The South African government has confirmed that its citizen working in Libya as a paramedic, has been kidnapped and taken hostage by unknown people. International Relations spokesperson Nelson Kgwete says a South African man had been held hostage since yesterday with two other people who's nationality is unclear at this stage. Kgwete says the motive for the kidnapping is unknown. He says the South African embassy is working with the Libyan authorities to ensure the safe release of the hostages.

BEMAWU president Hannes du Buisson says the employees say they will not go back to work without a reasonable salary increase for this year.

COSATU spokesperson Sizwe Pamla says mining companies should empathise with workers

Economists have warned that the country faces an almost certain chance of being downgraded this year by all three rating agencies. A panel of economists who were speaking at the SME Indaba in Johannesburg earlier today, say rating agencies are very concerned about the country's higher than expected deficit and the current debt to GDP ratio.

President Jacob Zuma says poverty is a direct product of apartheid.
He was speaking during a question and answer session in Parliament where he was asked what he would do in his capacity to help avert another social grants crisis.

SABC Acting Group CEO Nomsa Philiso says management will continue negotiations with unions until a feasible solution is found.

The Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) Spokesperson Hannes du Buisson says despite the on-going mediation, they decided to strike today.

President Jacob Zuma has committed to setting up a commission of inquiry into state capture within thirty days if former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's State Capture report is set aside.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Willies Mchunu says he is distraught and saddened by latest taxi-related killing in the province.

Selected news and current affairs clips from SABC radio and digital journalists, used on the SABC News website (www.sabcnews.com).