South Africa

Environmental Affair Minister, Dr Edna Molewa, has welcomed the arrest of a Chinese national for rhino horn smuggling and the recent sentencing of a poacher to 20 years imprisonment.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des Van Rooyen says the department is providing support to municipalities that were flagged as having performed poorly in the Auditor General’s latest report.

President Jacob Zuma says the National Development Plan needs to be aligned to the country’s budget, or else it will not live up to all it promises.

South African companies are pleased with the progress they are making at the World Food Moscow International Food Exhibition, which is currently underway in the Russian capital.

Eskom has rescheduled electricity interruptions to three Eastern Cape municipalities following non-payment of their bills.

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba has congratulated Sim Tshabalala on his appointment as the sole Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Bank Group Ltd.

Priscilla Ogunbanjo, the Director for Examination and Assessment, says just over 798 000 learners have enrolled to write this year’s matric exams, which start on 16 October.

The families of the Life Esidimeni tragedy say there is hope that justice will be served and accountability taken for the loss of lives of mental health patients, who died between 23 March and 19 December 2016 in Gauteng.

President Jacob Zuma has described Steve Biko as a hero who was not afraid to speak his mind and fight the good fight for freedom.

The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) has seen a 60% increase in the number of cases reported to it.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted a truck carrying 700 chicken packages worth an estimated R711 000 at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has gazetted the Draft National Norms and Standards for Domestic Water and Sanitation Services for public comments.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed dismay at reports that 33 firearms have disappeared from two police stations – the Bellville South and Mitchell’s Plain police stations in Cape Town.

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba has urged tax practitioners to assist government in efforts to get taxpayers to pay their fair share.

South Africans are using the month of September to remember, celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black Consciousness Movement leader, intellectual and liberation struggle hero, Stephen Bantu Biko.