South Africa

Pretoria - There's a jovial mood prevailing in Parliament, as the swearing in of 400 members by Chief Justice Pius Langa continues.

Cape Town - There was an array of vibrant colours, elegance, chic and panache on display as the country's fourth democratic parliament convened this morning.

Johannesburg – Despite a decrease in the rate of teenage pregnancy among Gauteng learners, the provincial Department of Education is looking at what more can be done in schools and across the community to prevent “premature parenthood”.

Soweto – The remains of two freedom fighters have been exhumed at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.

Pretoria - The new proposed Employment Equity Amendment Bill could see the introduction of far reaching changes to ensure South Africa’s compliance with international labour standards.

Cape Town - Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe is to deliver a keynote address at the 11th annual conference of the Association of Public Accounts Committees (APAC) later today.

Johannesburg - Although the 2010 FIFA World Cup only kicks-off in June, South Africa is already reaping the rewards of hosting the world's biggest single-code sporting event, through the annual Soccerex convention.

Parliament - The newly formed Congress of the People (Cope) have confirmed that they will nominate Mvume Dandala as an alternate candidate for President of the Republic of South Africa at the National Assembly later today.

Johannesburg - Outgoing Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane has been officially elected as Premier of the country's economic powerhouse, Gauteng.

Bloemfontein - Ace Magashule was on Wednesday declared Premier of the Free State during the inauguration of members of the provincial legislature.

Pretoria - Voters have been reminded that the Department of Home Affairs offices will be open on Election Day to assist voters who need to collect their Identity Documents.

Pretoria - Outgoing Eastern Cape Legislature Speaker, Noxolo Kiviet, has been officially sworn-in as the new Premier in the province.

Cape Town - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is adamant government has to change the way it does business in order to deliver on its mandate.

Parliament - Women's representation in the National Assembly has increased to 45 percent, putting South Africa third in the global women in Parliament rankings, behind Rwanda and Sweden.

Pretoria - President Kgalema Motlanthe has commended South Africans for their enthusiasm ahead of Wednesday's polls.