South Africa

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has welcomed the country's National Development Plan (NDP) which was released by the National Planning Commission recently.

Pretoria - Over three million children are currently orphaned in South Africa, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

East London - Eastern Cape Transport MEC Thandiswa Marawu's first year in office has seen her make some major reshuffles in the department's leadership.

Pretoria - Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor has handed over 410 specially designed housing units to the Kleinmond community in Cape Town.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has called for tough action to be taken against police officers involved in incidents of rape.

Pretoria - Cabinet has disagreed with a decision by bank rating agency Moody's Investor Service to downgrade the rating of South African banks from "stable" to "negative", saying its economic policies were supportive of growth and competiveness.

Pretoria - North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Desbo Mohono, has called for the implementation of the Integrated Provincial Strategy to reduce and combat sexual offences to be intensified.

Pretoria - The term "local is lekker" was given a new meaning today when government, unions and the private sector all signed a deal committing the country to increasing its target of procuring locally manufactured goods to 75 percent.

Pretoria - As schools wrap up the 2011 academic year and close for the December holidays, the Ministry of Basic Education has wished all learners, teachers and the entire school community a safe and joyous holiday season.

Pretoria - South Africa will tomorrow join the rest of the world in kicking off the 16 Days of Activism Campaign on No Violence against Women and Children.

Pretoria - Auditor-General Terence Nombembe has urged government departments to work hard towards achieving clean audits, saying sound financial management will go a long way in improving public confidence in state institutions.

Pretoria - Shrien Dewani's appeal against his extradition to South Africa to face charges relating to his wife's murder will enter its second day at the High Court in London on Wednesday.

Pretoria - Development must remain central during talks at the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference, known as MC8, says Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies.

Pretoria - South Africa has welcomed the formation of a coalition government as part of the power transfer deal meant to end months of political unrest in Yemen.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, while on a state visit to that country.