South Africa Launches New Space Agency (SANSA)

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa unveiled its national space agency on Thursday, aiming to become a leader in earth observation technology across the continent in 10 years, the minister of science and technology said.

The agency, called SANSA (South African National Space Agency) which already has two micro-satellites, will produce timely data imagery to help detect natural disasters and monitor water resources around South Africa and the continent, Pandor said at the launch.

The new agency, which aims to bring together previously un-allied experts in the field, will also seek to revive several space facilities that were mothballed in the 1990?s during apartheid rule, said a government official.

Haiti quake: Survivors struggle while awaiting aid

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Desperately needed aid from around the world slowly made its way Thursday into Haiti, where a leadership vacuum left rescuers scrambling on their own to save the trapped and injured and get relief supplies into the capital.

President Barack Obama announced that “one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history” is moving toward Haiti, with thousands of troops and a broad array of civilian rescue workers flying or sailing in to aid the stricken country — backed by more than $100 million in relief funds.

Interview with Hakeem Kae Kazim

Exclusive Interview with Nigerian-Born actor Hakeem Kae Kazim. Classically trained in the UK, Hakeem soon came to prominence sharing the stage with acclaimed actors like Brian Cox in ‘King Lear’ and Sir Ian McKellan in “Richard III” for the Royal National Theatre. He made a successful transition to British television with leading roles in “Trial and Retribution”, “The Bill”, “Grange Hill”, “Ellington” and distinguished himself in the title role of ‘”Julius Caesar” for the BBC.

Togo team leaves African Nation Cup after deadly ambush

Togo’s national soccer team, devastated by a shooting attack on its bus that killed at least three and left eight gravely injured, withdrew from the African Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The bus was in Angola about six miles from the border of Republic of Congo when the gunfire began. When the ambush ended, 30 minutes later, the driver was dead and the team’s assistant coach and spokesman were mortally wounded. It was not immediately clear if the convoy was targeted. The attackers fled back into the Republic of Congo after Angolan forces intervened, officials said.