South Africa

Pretoria - To the surprise of economists, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday announced a cut of 50 basis points to the interest rate.

Pretoria - The North Gauteng High Court has granted the Department of Defence and Military Veterans a postponement on the matter between the department and the South African National Defence Union (SANDU).

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has thrown down the gauntlet on criminals vowing his government will push for tougher laws to ensure police win their war against the perpetrators of crime.

Johannesburg - Health Deputy Minister, Dr Molefi Sefularo, says although there is a lack of capacity in state facilities, especially in rural areas, the department is addressing the inequities.

Johannesburg - Johannesburg Metro Police Chief Chris Nqcobo has been cleared of allegations of misconduct and corruption.

Bloemfontein - Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Hlengiwe Mkhize, says the department has taken steps to address discrepancies in the reviewing of inmates in correctional centres.

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma, together with other cabinet ministers, have met with South African Heads of Mission.

Pretoria - In yet another initiative to celebrate the success of women, the Gauteng Provincial Government joined other provinces on Friday to honor the excellence of women in farming.

Pretoria - Parliament's Portfolio Committees on Police and Sports and Recreation will hold public hearings across the country on the proposed Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Bill.

Giyani - President Jacob Zuma will be in the dusty Muyexe village in Limpopo next week to launch a programme aimed at radically transforming rural areas

Pretoria - An educator from Glenbrack High School, who allegedly used corporal punishment on learners, has been placed on precautionary suspension.

Johannesburg - International football governing body FIFA, is to give away over 120 000 tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Danny Jordaan.

Cape Town - Athlone Stadium, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is expected be packed to capacity today as Capetonians rally to celebrate Human Rights Day.

It is an honour to address you tonight as we gather here to celebrate the role of women in our country and the world.

Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has qualified for the 2011 Comrades Marathon, which he will use to to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity as a means of prolonging life and preventing diseases.