South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa has urged people to honour the legacy of the anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela by helping to rebuild the country after days of riots that left 212 dead.

The violence was sparked by the jailing of ex-President Jacob Zuma.

Each year on Mr Mandela's birthday 18 July, people are urged to spend 67 minutes helping others, to mark his 67 years of public service.

The president says he is impressed by South Africans' resilience - reflecting Mr Mandela's spirit.

Live music venue owners have called attention to the Queensland government’s COVID “double standards”, after again being hit by extended restrictions.

Kim Ferguson, director of Mo’s Desert clubhouse in Burleigh Heads, is stumped by how the State of Origin could go ahead at such a large capacity, when the hospitality and arts sector are heavily impacted by restrictions.

Ms Ferguson said, “Wednesday night there were 26,000 people five minutes down the road from our business that’s now crippled to 56 people...where’s the standard in that?”

The Queensland Government announced almost $500,000 will be shared among 55 grass roots education initiatives to improve road safety through awareness and learning.

This money goes towards reaching the Palaszczuk Government’s vision of zero road deaths and serious injuries, by building a positive road safety culture from a young age.

Other efforts by the Government to achieve this goal includes a roll-out next month of road cameras that detect drivers illegally using their mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts.

Southern Gold Coast land is set to be transformed into one of the largest eco-parks in the country through compulsory acquisition from the defiant owners.

The state government has announced it will begin the process to acquire 148 hectares for the Currumbin Eco-Parkland locally known as Martha's Farm or Martha's Vineyard.

Minister for the Environment Meghan Scanlon says the decision would deter the ambitions of new developers and protect natural and delicate rainforest.

The government has relaxed the cap on working hours for student visa holders employed at supermarkets to address a worker shortage.

Supermarkets in locked-down regions in New South Wales and Victoria will be allowed to employ international students for more than 40 hours a fortnight to prevent a virus-induced staff shortage.

Students working more than 40 hours per fortnight are required to maintain their course enrolment and ensure satisfactory attendance and progress.

Katie Hopkins, a far-right British commentator, will be deported from Australia after openly breaking hotel quarantine rules.

Ms Hopkins had been allowed into Australia from support of the government that she would bring considerable economic benefit to the country. 

She was going to appear on Channel 7’s reality television program Big Brother VIP, but has since been dropped.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told the ABC that Ms Hopkins’ actions were “shameful” and “appalling”.

Western Europe floods have reportedly killed 120 people, with the death toll still rising and many still missing. 

Authorities fear with dozens still missing, the death toll may continue to rise. 

The Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel expressed shock after visiting the hardest hit flood region and called for action against climate change. 

Ms Merkel says, quote “We have to hurry up, we have to speed up the fight against climate change.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk faces criticism for her trip to Tokyo for the Olympic Games.

Ms Palaszczuk flew out last night, and arrived this morning, claiming her presence is essential if Brisbane is to host the 2032 Olympic Games.

Queenslanders have argued this trip is “hypocritical”, and are concerned that her return, and subsequent hotel quarantine, will take up the spot of another Australian waiting to come home.