South Africa

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.

Pretoria - Poverty and unemployment have ravaged the close knit communities of Diyatalawa and Makgolokeong located in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District in the Free State province for years, but the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform's Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) has prompted the communities to manage and use their natural resources effectively, writes Nthambeleni Gabara.

Pretoria - Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will later today roll up his sleeves and volunteer at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, were employees have downed tools in the national public service strike.

Durban - In an effort to curb HIV infections, more than 200 young men from the University of Zululand are being circumcised at a camp organised by the tertiary institution and the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department.

Pretoria - South Africa has urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders who are seized with talks not to quit without producing "positive and concrete results."

Pretoria - The recipe to fighting crime is not a secret - it takes adequate resources, increased police visibility, manpower and a good morale among officers.

Pretoria - The state-owned Land Bank has cleaned up its finances and is now attracting investors, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phakamani Hadebe.