Fifty years ago today Martin Luther King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

European shares rose, lifted by strong results and German economic data, while US trading was dominated by volatility caused by the latest US inflation numbers.

Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected the new leader of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress.

Nelson Mandela achieved a distinction — not entirely undeserved — little short of sainthood during his 95 years on this earth.

South Africa's deputy president has said he would believe the young woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of rape more than a decade ago.

UK ministers have confirmed in the House of Lords that an investigation is under way into claims that UK banks could be unwittingly linked to a corruption scandal in South Africa.

A South African court has dealt a legal blow to President Jacob Zuma, opening the way to reinstating hundreds of corruption charges against him.

South Africa's president has responded to the political crisis that erupted after he fired the finance minister, acknowledging that public disputes at the top of the government are a "serious weakness".

Thousands of South Africans have called for the resignation of president Jacob Zuma in a series of demonstrations.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

South Africa's ruling party the African National Congress (ANC) has lost the metropolitan area which includes the capital in its biggest election setback since it took power 22 years ago.

South Africa’s High Court ruled a decision seven years ago to drop 783 corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma was irrational and should be reviewed, another setback for the scandal-ridden leader who faces calls for his resignation.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

ENGLAND: A lecturer who spent months playing Robin Hood has developed a formula to work out the appropriate thickness of tights for any weather.

As Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe prepares for an “obscene” $1m birthday party, the European Union made it clear they would not be bringing any gifts to his table.

President Michael D Higgins is visiting three African countries over the next week.

South Africa soccer captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead by intruders when trying to protect his girlfriend during a robbery at her home near Johannesburg, it’s reported.

Oscar Pistorius was in an altercation at an upmarket nightclub at the weekend.

South African president Jacob Zuma has been admitted to hospital for tests.

South Africa yesterday marked two decades of multi-racial democracy, still feeling the loss of Nelson Mandela and in sombre mood just 10 days before elections which are expected to keep the African National Congress (ANC) party in power.

A son of South African president Jacob Zuma is being investigated for culpable homicide, or negligent killing, after his luxury car collided with a minibus taxi, killing one woman, media in the country are reporting.

We are all saddened by Nelson Mandela’s death but it was interesting to see the British media try to rewrite history to make it appear their government was anti-apartheid and pro-Mandela.

Leaders and family members have praised Nelson Mandela as a man and president who united his nation by embracing forgiveness and reconciliation.

South African military jets and helicopters have flown over after pallbearers placed Nelson Mandela’s casket over the grave following his funeral ceremony.

South Africa’s government has been confronted with a new and chilling allegation about the bogus sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela’s memorial. He was reportedly accused of murder 10 years ago.

The remains of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela have been transferred to Waterkloof air base for a farewell from the African National Congress (ANC).

A South African sign language interpreter accused of miming nonsense as world leaders paid tribute to Nelson Mandela defended himself as a “champion” signer, but said he suffered a schizophrenic episode during the event.

President Michael D Higgins has told world leaders the best way to honour Nelson Mandela is to use his values to deal with modern day challenges.

Nelson Mandela’s flag-draped coffin has been laid in state in the South African capital.

The man giving a sign language interpretation to the world at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service was a fake whose gestures meant nothing, it has been revealed.

President Michael D Higgins has been asked to speak on behalf of European leaders at a special lunch marking the first day of Nelson Mandela lying in state.

Nelson Mandela’s coffin, draped in the multi-coloured South African flag, has arrived at the seat of power in the country’s capital for public viewing.

US president Barack Obama implored thousands gathered in a cold, rainy stadium and millions watching around the world to carry forward Nelson Mandela’s mission of erasing injustice and inequality.

Joyous, singing South Africans gathered in the rain today to honour Nelson Mandela at a massive memorial service that is expected to draw some 100 heads of state and other luminaries, united in tribute to a global symbol of reconciliation.

South Africa has released the list of speakers at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela tomorrow.

Stars have rushed to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela after he passed away last night.

Nelson Mandela, the pioneering president who helped to end apartheid in South Africa, has died at the age of 95.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died aged 95, the country's president Jacob Zuma said tonight.

South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma personally benefited from the controversial security renovations at his private home and must repay the state, according to a damning watchdog report leaked in a local newspaper.

South Africa’s president said he was pleased Nelson Mandela had gone home from a hospital, saying it indicated the progress that the anti-apartheid leader had made even though he remains in critical condition.

Nelson Mandela has spent his first night at his Johannesburg home since the former South African president left hospital after nearly three months of treatment.

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital yesterday while still in a critical condition and was taken by ambulance to his Johannesburg home where he will receive intensive care, the office of South Africa’s president said.

The office of South Africa’s president has said that Nelson Mandela remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Nelson Mandela remains in a critical but stable condition, South African President Jacob Zuma said, more than two months after the anti-apartheid hero was hospitalised with a recurring lung infection.