News 18:00
BULLETIN 6 February 6 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The EFF loses its bid to interdict Parliament from applying new House rules
# The IEC announces the availability of a nomination signature portal
# And Rugby: It’s official – Rassie is back as the Springbok head coach
# The EFF has been unsuccessful in its court attempt to interdict Parliament from implementing newly adopted House rules aimed at preventing disruptions during the state of the nation address. The rules, which were adopted in December, stipulate that no member will be allowed to interrupt the president’s first speech at the opening of Parliament after a national election or at SONA. The rules also prohibit gross disorderly conduct and empower the speaker to remove members from the virtual platform for unruly behaviour.
# The Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo, has announced the availability of a portal to capture nomination signatures for unrepresented parties and independent candidates. This update comes after the recently concluded registration weekend. Mamabolo also shared that the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. The portal will facilitate the nomination process for those parties and candidates who aim to participate in the upcoming elections:
# Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has approved the proposed National Student Financial Aid Scheme eligibility criteria and conditions for financial aid for accommodation. University-managed self-catering and private off-campus accredited accommodation will be capped at 50-thousand-rand in metro areas and 41-thousand-rand in all other areas per academic year. The department’s spokesperson, Veli Mbele, says university-managed and catered are capped at 66-thousand-500-rand in metros and 57-thousand-rand-500-rand in other areas.
# The Gauteng Education Department mourns the passing of a Grade 1 learner at Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan. The learner allegedly died as a result of consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop. The child reportedly fell ill in class, began vomiting, and died upon paramedics’ arrival. Spokesperson Xolani Mkhwemte has urged parents to be aware of certain spaza shop products:
# Rugby: Rassie Erasmus has officially returned to the role of Springbok head coach for the next four years. SA Rugby confirmed the coaching team, with former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery taking charge of defence, while former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown will focus on attack. They join Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids and Daan Human, as well as Andy Edwards as Head of Athletic Performance. Recently retired referee Jaco Peyper joins the team as national laws advisor. Springbok eighthman, Duane Vermeulen, has been appointed to a roving coaching role with all SA Rugby’s national teams.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-97-cents and the euro at 20-rand-35-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-868-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-28-dollars-9-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-44-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….