The South African Council of Churches is concerned that it was not invited to be part of an interfaith group formed to help President Zuma tackle responses to a lack of essential services.

Women workers who are angry over poor pay and conditions on farms and vineyards supplying UK supermarkets will dramatically confront South Africa's ANC president today.

South African churches and the country's newly elected president, Jacob Zuma, are at loggerheads again over remarks made by the leader that his African National Congress party will "rule until Jesus comes".

A senior South African Roman Catholic cleric has called on the newly-elected African National Congress government, led by Jacob Zuma, to go all out in its efforts to eradicate poverty, HIV and AIDS throughout the country.

Desmond Tutu has re-iterated his belief that corruption allegations against the new president should have been tested in court, but remains hopeful for politics in South Africa.

As South Africa prepares for its national elections on Wednesday 22 April, many grassroots organisations in South Africa plan to boycott it in protest, reports UK development agency War on Want.

Bishop Mvume Dandala, an opposition candidate in the South African presidential contest, has told the BBC he would reopen a corruption case against Jacob Zuma if elected.

Religion has always played a part in South African elections say voters, but this year the voice of churches and their leaders at times has been strong during campaigning for the 22 April general election.

South African Cardinal Wilfrid Napier has criticised the National Prosecution Authority for dropping graft, money-laundering and racketeering charges against ANC president Jacob Zuma.

South Africa's ruling ANC has lambasted Desmond Tutu, accusing the former Anglican archbishop of "blasphemy" after he said he did not look forward to Jacob Zuma becoming the country's head of state.