ANC wins 6 of 9 by-elections

Odendaal's reasons unclear

Cope leaders Terror Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa say they don't know why their number three, Lynda Odendaal, quit this week.

• Cope 'waits with bated breath'
• Grindrod: Cope a 'great fraud'
• Lekota upbeat about Cope

Drugs 'behind crimes on kids'

Drug and alcohol abuse were "the most common factors" among people who committed crimes against children, the minister of women, children and people with disabilities says.

• Child raped every 3 min - report

KZN to launch drug action group

The department of social development in KwaZulu-Natal will launch a third drug action committee which will consist of community members and government representatives.

Zuma: Tackle crises together

Global crises facing the world can only be tackled by co-operation between the developed and undeveloped worlds, President Jacob Zuma says.

Govt taking over municipality

The Gauteng provincial government is taking over the financial management of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane municipality in Metsweding, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane says.

• Mpuma takes over municipality
• New boss for municipality

Lekota upbeat about Cope

Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota is upbeat about the party's future in a recent interview, refuting suggestions that the party is dying.

'Cosatu boosting farm attacks'

Cosatu needs to stop turning every incident into a racial issue when farmers try to protect their property, the Transvaal Agricultural Union of SA says.

• 9 in court over farm attack

Lekota: Still a place for Cope

Cope president Terror Lekota insists that the party still has an important role to play, SABC news reports. This comes after a senior member quit the party.

• Cope 'disappointed' by Odendaal
• Grindrod: Cope a 'great fraud'