South Africa

Pretoria - The passing of struggle icon Albertina Sisulu, who has been described as the rock of the nation, has been met with shock and sadness.

Johannesburg - Preparations for the funeral of the late African National Congress stalwart Albertina Sisulu will be finalized once the family had consulted President Jacob Zuma and other important stakeholders, a family spokesperson said.

Pretoria - The Department of Defence will convene a board of inquiry following a freak accident at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, which left members of the force seriously injured

Pretoria - The state-owned African Exploration Mining and Finance Company (AEMFC) is officially in business as its first mining project got underway in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

Tripoli/Sanaa - Fighters from Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) continued their battles on Saturday with the remnant forces of Muammar Gaddafi in Sirte, the fallen leader's hometown, causing casualties on both sides as well as to civilians.

Pretoria - The Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs has invited members of the public to participate in the public hearings on climate change.

Pretoria - Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, will award bursaries to the top 67 matriculants from the Mopani District in Limpopo today.

Pretoria - The Presidency has rejected claims that the relationship between members of President Jacob Zuma's family and the Gupta family interfere with the work of the National Executive of government.

Cape Town - Traditional leaders from across the country have received the nod from President Jacob Zuma for the important role they played to ensure the success of the recent local government elections.

Pretoria - North West MEC for Health, Dr Magome Masike, says more focus should be put on prevention measures to close the "flood gates" of new HIV infections.

Johannesburg - The Presidency, in consultation with the Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, has decided to give the late Albertina Sisulu an official special funeral, Minister Collins Chabane has announced.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will on Wednesday visit the Free State to inspect local government performance and job creation.

Pretoria - Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has described the late Albertina Sisulu as a champion of human rights, who fought against oppression at a time when the majority of South Africans were segregated on the basis of race and gender.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has met with political party leaders represented in Parliament and briefed them on several domestic and international matters concerning the country.

Pretoria - National Treasury has released for public comment a draft of the 2011 Taxation Laws Amendment Bills (TLAB), which includes a personal income tax relief.