Latest news with #bridge
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Plans for bridge to connect two parts of Truro scrapped
A planning application for a bridge to connect two parts of Truro has been scrapped and could be replaced by a cheaper alternative. The Truro Town Deal Board axed the plans which would have seen the bridge - known as a lifting bridge - connect Truro's Boscawen Park with Newham. The proposed new design would be for a bridge which would have a pivot point on the western quay. The estimated amount for the original plans were between £6.25 and £6.86m, and the new amount would cost between £5.36m and £5.86m. 'Huge challenge' The new project has also been awarded about £812,000 in Cornwall Council match funding, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. A revised planning application for the updated bridge design is expected to be submitted in the autumn. Should planning permission be granted, construction could start in spring 2027, for completion by the end of 2027 or early Stanhope, chair of the Truro Town Deal Board, said: "The board has faced a huge challenge in the delivery of our plan against rising costs of construction and materials. "We therefore welcomed the opportunity earlier this year to revisit the design and mechanism of the bridge with the view of reducing costs."
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki: An intellectual powerhouse far ahead of his generation
Former President Thabo Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Let us remember Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. Image: DIRCO 'You have to lead. You should be sensitive to what your followers think. But if you do exactly what they want, you are not a leader.' — Mahathir Mohamad IN an era where political leadership often prioritises popularity over principle, former president Thabo Mbeki stood out as a rare intellectual force in South African politics. Unlike his predecessors, who relied heavily on speechwriters, Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Mbeki's presidency was marked by a unique blend of intellect and political acumen. He dared to question dominant narratives, most notably during the HIV/Aids crisis, when he encouraged broader scientific discourse rather than accepting prevailing assumptions uncritically. While this approach drew criticism, it also highlighted his commitment to reasoned inquiry — a hallmark of his leadership style. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and governance set him apart. Mbeki was not only a politician but also a thinker — one who could frame complex policy issues with clarity and originality. He approached governance with a philosopher's depth and a statesman's pragmatism, making him one of Africa's most respected leaders. 'What happens,' asked Mahmood Mamdani, commenting on the William Makgoba imbroglio at Wits, 'when seekers of knowledge turn around and claim to be custodians of knowledge? Knowledge seeking is a profoundly humble and a profoundly subversive activity. Its starting point, Socrates' fashion, is both the admission of ignorance in self and the questioning of truth. Knowledge-custody, on the other hand, is more of a self-appointed priestly affair, both arrogant and conservative.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Indeed, Mbeki's critical intellect and his unwillingness to be swamped by the opinion of the herd were best captured by his pronouncements on issues of national concern, more specifically concerning the HIV/Aids debate. To be president of a country does not necessarily mean that one should not have or express personal views on matters of national interest. Even though, for public figures, the line between the private and the public is often blurred, it is sometimes necessary to keep it in mind, especially in this age of the unscrupulous press and the paparazzi. Mbeki's intellectual rigour was matched by his dedication to public service. He oversaw economic reforms that stabilised South Africa's post-apartheid economy and championed Pan-Africanism through initiatives like the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad). As a diplomat, he played a key role in mediating regional conflicts and elevating South Africa's global standing. Despite his achievements, Mbeki's intellectual independence made him a polarising figure. Critics accused him of being aloof or overly theoretical, yet these very traits enabled him to govern with vision and consistency. In a political climate increasingly dominated by populism and short-term thinking, Mbeki's legacy reminds us of the value of critical thought and principled leadership. A product of ANC liberation traditions, Mbeki inherited a deep commitment to justice from his father, Govan Mbeki, and his mother, Epainette Mbeki. Educated abroad during decades of exile, he returned to help shape South Africa's democratic future. His tenure as deputy president under then-president Nelson Mandela positioned him as a natural successor, and he led the country from 1999 until his controversial recall in 2008. Since Mbeki's departure from office, political discourse in South Africa has arguably deteriorated. Parliamentary debate has become more performative than substantive, and intellectual engagement is often sidelined. This decline underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking from an early age, encouraging young people to question, reflect, and challenge established norms. Mbeki's intellectual contributions extend beyond policy. He understood that history is not merely a record of events but a lens through which we interpret the present and imagine the future. Drawing from thinkers like Giorgio Agamben and Roger Simon, Mbeki framed the past not as a burden but as a source of insight — an untimely light illuminating the complexities of our time. As Isaiah Berlin once noted, understanding a thinker requires identifying the central idea that animates their work. For Mbeki, that idea was the transformative power of knowledge, both as a tool for development and as a moral compass guiding political action. He believed in Africa's potential to chart its own course and advocated for African solutions to African problems. The modern world demands leaders who can marry intellect with governance. As Robert Taylor argued, instinct alone cannot navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges. A nation's survival depends on leaders who apply rigorous thought to practical affairs. Mbeki exemplified this ideal, combining scholarly reflection with decisive leadership. Edward Said warned against intellectuals who shy away from difficult truths out of fear of controversy. Mbeki never shied away. He remained steadfast in his convictions, even when they placed him at odds with popular opinion. That courage, coupled with his eloquence and integrity, defined his legacy. As Said put it: 'Nothing in my mind is more reprehensible than those habits of mind in the intellectual that induce avoidance, that characteristic turning away from a difficult and principled position which you know to be the right one.' Ever since Mbeki left Parliament, there has been a 'dumbing down' of