South Africa

Pretoria-The accreditation of over 100 Imams as marriage officers will enable the legal official recognition of marriages of Muslim couples, says Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Soweto - The newly opened Zola-Jabulani District Hospital in Soweto, which people have been eagerly awaiting, will alleviate the pressure on Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, says Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Pretoria- Higher Education and Training Minister (DHET) Blade Nzimande on Wednesday launched the Vhembe Skills Development Project which focuses on creating jobs and alleviating poverty.

Sterkspruit – The majority of residents in Sterkspruit and Molteno in the Eastern Cape have vowed to practice their democratic right to vote in next week's election, however, they have requested increased security measures.

Pretoria – The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed Golden Miles Bhudu’s arrest at the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Pretoria – Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson Pansy Tlakula says the election body is ready for the national elections scheduled for 7 May.

Freedom Park – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says government will deploy a contingent of police officers to Freedom Park in the North West ahead of the 2014 general elections next week.

Pretoria - North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the arrest of four suspects arrested in Rustenburg in connection with public violence and possession of stolen goods.

Pretoria – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa will today lead a delegation of Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster to assess the state of readiness for the general elections in Rustenburg.

Pretoria - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says it is satisfied that all necessary arrangements have been made for South Africans living abroad to vote in the 2014 General Elections.

Pretoria - The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Pam Tshwete, has handed over the title deeds of 7 504 hectares of land to the Ba Phalaborwa Ba Maseke community.

Pretoria - Transnet has strongly condemned acts of violence and intimidation during the protest action at the Ngqura Container Terminal.

Johannesburg – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe today launched the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) programme aimed at protecting the rights of those that are vulnerable in their communities.

Pretoria - North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned the torching of Rustenburg Local Municipality Speaker Boipelo Marekoa-Kodongo’s house in Freedom Park near Rustenburg.

Pretoria – National Treasury has published a paper for public comment outlining proposals for a carbon offset scheme that will enable businesses to lower their carbon tax liability and make investments that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.