Kidnapped journalist's pleas for help, KZN's hefty storm cost

[Click here for the web version of this email]( [Daily Maverick] Monday, 29 April 2019 While You Were Working [Kidnapped SA journalist begs for help]( Journalist Shiraaz Mohamed has [been a hostage]( in what is believed to be somewhere in Syria since January 2017. But a recently released WhatsApp video has shed new light on Mohamed's plight. The freelancer's kidnappers had originally demanded $300,000 for his release, which had been denied. Now, with what Mohamed states in his own video as Russian bombing is on the advance, the clock is ticking for Dirco or anyone to intervene. [R1bn price tag for KZN floods]( The KZN Premier has estimated last week's devastating storm damage at about R1-billion. Premier Willies Mchunu wants to declare the province a disaster area after 70 people were confirmed dead and hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed. Without national assistance, Mchunu added, KZN would not be able to cope. — Like any great partnership, it's good to have the same values. As Henley Business School launch their #InformedDemocracy campaign, we've launched our Newsletter Referral Programme - both have the same objective: to ensure that the electorate are informed with the truth when they go to the polls on May 8. Help us in our mission and start #spreadingthenews. The more inboxes our newsletters hit, the more people will be armed with the truth as they cast their vote. To sweeten the deal, [Henley have given us a 3 year MBA to the value of R264,500]( - and just by [recommending]( us to your friends, you could win it. [Cyclone Kenneth death toll climbs]( Nine people have died and over 180 have been injured in the wake of Cyclone Kenneth. The storm claimed five people in Mozambique and four in Comoros, with the storm being recorded as one of the most powerful in history for the area. Local authorities have reported that heavy rains have stopped and the worst of the flooding has receded. [Protests spark outrage in Tunisia]( Thousands of angry protesters have gathered in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia today. The group is demonstrating against ongoing marginalisation and poor city conditions. This comes in the wake of 12 deaths in a single traffic accident over the weekend. — [The Iconic President Hotel Captures the Best of The Mother City]( [Sponsored Content by the President Hotel]( Known as Cape Town’s most beloved hotel destination, the President Hotel offers guests an authentic and bespoke experience of its home town. From farm-to-table and local food and drink offerings to its unique positioning and climate in sought-after Bantry Bay, where it's surrounded by Cape Town’s top attractions, the iconic landmark represents the perfect combination of luxury accommodation and incredible views. — Featured Articles [ANALYSIS: Why Ramaphosa is probably not in a position to end corruption and patronage]( [ANALYSIS: Why Ramaphosa is probably not in a position to end corruption and patronage]( BY Pierre De Vos [South African journalist Shiraaz Mohamed, kidnapped in January 2017, is shown alive in new video]( [South African journalist Shiraaz Mohamed, kidnapped in January 2017, is shown alive in new video]( BY Jonah Dylan [Rockin’ all over the world – in a perpetual election season]( [Rockin’ all over the world – in a perpetual election season]( BY J Brooks Spector Opinionistas [Adam Habib’s book about the #FeesMustFall movement at Wits is all about … Adam]( BY David Dickinson [Double bind: Women film makers in Africa are edited too soon]( BY Tsitsi Dangarembga — [FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO A FRIEND]( Copyright © 2019 Daily Maverick, All rights reserved. You are receiving this mail because you are awesome and on the Daily Maverick Afternoon Thing subscriber list. Want to advertise in this mail? [Talk to us.](mailto:advertise@dailymaverick.co.za?subject=Advertising%20query%3A%20Afternoon%20Thing) [Getting too many emails from us? Manage your preferences]( | [Unsubscribe](