South Africa

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.

Mafikeng - North West Premier Thandi Modise has committed her government to improving the lives of the people of the province.

Pretoria - Parliament has passed legislation reverting functions of the Further Education Training (FET) Colleges to the Higher Education and Training Department.

Pretoria - Judgement is expected today in the review of the Walmart- Massmart merger which three government departments have opposed calling for the matter to be revisited.

Pretoria - A declaration between South Africa and Turkey will see the two nations boost relations in areas including infrastructure development, mining and energy, said the Trade and Industry Department.

Pretoria - South Africa celebrated this year's International Women's Day with calls for African leaders to advance women's participation in politics and empowering them economically.

Mafikeng - North West Premier Thandi Modise has warned municipalities within her provincial government that those who fail to get their house in order will be dealt with.

Emalahleni - Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale has called on provincial governments to build decent houses, not "match box houses" without water and electricity.

Durban - While the bulk of the provincial budget in KwaZulu-Natal will go towards education and health, a significant portion will be spent on infrastructure programmes.