News 09:00

BULLETIN 13 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Communication minister calls for collaboration to lower data costs
# Twenty-two learners have died in a Nigeria school collapse
# And, tennis: Its Djokovic against Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final – again

# Communication minister Solly Malatsi says improving data affordability in South Africa through collaboration with the ICT sector is essential. Speaking to the SABC, Malatsi highlighted the essential nature of data to access information. He notes the progress made by the SA Connect programme, which has increased connectivity in public spaces and government buildings with free WiFi hotspots. Malatsi emphasised the mandate to ensure dependable connectivity access:

# The Minerals Council South Africa says its recent Masoyise health programme’s annual report reveals ongoing health improvements among mine workers. Launched in 2016, Masoyise addresses tuberculosis, HIV, and occupational lung diseases, and now also includes mental health and non-communicable diseases. The council’s Allan Seccombe says the report highlights a TB incidence drop to 223 per 100-thousand last year, from 236 in 2022, exceeding national targets:

# The collapse of a school in central Nigeria has claimed the lives of 22 learners. Reports say the youngsters were writing exams yesterday when buildings at the Saint Academy school in the Jos North district of Plateau State caved in. Many children were trapped under the rubble of the classrooms, with parents desperately looking for their children as rescue workers used heavy machinery in their search. At least 130 learners were injured and are receiving treatment in local hospitals.

# Tennis: Novak Djokovic is one win away from a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title after he beat Italian underdog Lorenzo Musetti to reach tomorrow’s Wimbledon final. The Serb set up a showdown with reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of last year’s final. The 37-year-old Djokovic stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 victory over the 22-year-old Musetti. Alcaraz beat Djokovic last year in a five-set epic, which is regarded one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.

# And, officials in southern Italy have broken up an alleged racket selling fake olive oil, confiscating 42 tons of the extra virgin variety worth just over 18-milion-rand. Some of the oil was already packaged ready for sale. Authorities confiscated 71 tons of what was referred to as an “oily substance” in plastic tanks, as well as 623 litres of chlorophyll, a component of extra virgin olive oil that was being added to oil of a lesser value. Authorities also confiscated 174 bottles of champagne that is suspected of being fake.

Stay tuned for more news………….