South Africa

Pretoria - President Kgalema Motlanthe has declared 22 April 2008 a public holiday to allow South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Pretoria - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has received 338 objections against candidates' lists submitted by political party's that will be contesting the 2009 General Elections.

Khayelitsha, Cape Town

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Premiers,
Deputy Ministers and MECs responsible for local government,
Directors-General and Municipal Managers,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Pretoria - Cabinet has noted and is currently studying a Constitutional Court judgment which found that part of the national legislation that created the Hawks and disbanded the Scorpions is constitutionally invalid.

Johannesburg - A Litter Free Campaign is underway at the Jukskei River in Alexandra, as part of the city's ongoing efforts to clean and protect its environment.

Pretoria - Deputy President Baleka Mbete has expressed concern at the slow ticket sales for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and has urged South Africans and Africans to start buying more tickets.

Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has cautioned taxpayers against a number of scams which have been circulating in recent days which seek to obtain people's bank and other personal details.

Johannesburg - The Gauteng Provincial Government has allocated R88.6 million for the implementation of programmes that support the reduction of incidences of crimes against women and children.

Johannesburg - As part of stabilising the health sector, Gauteng MEC for Finance Mandla Nkomfe has allocated an additional R1.1 billion over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to supplement funding for the “non-negotiable items that make the health institution functional”.

Johannesburg - The provision of quality basic education remains the central priority of the current administration, Gauteng Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe said on Tuesday.

Pretoria - The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe will lead a delegation to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development TICAD IV follow up meeting ion Gaborone this weekend.

Swaziland - The Southern Africa Development Community's (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation was held in Swaziland on Thursday to discuss the political and security situation in Madagascar.

Tembisa - Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa has encouraged learners at the Tembisa and Zitikeni High Schools to respect their bodies and make wise choices for their future.

Pretoria - The seating in all ten of the stadia which will host 2010 FIFA World Cup matches is to be finalised by October this year.

Pretoria - Despite being the backbone of healthcare systems around the world, nursing in South Africa continues to be plagued by many challenges, says Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.