Its economy in recession for the first time in 17 years and led by a controversial new president, South Africa hosts a World Cup next year crucial not just for its own future but for the image of a whole continent.

Almost 70,000 people from around the world have applied to volunteer for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the local organising committee said on Tuesday. A total of 67,999 people from 170 countries had applied for the 15,000 spots.

A new and upgraded terminal building at the Bloemfontein Airport in the Free State was officially opened on Friday by the Minister for Transport Sibusiso Ndebele. "The airport development also prepares South Africa for the future influx of passengers...

Beyond the angst about whether South Africa will pull off a successful soccer World Cup next year is a more profound question - can the competition bring the races closer 15 years after the end of apartheid? Organisers of the competition, Africa's...

Ninety-eight people have been arrested for mall robberies around the country, police commissioner Bheki Cele said on Thursday. "We vowed that these deviant acts are deplorable and had to be dealt with accordingly," Cele said in a statement. Police...