The capturing of the news

Given its importance, the release of the state capture report might prove to be a seminal moment in South Africa’s political history. There are many excellent opinion columns about its significance, so we will not labour the point. Let’s not even get into how NPA head Shaun Abrahams gave a masterclass in forgetfulness in dropping fraud charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and two former SARS employees.

So, while the news has been captured by the state capture report, which talks about the state, and capture, we say bravo to the person who wrote this headline following the report's release:

“DA to lay criminal charges against, well, everyone”

That says it all, we thinks.

Trumpocalypse

According to the many, many opinion polls taken as the United States approaches election day next week Tuesday, Donald Trump is closing the gap on Hillary Clinton.

Not the best look for the US is it? We will leave it at that. Expect immigration to Canada to soar.

Test cricket is still where it’s at

The current Test match between Australia and South Africa has seen affairs swing from one side to the other. Many obituaries have been written about the longest form of international cricket being part of a bygone era, but events in Perth remind us why, for purists at least, Test cricket is the highest form of the game.

On a side note, Dale Steyn going off injured might remind many of Allan Donald’s final walk off a Test cricket field. Let’s hope the Phalaborwa Express returns to the fold.

Hit for six and mic drop

On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates played SuperSport United in a Premier Soccer League game in Nelspruit, with Pirates, one of the country’s biggest sporting brands, let alone football teams, being hammered 6-1. It was the Sea Robbers’ worst loss in 27 years.

Pirates’ coach, Muhsin Ertugral, resigned the same night, with his resignation accepted by the club later in the week. Accountability in South Africa has a new champion.

Groupon bites the dust

There is always something attractive about a bargain that gets people excited, and coupon website Groupon has been a favourite haunt for South Africans looking for a bargain. However, on Friday, it was announced that Groupon’s South African arm had ceased operations.

It was reported last week that the global entity might close its South African branch, in an attempt to develop a streamlined country footprint. Reading between the lines, that suggests from a financial point of view, it was no longer making sense.

RIP Groupon. You will be missed.

Lastly, clash of the short films

The Academy Awards are characterised by who wins the big acting awards and which films take the most prestigious honours. However, the short film animation category is heating up with two absolute gems in the category going viral last month.

Pixar’s official entry, Piper, is just the sort of thing you want to watch on a Friday, while Borrowed Time, made by two of Pixar’s in-house animators in their spare time, is harrowing and touching.

If you are looking for two wonderful pieces of animation, each pulling at different emotional cords, we recommend giving both Piper and Borrowed Time a watch.

See you next week.