Later more employees were referred to her and in February 2007 she examined 17 employees in Pietermaritzburg. She said that she was later asked to join a medical panel to examine the problem at Assmang, but that from August 2007 all contact from the company and its referring doctors ceased. "I don't know why" "I don't know why things turned out... (iAfrica.com)
In pictures: Rallying for Zuma Aug 7, 2008
Supporters of Jacob Zuma, the head of South Africa's ruling party, have been rallying near a court in Pietermaritzburg where Mr Zuma is trying to have corruption charges against him thrown out ... The supporters promised to bring Pietermaritzburg to a halt during the hearing. (BBC News -- Africa)
Zuma, state given ultimatum Aug 6, 2008
After being informed that Zuma and the state's legal teams had failed to resolve their squabble over the National Prosecuting Authority's proposed April 1 2009 trial date, Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Chris Nicholson on Tuesday ordered them to return to court on August 15. The state had threatened to raise their trial date dispute with Zuma in open court on Tuesday, but were invited by Judge Nicholson to address the issue in chambers. (Independent Online)
* Ruling on Zuma likely next month Aug 6, 2008
AGENCIES, PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Wednesday, Aug 06, 2008, Page 6 ... Inside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday, lawyers argued the legal technicalities of dropping the charges against Zuma. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Anna K. Clemmons Aug 6, 2008
Darian Townsend, who grew up in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, was a member of the 4x100 freestyle relay team that shocked the world (and Michael Phelps) when they captured gold and set a new world record at the 2004 Olympic Games. Since then, Townsend has joined the University of Florida and now University of Arizona swim teams, following a growing trend of South Africans training in the United States. (ESPN -- College Sports)
Zuma blasts South Africa for judicial mistreatment Aug 6, 2008
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa Jacob Zuma, the man most likely to be South Africa's next president, lashed out Tuesday at his treatment during a long-running corruption scandal, and his supporters warned that blood would flow in the streets if Mr. Zuma was ever convicted. The threats came after a South African judge announced he would rule Sept. 12 whether to dismiss fraud and corruption charges against the 66 year-old former guerrilla leader who is now president of the ruling African National... (Globe and Mail -- International)
'Zuma's bid is pointless' Aug 6, 2008
ANC president Jacob Zuma arrives at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday, 4 August 2008 ... Lawyers for the leader of the ruling African National Congress told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that he was not consulted when the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) made an about-turn in its original decision not to prosecute him. (iAfrica.com)
SA canoeists eye glory Aug 6, 2008
Realistically there are six or seven girls who can all medal on the day, and I include myself as one of these, said the Pietermaritzburg raised star who relocated to Gauteng to train under national coach nandor Almasi several years ago. After all these months its difficult to realise that we are days away from the opening ceremony, said Hodson. (iAfrica.com)
Judge delays ruling on charged ANC leader Aug 6, 2008
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) -- A South African judge said Tuesday he would rule Sept 12 whether to dismiss fraud and corruption charges against president-in-waiting Jacob Zuma. Jacob Zuma supporters at the Pietermaritzburg court. (CNN -- World)
Zuma fate delayed till September Aug 6, 2008
Are you in Pietermaritzburg. Can Mr Zuma be president while facing corruption charges. (BBC News -- Africa)
* Zuma bids to have charges dropped Aug 5, 2008
LOYALISTS: The powerful trade union confederation and the ANC Youth League said their members would kill for their hero, who strikes a chord with the young AP, PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Tuesday, Aug 05, 2008, Page 6. Supporters of African National Congress president Jacob Zuma hold a night vigil prior to the hearing where Zuma will attempt to have the decision to prosecute him declared unlawful in the Pietermaritzburg High Court in South Africa on Sunday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Competitiveness forged from Kevin Pietersen's youth in South Africa Aug 5, 2008
