South Africa

Pretoria - South Africa will participate in the facilitation of the peace process in Madagascar, Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Thursday.

Cape Town - Government will continue to work hard in addressing issues of crime, electricity and land reform as part of its priorities outlined in the Medium Term Strategic Framework.

Cape Town - Cabinet has been assured that Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's safety was not compromised when his airplane was forced to land in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last week.

Pretoria - To the surprise of economists, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday announced a cut of 50 basis points to the interest rate.

Pretoria - The North Gauteng High Court has granted the Department of Defence and Military Veterans a postponement on the matter between the department and the South African National Defence Union (SANDU).

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has thrown down the gauntlet on criminals vowing his government will push for tougher laws to ensure police win their war against the perpetrators of crime.

Johannesburg - Health Deputy Minister, Dr Molefi Sefularo, says although there is a lack of capacity in state facilities, especially in rural areas, the department is addressing the inequities.

Johannesburg - Johannesburg Metro Police Chief Chris Nqcobo has been cleared of allegations of misconduct and corruption.

Bloemfontein - Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Hlengiwe Mkhize, says the department has taken steps to address discrepancies in the reviewing of inmates in correctional centres.

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma, together with other cabinet ministers, have met with South African Heads of Mission.

Pretoria - In yet another initiative to celebrate the success of women, the Gauteng Provincial Government joined other provinces on Friday to honor the excellence of women in farming.

Pretoria - Parliament's Portfolio Committees on Police and Sports and Recreation will hold public hearings across the country on the proposed Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Bill.

Giyani - President Jacob Zuma will be in the dusty Muyexe village in Limpopo next week to launch a programme aimed at radically transforming rural areas

Pretoria - An educator from Glenbrack High School, who allegedly used corporal punishment on learners, has been placed on precautionary suspension.

Johannesburg - International football governing body FIFA, is to give away over 120 000 tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Danny Jordaan.