animals

Uganda is to open a R56-million ($6-million) rice research centre focusing on the New Rice for Africa variety, to boost production of one of the continent's staple foods.

South Africa will be joining 1 189 cities and towns across the world to mark Earth Hour, when all participating households and businesses will switch off the lights for an hour on 28 March.

The Presidency has launched a new educational website that aims to teach children about its work, inform them of their rights, encourage their interest in communication and the internet, and build national pride.

South African diver Mike Rutzen is able to hypnotise great white sharks, a remarkable technique he hopes will not only help improve the image of these endangered creatures, but also make marine research safer and more humane.

South Africa's beloved Ladysmith Black Mambazo has just scooped a third Grammy. The popular vocal group walked off with the award for Best Traditional World Music Album award for their latest release Ilembe: Honouring Shaka Zulu.

BBC World Challenge finalist UniquEco has turned a potential environmental disaster in Kenya into an income for local crafters. The company has developed a method of making colourful jewellery and other products from discarded flip-flops that wash up on the country's shore.

South Africa’s favourite trumpet, the vuvuzela blown at football matches across the country, is getting a makeover in time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, with a Cape Town business producing creative and colourful instruments from the kelp washed onto beaches.

It's summertime in South Africa, and time to head for the beach. The country has more than 2 500 kilometres of coastline, stretching from the cold waters off the arid West Coast region, southwards around the tip of Africa, and heading up again all the way to the lush St Lucia estuary in the east.

Namibia has sold 7.2-tons of stockpiled ivory on auction, raising R12.2-million ($1.2-million) for conservation - and also the ire of conservationists.

The biggest conservation park in the world is being established in Southern Africa – spanning an incredible five countries, the size of the park rivals that of Italy.