South Africa

Pretoria - As the final matric exams commence today, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has encouraged learners to remain focused, calm and study up to the last minute.

Pretoria - Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele has issued a stern warning to reckless and unlicensed drivers following a weekend of death on the country's roads.

Pretoria- Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will host the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau on a one day working visit to South Africa.

Durban - According to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, South Africa is one of 11 countries whose under-five mortality is climbing. One out of every three of these deaths is a newborn.

Pretoria - The month of August is being used to remind South Africans that they can save lives by donating organs and tissue.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on Friday met with the leadership of the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) to prepare for a broader meeting between government and SANEF in October.

Bloemfontein - A Gauteng woman, accused of defrauding the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality of R5 million, is due to appear in the Phutaditjhaba Magistrate's Court today.

Louis Trichardt - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has promised more visible policing in South Africa's rural areas during the opening of two police stations in Limpopo.

Pretoria - With only 62 days before the start of matric examinations, Basic Education MEC Reginah Mhaule has called on all Mpumalanga Grade 12 learners to continue to prepare for the end of year examinations, to stick diligently to their study timetables and to join a study group, if they are not already part of one.

Pretoria - Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will today visit the Chris Hani Baragwanath and GaRankuwa hospitals to interact with the military health doctors and nurses who have been deployed to assist during the public service strike.

Pretoria - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has called on residents to help clamp down on people selling low cost houses illegally.

Pretoria - It is worrying that only a small percentage of black South Africans visit the country's National Parks, says Water and Environmental Affairs Minister, Buyelwa Sonjica.

Pretoria - Preliminary exams in at least four provinces kicked off on Monday, after being postponed for two weeks due to the public service strike.

Durban - International and local delegates have gathered to discuss the role of planning in addressing Africa's economic, social and environmental challenges.

Johannesburg - Women from across the continent have gathered in Johannesburg to discuss the role they can play in preserving the environment and fighting poverty.