South Africa

Johannesburg - South Africa's consumer credit has increased amid the global economic crisis, according to the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday launched the African Ombudsman Research Centre in Durban, saying that ombudspersons have an important role to play in entrenching a culture of accountable governance and in strengthening democratic institutions in the continent.

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says it would be useful for all South Africans to work even harder to cement the country's non-racial character in all aspects.

Pretoria - The Northern Cape Premier’s Inter-Governmental Forum has welcomed the progress report on the establishment of the new university in the province.

Pretoria - Cabinet says Public Enterprises Minister Brigitte Mabandla had entered into a "level of consultation" with the South African Airways Board on the broad outline of the settlement reached between the board and the national carrier's former CEO Khaya Ngqula.

Pretoria - The South Africa-Switzerland (SA-SWISS) 3rd Annual High Level Consultations (HLC) has further strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries, says International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim.

Pretoria - The South African National Parks (SANParks) has welcomed the conviction of three suspected rhino poachers who appeared in the Nelspruit Regional Court on Monday.

Pretoria - Strategies to improve the nursing profession is expected to be thrashed out during a Nurses Conference in Sandton today.

Pretoria - Famous Cuban revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, and veteran negotiator Cyril Ramaphosa are among the 28 recipients set to receive National Orders on Friday at the Union Buildings.

Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile has paid tribute to jazz musician, Hotep Galeta, saying he will live on through his vibrant music.

Pretoria - The Refugee Amendment Bill, which is expected to streamline the application process for those seeking asylum, has received a majority endorsement from Members of Parliament.

Pretoria - All social grants for the month of April will be paid on time, as a dispute between the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) and three service providers has been resolved, says the Minister of Social Development Zola Skweyiya.

Pretoria - Free State health officials have put urgent measures in place to improve security at Pelonomi Hospital and other state facilities following the rape of a female doctor.

White River - Government officials have been challenged to do their bit to improve service delivery following the first ever symposium for Internal Audit and Risk officers in Mpumalanga.

Mafikeng - The Rooiground Housing Development Project will begin next week and is expected to provide 1 000 housing units to the families living in the Rooiground informal settlement outside Mafikeng.