Latest from South Africa

Mandela's last hours detailed

Nelson Mandela wasn't on life support and had many family members and doctors close by in his final hours, a family friend who was at his bedside said today.

'Like the sun came out'

News that New Zealand's anti-apartheid protests brought hope to Nelson Mandela on Robben Island is likely the most important memory New Zealanders have of the leader, activist John Minto says.

Praise from Mandela's jailer

He was with Nelson Mandela during all those years the anti-apartheid icon was imprisoned on Robben Island. And, like millions around the world, he has been hit hard by Mandela's death.

A farewell like no other for unifier

S Africa will say goodbye to Nelson Mandela over 10 days of mourning culminating in a state funeral likely to be attended by world leaders including David Cameron, Barack Obama and Pope Francis.

Papers mark the death of Mandela

Newspapers and websites around the world have marked the death of one of the great political figures of the twentieth century.

Mourners salute Mandela

As the news of Mandela's death spread, residents of Soweto gathered in the streets near the house where he once lived, singing and dancing to mourn his death and celebrate his life.

Editorial: Mandela - a leader even greater than his legend

Once a shadowy figure whose imprisonment personified the shackles of his apartheid-bound people, a free Mandela brought political calm to a S Africa that had become far more savage since he was jailed.

'Let there be peace for all'

In his inspiring inauguration speech on 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected President of S Africa, speaks of liberty, justice, human dignity, hope — and forgiveness.

Tributes for inspired leader

Rich-lister's big game kills

Gun in hand, Kiwi millionaire Mark Gunton stands proudly over the corpse of a fallen African elephant.

Cape Town's brooding wonder

PK Stowers scales the heights of one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Construction site collapse traps 50

'I just saw the whole slab that just came down and all you could hear was the guys screaming.' A witness describes a half-built mall collapse where 50 are trapped.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

One of South Africa's most recognisable landmarks, Table Mountain has also been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

TV host blasted over photos

An American TV presenter is facing an outraged public backlash after she posted a picture of herself posing next to a dead lion she had apparently shot and killed.

Jail torture claims rock security firm

British security company G4S is under fire in S Africa over allegations that its staff tortured inmates at the country's biggest private prison through electrocutions and forced injections.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

This special wilderness sanctuary at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountain Range offers five-star accommodation as well as the opportunity to see endangered black and white rhinoceros species. <BR><BR><I>For further information see: <a href='http://www.shamwarigroup.com/property.asp?propertyname=sanbona_wildlife_reserve' target='_blank'>sanbona.com</a></I>

Saving the private rhino

Paul Rush laments the possible extinction of South Africa's black and white rhino species.

Poachers turn to chemical warfare against elephants

Poachers in Zimbabwe have killed more than 300 elephants and countless other safari animals by cyanide poisoning.