South Africa

Boksburg - Police men and women are not recruited so that they can be slaughtered by criminals, says National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele.

Pretoria - The recent spate of police killings in South Africa was a direct threat to the country's hard-won constitutional democracy, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Friday.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma reiterated on Friday that South Africa rejected the proposal of a blanket nationalisation of mines, saying instead the focus would be on proposals that seek to ensure the country benefits more from mining without disrupting the sector.

Sandton - While South Africa has made significant strides in improving access to justice for its citizens, factors such as poverty, lack of education and resources, continued to hinder government from delivering on this constitutional right, says President Jacob Zuma.

Johannesburg - Gauteng has beefed up its budget allocation for district health services by over R1 billion, in line with the provincial health department's objective to re-engineer services in clinics and smaller hospitals.

Pretoria - The South African government would like an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) for a reasonable amount of time, Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies said

Johannesburg - About 1 019 nurses in Gauteng have been trained to initiate ARVs to shorten the waiting period for people who need to be put on treatment.

Johannesburg - Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has refuted allegations that his department had picked up the tab for expelled African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President Julius Malema to stay in London.

Pretoria - Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Ntombi Mekgwe, has appealed to communities to work with the department and law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute drug lords and runners responsible for ruining the lives of children.

Pretoria - Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde says Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, must be given an opportunity to do her work without any interference.

Temba - National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has slammed criminals who target women, children and the elderly, saying they do not belong in South Africa.

Secunda - Urgent action is needed to turn the South African Police Service into a well-oiled machine, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said at the end of the two-day Mpumalanga Safety and Security Summit in Secunda on Friday.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has congratulated Team South Africa for gallantly representing the nation in the London 2012 Olympics.

Pretoria - South Africa's swimming sensation Chad le Clos clinched a silver medal in the 100 metre butterfly event at the London 2012 Olympics on Friday night.

Pretoria - South Africa should not underestimate the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and the environment, says Environmental Affairs Department Director General, Nosipho Gcaba.