Johannesburg  - The world's third-biggest platinum producer Lonmin announced plans Tuesday to lay off up to 5,500 workers at two operations in South Africa.

Production of platinum, a precious metal used in car manufacturing and jewellery, has been severely affected by the global downturn.

Lonmin's announcement follows the announcement earlier this month by leading platinum producer Anglo Platinum, the South African arm of mining giant Anglo American, that it planned to cut 10,000 jobs in 2009.

Cape Town - South Africa is a holiday paradise for families with children - who can ride elephants, pet cheetahs and splash in the Indian Ocean - to name just a few activities. It is also an ideal gateway to exotic Africa for families who do not want to do without European standards.

"An increasing number of tour operators offer trips tailor-made for kids," noted Stephan Gotta, who works for South African Tourism in Frankfurt, Germany.

"Hotels and restaurateurs have reacted to rising demand and geared accommodation and prices to families with children." Demand has grown steadily since 2007, he said.

The region around Cape Town is particularly suited for an exciting and relaxing stay in Africa.

Johannesburg - The former Methodist bishop, who will lead South Africa's new Congress

Johannesburg  - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it would never endanger the health of former president Nelson Mandela after drawing criticism for flying him to an election rally in wet conditions to support the party.

At a press conference Monday the ANC's campaign director Fikile Mbabula insisted: "The ANC would not put the life of Madiba at risk," referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Mbalula also insisted that the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon had expressly asked to attend an ANC rally together with controversial leader, Jacob Zuma.

Johannesburg, Feb. 23 : Australian opener Simon Katich has acknowledged that South Africa's fast bowlers led by Dale Steyn can once again be too hot to handle in the forthcoming series, but hastens to add that the Aussies have their measure.

"He''s (Steyn) obviously up there at the moment. In terms of pace, he''s probably one of the quickest going around, apart from Brett (Lee) when he''s fully fit. You throw in the other couple as well. They''ve got a well-balanced attack," Fox Sports quoted Katich, as saying.

Johannesburg, Feb. 23 : The key to Australia defeating South Africa will be team skipper Ricky Ponting, who averages more than 50 per innings in Tests.

If the captain grabs the Proteas by the scruff of the neck and overshadows rival skipper Graeme Smith to make the series his own, not only will Australia''s chances of retaining the world No. 1 ranking go through the roof, but Ponting will go close to overtaking Steve Waugh in fourth place on the list of Test run-scorers," says in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald.