South Africa

Durban - Global temperatures in 2011 are currently the tenth highest on record since 1850 when records were first kept, a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed today.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has urged all South Africans to put their differences aside for the greater good of the country.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has opened a road linking the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park in Pretoria to mark Reconciliation Day.

Pretoria - The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory on Monday joined millions of South Africans in expressing their deepest condolences to the family of the late Judge Fikile Bam.

Pretoria - Although 2011 was a challenging year, government has made strides in creating and maintaining a better life for all, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.

Pyongyang - Kim Jong-il, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), passed away on Saturday at the age of 69 "from a great mental and physical strain", the country's official KCNA news agency reported on Monday.

Pretoria - South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came in lower than expected, increasing by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2011.

Pretoria - North West Premier Thandi Modise says delayed payment to creditors needs to be investigated to check if soliciting of bribes and corruption are not the root of non-compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.

Pretoria - Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini will on Tuesday launch the Food for All Campaign in the North West as part of government's efforts to fight extreme hunger and poverty.

Johannesburg - Loads of activities are lined up for young visitors to the Johannesburg Zoo this festive season, and they will get rare opportunities that usually only keepers get.

Pretoria - South Africa has congratulated Joseph Kabila on his re-election as president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen relations with that country.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has appointed Francois Groepe as Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has applauded police officers, particularly those in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), who helped secure the 362 life sentences handed down to criminals during the course of the year.

Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has urged Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to improve issues of governance and act decisively against corruption.

Pretoria - Shosholoza Meyl says its long distance trains are fully booked for December.