South Africa

Pietermaritzburg - A Pricing Commission is to be established to address the commercialisation of the health sector, says Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Pretoria - The Co-operatives Amendment Bill will lead to the establishment of an agency that will become a one-stop shop for co-operatives, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said on Saturday.

Pretoria - South African Airways (SAA) has joined an internationally benchmarked and transparent carbon offset programme which will give passengers an opportunity to make voluntary contributions to offset the effects of climate change.

Pretoria - The seven suspects who were arrested over the weekend in connection with a series of safe and ATM bombings and armed robberies are to appear in court in Limpopo today.

Johannesburg - Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa says South Africa's water supplies are under increased pressure and has urged every person to strive to save this scarce resource.

Pretoria - Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has reduced the number of Transnet's board of directors from 18 to 14.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has requested Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga to give a report back on action taken regarding the delivery of textbooks in Limpopo as well as the catch up plan for affected Grade 10 learners.

Johannesburg - Transport Minister Ben Martins says the African continent needs an efficient transport system to help it achieve its growth and development objectives.

Nairobi - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has declared three days of national mourning beginning on Monday, following a helicopter crash which killed a minister, his deputy and four other officials.

Johannesburg - The Gauteng Health Department has met its deadline to pay off all suppliers by the end of June this year.

Pretoria - The Department of Basic Education must develop a policy for the standardisation of the procurement and distribution of Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM).

Pretoria - The fight against crime continues despite negative publicity and its impact on police officials, said the Ministry of Police.

Pretoria - Multilateral cooperation and regional developments formed part of discussions between South Africa and Chile on Friday.

Pretoria - The introduction of e-visas will serve not only to grow tourism volumes but will also create new job opportunities, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Sunday.

Johannesburg - South Africa's report to the United Nations Universal Peer Review Mechanism Working Group was warmly received by a number of member states, says Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel.