South Africa

Pretoria - Business should report incidents of key projects being delayed as a result of red tape, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel says.

President Jacob Zuma has reiterated that the country's judiciary is independent and can be trusted to be the final arbiter in disputes.

Pretoria - New Energy Efficiency (EE) building regulations that will come into effect in November will boost job creation, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

Pretoria - The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department has called on people who paid bribes to a woman posing as a nurse in the promise of jobs in hospitals, to submit information and evidence to the hospitals where they were promised employment.

Cape Town - The Public Protector has called on President Jacob Zuma to consider taking action against Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka after making several findings against the minister.

Pretoria - Nine Cuban nationals have begun sharing their knowledge on immigration issues with a group of 30 South African trainers.

Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti says rural communities need to take charge of their development if government is to achieve its goals of tackling poverty and unemployment.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has appointed two new non-executive directors to fill vacant positions on the Board of the South African Reserve Bank.

Cape Town - Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has highlighted that the global economic meltdown and European debt crisis was affecting SA's manufacturing industry.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has applauded outgoing chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Dr Brigalia Bam and two other commissioners for serving the country with distinction.

Pretoria - Traffic volumes are expected to pick up from tomorrow as the festive season gets into full swing, said the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Thursday.

Pretoria - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has voiced deep regret after Security Council members were unable to agree on a resolution backing an Arab League plan to resolve the crisis in Syria.

Pretoria - Local government needs to play a leading role in stressing the importance to communities on the threat climate change has on the world.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has sent well wishes to the Muslim community celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

Pretoria - A story in the Independent Newspapers, alleging that President Jacob Zuma has "relieved" National Police Commissioner, General Bheki Cele of his duties, and that he is to be posted to Canada as an ambassador is a fabrication, the Presidency said.