political discourse in the National Assembly. Politicians seem almost frightened, if not apathetic, about showing intellect. Politicians have become intellectually moribund. Cacophony in the form of heckling has replaced robust political discourse. Sadly, this is characteristic of our society at large. It starts right early in school classes. Children need to be taught to have independent thoughts, to question what they are given, and to challenge myths. Mbeki is the nation's best thinker among politicians, and the best politician among thinkers. Mbeki is the most widely respected politician on the entire African continent, if not the world. A consistent theme throughout Mbeki's political career has been his inimitable ability to frame and reframe a debate on a given public policy problem by relying on data and originality, not ideology, and to do it with wry and perceptive wit and eloquent wisdom that cannot escape one's attention. Mbeki is the epitome and embodiment of exceptional and illuminating lifelong virtues. For anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him, it is not hard to remember his awesome personality. Throughout his political life, he has won wide respect as a voice of reason and a source of wisdom. He is the resolute voice for wisdom and decency. Armed with colossal energy and astute judgment, he has helped settle some of the most complex international disputes. Today, Mbeki's ideas are resurging in relevance. As South Africa grapples with economic stagnation and political uncertainty, there is renewed interest in his vision of rational governance, Pan-African solidarity, and intellectual courage. His absence from active politics left a void — one that few have been able to fill. Let us remember Thabo Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. * Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Boeing Partners with UM6P's ACME to Enhance Morocco's Manufacturing Capabilities
Rabat — Aviation giant Boeing announced an agreement with the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME), a research and development center affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Boeing Middle East announced the news on June 17, noting that the company partnered with the manufacturing center to enhance Morocco's capabilities in the sector. The agreement also seeks to develop local talent and support sustainable growth for the region's airspace industry. Boeing and the UM6P-affiliated center signed the partnership during the Paris Air Show event. Boeing Middle East said the agreement expands the 70-year partnership with Morocco. Vince Logsdon, Vice President of the International Business Development for Boeing Defense, reportedly signed the agreement, welcoming the move as a 'Significant step forward in our efforts to support the growth of Morocco's airspace industry.' Reports quoted UM6P President Hicham E Habti, who said that ACME's collaboration with Boeing reflects a 'Shared vision for the development of aerospace and excellence in production capabilities, combining research, human development, and industry.' He said the initiative seeks to form a bridge between academia and the private sector, reinforcing Africa's role in the global industrial value chain. The president also said the partnership seeks to enhance collaboration on technological development and contribute to building a skilled workforce. In addition to UM6P's affiliated center, Boeing also signed an agreement with Casablanca Aéronautique for the production of machined parts for its 737 MAX program. Morocco sees the aeronautic sector as a key industry for its contribution to the economy. Its vision is to double employment in its aerospace sector by 2030. Overall, the sector created around 20,000 jobs, reaching an integration rate exceeding 40%.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Truck boom strikes highway bridge in Dundee, closing M-50 for a couple of hours
I-96 flex route with new signals begin; police investigation in Monroe County; and more top stories I-96 flex route with new signals begin; police investigation in Monroe County; and more top stories I-96 flex route with new signals begin; police investigation in Monroe County; and more top stories M-50 under the U-23 bridge in Dundee, Michigan, was closed for over two hours overnight after a truck's lift boom struck the bridge. The collision happened about 10 p.m. Tuesday when a refuse hauler was westbound. The hydraulic lift boom was extended and with that, the vehicle struck the bridge, Dundee Police Department reported. First responders on the scene on M-50 at the US-23 bridge, where a westbound truck struck and damaged the bridge June 17, 2025. Dundee Police Department The impact scattered debris across M-50, which is known as Tecumseh Street in that area, and there was visible damage to that side of the bridge. First responders ordered both eastbound and westbound lanes closed to allow for cleanup and inspection. "The truck appears to be a total loss, but there are no reported injuries," police said. MIchigan Department of Transportation bridge inspectors were called to check on the bridge. Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officers, Dundee Fire Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene. Shortly before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, MDOT bridge inspectors reported the bridge was safe to reopen and M-50 was back open in both directions.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IGNOU offering PG Diploma in Development Communication & MA in Development Journalism, check course details here
The Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU is offering two innovative academic programmes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Development Communication (PGDDC) and Master of Arts in Development Journalism (MADJ), which have been designed to prepare learners to respond effectively to contemporary developmental challenges through informed media engagement and strategic communication. The foundation of the course lies on the growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between policymakers and the public. Also read: IGNOU invites applications for Online Master's Programme in Social Work, check course details Development communication and journalism serve as vital tools to raise awareness, encourage participation, and foster transparency in the planning and implementation of social development initiatives, IGNOU said in a press statement. The PGDDC and MADJ programmes are aimed at promoting inclusive dialogue between planning bodies and communities, enhance understanding of communication's role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), build strong writing, journalism, research, planning, and policy evaluation skills, and open pathways to careers in media, NGOs, international organizations, and development sectors, the university added. Also read: IGNOU ODL, Online Admissions 2025: Register for July session via direct link here Also read: UP JEE 2025 results released, here's how to check scores at Interested applicants can click on this direct link for online application and other details.
