South Africa

East London - This weekend over a hundred Eastern Cape pupils will take over the province's legislature to participate in an inter-school debate competition.

Pretoria - Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Mondli Gungubele says the municipality has set aside R23 000 to fix the gravestone of the late secretary-general of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and anti-apartheid activist, Chris Hani.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is to undertake working visits to Germany and Finland next week to advance political relations with the two countries.

East London - It's all systems go for the construction of a multi-million rand Chinese vehicle manufacturing plant in the Eastern Cape.

Cape Town - Cabinet is to consider amendments to the Labour Relations Act in the coming months and is pursuing several measures to ensure more jobs are created, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe told MPs on Wednesday.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says the local government sphere has a vital role to play in the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.

Pretoria - An extensive audit of disciplinary processes within SAPS has been completed, saysPolice Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Pretoria - South African banks are sound and well capitalised, the Reserve Bank has said in response to Moody's downgrading of five banks.

Pretoria - The late Minister of Public Service and Administration, Roy Padayachie, will receive an Official Funeral Category 1, the Presidency has announced.

Cape Town - The ANC's - through Chancellor House - investment in a company that supplies boilers to build the Medupi power station was not colluding in any way with Eskom, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Wednesday.

Pretoria - Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Ayanda Dlodlo has described the late Minister Roy Padayachie as a committed patriot, who "died with his boots on".

South Africa should take advantage of government's massive infrastructure programme with support from all sectors.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has on behalf of himself, the Cabinet, Government and the people of South Africa, expressed "our inner most sense of loss and despair" at the passing of Minister of Public Service and Administration, Roy Padayachie.

Government has repatriated the remains of a Khoisan man, Klaas Pienaar and his wife Trooi, from Austria.

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana's woeful run continued last night at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban with yet another goalless draw against Senegal.