South Africa

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will on Sunday launch the roll-out of government's new and up-scaled HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment plan, Cabinet announced on Thursday.

Pretoria - In an effort to have a resource efficient and sustainable economy, government and various stakeholders will gather in Johannesburg this week for the Green Economy Summit.

Johannesburg - The Sandton City centre was brought to a virtual standstill as thousands of police officers, soldiers, emergency personal and security agencies paraded on the streets in a massive show force to prove their readiness for the FIFA World Cup.

Free State - The provincial Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) handed over 5 000 letters written in support of the national soccer squad, Bafana Bafana, for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup to provincial Safa officials

Pretoria - With less than 50 days to go to before the kick-off of the biggest soccer spectacle, Cabinet says the recent ticket frenzy was an indication that the country is ready and excited to host the World Cup.

A massive skills drive will be required to empower poorly educated rural farmers and those involved in cooperatives. To drive this, government has set aside billions of rands over the medium term to speed up the process, writes Chris Bathembu.

Johannesburg - Officials in Iraq on Monday arrested a Saudi army official on allegations he was planning to participate in Al-Qaeda attacks on the World Cup.

Bloemfontein - The Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has developed a Sesotho Soccer Terminology book as part of its legacy project for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond.

Durban - Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena along with a group of overseas based players have arrived in the country for the final camp ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Kabul - An explosion Tuesday rattled the western part of Afghan capital city of Kabul, killing at least 12 people and wounding 33 others.

Pretoria - The newly appointed National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Tom Moyane, has vowed to speed up change within the department in an effort to make it one of the best in contributing to public safety

Pretoria - The labour union strike at Transnet is set to continue with workers due to march to Parliament today.

Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande has challenged universities and professional bodies to consider making an official African language other than English and Afrikaans compulsory.

Pretoria - The veterinary import permits for venison, beef, mutton and goat meat not slaughtered at South African approved abattoirs have been cancelled following the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Namibia.

Pretoria - Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has claimed two more lives in South Africa, with the number of infected people increasing to 149 cases said the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Thursday.