South Africa

With soaring electricity prices making many South Africans cringe, people could soon switch to alternative power in their homes, writes Neo Semono.

Pretoria -The Joburg Market has implemented stricter security measures and procedures, following a fatal robbery earlier this week.

Pretoria - The Department of Defence and Military Veterans has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the eight South African Defence Force (SANDF) members who died in a car accident on Friday.

Newcastle - A major storm hit KwaZulu-Natal on Friday afternoon, leaving more than 1000 homes severely damaged and up to 600 people homeless.

Pretoria - As World Pneumonia Day draws nearer, the South African Medical Association (SAMA) has urged South Africans to strengthen the fight against pneumonia and use the day to raise awareness and educate each other.

Johannesburg - Despite the adverse global economic conditions, unemployment in Gauteng has decreased from 28.2% in the first quarter of 2011 to 23.7% in the fourth quarter of 2012 financial year.

Cape Town - With the country set to host the FIFA World Cup in June, the year 2010 is truly a year of action, said President Jacob Zuma during his State of the Nation speech today in Parliament.

Cape Town - The government is set to establish an independent power system operator, separate from Eskom, to ensure that the country maintains a reliable electricity supply in, said President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation address in Parliament today

Pretoria - An independent investigator has been appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, to look into the state of affairs at the National Consumer Commission (NCC), one of the department's agencies.

Cape Town - Government aims to reduce water loss by 2014 bearing in mind that South Africa is not a water rich country, says President Jacob Zuma.

Pretoria - Government is working hard to ensure that South Africans feel safe.

Pretoria - The Department of Basic Education, in partnership with LEAD SA, has announced a major initiative to raise awareness and educate South Africa's 10.2 million learners about rape.

Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) received a record four million tax returns for individuals and trusts during the 2009 tax season.

Pretoria - In a further effort to develop and strengthen economic and industrial trade, South Africa and Hungary have signed an Agreement on Economic Cooperation in Pretoria.

Cape Town - Government will continue to improve the country's healthcare system as well as finalise preparations for the establishment of the National Health Insurance system (NHI), says President Jacob Zuma.