South Africa

Cape Town - Government's efforts to eradicate poverty will be extended to all sectors of the South African population and was not dependent on race.

Louis Trichardt - More than 100 families in seven villages in the Makhado local municipality in Limpopo were left homeless after their houses were damaged or destroyed by a devastating storm on Sunday night.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has extended condolences to the families of the 19 South Africans who were killed in two tragic road accidents on Wednesday.

Pretoria - North West MEC for Human Settlements, Desbo Mohono, has wished matriculants the best as they sit for their final examinations.

Pretoria - As matric pupils sit for their second paper today, President Jacob Zuma has added his voice to those who have wished the Class of 2010 good luck.

Pretoria - Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has wished all the offenders writing matric exams at correctional centres countrywide success in their efforts to empower and improve their lives.

Pretoria - The matric examinations got off to a smooth start on Monday with no serious hiccups reported in the country, the Department of Basic Education said.

Pretoria - Although South Africa's economy is well into a modest recovery it must create an environment that is favourable to domestic and foreign investment, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

President Jacob Zuma today wished all matriculants everything of the best in their final examinations which began today.

Pretoria - Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant is set to announce the much-awaited new sectoral determination for the farming sector on Monday.

Pretoria - The Reserve Bank has cut the repo rate by 50 basis points, to 6 percent.

Plettenberg Bay - The usually sleepy township of Nokhuthula in Plettenberg Bay is a hive of activity this morning as a high-level government delegation, led by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, is expected to descend on the Western Cape coastal town shortly.

Pretoria - Political parties, analysts and business have welcomed the positive crime statistics, released earlier today, but urged government to intensify its efforts to fight crime even further.

Pretoria - An educated and skilled human resource is a key lever for accelerating economic growth and human development, says Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Pretoria - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has asked provincial education MECs to consider the suspension of all extra-mural activities and spend the available time on learning and teaching.