Hominid fossils of Australopithecus africanus found in the caves of Sterkfontein are older than thought: the latest analyses claim they could date back 3,5 million years, a discovery that - when confirmed - would change the human evolutionary tree

Authorities must do more to tackle “xenophobic” protests that have been blocking access to hospitals to undocumented foreigners; members of group Operation Dudula have for months refused access to non-South Africans at clinics in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal

Farmers are relieve by the lifting of US sanctions on many agricultural products, including macadamia nuts, of which South Africa is the world's top producer; wine and grapes are still hit by the measures

The University of Fort Hare council has urged higher education and training minister Buti Manamela not to proceed with appointing an independent assessor, saying the university is already taking steps to stabilise itself and address recent unrest

South Africa will receive R2bn (€99 million) over six months from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to sustain existing HIV and Aids programs