South Africa

Siyabuswa - The South African Government is on a drive to produce more than 14 000 teachers by 2014.

Cape Town – The Department of Basic Education plans to replace manual attendance registers for teachers at schools with a biometric log-in system, the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said on Tuesday.

Pretoria - Newly appointed Public Works Minister Thembelani "Thulas" Nxesi has announced measures to tighten the department's lease procurement procedures, including centralising the approval of contracts to the office of the Director-General.

Pretoria - The Presidency says it has not received any letter from Professor Barney Pityana, which was published in the media, criticising President Jacob Zuma's leadership and that of government.

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo has been withdrawn from the squad to face Cote d'Ivoire in the Nelson Mandela challenge on Saturday due to an ankle injury.

Krugersdorp – Residents of Mogale City in the West Rand, which was predominantly a mining area, have been assured that their tap water is safe to drink by Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.

Pretoria - The Midvaal Municipality has said it will commit to carrying out recommendations made by the Public Protector following an investigation into the municipality.

Pretoria - As today marks the World Quality Day, the North West Health Department will be holding a Quality Assurance Summit, which will look at delivering accident-free health care at health facilities.

Cape Town - The 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the 2010 FIFA World Cup are set to put this year's opening of Parliament head and shoulders above previous years' events

Pretoria - South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012 - up from 1.2% in the third quarter, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has accepted diplomatic credentials from seven new ambassadors and high commissioners during a ceremony at his official office at Tuynhuys.

Pretoria - South Africa's unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2009 remained virtually unchanged at 24.3 percent, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Pretoria - Gauteng provincial government departments will today hold information sessions about the services that are available for people living with disabilities, abused women and children.

Johannesburg - As part of government's overhauling of the South African health system, the Department of Health is to send a team to all the hospitals around the country to assess the needs and challenges of facilities.

Pretoria - Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Malusi Gigaba, has reiterated that government will not tolerate any form of violent attack on people from other countries.