South Africa

Pretoria - The Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, who chairs the National Planning Commission, has taken the new National Development Plan (NDP) to the unions for comment.

Polokwane - The construction of a R200 million mall in Seshego outside Limpopo's capital is set to boost job opportunities and lessen transport costs for shoppers, says Polokwane mayor Freddy Greaver.

East London - Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet says the dismissal of two senior managers from her office is just the beginning of her government's zero tolerance policy towards fraud.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says institutions such as Parliament, provincial legislatures and councils must play their oversight role to ensure public resources are allocated and used in accordance with policy priorities, and that there is efficient spending and value for money.

Pretoria - The Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, says innovation drives economic development, and science and technology are contributors to innovation.

Pretoria - National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has encouraged police to renew their outlook on the service, saying law enforcement was an honourable occupation that serves the vital needs of society.

Pretoria - The unveiling of 50 Transnet Pipelines (TPL) tank wagons is a milestone that South Africa should be proud of, which will help the country in its quest to become an original equipment manufacturing hub on the continent.

Pretoria - Telkom has announced the appointment of Jabulane Albert Mabuza as chairperson of the company with immediate effect.

Pretoria - Gauteng is taking several steps to address fraud and corruption, including plans to verify all employees of the provincial government to ensure that salaries are paid to authentic employees, says Gauteng Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe.

Pretoria - The Department of Labour has issued a notice indicating its intention to call on all interested parties to comment on the possibility to review the minimum wage for farmworkers.

Pretoria - The project to upgrade and replace outdated hospital equipment and machinery at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital has resulted in a huge improvement in the services that the hospital provides to the community.

Pretoria - Government and the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) will continue consultations on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) with a view to finding a solution, the parties said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Pretoria - Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel has thanked the Constitutional Court Clerks Alumni Association and the Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Pro Bono Office for their efforts to create awareness about the South African Constitution and human rights.

Pretoria - Power parastatal Eskom has initiated its next tariff initiation by submitting its draft Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD 3) to the SA Local Government Association (Salga) and National Treasury for comment.

Pretoria - The upcoming Social Cohesion Summit is not a reaction to the controversial portrait by Brett Murray titled The Spear - but is rather aimed at getting the country talking about pertinent socio-economic issues that affect people from all walks of life.