Features

Johannesburg - South Africa's consumer credit has increased amid the global economic crisis, according to the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

Pretoria - South Africa's annual Gross Domestic Product decelerated to 3.1 percent in 2008, according to the Reserve Bank's Quarterly Bulletin released on Wednesday

Cape Town - Bi-lateral relations between South Africa and Rwanda are set to advance with both countries agreeing to cooperate further in areas of public administration, science and technology, business, sports and recreation among others.

Boksburg - The Department of Trade and Industry has urged liquor traders to comply with the legal framework imposed by the licensing authority or face the might of the law.

Milan - The South African Government says it is putting the final touches to its preparations for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Pretoria - Cabinet has expressed strong displeasure with the decision to drop the internal charges instituted against four students at the University of the Free State (UFS) who humiliated workers there.

Rustenburg - South Africans have been called on to rally behind the national soccer team ahead of the big international spectacle on Saturday - the Mandela Challenge Cup - which will be a test of preparations towards hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Johannesburg - The Water for Growth and Development Framework has been welcomed by various stakeholders in addressing water security in the country.

Pretoria - An Mpumalanga teacher and two learners have appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court on allegations of leaking and being in possession of matric examination papers.

Pretoria - North West MEC for Health and Social Development Rebecca Kasienyane will on Friday lead a healthy lifestyle walk as part of this year's national celebrations for Partnership Against AIDS.

Merafong -The Khutsong Human Settlement Project which was signed by local government MEC's on Thursday is expected to produce more than 18 000 houses for the families living in the area.

Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister, Pallo Jordan and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma are to attend the commemoration of the Matola Raid in Mozambique on Saturday.

Mafikeng - In order to expand the economy of the North West, Premier Edna Molewa has focussed the provincial government's attention on skills development.

Parliament - The Joint Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has referred the Constitutional 16th Amendment Bill as well as the Cross Boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Act to the National Assembly.

Pretoria - Government is encouraging social dialogue on HIV and Aids to be the main focus this year's World Aids Day, to dispel the myths around the condition which touches millions of South African lives.