South Africa

Giyani - Being born in a rural area or the countryside should not condemn people to a life of poverty and underdevelopment, says President Jacob Zuma.

Giyani - President Jacob Zuma has launched a rural development programme which will see at least one person from each household in the small, impoverished village of Muyexe in Limpopo finding employment.

Midrand - The Land Bank is now out of the "ICU", Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Monday.

Johannesburg - The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is to play a pivotal role in intensifying the government's communication strategy for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says the department's Chief Executive Officer, Themba Maseko.

North West - Premier Edna Molewa has urged the people of the North West to use the Easter holidays to demonstrate their commitment to building a nation that respects human life and the rules of the road.

Cape Town - South Africa's recent high wage settlements have weakened the fight against soaring inflation rates.

Pretoria - South Africa's International Relations Minister Maite Nkoane-Mashabane and her Timor-Leste counterpart Dr Zacarias da Costa have committed to redoubling efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Johannesburg - The South African government has once again reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors and football fans during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Johannesburg - While most advertisements last for not longer than a minute, one South African football heavyweight reckons the 2010 FIFA World Cup could present South Africa with an opportunity to stage a 30-day advertisement to the world.

Johannesburg - Business Against Crime South Africa (BAC) has appointed Dr Graham Wright as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Giyani - President Jacob Zuma has announced that changes will be made to the "willing-buyer, willing-seller" model of land redistribution in South Africa.

Johannesburg - South Africa requires tight coordination between national, provincial and host cities to have an efficient transport system for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele.

Pretoria - Free tickets to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches live will be allocated by Coca-Cola to schools across the country that participate and excel in recycling projects.

Johannesburg - Teachers provide the only hope that many people have that their children will find their way out of poverty, unemployment and hopelessness.

Johannesburg - Chairperson for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, Dr Irvin Khoza, says "psychological readiness" among South Africans is vital to create excitement ahead of the football spectacle.