South Africa

Pretoria - Efforts were made to ensure that South Africans, including the youth, were consulted about the National Development Plan, says President Jacob Zuma.

Johannesburg - With less than two weeks to go before this year's matric final exams, learners in Gauteng on Tuesday enjoyed a visit from Education MEC Barbara Creecy, who spread good cheer and words of encouragement for what is undoubtedly a defining moment in thousands of youngsters' lives.

Cape Town - Minister of Transport Ben Martins has called on delegates at an international conference to help bring into force an agreement on the safety of fishing vessels, which 30 years on has yet to be ratified.

Pretoria - A well-functioning national payment system is important to an economy and failure of such a system can have devastating effects on an economy, says Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Daniel Mminele.

Pretoria - The Department of Communications on Tuesday launched a stamp in commemoration of the 11 Field Postal Unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Carnarvon - South Africans must get excited about hosting the world's largest telescope - the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), says President Jacob Zuma.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has commended and encouraged members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who continue to undergo fitness programmes in order to effectively fight crime.

Johannesburg - In a bid to increase the number of individuals in the technical and engineering fields, as well as to aid in youth employment, Transnet Freight Rail (TRF) says it has to date got a total of 700 high school pupils on board its Cadet Scheme.

Carnarvon - President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday told the community of Carnarvon in the Northern Cape to do everything they can to support the Square kilometre Array (SKA) telescope project, saying it would open up many opportunities for them.

East London - Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini says people who victimise the elderly must be brought to justice.

East London - East London Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha's mission to end the use of the bucket system in the Metro has been boosted with R2.1 million funding from the city's Dutch sister city.

Pretoria - The Police Ministry will host a summit on police killings in a bid to find ways of dealing with the problem.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has urged all South Africans to work together in support of basic education and the future of the children.

Pretoria - The Industrial Developmental Corporation (IDC) has approved funding of R8.4 billion in the financial year ending March 2011, which will go a long way towards job creation.

Pretoria - South Africa has extended well wishes to former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock ahead of her marriage to Prince Albert II of Monaco.