South Africa

Johannesburg - Gauteng is leading the other eight provinces in terms of building houses and upgrading hostels, says Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi.

Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has expressed "shock and outrage" at media reports that the former chairman of the now dissolved Free State's Central University of Technology Council had appointed his brother as CEO of the university's Services and Enterprise Trust at an alleged salary of R1.2 million five months ago.

Pretoria - The Presidency says it has noted reports by some media relating to the company EduSolutions and its role in the procurement of textbooks in Limpopo.

Pretoria - More than seven million learners in Grades 1 to 6 and Grade 9 are to write this year's Annual National Assessments (ANAs), scheduled to be written from 18 to 21 September in 100 days' time.

Pretoria - Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor has encouraged learners who have won the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-MeerKat Schools Competition to study maths and science as the country needs more people with these skills.

Pretoria - A suspected rhino poacher was fatally wounded in the Kruger National Park during an anti-poaching operation on Saturday evening.

Pretoria - Youths have been urged to make their way to the Cape Town Train Station on Tuesday to learn about youth development programmes, job and study opportunities as well as entrepreneurship opportunities.

Pretoria - There is a need for government departments to work together to ensure an effective recycling economy that is buoyed by the thriving markets for recyclable waste, Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi said on Monday.

Pretoria - Emerging economies are the engine of world growth with the African continent optimistic about its future, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said.

Pretoria - The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has learned of the resignation of South African Airways (SAA) chief executive officer but is awaiting a formal letter of resignation, the department said on Monday.

Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu met with officials from the department, the Chamber of Mines, South African Mining Development Association (SAMDA) and organised labour on Monday.

Pretoria - South Africa will host the 11th BASIC Ministerial climate change meeting on Thursday and Friday in Johannesburg.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has called on African scholars and academics to harness scientific knowledge to tackle the continent's problems.

Pretoria - Senior managers from the Gauteng Department of Education will trade their formal attire for overalls to clean 60 schools across the province to celebrate Mandela Day.

Johannesburg - Minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, Trevor Manuel, has called on South Africans to mobilise against drugs in celebration of Mandela Day.