South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa
25 February 2010

Rustenburg - When FIFA President Sepp Blatter opened the envelope in May 2004 which revealed South Africa as the first African country to host the soccer world cup, screams of jubilation could be heard across the country as people spontaneously took to the streets in euphoria. Chris Bathembu looks at one of the legacy projects that will be derived as a spin-off that will live beyond this momentous tourney.

Mafikeng - Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in ensuring that the North West reaches its development goals, especially in rural areas, says MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Gordon Kegakilwe.

Nelspruit - Fifty-five students, who have completed a course in Plant Production, are expected to help fill the shortage of agricultural extension officers in Mpumalanga.

Pretoria - This year's Easter Holiday Arrive Alive campaign marks the start of a renewed commitment to reducing deaths and injuries on the country's roads, says Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele.

Durban - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has asked South Africans to continue giving to others selflessly.

Nelspruit - Unionised workers who man the toll gates along the N4 highway in Mpumalanga embarked on an indefinite wage strike and toyi-toyed on Monday after their demands for a 17 percent wage increase failed.

Louis Trichardt - A R54 million comprehensive rural development programme is expected to boost the impoverished area of Matsila outside Louis Trichardt.

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana coach, Alberto Carlos Parreira has announced his squad for next week's friendly match against Namibia to mark the 100-day countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Pretoria - Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica, has launched a state-of-the-art weather radar network that will see the prediction of and warnings about severe weather become more accurate.

Johannesburg - The Gauteng provincial government is consulting with all its municipalities to develop what it called "minimum service standards" which will apply throughout the province.

Pretoria - This year's Easter Holiday Arrive Alive campaign marks the start of a renewed commitment to reducing deaths and injuries on the country's roads, says Transport Minister, Sibusiso Ndebele.

Durban - When 14-year-old Siya Dlamini landed on the street after getting into trouble with the law, he never dreamt that one day he would be showing off his fancy footwork in front of his peers from around the world, writes Kemantha Govender.

Pretoria- The Eastern Cape housing department has introduced a new rural housing voucher system. which will enable beneficiaries to claim housing subsidies to acquire building materials which they will use to build their own homes.

Bethal - Two police reservists have appeared in court for allegedly soliciting a R6 000 bribe from a store owner in Mpumalanga.