South Africa

Pretoria - The European Union (EU) has pledged $165 million to improve primary education in South Africa.

Polokwane - Despite a tumultuous year for basic education in South Africa, the Limpopo Department of Education says it is all systems go for the matric exams that start next Monday.

Pretoria - Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile, and several other mayors are expected to sign a Delivery Agreement with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Sicelo Shiceka, on Thursday.

Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, together with the Education Department, held a celebration to encourage literacy, especially among the adult population in the Sisonke District.

Pretoria - The hosts of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Women Championship (AWC) 2010, Banyana Banyana, will face Tanzania in the tournament's opening match on 31 October at Daveyton's Sinaba Stadium.

Pretoria - Despite her recent visit to the Eastern Cape to resolve challenges facing the provincial education department, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has expressed grave concern about the ongoing education crisis in the province.

Pretoria - The Public Protector has called for an end to media speculation about her findings and the result of the Special Investigation Unit's (SIU) investigation into the controversial multimillion rand lease for the police head office building.

Muldersdrift - From a review of the criminal justice system to improved forensics, communication and command, the Police Ministry has embraced a multi-faceted approach in its mission to fight crime toughly and smartly.

Pretoria -The Home Affairs department has made significant strides towards its target of achieving an unqualified audit by 2011, says its Director General Mkhuseli Apleni.

Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has dismissed 53 employees for submitting fake educational qualifications.

Pretoria - Deputy Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom has called on Chinese researchers to collaborate with their South African counterparts to investigate palaeontological resources.

Johannesburg - The Rea Vaya Bus Operating Company, within the City of Joburg, is now majority owned and managed by former taxi industry operators.

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has reiterated the need for Zimbabweans seeking South African permits for business, study and work to carry the correct supporting documents when they visit the departments' offices.

Durban - Cricket South Africa's UbuntuNOW road show has come to KwaZulu-Natal with just under two weeks to go the ICC Cricket World Cup on the Asian subcontinent.

Pretoria - A new capacity building programme, to be offered at Wits University will go a long way in addressing the country's skills shortage.