Features

Ngobi - Participating in the Comrades Marathon had to take a backseat when Mmatsheko Pine learnt that President Jacob Zuma would visit her village on Saturday.

Pretoria - Correctional Services National Commissioner Tom Moyane says alternative sentencing of petty crime offenders would assist in preventing overcrowding in prisons.

Pretoria - South Africa goes into a national period of mourning today with flags flying at half mast following the death of former Education and Water Affairs Minister Kader Asmal, who has been granted an official funeral.

Bloemfontein - What could possibly motivate varsity students to get up at 4am on a bitterly cold Friday morning? The thought of lectures or exams could force one back under the covers, but when one of the brightest stars of entertainment shines on your doorstep, you simply have no choice but to wake up.

Pretoria - About 60 youngsters in Winburg have been identified to take part in the Free State Youth@Work programme aimed at youth empowerment.

Pretoria - The South African Police Service is stepping up its efforts to combat corruption but cannot be expected to fight the battle alone, says Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Bloemfontein - Thousands of people - young and old - have filled the Callie Human Centre at the University of the Free State (UFS) to welcome "the daughter of the soil."

Pretoria - The Gautrain's operators will have to satisfy the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) that rigorous safety testing and trial runs have been successfully completed, and that all the required safety measures are in place, before a Safety Permit is granted for the Johannesburg to Pretoria route.

Pretoria - As part of government's ongoing anti-substance abuse campaign, the Department of Social Development in partnership with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and the Free State government will today join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has condemned the attacks on property and disruption of transport services following the burning of Putco buses on Thursday night.

Pretoria - A memorial service for the late former Minister of Education and Water Affairs, Professor Kader Asmal has been set to take place on Thursday at the Cape Town City Hall.

Bloemfontein - Oprah Winfrey has applauded the ability of South Africans, particularly those in the Free State, to forgive.

Pretoria - The South African under-23 team intensified their bid to qualify for the All Africa Games when they beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of the qualifier match on Saturday at Sinaba Stadium.

Mbombela - Mpumalanga government departments and their employees have committed to immediately settle all their outstanding municipal accounts to improve cash flow at the province's 21 municipalities.

Pretoria - Police have arrested nine suspects in connection with the break-in at Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Mzwandile Petros's home.