South Africa

Pretoria - Business confidence continued to decline in October, falling more than what was anticipated, said the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).

Johannesburg - The Department of Minerals and Energy has invited the public to comment on the department's draft beneficiation strategy which aims to transform the mining industry from being a resource based to a knowledge based industry.

Pretoria - There is a need for consumers to be taught more about their consumer rights and the Consumer Protection Act, says Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission Trevor Manuel.

Pretoria – The Acting Minister of Police, Dr Siyabonga Cwele has called for a speedy investigation, possible arrest and prosecution of the police officers that were involved in the death of Mido Macia in Daveyton.

Cape Town - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that the days of using "conflicting and controversial data" in his department are over.

Pretoria - The price of all grades of petrol is to go up by 81 cents as of next week, the Energy Department announced on Friday.

Pretoria - Motorists are set to dig deeper into their pockets again as the petrol price is set to rise again at midnight today by 36 cents a litre.

Pretoria - President Kgalema Motlanthe is to depart for London on Tuesday to join world leaders at the G20 Summit in London scheduled for Thursday.

Luanda - Military forces belonging to the stand-by brigade of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are conducting a six-day joint military exercise, dubbed "Golfinho", phase I "MAPEX".

Mbombela – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza says the provincial government will double up on efforts to improve healthcare in the province.

Ngwanase - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is to spend R200 million during the 2009/2010 financial year for the recruitment of young South Africans.

Pretoria - The revamped Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria is expected to be used extensively during the 2010 FIFA World Cup to transport fans and FIFA delegates to and from the host city.

Johannesburg - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says he is impressed by the various 2010 legacy projects being completed around Johannesburg, after taking a tour of the city on Saturday.

Mbombela – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has announced that in the next financial year, a comprehensive improvement plan intended to provide targeted support to schools that performed below 50 percent in the Grade 12 examinations will be implemented.

Harare - The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defense and Security is to hold a Heads of State summit to iron out sticking points in Zimbabwe's Global Political Agreement (GPA).