News 09:00

BULLETIN 21 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Gwarube says the public will be consulted before full implementation of the BELA Act
# Blinken announces a 4.2-billion-rand aid package for Sudan
# And, rugby: The Bulls pick Hanekom at number 6 against the Sharks

# Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube says she has acknowledged the commencement of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, as announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa. In a statement, Gwarube emphasised the importance of developing national regulations, policy, and norms to enhance the sector and ensure equal education for all learners. She explained that this process will include public consultations before full implementation:

In its reaction the GOOD Party has praised president Cyril Ramaphosa for the implementation. Secretary-general Brett Herron says the Act, which alleviates School Governing Bodies from sole control over language and admission policies, aims to provide equitable education for all children. Herron says the Act’s provisions are already being implemented in Tulbagh in the Western Cape, to demonstrate its practicality in accommodating diverse linguistic needs. He says that the BELA Act is a significant step towards educational transformation.

# US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, unveiled a 4.2-billion-rand aid package for conflict-ravaged Sudan. The funds include 3.6-billion-rand for humanitarian relief and 550-million-rand to support Sudan’s democratic transition. Concluding his four-year tenure, Blinken said that this brings total US assistance to over 42-billion-rand since the conflict began in 2023:

# Rugby: The Bulls have picked Cameron Hanekom at number 6 for the much anticipated showdown in the United Rugby Championship with the Sharks in Durban this evening. Captain Elrigh Louw moves to number 8 and Cobus Wiese replaces Marcell Coetzee at number 7. Coetzee moves to the bench. Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster are the new centres with Canan Moodie moving to left wing. David Kriel has not been included in the match-23. Kick-off is at 6pm.

# And, a “blob-headed” fish and a semi-aquatic mouse are among 27 newly discovered species found in a remote region of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. Scientists also encountered a new species of dwarf squirrel, salamander and short-tailed fruit bat during their expedition to the remote forest of Alto Mayo. The protected area in northern Peru is home to several ecosystems, indigenous territories and villages. Among the discoveries was a new species of spiny mouse, eight types of fish, ten types of butterfly and two new dung beetles.

Stay tuned for more news………….