Competitiveness has been the driving force in Kevin Pietersen's life from his days as a junior cricketer in a small primary school in Pietermaritzburg, jokingly referred to as The Last Outpost of the British Empire in South Africa ... Pietersen, born in Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal some 100 km inland from Durban, made sure his exit from his homeland in 2000 was not marked with sadness but rather two fingers defiantly raised by being outspoken in his criticism of South African... (Telegraph.co.uk)
Pre-election court date for Zuma? Aug 5, 2008
Pietermaritzburg - Ruling party leader will be back in court on Tuesday in a bid to have the corruption case against him scrapped. It will be his second day before Judge Chris Nicholson in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where his lawyer, Kemp J Kemp, argued on Monday that the decision to prosecute him was unlawful. (News24.com)
Reporters on the job Aug 5, 2008
from the August 4, 2008 edition. Biking to Beijing: Many foreigners are worried that the Beijing Olympics are going to be too regimented to be much fun, says staff writer Peter Ford. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Stocks drop on battered miners, rand firms Aug 5, 2008
Over a thousand supporters protested his innocence outside the court in Pietermaritzburg. The charges, which Zuma denies, are likely to decide whether he succeeds Thabo Mbeki as national president next year. (Business Report, South Africa)
South African Leader Back in Court Aug 5, 2008
South Africa's ruling party ANC president Jacob Zuma leaves the Pietermaritzburg High Court at the end of his first day of hearing on his corruption case, August 4, 2008 ... As lawyers for Jacob Zuma tried to persuade a judge to dismiss as unlawful a total of 16 charges, ranging from money-laundering to racketeering, some 1,000 supporters staged a noisy rally in front of a giant TV screen outside the court in Pietermaritzburg. (Time.com)
KP is the new Eng captain Aug 5, 2008
Pietersen, born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, opted to play for the country where his mother was born because he disapproved of South Africa's racial quota system. He qualified for England in September, 2004, and was selected to tour Zimbabwe where he averaged 104 in three One-day innings. (India Times, India)
ANC leader seeks to quash charges Aug 4, 2008
Thousands more are expected to arrive at the court in Pietermaritzburg. This was to have been the start of Jacob Zuma's corruption trial but the ANC leader is challenging the state's decision to prosecute him, the BBC's Peter Biles reports from the city. (BBC News)
Pietersen appointed England cricket captain Aug 4, 2008
Pietersen, who was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg near Durban but has an English mother, is the eighth best batsman in the International Cricket Council's rankings and one of the few experienced players guaranteed a place in the side. There is a danger that, like Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara before him, he could find that the burden of leadership hampers his batting style, but Pietersen is a famously focused and driven athlete who has made a career of meeting and exceeding high... (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
SAfrica's Zuma in court for graft trial Aug 4, 2008
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AFP) - South Africa's ruling party head Jacob Zuma, entered the dock Monday for a long-awaited graft trial which could make or break his chances to become the country's next president ... Supporters of the 66-year-old African National Congress leader have vowed to shut down the sleepy city of Pietermaritzburg, where the trial of the immensely popular politician -- a native of the region -- is being held ... Hundreds had begun arriving outside the Pietermaritzburg... (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Pietersen faces new challenge as captain Aug 4, 2008
Appointed test and one-day captain on Monday, the 28-year-old Pietersen is arguably the most naturally gifted batsman to have represented England since David Gower although the tag "Made in England" would be misleading for Pietersen, who was born and raised in in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Pietersen is qualified to play for England through his mother, Penny. (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
South Africa's Zuma having his day in court Aug 4, 2008
His appearance in the southern city of Pietermaritzburg is expected to trigger one of the largest street demonstrations here since the end of apartheid and draw all of the country's senior political figures to protest against the case, which pits the government against its own judiciary. Mr. Zuma, president of the governing African National Congress, has fought for years to keep these charges out of the courts. (Globe and Mail)
S.Africa's Zuma seeks dismissal of graft case Aug 4, 2008
