South Africa

We live, today, in a world gradually being confronted with the growing effects of climate change. The occurrence of natural disasters is increasingly becoming more frequent and their effects more severe, in ways analogous to what the world continues to witness in other parts of the southern hemisphere, most notably in Brazil and Australia.

Pretoria - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has approved an amount of R500 million to install low pressure solar water heaters to households that have benefited from government's low cost housing programme.

Pretoria - Disgruntled workers who embark on violent strike action to voice their demands, can expect severe punishment from government, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has warned.

Pretoria - National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele has met the deadline to make his submission to the Public Protector regarding the controversial multimillion rand lease for the police head office building.

Bloemfontein - The Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport has set a target of testing at least 100 000 vehicles for roadworthiness during October, which is Transport Month.

Pretoria - Employers and workers have been warned to be on the alert for bogus labour officials who approach non-suspecting employers to conduct illegal inspections or sell legislation posters.

Pretoria - A decision on whether 70 000 truck drivers will embark on a nationwide strike or not - which could have disastrous effects on the freight and logistics industries - is expected on Wednesday.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has urged the latest batch of police recruits to serve the South African Police Serve with passion and commitment, while bearing in mind that the safety of the country's citizens rested in their hands.

Bushbuckridge - The Bushbuckridge local municipality in Mpumalanga kicked off a Condom Week campaign on Wednesday in an effort to reduce new HIV infections in the area.

Johannesburg - Heavy rains and localised flooding across southern Africa are raising fears of a repeat of the devastating floods of 2000, when thousands of people were plucked from rooftops by helicopter, several hundred died and Mozambique's agricultural production was severely impacted.

Mbombela - Sports fans have been urged to wear cricket, netball and rugby jerseys every Friday in support of national teams participating in international tournaments this year ahead of the launch of Magnificent Fridays in Mpumalanga.

Abidjan - Cote d'Ivoire's Alassane Ouattara has ordered the suspension of the country's cocoa and coffee exports.

Johannesburg - The Emergency Management Services (EMS) are always on standby to help, but there are actions people can take to stay safe during heavy rainstorms.

Pretoria - With the 2010 World Cup a thing of the past, South Africa's tourism players are setting their sights forward with the aim of promoting the country as a world-class host for future large scale, international events.

Pretoria - Absa has responded to the call from government to assist in raising money to provide relief to victims of the recent floods that have devastated various parts of the country.