NOMINATIONS for the row of IMF managing director have closed, with French finance minister Christine Lagarde remaining the front-runner.

The global financial chaos cast its shadow over a gloomy opening of the World Economic Forum today.

South Africa’s finance minister resigned along with most leading Cabinet members today in the wake of president Thabo Mbeki’s departure.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has told his nation he has formally resigned, effective as soon as a new president is chosen.

South Africa’s ruling party has called on President Thabo Mbeki to resign and says he has agreed to the request.

South Africa’s government today said no decision had been made on a possible loan to Zimbabwe to help that country purchase electricity, food and fuel.

Tony Blair will today recognise the “critical role” to be played by the private sector in combating poverty in Africa.

South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel will present his mid-term budget today amid optimism among mining companies and money managers he’ll deliver on a pledge to ease apartheid-era foreign exchange controls.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the embattled ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, staged yet another political comeback today when she was re-elected to the top flight of South Africa’s ruling party.

Wearing his trademark blue tinted sunglasses, U2 star Bono joined his travelling partner, US Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, for meetings with South Africa’s president and finance minister today.