South Africa

South Africans and people the world over will today roll up their sleeves and lend a hand in their communities to mark the 10th anniversary of International Nelson Mandela Day.

Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel on Thursday welcomed automaker Ford’s announcement that it will be creating 1 200 jobs at its plant in Pretoria.

Deputy President David Mabuza says the release of government-owned land will be prioritised in a push to meet the objectives of accelerated land reform.

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu says the Presidency will re-introduce the Izimbizo Programme to streamline community needs as the President announced a comprehensive plan to focus on ser

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed a supporting affidavit in the North Gauteng High Court in relation to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan’s court application for the suspension of the enforcement of remedial action recommended by the Public Protector.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will this year continue to pursue the investment drive which was announced last year, and that the money will be directed to programmes that will create jobs.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu is looking into the plight of unemployed social workers.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa says his department will host a national indaba over the current financial year to look at the state of football.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special official funeral for veteran freedom fighter Ntate Isaac Lesiba “Bra Ike” Maphoto, who passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation says South Africa will always be grateful for the life and work of musician and activist Jonathan “Johnny” Clegg.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has facilitated the signing of the Multilateral Search and Rescue Agreement by the Angolan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Rui J. Carneiro Mangueira, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

South Africa will participate in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting scheduled to get underway in Venezuela at the weekend.

While the President has given the go-ahead for boots on the ground to be deployed to areas in the Western Cape that are plagued by gangsterism and drug abuse, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says they will maintain the element of surprise.

Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola says a number of strategies, including infrastructure expansion, are being used to deal with overcrowding in prisons.

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Ravi Pillay says the provincial government’s focus is on cultivating sustainable solutions when it comes to turning the tide on the economic challenges facing the province.