Over 1,000 supporters demonstrated outside the high court in Pietermaritzburg, singing, chanting and waving placards to denounce charges they say are politically motivated and to try to stop Zuma from being put on trial later in the year ... The hearing in Pietermaritzburg, where prosecutors say the offences took place, is expected to finish on Tuesday ... Zuma's supporters stood chanting outside the court house in Pietermaritzburg in his eastern Kwazulu Natal province. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
South African media gripped by Zuma's trialCape Town, South Africa (PANA) - This week's Constitutional Court ruling, removing the biggest legal obstacle to the corruption trial of African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma rocked South Africa media. 02/08/2008 Full Text... Aug 2, 2008
The court ruling came on the eve of next week's Pietermaritzburg High Court hear ing into whether Zuma's application to have his prosecution declared unlawful be ... "Further, it would be improper for commentators to press for any particular outc ome of the application by Zuma in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Monday t o review the decision by the NPA to prosecute and to set it aside."On the other hand, one might speculate on the possible legal arguments that wil l be raised in the coming... (Panapress.com)
Zuma won't be alone Aug 2, 2008
Motlanthe said that when Zuma appears in the Pietermaritzburg High Court next week, not only will he be accompanied by a contingent of ANC leaders, but he will have the support of hundreds of thousands of ANC members. Those who criticised the ANC for its stance, and those who had waged a bitter campaign of attrition against Zuma, took the general approach that Jacob Zuma was guilty, and it was up to him to prove his innocence, he said. (iAfrica.com)
Zuma setback in corruption case Aug 1, 2008
It said party leaders and supporters would rally outside Pietermaritzburg High Court in KwaZulu-Natal province next Monday, where Mr Zuma is expected to ask for the charges against him to be thrown out. Mr Zuma, 66, who was not in court to hear the ruling, has said he will step down as ANC leader if convicted. (BBC News)
ANC to back Zuma over corruption Jul 31, 2008
Mr Zuma is expected to request that the charges against him be thrown out when his trial begins at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg next week. ANC spokeswoman Jessie Duarte said the ANC would back this move but said the party did not want special treatment for its leader. (BBC News -- Africa)
Call for business to back Zuma Jul 28, 2008
Zuma, said Magashule, should be supported in every way - even by transporting supporters to the Pietermaritzburg high court on his appearance on August 4. "That is what you do to your president, he must be supported by his organisation. Don't feel guilty by supporting Zuma He is president of the ANC and president of the masses of our people," said Magashule. (The South African Star)
Olympic watch: MTB Jul 23, 2008
" Stage racing not great for pros Pietermaritzburg will play host to a World Cup event next year, becoming the first South African city to do so, but how does the sport in SA compare to rest of the world? Stage races like the Absa Cape Epic have enjoyed phenomenal success, but beyond that it does not garner too much attention. "In South Africa the sport is more focused towards mass participation events, and while this is really good for the sponsors and industry, it can sometimes do damage to... (iAfrica.com)
UA Well Represented at 2008 Olympics Jul 22, 2008
Darian Townsend ('08), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. South Africa. (Pac-10.org)
Zuma to disrupt Durban Jul 16, 2008
Article By: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:06 ANC President Jacob Zuma's court appearance and Cosatu's mass action are likely to bring businesses in Pietermaritzburg to a halt in the first week of August. Chief Executive for the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business Andrew Layman said it "may be a very bad week for business, particularly in Pietermaritzburg. "Taxi associations have apparently indicated that they will not be operating on 4 August in solidarity with Zuma ... He said Zuma's appearance and the... (iAfrica.com)
Veterans raring to go Jul 8, 2008
" Pietersen's presence in the England side he has an English mother but was born in Pietermaritzburg adds an extra edge to the contest. But Kallis' fellow 30-something and wicketkeeper Boucher says the tourists totally respect and admire him. "I respect Kevin as a person and what he's been through," Boucher said, in allusion to Pietersen's decision to represent England given his unhappiness with South Africa's racial quota policy. "I take my hat off to him, and he's a great player," added... (iAfrica.com)
Geneva to honour Swiss Victoria Cross hero Jul 4, 2008
