South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday in local elections which are widely seen as a test for President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress.

South Africa will hold its local elections on Wednesday. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party will find out how well it still represents the aspiration of the South African people.

The United States has carried out air strikes on positions of so-called Islamic State in Libya, following a request by the UN-backed government. The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold.

Political parties in South Africa have gone all out to lure voters ahead of Wednesday's local government elections. The ruling party held its final rally on Sunday and says it is confident it will come out on top when South Africans go to the polls.

Southern African Regional Inter-Agency Standing Committee wants to seek 1.2 billion US dollars to fight drought and relieve the food crisis in southern Africa triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon. El Nino has devastated several southern African countries and crop failures have led to chronic malnutrition.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a naval base in Simon's Town near Cape Town. Authorities believe it may be an inside job as the base is a highly secured facility and with elections just around the corner, a possible security threat has not been ruled out.

Hillary Clinton will step up to the podium for one of the biggest speeches of her life where she will later accept the Democratic Party nomination.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir on Tuesday announced that former rebel leader Riek Machar had been replaced as vice-president, confirming signs of serious divisions within the opposition.

Two South African brothers accused of plotting to blow up the US embassy and Jewish institutions, and planning to join the so-called Islamic State, have been remanded in custody after their court appearance.

Health experts say male contraceptives should be encouraged as this family planning method could be rolled out in two years time.