South Africa

Cape Town - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that by April this year they would be logistically prepared to go to the 2009 General Elections.

Gauteng - Millions of police officers countrywide were honoured on National Police Day for risking their lives to ensure that South Africans were protected.

Cape Town - As part of celebrations to mark International Year of Astronomy 2009, South Africa this week marked the 180th anniversary of the completion of its Astronomical Observatory.

Pretoria - Households considered to fall under the "indigent" category, have been urged to register so that they can receive basic services.

Pretoria - Around 50 Willow Crescent Secondary School learners have been given preventative medication after being in close contact with a 15-year-old girl who passed away from suspected bacterial meningitis.

Madrid - In spite of the "unprecedented" effort launched last year to respond to the food crisis, greater efforts were needed to feed the hungry as the world faces an economic slowdown.

Johannesburg - FIFA President Sepp Blatter says those who underestimate South Africa will be proven wrong by the country's capability of hosting major international events such as the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Pretoria - Education Minister Naledi Pandor is to consider the recommendations presented in a report, by the Ministerial Committee, which aims to evaluate and develop schools to ensure they function better.

Soweto - Bafana Bafana got an extra boost ahead of their Confederations Cup encounter when President Jacob Zuma visited the team at its training camp in Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Johannesburg - The pitch and seating have been completed, renovations are done and the revamped Ellis Park is ready for kick-off tomorrow.

Addis Ababa - Africa's current infrastructure, which has long been identified as a key requirement for economic growth, needs to be developed to an adequate and efficient standard.

Midrand - The National Climate Change Conference has laid the foundations for a Policy White Paper on climate change to be drafted by 2010 as part of government's response to the global phenomenon.

Cape Town - The Western Cape's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan will be used as a primary vehicle in reducing the emission of green house gases in the province.

Johannesburg - With only few hours left until the kick-off to the spectacular FIFA Confederations Cup, the OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday was abuzz with the arrival of ecstatic soccer fans.

Cape Town - Africa needs to work as a collective to realise the opportunities that have arisen as a result of the global economic crisis, says President Jacob Zuma.