derek Hanekom

One of South Africa's leading scientists - and regarded by many as the grandfather of the country's palaeosciences - Professor Phillip Tobias died in Johannesburg on Thursday after a long illness.

South Africa’s second polar research vessel, the cutting-edge SA Agulhas II, has arrived in South African waters and is expected to embark on her maiden voyage to Gough Island in September.
• Preserving memories of Antarctica

All pupils from Mvezo village, Nelson Mandela's birthplace, leave home after completing grade seven - usually at the age of 12. Because there is no secondary school in the area, they have to travel as far as Mthatha, least 80km away, to continue their education. But that's about to change.

A South African team of researchers will soon lead a major follow-up clinical trial to confirm the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral microbicide, which has been proven to reduce HIV infection in women.
• Major HIV prevention breakthrough

All pupils from Mvezo village, former president Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, leave home after completing grade seven – usually at the tender age of 12. Because there is no secondary school in the area, they have to travel as far as Mthatha, least 80km away, to continue their education.
• South Africa prioritises quality education

After encouraging results on a pioneering vaginal gel which reduces the risk of HIV and genital herpes infection, South Africa, in partnership with the United States, has launched a follow-up study to test the safety of the gel.

Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s new president, has announced a new structure to his governing cabinet, with a some departments split in two, others renamed or newly created, and a number of new or redeployed ministers and deputy ministers.

Read the full text of President Jacob Zuma’s statement on the appointment of South Africa’s new cabinet on 10 May 2009.

More than half of South Africa's companies engaged in innovative activities between 2002 and 2004 - well above the European average of 42% - according to the first official South African Innovation Survey.