Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai criticises Mugabe over 'poll date'

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has unilaterally declared that elections will be held on 31 July, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said.

He would not accept the date, as Mr Mugabe had acted "unconstitutionally".
Mr Tsvangirai has been pushing for key reforms as a condition for elections.

South Africa welcomes 'progress' in Nelson Mandel treatment

South Africa's government is pleased that ex-President Nelson Mandela is responding well to treatment in hospital, it said in a statement.

The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, wished a speedy recovery to Mr Mandela, regarded as the father of the nation.
The 94 year old is spending his sixth day in a Pretoria hospital suffering from a recurrent lung infection.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma said he was happy with Mr Mandela's progress after a "difficult few days".
Mr Mandela's grandson and family heir, Mandla, said the family had "been deeply touched" by the concern shown for Mr Mandela's health.

FIFA fines Zambia

FIFA has fined Zambia US$10,000 (about KR54, 000) following the hurling of missiles on the pitch by some fans during last weekend’s Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Jubilant Chipolopolo fans reacted by throwing an assortment of objects which included plastic bottles and empty cans of beer onto the pitch as Zambia thrashed Lesotho 4-0.

If this action by some fans is repeated this Saturday when the Chipolopolo face Sudan in another Group D World Cup qualifier at the same venue, Zambia will risk playing behind closed doors at home in future international engagements.

Jacob Zuma says ‘all are praying’ for Nelson Mandela

South African President Jacob Zuma says Nelson Mandela is “very serious but stabilised” in hospital and that “all are praying” for his recovery.

Mr Zuma said the doctors were doing a “very good job”, adding that the former president was a “good fighter”.

The 94-year-old is spending his fifth night in a Pretoria hospital suffering from a recurrent lung infection.

Relatives, including his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited the ailing former leader on Tuesday.