Top news items in major S. African media outlets

The following are highlights of South African major media outlets on Saturday.

-- The African National Congress has sought to clarify the broadcasting arrangements for its 105th birthday celebrations, after "sinister" rumours did the rounds on social media.

"It is regrettable that the incorrect information being circulated on social media has served to create confusion and impute sinister motive to the organization," the party said in a statement on Friday. (News24)

-- South Africa narrowly dodged a downgrade to sub-investment near the end of last year, but it is still on Moody's "watch list".

Moody's kept South Africa's sovereign rating two notches above sub-investment grade at Baa2, with a negative outlook. Moody's is set to publish reviews again on April 7, August 11 and November 24 this year.(Fin24)

-- Senior leaders of the African National Congress-led tripartite alliance have warned that internal weaknesses, such as factionalism and corruption are threatening the future of the governing party.

They were speaking at the 22nd anniversary of the death of former communist party general secretary, Joe Slovo in Soweto on Friday. (South African Broadcasting Corporation) Endit