South Africa

Pretoria - South Africa's Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2009 contracted by an annualised 6.4 percent, Statistics South Africa announced on Tuesday.

Nelspruit - Communities interested in developing tourism opportunities on land claims projects in Limpopo have until 15 June to submit proposals.

Harare - Norway announced on Monday that it would increase its aid to Zimbabwe by US$9.17 million.

Mafikeng - Farmers in the North West have been called on to submit applications to participate in this year's Nguni Cattle Development Project.

Pretoria - The Department of Health says it will do everything possible to ensure the delivery of health care services in public hospitals continues amid threats of strike action by some doctors on Friday.

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana's preparations for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup are on track, says national team spokesperson, Matlhomola Morake.

Pretoria - South Africans can take comfort in the fact that despite the current recession, the economy is forecast to improve in the second half of the year.

Ilembe - Residents living in rural areas under the Ilembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal who don't have electricity or can't afford to buy a television set will not miss out on the action during the FIFA Confederations Cup

Pretoria - The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, is expected to officially release the State of the Air Report later today.

Pretoria - A momentous concert is expected to be held on the eve of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil in June next year.

Komatipoort - The two Mozambican men arrested for trying to smuggle drugs worth R52 million through the Lebombo border gate have appeared in the Komatipoort Periodical Court.

Islamabad - An explosion in eastern Pakistan's Lahore city has killed at least 23 people and injured over 200 others.

Pretoria -The Gauteng Health Department will kick off its measles immunisation drive at schools in the province today.

Johannesburg - Ticket sales for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup are fast approaching the 400 000 mark, with just three weeks before kickoff.

Johannesburg - The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is satisfied with the precautionary measures put in place to ensure the country's skies are safe during the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup.