South Africa

Cape Town - Government is to place more emphasis on funding the development of long-term infrastructure the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan said today.

Pretoria - The changes to the National Executive announced by President Jacob Zuma on Monday will come into effect when the new ministers and deputy ministers are sworn in to office during a ceremony at Tuynhuys this afternoon.

Durban - The South African government has been praised for setting an example by moving to introduce climate change legislation.

Cape Town - Underspending on infrastructure and an increase in public servants' wages remained key concerns for the government, with R3.8 billion in unspent balances in the last financial year expected to be rolled over and an additional R4.4 billion made available to cover higher-than-expected salary adjustments, the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan said today.

Pretoria - Continuous failure by South African national teams to qualify for continental and global tournaments calls for introspection on where the country's football is headed, says Safa President Kirsten Nematandani.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma and his Deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe, have welcomed the new Ministers and Deputy Minister at a swearing in ceremony at Tuynhuys, Cape Town.

Pretoria - Gautrain buses are again not operating today, as the illegal strike by bus drivers continues.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has wished the Indian community in South Africa well as millions of Hindus celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali, today.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has praised the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) after it received an unqualified audit report for the 2010/11 financial year.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has lashed out at those who have criticised the appointment of Acting National Police Commissioner Major-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Pretoria - Cabinet has announced that it will intervene in the financial administration of three provinces in the country.

Pretoria - The two staff members who were allegedly involved in the rape of a female patient at a Free State hospital have been suspended.

Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs is to close its Port Elizabeth Refugee Reception Centre at the end of November.

Pretoria - The City of Johannesburg is studying the legal challenge documents it has received from companies complaining about electricity cut-offs.

Durban - As political leaders begin their talks on what should be the outcomes of this year's climate change conference in Durban, they should do so with the knowledge that they have the entire humanity in their hands, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.