News 09:00

BULLETIN 11 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Free Market Foundation says the best way to provide health care is to avoid National Health Insurance
# Minister Ntshavheni promises major water security projects are underway to address scarcity
# And, cricket: The Proteas lead the Windies by 154 runs in Trinidad

# The Free Market Foundation says no taxpayer-funded National Health System anywhere in the world has ever succeeded in delivering on its promises. The foundation’s Johan Biermann says all NHI role models, including those of wealthy countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, battle endlessly with escalating costs. Budget constraints limit the number of procedures undertaken annually, and shortages of doctors and nurses are common. Biermann says their outstanding characteristic is having thousands of patients waiting months for routine care and even years for specialised medical treatment.

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has announced that major water security projects are underway to address water scarcity. This includes 14 national infrastructure projects valued at over 100-billion-rand, aimed at diversifying and developing alternative water resources. Ntshavheni told the media key initiatives include improving water supply in Giyani, Limpopo and Hammanskraal in Tshwane, refurbishing water treatment facilities, and addressing sewerage issues:

# Cricket: A first Test win could be on the cards for South Africa against the West Indies in Port of Spain, provided the weather plays along. The Proteas have a 154-run lead going into the final day after rain washed out yesterday’s first six hours. When they could resume, South Africa bowled out the hosts for 233 to grab a first-innings lead of 124, and then added 30 runs before stumps. Keshav Maharaj added his fourth wicket by having Joshua Da Silva caught by Tony de Zorzi for one run.

# Olympic Games: RISE Mzansi is calling on the 7th administration to prioritise sports development in various codes in schools and communities, to expand endless possibilities for young people. RISE Mzansi’s spokesperson, Gugu Ndima, says the zeal and energy of Team South Africa in Paris – and their six medals so far – affirms how important sporting codes are in developmental phases at schools and sports clubs:

# And, the minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation,  Maropene Ramokgopa, is representing president Cyril Ramaphosa at the inauguration of the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, in Kigali today. The department’s spokesperson Litha Mpondwana says South Africa and Rwanda not only play an important role in regional integration, but also in boosting the African Agenda and South-South cooperation:

Stay tuned for more news………….