South Africa

Pretoria - The number of rhinos poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year now stands at 281, with a total of 176 arrests being made in connection with the activity.

Cape Town - The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, says more opportunities need to be made available to empower the millions of young South Africans who are unemployed.

Pretoria - Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor has congratulated Home Affairs Deputy Director-General for Information Services, Sello Mmakau, who has been named the Visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) for 2012.

Pretoria - National Treasury has set up a system to track government departments' compliance with the provision of paying service providers within the 30-day period as stipulated in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Cape Town - The launch of a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory in Cape Town, by the Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa today, is to help police to fight crime more smartly.

Pretoria - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the judgment handed down by the British High Court concerning the extradition appeal of Shrien Dewani.

Pretoria - Acting Public Service and Administration Minister Mildred Oliphant today told Parliament that the department would be intensifying the capacity of the Public Service Anti-Corruption Unit (PSACU).

Cape Town - Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has called on officials in the department to play a crucial role in the turnaround strategy which is set to bring about significant changes in how the department conducts its business.

Pretoria - Today, South Africa and the world come together to celebrate world icon and former President Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday, as well as the ideals he stands for.

Cape Town - South Africa must boost support and funding for research and innovation if it is to compete with fellow developing countries, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday.

Midrand - Global events have led to the substantial 71 cents a litre increase in the price of petrol, the Energy Department said on Friday.

Pretoria - The North West Health Department will this financial year launch Primary Healthcare Re-engineering to substantially improve waiting times and reduce the workload in the system, Health MEC Dr Magome Masike announced on Tuesday.

Barberton - Murder charges were reinstated against George Mandlazi (32), the driver of the truck in which 25 Mpumalanga farmworkers died, when he appeared in the Malalane Periodical Court on Tuesday.

Pretoria - Results of the 2011 Census are likely to be released at the end of September, Minister in the Presidency for National Planning Trevor Manuel says.

Pretoria - Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti has clarified government's commitment to distribute 30% of the country's agricultural land by 2014.