South Africa

KwaDukuza – In a first government initiative of its kind, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has pumped R19.5 million into the development of the North Coast Vineyards.

Johannesburg – The City of Johannesburg has honoured the women who participated in the renowned 1956 march by conferring the Freedom of the City to the brave heroines who played a role in shaping the course of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Mbombela - Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande's office has allayed fears that the newly named University of Mpumalanga will not open on time.

Pretoria - Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy has urged girl learners to take up careers in science and technology as the field holds a position of great importance in the economy.

Pretoria - A trust to support the educational needs of the children of South African Police Service members, who die in the line of duty, has been officially unveiled.

Pretoria - Nuclear power is more of a necessity than an option, with South Africa’s nuclear programme set to stimulate massive industrialisation, says Department of Energy Director General Nelisiwe Magubane.

Pretoria – The Department of Arts and Culture has apologised for the “unfortunate situation” around the performance of American singer R. Kelly at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day and says it is seeking legal advice on the matter.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has called on the nation to use the anniversary of the Marikana tragedy as a time of reflection and prayer.

Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela have signed a protocol agreement, setting out clear procedures and timelines on how investigations against HODs and MECs will be handled.

Pretoria - Improving the audit outcomes in municipalities is top on the South African Local Government Association’s agenda.

Pretoria - The Presidency has rejected media reports that claimed President Jacob Zuma is expected to tell his fellow regional leaders at a SADC summit in Malawi this weekend that he has accomplished his mission in Zimbabwe.

Pretoria – In line with the Basic Education Minister’s commitment to hand over a new school every week in the Eastern Cape, the sixth school will be handed over tomorrow.

Rustenburg - In an attempt to restore calm in the mining sector and reassure investors, South Africa on Wednesday launched the Mine Crime Combating Forum (MCCF).

Cape Town – The Police Department on Wednesday tabled its plans in Parliament to open a police university next year.

Pretoria - The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is calling for harsher penalties to be imposed on sea polluters in order to protect fishery living resources around the country’s seashore.