South Africa

Cape Town - African states must introduce water tight laws against piracy if they want to effectively combat the threat to the continent's coast.

Cape Town - President Kgalema Motlanthe told media on Sunday a report from the task team set up to investigate options to assist struggling sectors of the economy should be ready by next month.

Johannesburg – Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu today unveiled the R1 billion expansion project at BHP Billiton’s Metalloys manganese smelter in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg.

Parliament - Deputy President Baleka Mbete says government can not achieve all of its goals alone and that South Africans and government must work together.

Pretoria - The reports of five task teams, established by government to look into the effects of the global economic crisis on certain sectors in South Africa, will be released at the end of the month.

Mafikeng - The North West Department of Public Works has called on emerging contractors to enroll in a developmental programme to learn entrepreneurial, business and technical skills to grow their businesses.

Mafikeng - The North West Health Department has confirmed that 21 new cases of diarrhoea and one of cholera have been reported at the Brits Hospital in the Madibeng Local Municipality.

Johannesburg - President Kgalema Motlanthe has said he would consider launching a probe into the medical parole granted to Schabir Shaik if he was officially requested to do so.

Pretoria - The Minister of Communications Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has received the final report on the state of affairs at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Pretoria - Metrorail says it has increased security on its trains operating throughout Gauteng after a second attack on commuters

Pretoria - In its quest to deepen democracy, the Open Society of South Africa (OSF-SA) launched a guide for journalists to write in-depth, accurate and balanced stories on the day of Local Government Elections - 18 May.

Young awaiting-trail offenders are being taught how to manage their anger, be disciplined and live among their community as a normal member of society at secure care centres, writes Kagiso Metswamere.

Mbombela - The burning of libraries is proof that communities need to be educated about the importance of these buildings, said Mpumalanga's culture, sport and recreation MEC Sibongile Manana.

Johannesburg - South Africa's efforts in dealing with the economic crisis will not be affected by the transition in government after the General Elections in April, says President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Parliament - The Minister of Provincial and Local Government Sicelo Shiceka says the corruption which has manifested itself in officials receiving kick-backs during tender processes, must be "sniffed out".