News 08:00

BULLETIN 12 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Manamela announces governance and leadership measures at the Student Financial Aid Scheme
# AgriSA and Agbiz push for fewer barriers in the BRICS agricultural market
# And cricket: Nini and Bosch shine as the Protea Women cruise to victory over Zimbabwe

# Higher Education and Training minister, Buti Manamela, has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening governance, leadership and institutional stability at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The Minister has designated Richardt Ramashia as Interim Chairperson of the NSFAS Board. The department’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat says the appointment is intended to provide leadership and continuity while the process of strengthening and completing the composition of the Board is undertaken in accordance with the NSFAS Act:

Meanwhile, Manamela and the board have agreed that their immediate focus must remain on student funding and service delivery during their engagement meeting. They also agreed over the financial position of the scheme, institutional reconciliations, audit remediation, student accommodation and readiness for the 2027 academic year. The department spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat says the responsibility now is to provide the scheme with stable governance and executive leadership:

# AgriSA and the Agricultural Business Chamber are calling for more agricultural trade between BRICS countries. They say lower tariffs and fewer trade barriers would help South African farmers and businesses reach more markets and strengthen food security. AgriSA’s Wandile Sihlobo say BRICS countries import more than four- trillion-rand worth of agricultural products each year, but high tariffs and complicated trade rules limit trade between member countries. Sihlobo calls for better market access and simpler trade rules.

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says Eskom has stopped threatening to fine or disconnect households that have not registered their solar systems. The utility has also dropped the requirement for a registered professional to approve these systems. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage says Eskom has still not shown the legal basis for forcing households with compliant solar systems below 100 kilowatts to register. Duvenage encouraged homeowners to make sure their systems are safe and have a valid certificate of compliance.

# The Western Cape government is strengthening its response to tuberculosis, with more than 53-thousand active cases reported by last month. The provincial Health Department has expanded TB testing, especially for high-risk groups, and is providing preventive treatment to children exposed to the disease. Residents are urged to get tested if they have TB symptoms or have been exposed to someone with TB, while those diagnosed should start treatment quickly and complete it.

# And cricket: Nthabiseng Nini took four wickets on her international debut and Anneke Bosch struck a rapid 72 as the Protea Women thrashed Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the opening T20 International in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 89, with Nini claiming four for 17, before South Africa reached the target with 54 balls to spare. Bosch set the chase alight with six fours and three sixes, while Laura Wolvaardt finished unbeaten on 22. The victory gives South Africa an early lead in the five-match series.

Stay tuned for more news………….