News 06:00

BULLETIN 13 December 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# It is D-day for submissions on the contentious clauses 4 and 5 of the BELA Act
# The final day to register spaza shops and small businesses is approaching
# And, the AA emphasises fatigue management and vehicle maintenance

# Today is the deadline for submissions on two contentious clauses of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the legislation into law on the 13th of September but delayed the implementation date by three months, to allow consultations on clauses four and five. These deal with language and admission policies. Basic Education minister, Siviwe Gwarube, says her job is to make sure the education system is ready to implement the Bela Act:

# The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says spaza shops and small business owners must register by next Tuesday. The minister clarified the misunderstanding of 21 days as per president Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive. Hlabisa says registration is mandatory for spaza shops and food handlers, with unregistered businesses facing closure. He says that a national online registration platform will launch next year:

# The Automobile Association and Road Traffic Management Corporation have emphasised the management of driver fatigue and maintaining vehicle safety to reduce road accidents. The companies says fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making. Drivers are urged to rest adequately, take breaks every two hours, and avoid night travel. Regular vehicle maintenance, including brakes, tyres, and light inspections, is vital to prevent mechanical failures. They urge all road users to prioritise vigilance and proactive measures.

# The Department of Social Development has successfully facilitated the repatriation of a five-year-old South African girl born in a Mauritian prison. In an emotional farewell, the girl said goodbye to her mother awaiting trial for drug trafficking, including female inmates at Beau Bassin Prison. The department’s Bathembu Futshane says this marks the 25th child repatriated under South Africa’s Children’s Act, which prioritises the welfare and family connection of children:

# Cricket: Eighteen-year-old Kwena Maphaka has earned his maiden call-up to the Proteas ODI setup for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan. He impressed at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year after taking 21 wickets. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returns to the ODI squad for the first time since November last year. The squad is also bolstered by the return of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who were last featured in this format in December of last year. The series begins on Tuesday in Paarl. 

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-78-cents and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-54-cents and Bitcoin trades at 100-thousand-13-dollar-10-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-680-dollars-45-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The 12th African Emerging Filmmakers Awards nominees have been announced, with Baby Cele nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Ukhumbuzile. The awards, celebrating emerging South African talent, will be held on Saturday, in Durban. Highlighting improved industry standards, founder Andile Buwa praised the event’s role in showcasing quality films and fostering local storytelling under the theme We Are Kings and Queens – Reviving Ubuntu.

Stay tuned for more news………….