South Africa’s government today said no decision had been made on a possible loan to Zimbabwe to help that country purchase electricity, food and fuel.

Tony Blair will today recognise the “critical role” to be played by the private sector in combating poverty in Africa.

South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel will present his mid-term budget today amid optimism among mining companies and money managers he’ll deliver on a pledge to ease apartheid-era foreign exchange controls.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the embattled ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, staged yet another political comeback today when she was re-elected to the top flight of South Africa’s ruling party.

Wearing his trademark blue tinted sunglasses, U2 star Bono joined his travelling partner, US Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, for meetings with South Africa’s president and finance minister today.