South Africa

Seoul - British Prime Minister David Cameron has called on the G20 countries to keep the world trade open and shun protectionism.

Johannesburg - With frustration increasing among South Africa's unemployed youth, President Jacob Zuma has promised that things will improve soon.

Pretoria - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Africa's Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) Hamilton Thomo has been suspended pending an investigation of disciplinary charges, the company's board announced on Thursday.

Siyabuswa - The South African Government is on a drive to produce more than 14 000 teachers by 2014.

Cape Town – The Department of Basic Education plans to replace manual attendance registers for teachers at schools with a biometric log-in system, the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said on Tuesday.

Pretoria - Newly appointed Public Works Minister Thembelani "Thulas" Nxesi has announced measures to tighten the department's lease procurement procedures, including centralising the approval of contracts to the office of the Director-General.

Pretoria - The Presidency says it has not received any letter from Professor Barney Pityana, which was published in the media, criticising President Jacob Zuma's leadership and that of government.

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo has been withdrawn from the squad to face Cote d'Ivoire in the Nelson Mandela challenge on Saturday due to an ankle injury.

Krugersdorp – Residents of Mogale City in the West Rand, which was predominantly a mining area, have been assured that their tap water is safe to drink by Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.

Pretoria - The Midvaal Municipality has said it will commit to carrying out recommendations made by the Public Protector following an investigation into the municipality.

Pretoria - As today marks the World Quality Day, the North West Health Department will be holding a Quality Assurance Summit, which will look at delivering accident-free health care at health facilities.

Cape Town - The 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the 2010 FIFA World Cup are set to put this year's opening of Parliament head and shoulders above previous years' events

Pretoria - South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012 - up from 1.2% in the third quarter, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has accepted diplomatic credentials from seven new ambassadors and high commissioners during a ceremony at his official office at Tuynhuys.

Pretoria - South Africa's unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2009 remained virtually unchanged at 24.3 percent, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).