South Africa

Thohoyandou - Deputy Minister for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Obed Bapela, has called on community members to refrain from destroying government-owned property.

Pretoria - The passing of the SAPS Amendment Bill would represent a step forward in the fight against organised crime and corruption, says Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Pretoria - Construction of a multi-billion Rand 'green building' to house the Department of Water Affairs began in Pretoria on Thursday, signalling a new era in the country's response to climate change.

Pretoria - Bafana Bafana veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe is hopeful that the team will collect the much needed maximum points for their upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Botswana.

Pretoria - The Police Ministry has refuted media reports that individuals reported to be Minister Nathi Mthethwa's relatives and children are employed by the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Durban - The South African women's hockey team was recently lauded for joining their soccer counterparts in qualifying for the London Olympics. Government threw its support behind the two teams and the rest of Team SA by setting aside over R34 million for preparations for the games.

Barberton - Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti has urged beneficiaries of land redistribution to use the invaluable asset productively to help them actively participate in the country's mainstream economy.

Cape Town - University and college campuses that address climate challenge will better serve students and help create a thriving and ethical society, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said at the launch of the African Green Campus Initiative on Saturday.

Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says the local government sphere has a vital role to play in the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.

Pretoria - A full bench of the South Gauteng High Court is already in session to hear an African National Congress (ANC) application regarding the portrait depicting President Jacob Zuma in an offensive manner.

Pretoria - The Gauteng provincial government has condemned the killing of an officer attached to the Gauteng Traffic Police.

Pretoria - Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has appointed Margaret-Ann Diedricks as the province's number one public servant.

Pretoria - The government guarantees relating to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) have been finalised, Sports and Recreation Director General Alec Moemi said on Thursday.

Tzaneen - Civil society and organised labour have pledged their support to assist and work with the Department of Labour and government to strengthen the measures that deal with child labour in the country.

Pretoria - Health Minister Aaron Motswaledi says there has been an increase in the number of people on ARV treatment, with 20% more people living with HIV having been put on treatment between 2010 and 2011.