Only 1.4 percent of learners who wrote the Independent Examinations Board matric examinations have failed. The pass rate for almost ten-thousand learners stands at 98.38 percent. And an overwhelming number of those who passed are eligible to register for degree study. Deputy Director-General for curriculum, policy, monitoring and support in the Department of Basic Education, Matanzima Mweli.

The leadership of the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg, has reportedly ordered that the building which has housed refugees for some six years now, be vacated. The church has been providing shelter to over 30 000 people in as many years, but is now expected to lock out the remaining 500 refugees living there. Methodist Church's Bishop Paul Verryn.

The search for an AirAsia passenger jet that vanished over Indonesian waters yesterday has resumed. Eight Indonesian aircraft and several navy ships have been taking part in the search along with ships and planes from Malaysia and Singapore. Australia has also sent a search aircraft. 162 people were aboard the airliner when it disappeared from radar screens. It was flying to Singapore from the Indonesian city of Surabay. Aviation Expert and former SAA pilot Karl Jensen

Parliament has certainly been transformed over the past six months. With the advent of the EFF, members of the National Assembly are getting used to living with rowdiness not dissimilar to a first year high school classroom. One person who has been caught in this is deputy Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli. Joseph Mosia takes a look at some of the altercations that this former Minister has been involved in with members of the house...

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has warned that depression and anxiety is very common during this time of the year. A number of people have died after jumping off buildings since the beginning of December, Johannesburg alone, has reported four incedences. sakina Kamwendo spoke to Cassey Chambers of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group .

Speculation and anxiety continues, around when exactly will the mortal remains of 11 South Africans lying in mortuaries in Nigeria, be repatriated. They were part of the 84 South Africans who were killed when a s guesthouse attached to the Synagogue Church of All nations in Lagos collapsed, three months ago. During a mourning ceremony at the Waterkloof air force base last month, government said it would intensify efforts to ensure that the bodies still in Nigeria are returned without delay. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to government spokesperson Phumla Williams

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has vowed to leave no stone unturned against any unruly elements within the organization. In his opening address to the EFF's inaugural conference currently underway in Bloemfontein, Malema noted with concern some of the challenges that the party encountered in recent times. Malema also used the opportunity to set a direction which the party's new leadership should take.

Miss South Africa - a 22-year-old student from the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein - has won the title of Miss World at a ceremony in London. Rolene Strauss, a 4th year medical student, put her studies on hold in March to compete in the event. As Miss South Africa, Strauss has supported projects in women's rights, health and education.

** Standard & Poor's rates SA as stable, SASOL share price, U.S inflation data out on Wednesday

The South African National Blood Service is appealing to the public to roll- up their sleeves and donate the much needed life giving blood this festive season.