South Africa

Pretoria – The Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, says making sweetened soft drinks costly could sway people to drink fresh water -- an important step in the fight against obesity.

Pretoria – A new cellphone based application, MomConnect, is expected to register all pregnant women in the country for a “sms” service which provides information and advice on pregnancy, as well as a channel to notify the department about poor service.

Pretoria - There will be no toll fees charged when the rehabilitation of the 50km dual carriageway is completed on the busy N12 freeway in Gauteng, says MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has sent birthday wishes to Rivonia treason trialist and stalwart of the African National Congress (ANC), Ahmed Kathrada, who turns 85 today.

Pretoria - Government on Thursday once again reassured South Africans that it has no plans to nationalise people’s hard earned pension funds.

Pretoria – The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will discontinue the issuing of Temporary Passports as from 1 September 2014.

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe has lauded the launch of the Sexual Offences Court in Bethlehem, in the Free State.

Pretoria – Local municipalities will be awarded for their development of provincial and local greening plans during the National Arbor City Award competition, in September.

Pretoria - Cabinet has welcomed the launch of the Enterprise Development Academy by Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu.

Pretoria – South Africans are encouraged to travel within the country during Tourism Month, in September, says Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe.

Pretoria - Cabinet has approved the ratification of the signed treaty on the Grand Inga Hydropower Project between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for tabling in Parliament.

Pretoria - Cabinet has welcomed plans by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to restructure African Bank Limited (Abil).

Pretoria – South Africans will have an opportunity to tell their story during Heritage Month, in September.

Pretoria - Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi and Public Protector Thuli Madonsela have agreed on a way forward in addressing the investigation into the alleged irregular appointment of the SABC Chief Operations Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has appealed to builders and project managers to apply the necessary protection measures as well as comply with building and safety regulations to prevent future accidents.