South Africa

Pretoria - The newly launched Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) Welding School will see at least 700 young people trained as high class welders, said the parastatal.

Pretoria - In an effort to better serve the high number of patients visiting health facilities in the North West, 62 community nurses will be deployed in provincial clinics in April to offer extra services.

Pretoria - It's all systems go for the School Governing Body elections, which will see parents, teachers and learners in over 24 000 public schools elect candidates who will ensure their schools run efficiently.

Pretoria - Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom says science, technology and innovation must be used to address real socio-economic challenges and make a difference in people's lives.

Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the sentencing of international rhino horn smuggling syndicate kingpin and Thai national Chumlong Lemtongthai.

Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry has clarified media reports stating that the revised Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes could ruin charities, saying the B-BBEE process contributes to economic transformation while seeking to create an equitable society.

Pretoria - The Ministry for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation has, since its establishment, introduced a range of performance monitoring and evaluation practices that have made government effective, President Jacob Zuma said.

Pretoria - The North West provincial government has welcomed the release of the Census 2011 results by Statistics South Africa as a helpful set of data that will assist in effectively planning for the needs of its people.

Pretoria - The South African government has committed itself to helping Angolan refugees return to their home country.

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at a number of ports of entry to accommodate the high traveller volumes expected over the Easter period.

Pretoria - New generators installed at various primary health care clinics in Orange Farm and Soweto are expected to curb disruptions and allow health practitioners to carry out their work, in the event of power outages.

Pretoria - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and the Chief Executive Officers of leading healthcare companies in South Africa have signed a social compact agreement aimed at, among other things, addressing the shortage of medical doctors and fighting the scourge of TB, HIV and Aids.

Pretoria - Investment in youth programmes is a necessity for South Africa, says Deputy Minister for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Obed Bapela.

Cape Town - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has called on mining houses to change their conditions of employment to enable miners to visit their homes and see their families more often.

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.