South Africa

Pretoria - Relief is in sight for 29 orthopaedic patients, whose surgeries had been delayed at Tembisa Hospital due to a breakdown in the cooling system.

Pretoria- An agreement to launch a programme that will improve learner performance in literacy and numeracy at primary school level will be signed this week.

Pretoria - Well wishes from around the globe are pouring in for Former President Nelson Mandela, who is being treated at Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital.

Pretoria - South Africa has received a major boost from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria.

Pretoria - The medical panel attending to former President Nelson Mandela is satisfied with the progress the elder statesman has made to the extent that he has been discharged from hospital.

Durban - Government has set out to find new ways to deal with some of the difficulties it faces in its land reform programme. It has taken a grassroots level approach, which it hopes will uncover deeper issues and be the catalyst for innovative solutions.

Johannesburg - Former President Nelson Mandela arrived at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, in an ambulance on Friday afternoon, after being discharged from hospital.

Durban - The 20th edition of the Umkhosi Woselwa (First Fruit) ceremony had a twist this year - only circumcised men participated in the ritual bull killing.

Pretoria - "On behalf of the Mandela family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support that we received from all South Africans and the international community."

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has promised the "smooth movement" of all travellers entering and leaving the country this festive season.

Mbombela - Trans African Concessions, the concessionaire that operates the N4 toll road from Pretoria to Maputo, says un-roadworthy vehicles and speeding are the major causes of serious accidents.

Pretoria - Acting President, Kgalema Motlanthe has conceded that government could have handled the matter of Nelson Mandela's admittance to hospital better.

Polokwane - The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has sent a warning about a possible renewed poaching onslaught on rhinos during the festive season.

Pretoria - Motorists will be disappointed to learn that a litre of petrol will rise by 26 cents across all grades next Wednesday.

Phalaborwa - The Kruger National Park has launched a pilot project in which it allows members of local communities to harvest mopani worms in what it says will be a sustainable manner.