News 11:00

BULLETIN 22 December 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A 5.3-magnitude earthquake jolts the Northern Cape
# The US shoots down its own fighter jet over the Red Sea
# And, rugby: A disrupted Sharks team beats the Bulls for first time in almost two years

# A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck South Africa’s Northern Cape province this morning, 356 kilometers north of Worcester and 118 kilometres from Calvinia. According to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake’s epicenter was at a shallow depth of ten-kilometres, potentially increasing its impact. While no casualties or structural damage have been reported, numerous residents reportedly felt the tremor. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge vigilance as assessments are conducted.

# Twelve people have lost their lives, and two others were injured in a head-on collision near Dutywa in the Eastern Cape. The accident, involving a minibus taxi and a bakkie, was confirmed by the Eastern Cape Transport Department. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Emergency services are attending to the scene. The department’s spokesperson, Unathi Binqose has urged road users to exercise caution:

# Minister Siviwe Gwarube has directed the Department of Basic Education to accelerate the development of regulations, norms, and standards for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. Gwarube told the media that the draft policies will be open for public comment by June next year. The minister stresses the importance of public participation in the process, aiming to move beyond political debate and focus on constructive input:

# Two US Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea early today in an apparent case of friendly fire. The US military’s central command says both pilots were recovered alive but initial assessments indicate that one of the crew members sustained minor injuries. It said the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on and hit the fighter aircraft, which was flown by the Navy pilots off another ship, the USS Harry S. Truman. An investigation is under way.

# And, rugby: Brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse scored 13 points as the Sharks beat the Bulls 20-17 in Durban yesterday. Jaden scored a try for the hosts while Jordan added eight points from the kicking tee to go with a penalty try. The Sharks extended their streak to four successive URC victories, their fifth of the season and first against the Bulls in almost two years. The Sharks were disrupted before kick-off when captain Siya Kolisi, hooker Dylan Richardson and lock Emile van Heerden were pre-game withdrawals with injuries and illness.

Stay tuned for more news………….