South Africa

Pretoria - A rare 507 carat white diamond was discovered at the Cullinan Mine near Pretoria.

Harare - Health ministers of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are advising travellers in the region to postpone journeys to areas affected by swine flu, Influenza A (H1N1), as a precautionary measure.

Johannesburg - A slight recovery in South African business confidence could mark the start of a turnaround that could pick up momentum towards year-end as the global economy recovers, says the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).

Johannesburg - Former President Thabo Mbeki cast his vote, adding to the number of prominent South Africans, who came out in the cold weather to make their mark.

Parliament - Chief Justice Pius Langa will later today swear in 90 new members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during a prestigious ceremony.

Pretoria - Voting is proceeding smoothly for the fourth democratic elections in the country.

The Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Premiers and MECs responsible for Community Safety,
Hon Chairperson of the Select and Portfolio Committees of Parliament,
National Police Commissioner, Mr Bheki Cele,
All Commissioners and Directors-General,
Station Commanders from all over the Republic,
Senior Officials,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Johannesburg - A police helicopter pilot was wounded in the leg after a shootout with an armed gang near Lenasia, on Wednesday.

Polokwane - Limpopo's Premier Cassel Mathale has committed to doing everything in his power to improve the lives of people in the province.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has expressed his support for an amendment to the law to strengthen the hand of police in dealing with violent criminals.

Pretoria - The Johannesburg Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) on Wednesday seized assets worth more than R23 million belonging to the former Salaries Accountant of Omnia Holdings (Pty) Ltd.

Johannesburg - A patriotic shiver went down the spines of those watching, as the country's favourite citizen, former President Nelson Mandela, cast his vote in the 2009 General Elections.

Pretoria - In the interest of maintaining unity in Zimbabwe, the South African Government is considering inviting both President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to the inauguration of President-elect Jacob Zuma.

Pretoria - Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United skipper, Lucas "Rhoo" Radebe, is expected to be the centre of attraction at the national Tourism Indaba in Durban this weekend.

Johannesburg - Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda on Tuesday expressed concern at the low number of university students taking Information Communication Technology (ICT) courses.