South Africa

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha says government will this year launch the Nelson Mandela Rules for the treatment of prisoners.

A delegation of local companies is set to explore trade and investment opportunities and tighten investment relations in Kenya and Tanzania.

Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele has urged the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to prioritise the broadband market as a push is made to reduce the cost to communicate.

Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor says the department will spend R934 million on the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) to improve student development and decolonise the curriculum.

Gauteng Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Sochayile Khanyile, has strongly condemned the senseless killing of the Meadownlands Police Station Commander at his home in Protea South, Soweto, last night.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says the announcement of a R100 million development fund, sponsored by private sector companies, is set to help small fisheries players who have challenges with access to funding.

The keen interest in South African goods and services at the 19th SIAL China International Trade Fair for Food is a positive step in cementing relations with Asia, says South Africa’s Consul-General in Shanghai Mpho Hlahla.

National Treasury has released South African Airways’ (SAA) financial presentation after Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance (SCOF) postponed its meeting to review the national carrier’s fourth quarter results.

Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo says government is seized with working towards concluding a multi-term wage agreement with unions.

Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina says Eskom has agreed to switch the lights back on in Ncala after the impasse between the community and the power company was resolved.

Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa says the department is looking at the possibility of reviewing legislation with a view of phasing out harmful plastic products like straws.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has appointed a five-person team of MECs and Mayors who will help the provincial government to develop a plan for Rapid Land Release.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries says Rift Valley Fever has been confirmed at one farm in the Jacobsdal area in the Free State.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange has vowed to find the perpetrators who shot and killed a police officer in Protea South, Soweto, on Wednesday.

Gauteng police are searching for the suspect who murdered two young girls in Tokoza on the East Rand.