South Africa

Bloemfontein - The Free State Department of Health on Wednesday received an advance on its 2009/10 budget to the value of R110 million from the provincial Treasury.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has warned that government will not tolerate the destruction of property, violence and intimidation that often accompanies service delivery protests.

Johannesburg - The Gauteng Provincial Department will continue to prioritise the province’s urban and inner city renewal programmes.

Pretoria - Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Dina Pule, visited the Eastern Cape yesterday as part of her provincial visits to communicate the role of the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Department in the Presidency.

Pretoria - The South African Post Office (SOPA) has issued a Presidential stamp to commemorate the dedication made by President Kgalema Motlanthe in the public service.

Pretoria - The South African Football Association (Safa) has appointed Maqsood "Macky" Chenia as the head coach of the national under-20 team, Amajita.

Johannesburg - In line with its vision 2055, Gauteng MEC for Finance Mandla Nkomfe, says the province plans to roll out massive infrastructure programmes - such as building roads, refurbishing schools and hospitals and connecting the people of the province through the broadband initiative.

Pretoria - Wits University graduate Sheenagh Reynolds has been appointed secretary of the Reserve Bank.

Pretoria - President Kgalema Motlanthe has declared 22 April 2008 a public holiday to allow South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Pretoria - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has received 338 objections against candidates' lists submitted by political party's that will be contesting the 2009 General Elections.

Khayelitsha, Cape Town

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Premiers,
Deputy Ministers and MECs responsible for local government,
Directors-General and Municipal Managers,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Pretoria - Cabinet has noted and is currently studying a Constitutional Court judgment which found that part of the national legislation that created the Hawks and disbanded the Scorpions is constitutionally invalid.

Johannesburg - A Litter Free Campaign is underway at the Jukskei River in Alexandra, as part of the city's ongoing efforts to clean and protect its environment.

Pretoria - Deputy President Baleka Mbete has expressed concern at the slow ticket sales for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and has urged South Africans and Africans to start buying more tickets.

Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has cautioned taxpayers against a number of scams which have been circulating in recent days which seek to obtain people's bank and other personal details.