South Africa

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to learn the National Anthem and promote the national flag.

Pretoria - South Africa's health system can expect a much needed boost in 2011 with Government planning to train more doctors and nurses, upgrade hospitals, and prioritise women's health.

Durban - South African cricket fans on Sunday said goodbye to one of the greatest sporting heroes the country has produced, Makhaya Ntini.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma says government will continue to improve the capacity of the police, particularly the detective service, as part of a renewed battle against crime and corruption.

Pretoria - South Africa is to hold its fourth local government elections before the end of May with preparations going at full steam, President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

Khartoum - Sudan's southerners cast ballots on Sunday to decide the fate of unity or division of Africa's largest country, where two decades of north-south war have claimed two million lives.

Pretoria - R800 million has been set aside to assist South Africans following recent floods, President Jacob Zuma said.

Pretoria - Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Ntombi Mekgwe, has appointed Professor Phumzile Hlongwa as the Dean for the Witwatersrand Dental School and Oral Health Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Cape Town - From cutting edge designs to traditional wear, Members of Parliament (MPs) have once again lived up to the high expectations around dressing up for the opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation Address.

Pretoria - South Africa's invitation by BRIC (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China) to join the bloc as a full member will propel the country to new heights.

Pretoria - An investigation will be launched into how police monitored taverns at Ipelegeng in the North West Province, following the death of 10 people during a stampede at a tavern on New Year's Day.

Pretoria - While Government has expressed satisfaction with the country's tourism sector, it will explore ways to boost tourism potential in 2011.

Pretoria - An additional amount of R150 million has been allocated to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to focus on addressing scarce skills.

Pretoria - Ivory Coast proved why they are considered the continent's soccer giants when they beat a promising Togo 2-1 in a hotly contested Africa Cup of Nations Cup (Afcon) Group D match on Tuesday night.

Pretoria - Members of the National Stakeholder Advisory Council on Energy have called for an extension in the period in which the public can comment on the country's long term energy plan - the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010.