APRNEWS - The African National Congress has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, and will be hoping to extend its 25-year-reign, at this years polls expected in May.

REUTERS - Andre Kruger’s stand at Africa’s first ever cannabis exposition displayed an indoor growing tent, complete with state-of-the-art lighting imported from the United States and fittings for a high-tech hydroponic irrigation system.

APRNEWS - A High Court in South Africa has ordered former president Jacob Zuma to pay for legal costs of criminal prosecutions brought against him whiles in office.

The North Guateng court’s decision means that Zuma will have to pay legal costs dating back to 2005. All decisions by the state attorney and presidency were set aside by the court.

APRNEWS - Members of cabinet in South Africa will not have annual salary increases according to a statement from the presidency.

A statement published over the weekend said President Cyril Ramaphosa had taken the decision in the light of economic hardships the country was facing.

APRNEWS - Celebrated American television host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has urged young people in South Africa not to give up on their dreams, asking them to emulate the country’s first black president Nelson Mandela.

Oprah, who was delivering a keynote address at the University of Johannesburg, also shared fond memories of her time spent with the global icon.

APRNEWS - South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to work with a lean cabinet of ministers, in order to cut costs of running the executive.

Ramaphosa, who announced a mini cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, said the merging of ministries is the ‘first wave’ of many more changes in the pipeline.

REUTERS - South Africa’s main opposition party has called for an independent inquiry into a $36,000 payment made to a fund that financed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s successful campaign for leader of the African National Congress last year.

APRNEWS - 10 Reasons to invest in South Africa includes a developed first world economic infrastructure and a growing emerging market.

The investment potential lies in its diversity of sectors and industries. South Africa is also a major trading nation, exporting and importing billions worth of goods every year. It is a gateway to African markets.

APRNEWS - South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa has charged the country’s diplomats to lead the push for attracting investment into the economy, adding that government is doing all it can to make their efforts to convince investors easier.

Ramaphosa, who was addressing a Heads of Mission Conference in Pretoria on Tuesday urged ambassadors to tell the world that South Africa is open for business.

APRNEWS - About 320 people were injured when a packed train travelling from South Africa’s business hub Johannesburg to the capital Pretoria crashed into the back of a stationary train, Metrorail authorities said on Friday.