South Africa

Parliament - The Department of Public Works has committed to refining its focus, aligning its key competencies and upgrading its capabilities.

Pretoria - The disciplinary action against the man accused of molesting young girls in Beaufort West is at an advanced stage within the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Nairobi - Kenya is to host an international conference to promote peace in the country to help bolster its battered image after the violence sparked by the post-election crisis early last year.

Parliament - An amount of R1.2 billion has been allocated for the Department of Public Works' Capital Works Programme, says Minister Geoff Doidge.

New York - The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza "leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces."

Pretoria - The television series, Breaking New Ground (BNG TV) will kick off its third round of programming on Monday, said the Department of Housing.

Parliament - The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has budgeted over R22 million for the envisaged National Youth Service for Agriculture programme.

Accra - Professor John Evans Atta Mills was inaugurated as the third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana by Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood on Wednesday.

Pretoria - The Department of Labour is considering extending the period for the payment of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) by the employer to the employee to a year.

Parliament - Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge says his department has all systems in place to deliver 500 000 jobs by the end of this year through the second phase of the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Cape Town - The City of Cape Town's water is healthy and safe for human consumption, says City's Director of Water and Sanitation, Lungile Dhlamini.

Cape Town - Government will continue to improve its communication techniques and methods so that citizens can access its programmes with ease.

Pretoria - Deputy President Baleka Mbete met her Swedish counterpart Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson, Monday morning, to build support for investment in the African Agenda.

Rustenburg - FIFA President Sepp Blatter has given the Local Organising Committee (LOC) a pat on the back, saying the quality of pitches and organisation of the FIFA Confederations Cup "was so far so good".

Rustenburg - Government has congratulated Bafana Bafana for their performance against New Zealand last night.