South Africa

Sirte - The African Union (AU) must take urgent steps to reform agricultural policies on the continent, according to an international agency, Oxfam.

Sirte - Continental leaders gathered at the 13th African Union Summit on Friday took a decision to transform the African Union Commission into a new African Union Authority.

Pretoria - With World TB Day to be commemorated later this month, the North West is embarking on an awareness campaign to sensitise the public.

Pretoria - Two Mpumalanga police constables have been dismissed following internal disciplinary hearings relating to the murder of Mbombela local municipality speaker Jimmy Mohlala.

Johannesburg - A television advertisement carrying messages of excitement for the upcoming Confederations Cup from the likes of international soccer stars like Spain's Fernando Torres and Brazil's Kaka is currently being flighted in a bid to promote the football spectacle which kicks off in three months.

Sirte - An International Contact Group on Guinea (GICG) has expressed its concern over the lack of progress towards the restoration of constitutional order and the holding of elections in Guinea.

Tokyo - Japan is facing an escalating nuclear threat as the country's top government spokesman warned that radioactive meltdowns may have occurred in two reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Sirte - The establishment of an African Union Authority is a step closer towards the dream of the African union government, says Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping.

Pretoria - The moratorium on farm equity schemes has been lifted subject to specific conditions being met.

Sirte - African leaders have denounced the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to indict Sudanese President Omar al Bashir for alleged war crimes and have refused to extradite him if he travels to their countries.

Johannesburg - The old house of former South African President Nelson Mandela at Orlando West in Soweto has received a R9 million facelift to meet the standards of a national heritage site.

Johannesburg - The new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) has been officially launched.

Sirte - The executive board of the International Committee for the Fair Trial of former Chadian President Hissene Habre has asked the African Union (AU) to ensure that Senegal puts the former dictator on trial.

Sirte - Climate change will significantly impact on all facets of the continent's economic and social well-being, but particularly in agriculture and food security, says Environment and Water Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

Bloemfontein - The Free State Department of Health on Wednesday received an advance on its 2009/10 budget to the value of R110 million from the provincial Treasury.