The Obama administration has reversed US policy by calling for a treaty to cut mercury pollution, described as the world's gravest chemical problem.

Water coming out of Durban's taps is safe to drink and residents do not need to fear reported mercury contamination at Inanda Dam, say authorities.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Public Protector to complain about the Health Department's advertisements placed in various newspapers last week to protest against a judge's failure to interdict the Sunday Times over its reports on the medical records of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

Full-colour advertisements placed in a number of national newspapers on Friday by the Health Department defending its Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, were a waste of taxpayers' money, the Democratic Alliance said. The United Democratic Movement also criticised the advertisements.