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".

Less than 10 years ago, South Africa looked on the cusp of a glorious period. Instead it is in danger of throwing it all away through misstep after misstep, writess Kyran Fitzgerald.

South Africa's parliament descended into chaos as opposition politicians denounced President Jacob Zuma as a "scoundrel" and "rotten to the core" because of corruption allegations and then brawled with guards who dragged them out of the chamber.

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

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.

Gavin Rossdale is reportedly "suspicious" Gwen Stefani was cheating on him.

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

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale have announced they are calling time on their marriage after 13 years.

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’s election commission completed a vote count that confirms the ruling African National Congress as the winner but also shows the strengthening of prominent opposition groups, according to results today.

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.

Gwen Stefani has given birth to her third child.

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.

Gwen Stefani is having a baby boy.

The president of South Africa has led tributes to Nelson Mandela, describing him as a “beacon of hope”, as the anti-apartheid hero was laid to rest in a family plot.

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

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).

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.

South Africans were praised for the “dignified” way in which they have commemorated the death of Nelson Mandela as the memorial service for the anti-apartheid hero got under way.

With hymns and eulogies, South Africans of all colours and creeds remembered Nelson Mandela in a day of prayers yesterday, holding him up as a symbol of freedom, forgiveness, and hope for the nation and the world.

Some 60 heads of state or government will take part in the memorial service or state funeral of Nelson Mandela next week.

South Africans have flocked to houses of worship for a national day of prayer and reflection to honour former president Nelson Mandela.

South Africans united in mourning for Nelson Mandela yesterday, but while some celebrated his remarkable life with dance and song, others fretted that the anti-apartheid hero’s death would make the nation vulnerable again to racial and social tensions.

South Africans have gathered to mourn the death of Nelson Mandela – and celebrate his colossal life.

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.

The murder of two toddlers whose bodies were found in a toilet in a township north of Johannesburg has sparked riots with people accusing police of failing to protect them.

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.

South Africa’s president said Nelson Mandela has been discharged from the hospital in the capital, Pretoria.

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.

The South African government says former leader Nelson Mandela remains in critical but stable condition in hospital, though “medical interventions” are required because his health sometimes becomes unstable.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela’s condition has improved, although he remains critically ill, the government has announced.