South Africa

Bloemfontein - The Free State government has renewed its commitment to job creation and improving education and healthcare in the province.

Lebowakgomo - Siloam Hospital will be revitilised at a cost of R250 million through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission.

Pretoria - Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has called on the public to comment on the department's intention to include certain land as part of the country's eight national parks.

Cape Town - The government has beefed up the budget of the Presidential Hotline which has reported significant improvements since it was launched three years ago.

Lebowakgomo - The provision of water, sanitation and electricity remain high on the service delivery agenda of the Limpopo Provincial Government.

Pretoria - Government is forging ahead with the implementation of the e-tolling system on Gauteng's freeways but discussions with stakeholders to explain the move will continue, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said on Thursday.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma says the fight against crime and corruption continues to top the agenda of government, with dozens of cases having been finalised in the past two years.

Pretoria - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has accepted the resignation of MEC for Local Government and Housing, Humphrey Mmemezi.

Durban - President Jacob Zuma says he is impressed by developments at the Dube Trade Port, namely in the areas of agriculture and food security.

Cape Town - The government has made inroads with regards to service delivery and has speeded up the delivery of social grants, processing of IDs, application of mining rights and prospecting licences, cleared a backlog of court cases and has put in place various measures to get departments to pay small businesses within 30 days, Zuma said today.

Midrand - Banning alcohol adverts would be government's last option when dealing with the country's high alcohol usage, Deputy Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Elizabeth Thabethe says.

Pretoria - The South African and Nigerian governments have clarified perceptions that there are bilateral tensions between the two countries, following the deportation of125 Nigerian citizens from OR Tambo International Airport - for allegedly being in possession of fraudulent yellow fever vaccine certificates.

Pretoria - Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says the country needs more women scientists.

Pretoria - South Africa will continue to create an environment that encourages investment in the country's economy, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

Pretoria - Global financial challenges are expected to top the agenda of a G20 ministerial meeting, in which South Africa will participate.