Schiess received the VC a year later at a special parade in Pietermaritzburg on February 3, 1880. "The VC was delayed as they didn't realise he was a European. They thought he was part of the Native Contingent," said Long.. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Blow to Zuma defence Jul 1, 2008
In the papers filed in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 28 December, Zuma was summoned to appear in the court on 4 August. He faces 16 charges in total one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud. (iAfrica.com)
What if Zuma's guilty? Jun 28, 2008
Zuma is to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 14 August this year on charges of racketeering, corruption, money laundering and fraud related to South Africa's multi-billion-rand arms deal. Judgment in the matter may, depending on the length of the trial, be handed down only after next year's elections. (iAfrica.com)
Kevin Pietersen to replace banned Paul Collingwood as England captain for one-dayers Jun 27, 2008
Pietersen, who was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg near Durban but has an English mother, has had a fractious relationship with South Africa captain Graeme Smith. In his book, "Crossing the Boundary," the flamboyant batsman described Smith as "childish," after the latter criticized Pietersen's decision to represent England. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
NPA rejects Zuma charges Jun 25, 2008
On Monday Zuma's attorney filed papers with the Pietermaritzburg High Court arguing that his forthcoming corruption trial should be declared invalid ... The latest application was expected to be heard in the Pietermaritzburg high court on 4 and 5 August and would come before the start of his corruption trial on 14 August. (iAfrica.com)
'We will kill for Zuma' Jun 17, 2008
He also reiterated that the Scorpions case against Zuma, expected to begin later this year in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, should be dropped. "The future belongs to us. "We do not want a situation where the State prosecutes its own president," Malema said. He said the ANCYL was planning to assemble a legal team to try to get the case against Zuma thrown out of court. "This issue is dividing the country," said Malema, adding that the Youth League would turn to the court to try to stop this... (iAfrica.com)
Crashed VIP driver punched May 25, 2008
He was taken to St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg ... It also reported at the time that a Pietermaritzburg man, Faizel Mooideen, had a rifle pointed at him and his family by security officers who tried to push them off a lane on the highway ... Camperdown is about 25km from Pietermaritzburg. (iAfrica.com)
Good trial news for Zuma May 16, 2008
Tshabalala said in a statement he would "appoint a trial judge to hear a preliminary application in Pietermaritzburg on 4 August and the trial will be adjourned to a date to be determined by the trial judge.". A seven-year long investigation. (iAfrica.com)
Strong growth lifts Afrimat profit 80% May 14, 2008
The company made two earnings-enhancing acquisitions, Malans Quarries including Denver Quarries that together comprised a number of quarry operations and sand mines in the Western Cape, Jeffreys Bay area and Port Elizabeth for R130 million, and Scottburgh, comprising two quarries in Scottburgh and Pietermaritzburg. Van Heerden said these operations had been bedded down and because of their strategic location, enhanced the group's ability to supply infrastructure projects throughout South Africa. (Business Report, South Africa)
Who said that? May 5, 2008
Cato Ridge, an impoverished town between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, is in for a face-lift. The eThekwini municipality is considering various applications for new developments in the area, which is on the main rail and road routes between eThekwini, Pietermartizburg and Gauteng. (Business Report, South Africa)
AIRBORNE: Greg Minnaar gets some air on the way to his victory at the South African Downhill Champs. Mark Squire Mar 17, 2008
9km plunge through the forest at Cascades on the western slopes of his hometown, Pietermaritzburg. The 26-year-old Minnaar underwent major surgery to repair a troublesome shoulder, which he broke during a crash at the world championships in Scotland last October. (iAfrica.com)
Duduza Dolls Comfort Sick Children Jan 25, 2008
or CINDI, P.O. Box 157, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa. Write KNITTED DOLLS, NO COMMERCIAL VALUE, on the package to avoid their being charged duty. (Suite101.com)
A million drivers are exploiting loophole in road tax payments Jan 23, 2008
alan jones, pietermaritzburg, south africa. Have your say. (Times Online)
Zuma will stand trial Jan 2, 2008
