South Africa

Durban - India held their mettle in a nail-biting contest at Sahara Park Newlands to beat South Africa by two wickets in the third one-day international.

Pretoria - Judge Nathan Charles Erasmus has stepped down as chairperson of the South African Board of Sheriffs.

Pretoria - Political parties have cautiously welcomed last night's State of the Nation Address by President Jacob Zuma, saying it touched on key areas and that his plans can go a long way in addressing decades of socio-economic problems.

Durban - There is no place for experienced wicketkeeper Mark Boucher in the South African squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup on the Asian sub-continent starting next month.

Pretoria - While President Jacob Zuma's commitment to the fight against crime in the State of the Nation Address has been welcomed, some analysts believe the President did not give the issue the attention it deserves.

Pretoria - Put on your old tie, squeeze into your old blazer, resurrect your school colours ... This Friday, and every Friday until the matric exams are over.

Cape Town - A Presidential Committee has been given 12 months to conclude a review on the effectiveness of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Pretoria - Health stakeholders have commended government's commitment to improve the country's health care system through initiatives announced by President Jacob Zuma during the State of the Nation Address.

Pretoria - Business stands ready to work with government in tackling joblessness.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma's announcement of a R9 billion fund for job creation over a period of three years has received the thumbs-up from the private sector and the general public.

Durban - South African international star Steven Pienaar has completed his reported 3million pounds move from Everton to Tottenham Hotspur, ending weeks of speculation about his future.

Pretoria - Except for minor concerns from the State of the National Address delivered by President Jacob Zuma, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has welcomed government's commitment to education.

Pretoria - The Mpumalanga provincial government has appointed a task team to look into the disruption of water services that had plagued the small municipality of Emalahleni in recent months.

Pretoria - The United Nations Security Council has welcomed the conclusion of voting in the referendum for the self-determination of Southern Sudan, describing the voting exercise as "largely peaceful and orderly."

Durban - The Proteas raced to an eight-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in a warm-up game ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which also saw the return of Jacques Kallis and the debut of Imran Tahir.