South Africa

Pretoria - Today, South Africa and the world come together to celebrate world icon and former President Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday, as well as the ideals he stands for.

Cape Town - South Africa must boost support and funding for research and innovation if it is to compete with fellow developing countries, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday.

Midrand - Global events have led to the substantial 71 cents a litre increase in the price of petrol, the Energy Department said on Friday.

Pretoria - The North West Health Department will this financial year launch Primary Healthcare Re-engineering to substantially improve waiting times and reduce the workload in the system, Health MEC Dr Magome Masike announced on Tuesday.

Barberton - Murder charges were reinstated against George Mandlazi (32), the driver of the truck in which 25 Mpumalanga farmworkers died, when he appeared in the Malalane Periodical Court on Tuesday.

Pretoria - Results of the 2011 Census are likely to be released at the end of September, Minister in the Presidency for National Planning Trevor Manuel says.

Pretoria - Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti has clarified government's commitment to distribute 30% of the country's agricultural land by 2014.

Sun City - President Jacob Zuma has likened Africa's growth pace to that of Asia, saying the continent is fast making good progress economically and is on its way to achieving economic growth and improving the quality of life of Africans.

Hammanskraal - As family, friends and colleagues gathered to remember the life of murdered policewoman Constable Francis Rasuge, government reiterated its commitment to effectively deal with women abuse.

Durban - At least 2 500 KwaZulu-Natal schools have responded enthusiastically to national government's school sports programme, exceeding the target by 1 000 schools.

Pretoria - Government has assured South Africans that it is intent on ensuring that the Commission of Inquiry into the Strategic Defence Procurement Package, also known as the arms deal, delivers on its mandate in a transparent manner.

Durban - A government programme aimed at discouraging anti-social behaviour among young people, using different forms of art, has changed five young lives forever.

Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has warned potential liquor traders about a fraudulent liquor licensing scam.

Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has expressed disappointment that the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has decided to import the National Olympic team's kit.

Washington - The global financial crisis and concern about debt levels in many advanced economies showed no asset could be viewed as truly safe, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday.