South Africa

Rustenburg - FIFA President Sepp Blatter has hit back at international broadcasters who have called for vuvuzelas to be banned at FIFA Confederations Cup matches.

Cape Town - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed an agreement between stakeholders in the passenger rail industry regarding improved commuter security.

Pretoria - The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality's Disaster Management Centre was placed on alert on Monday after heavy rains fell over Pretoria.

Parliament - Government remains committed to strengthening its support to commercial farmers, says Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

Johannesburg - All outstanding matric results have been released to schools and last year's matric pupils have been advised to contact their schools and districts.

Cape Town - Cabinet has welcomed the establishment of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Cape Town - Cabinet is confident that FIFA will address the issue of a low turnout by soccer fans at FIFA Confederations Cup matches.

Pretoria - The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality's Disaster Management Centre says it will remain on high alert as heavy rains continue to fall over Pretoria on Tuesday.

Cape Town - South Africa's tourism industry remains resilient although there are tough times ahead, says Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

Bronkhorstspruit - The Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit will be celebrating the start of the Chinese New Year on 25 January.

Tshikundamalema – It’s the precious liquid without which there can be no life. This is the message Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa left with the community of Tshikundamalema, as South Africa joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Water Week.

Nelspruit - Deputy President Baleka Mbete will attend the launch of the War on Poverty Campaign in Mpumalanga this month.

Visitors to the North West province during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup will miss out if they do not take a trip to one of the province's reserves, writes Kagiso Metswamere

Cape Town - Government is increasing its investment in the tourism industry as it gears up to host the thousands of soccer fans who will be arriving in the country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mafikeng - The North West Department of Public Works has recruited 91 trainees as boiler operators at 11 hospitals across the province in an attempt to address the shortage of this critical skill at hospitals.