South Africa

Pretoria - The countdown has begun to this year's matric examinations as thousands of Grade 12 learners sit for their first paper on Monday.

Pretoria - The Department of Health is to launch an investigation following reports on the ongoing availability of hazardous lead-based paint, despite the ban of its manufacture and sale.

Marapyane - The needs of young people today are different from those of the youth in 1994, which is why it's important they vote in the 18 May local government elections, said deputy chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Advisory Board, Clarence Maseko.

Pretoria - As the country prepares to mark National Child Labour Day on Monday, 4 April, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant is set to bring illegal child labour practices to the nation's attention.

Pretoria - Gauteng MEC for Health Hope Papo has called on patients and their relatives to refrain from verbally or physically abusing health professionals when seeking medical treatment at clinics or hospitals.

Pretoria - Following objections from government and members of the public, the University of the Free State (UFS) has decided to reopen consultations in regard to the four students who allegedly humiliated workers

Johannesburg - The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is going ahead and will be introduced in Gauteng in time for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, Gauteng Transport MEC Ignatius Jacobs said on Tuesday.

Pretoria - The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) says it is aware of the challenges that are being experienced by local municipalities in spending the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

Pretoria -The Primedia Crime Line initiative has so far led to 635 arrests and the seizure of stolen goods valued at R24.8 million through community members sending tip-offs about possible criminal activity.

Pretoria - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has published the election timetable for the upcoming national and provincial elections, in the Government Gazette.

Pretoria - The Department of Arts and Culture has tasked the National Library of South Africa to reprint literary classics in indigenous languages to help preserve the country's heritage.

Pretoria - The Public Protector has recommended that steps be taken against Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, for failure to cooperate with his investigation into allegations that he misappropriated public funds.

Pretoria - Preliminary reports have suggested that the first matric exam papers have kicked off without any delays.

Pretoria - The Public Protector has urged the South African Police Services (SAPS) not to renege on paying informers rewards owed to them, saying this brought the image of the police under disrepute.

Mbombela - Pupils from a Mpumalanga school want all schools in the province to have indigenous trees.