"An indictment has been issued for trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court commencing on August 4. 2008," the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Tuesday. However the prosecution is ready to proceed at the earliest date on which the court may be able to accommodate this case, should the defence so wish, the authority said in its first public statement on the case. (Aljazeera.Net)
What's in store for the ANC in 2008? Jan 1, 2008
Zuma's trial is set to begin in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on August 14. His lawyer Michael Hulley, in a statement, questioned the timing of the indictment over the quiet holiday period. (Independent Online)
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi Nov 24, 2007
He was kicked off the train at Pietermaritzburg and spent the whole night on the freezing platform. He found out Indians had to pay a poll tax of three pounds sterling on entering the Transvaal, and they could not walk on public footpaths or sidewalks (Vincent Sheean, Lead, Kindly Light, Random House, Inc., 1949). (Suite101.com)
FIFA roadshow rolls into Durban| Nov 22, 2007
Security had also been tightened at designated public viewing areas in Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Esikhawini, Harding and Ladysmith. Security deployment had been completed around the Durban beach where a huge party would be held on Friday. (iAfrica.com)
SA roadtrip diaryA stop in rural South Africa where locals have a tough life Nov 6, 2007
An overnight stop at Hilton in the lush green hills above Pietermaritzburg brings the title of an Alan Paton novel to mind: Ah, But Your Land Is Beautiful. The city lies hidden beneath us in the morning mist, but the views are spectacular nonetheless. (BBC News -- Africa)
SA roadtrip diaryA stop at Qunu, the town where Nelson Mandela grew up Nov 4, 2007
This is a long journey in one day - some 800km (500 miles) from King William's Town to Pietermaritzburg. But there is an opportunity to stop in Qunu - the small Transkei town where former President, Nelson Mandela, grew up. (BBC News -- Africa)
Tongaat-Hulett to expand aluminium unit Oct 20, 2007
"The expansion of the Pietermaritzburg facility will increase rolled products capacity by 20 percent to 250 000 tons per annum. The project entails the installation of additional state of the art foil rolling and plate equipment, continuous casters and upgrades to existing rolling mills. The project focuses on further enhancing the product mix, where 58 percent of the capital will be spent. This will result in increased sales of high margin products, especially light gauge foil and heat treated... (Business Report, South Africa)
Golden years?| Oct 19, 2007
According to Margie van Zyl, president of SAAHA (South African Association of Homes for the Aged), retirement complexes in Pietermaritzburg and in Kloof in KwaZulu-Natal, for example, have waiting lists of several hundred people. The same is true for many others throughout the country. (iAfrica.com)
First Lutheran to have guest speaker Aug 26, 2007
Heidi Waltraut was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. During her ministerial training, she served as a vicar at St. Cru-cis, South Africa, in 1999. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Kyalami 9-hour is back! Aug 25, 2007
The Kyalami 9-hour also started off the Springbok Series every year a championship of endurance races through the African summer from Welkom in the Free State via Lorenzo Marques (now Maputo) in Mozambique to Natals Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town, among various other intriguing race venues. Celebrating those great races, the Kyalami 9-hour Revival is open to Historic Sports, GT and Saloon cars that were eligible for the original Kyalami 9-hours and that made the race so special all those... (iAfrica.com)
US committed to Aids in SA Aug 22, 2007
Earlier in the day Leavitt visited the Caprisa Vulindlela Research unit near Pietermaritzburg which receives funding from the US.. He said the US efforts in combating the disease on the continent would continue unabated. (iAfrica.com)
Injured ATM bombers in court Aug 11, 2007
Two alleged ATM bombers limped painfully into the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate's Court dock on Friday to apply for bail. KwaZulu-Natal police shot and wounded them when their alleged gang set off an explosion which destroyed an ATM in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, around 1 ... Investigating officer Inspector Derek Coetzee said at the bail hearing that the Durban Organised Crime Unit had received information that a Pietermaritzburg ATM was to be bombed. (iAfrica.com)
Afrox capex plugs leak in gas supply Jul 28, 2007
Afrox said the capex programme it initiated last year resulted in the commissioning of liquefier plants at Afrox in Pietermaritzburg and Scaw Metals in Wadeville, as well as an air separation plant at Xstrata in Lydenburg. The customer on-site plants would also produce for merchants. (Business Report, South Africa)
