As far back as the 14th century, a simple idea was created by not so simple minds. A monster it was, with no sex or gender. Still a foetus in the age of the Protestants, it sprung to adolescence in the 19th and 20th centuries with a face so vile and a heart so violent, its creators had to shelter it with some sort of glamour so the world would choose to look upon it.

A career in modelling can take you places (literally) and earn you packets. Interested?

Click, flash! Click, flash! Click, flash! That’s the sound of your picture being taken by a professional photographer while a crew of stylists and assistants watch you work your magic. If you’re taller than the counter at Panda Land and not blatantly hideous-looking, you’ve probably considered making a side career out of modelling. 

SOME Wits university students have raised concerns of decreasing spending power on the back of rising fuel prices.

There are talks of an imminent fuel price hike in all grades of fuel this month, an increase of 82 cents from the current price.

The price of alcohol and tobacco will increase by up to ten percent, said Minister for Finance Pravin Gordhan at the annual national budget speech on Wednesday.

DANIELLE PETTERSON: The ANC has proposed a graduate tax for all graduates of institutions of higher education. The proposal has been met with opposition from many youth and student organisations.

According to The Sowetan, the ANC made this resolution at its elective conference in Mangaung last year. Details were limited with no explanation given regarding timelines for the implementation of the tax or the likely percentage to be levied. The tax was reportedly intended to contribute to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The scheme was expected to play a major role in government’s plans to introduce free education to all undergraduate students.

Baraka Msulwa: It is over a decade into the 21st century and the substantial economic growth of Africa has caught the attention of supporters and critics alike.

In recent times major Western publications, namely The Economist and Time Magazine, have been in agreement about the rising economic prospects of the continent. 

The sentiment has not always been so upbeat, with The Economist reporting on ‘Hopeless Africa’ at the dawn of the century, and Time Magazine remarking on how ‘hope is Africa’s rarest commodity.’

Let’s recap. Western opinions, supported by data and statistics collected by the World Bank, IMF or [insert yet another “credible” data source here], have provided bipolar accounts of Africa’s economic prospects over the past 20 years – because all 54 African economies tend to move in unison. Right?

 Malilimalo Phaswana: Here’s how inflation will affect you this year.

The most anticipated day of the month for students is pay-day. Long Street, BIS and that pair of shades from Jay Jays would be slightly harder to acquire if we didn’t get that monthly dose of dough. For a more-or-less fixed income, you need to be aware of things that make your wallet thinner. With the expertise of UCT’s macroeconomics lecturer, Professor Leigh Neethling, we’ll take a look at the biggest factors that will affect your 2013 cash flow, thus helping you spend your money more wisely.

BERND FISCHER: Don’t get too comfortable if you have just adjusted your (already tight) budget to suit the high cost of living, as food prices are set to increase over the next few months. Due to the worst drought experienced by the United States in 50 years, up to 200 countries could be affected by the resulting food price increase – and this includes South Africa.