South Africa

Pretoria - South Africa and Chile are set to advance bilateral, political, economic and trade relations at their 4th Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) meeting.

Johannesburg - Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale has spoken out against labelling houses as "RDP" houses and more recently "BNG" (Breaking New Ground) houses, saying that such names should not be attached to the houses built by government for its people.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has conveyed his condolences to the Sisulu family, following the passing on of Zwelakhe Sisulu, a freedom fighter, renown journalist and business person.

Johannesburg - The Roads and Transport Portfolio Committee in Gauteng has expressed "deep concern" over the number of crashes involving Putco buses.

Pretoria - Chairperson of the Correctional Services Portfolio Committee, Vincent Smith, says he is impressed with the rehabilitation programmes implemented at Zonderwater Correctional Centre, situated east of Pretoria.

Johannesburg - In a bid to help learners identify the career paths that best match their abilities, the Gauteng Education Department has introduced a career counselling and education programme for secondary schools.

Pretoria - Derek Hanekom has been sworn in as the Minister of the Department of Science and Technology by the Honourable Justice Bess Nkabinde at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

East London - Parliament and the different provincial legislatures need to become more involved in ensuring service delivery for people living in informal settlements.

Pretoria - North West Health MEC Dr Magome Masike has apologised to patients for having to endure the distress of a makeshift hospital while contractors are battling to complete the new Brits Hospital.

Pretoria - The Department of Environmental Affairs has called on animal rights activists to join hands with government in its efforts to curb rhino poaching in the country.

Midrand - South Africa and Turkey should strengthen efforts to trade more with each other - seeing as both countries play a pivotal role in the development trajectory of the globe, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said on Thursday.

Pretoria - Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA), a division of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) and Investe Sao Paulo have entered into a cooperation agreement.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has appointed a task team to look into the causes of the delays in delivering textbooks to Limpopo schools, the Presidency said on Wednesday.

Lephalale - South Africa is on the rise and it is projects such as the Medupi Power Station that is creating growth in the economy, says President Jacob Zuma.

Cape Town - South Africa can create at least 5 000 jobs by providing ship and oil rig repair and maintenance, the Minister of Transport Ben Martins said on Wednesday.