South Africa

Pretoria - The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has expressed "shock and disappointment" following the leaking of a confidential forensic report.

Pretoria - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says she is confident that all the work put into preparing this year's matrics for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) will put the learners in good stead for the all-important examinations.

Pretoria - It's all systems go for the 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with the Department of Basic Education announcing its readiness to administer credible and fair exams.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says there is a need to stimulate South Africa's economy in the face of deteriorating world markets and labour unrest in the country.

Cape Town - The Traditional Courts Bill would only be passed if it is in step with the Constitution, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, said on Tuesday.

Pretoria - The first train service to transport hematite products from Swaziland to South Africa's Richards Bay will begin in November and is also expected to stimulate job creation, said Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Pretoria - Electricity parastatal Eskom has expressed concern at rating agency Standard &Poor's announcement to downgrade its credit rating by one notch.

Malalane - A storm that tore through Mpumalanga on Tuesday night has left one child dead and eight villagers severely injured in hospital, while about 100 households have been displaced.

Cape Town - The government's massive scaling up of its anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programme is beginning to show results, with a new report showing that South Africa's life expectancy has increased by over three years in the last two years.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will hold a meeting with social partners today as South Africa joins the world in marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Pretoria - South Africa and Indonesia have agreed to enhance bilateral relations and will conduct a joint study to explore trade opportunities, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

Pretoria - Correctional Services National Commissioner Tom Moyane says he is confident the department will achieve improved financial management.

Pretoria - Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant says plans are in place for 2013 to accommodate learners who are currently in schools that will close down.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa is expected to address an international summit on transnational crime in Switzerland on Thursday.

Johannesburg - Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba on Monday announced that a task team has been set up to come up with a turnaround strategy for the state owned airline, South African Airways (SAA).