News 16:00

BULLETIN 11 January 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Gaza is plunged into despair amid allegations against Israel’s conduct
# OUTA welcomes N-S-FAS board chairperson’s taking a leave of absence 
# And Cricket: Windies greats make their SA20 debuts in Durban 

# The South African government urges the International Court of Justice in The Hague in the Netherlands to scrutinise the dire situation in Gaza, citing a distressing history. During the hearing of South Africa’s case, legal counsel Adila Hassim presented a map illustrating Israel’s restrictive measures. She implored the court not to conclusively rule on genocide, but to acknowledge breaches of the Genocide Convention. Hassim condemns the mass killings in Gaza, particularly affecting women and children, and the devastating impact on entire families:

Meanwhile, another of South Africa’s legal counsel in the genocide case, Max du Plessis says the situation in Gaza is not merely a conflict between two parties. The court today heard South Africa’s arguments, followed by Israel’s response tomorrow, amid global calls for a ceasefire. Du Plessis spoke on accusations of genocide by Israel and contended what is happening involves destructive acts by Israel, an occupying power, violating Palestinian rights for over half a century:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has expressed its support for the decision by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s board chairperson, Ernest Khosa, to volunteer a 30-day leave of absence amid allegations of bribery. It says  recordings circulated by OUTA, have prompted Khosa’s decision amid investigations. He assured the board that he had never received personal financial gratification or facilitated any for minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, or the South African Communist Party.

# ActionSA in Gauteng is calling on the government to urgently address the issue of dysfunctional schools in the province as the 2024 academic year approached. Speaking at Durban Deep Primary School, ActionSA Gauteng provincial chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, said it is unacceptable for children to be forced to learn in inadequate conditions. This includes the lack of proper ablution facilities, vandalism and facilities that are not properly maintained. Ngobeni emphasises that the lack of service delivery puts the health and dignity of learners at risk.

# Cricket: Two of the biggest names in the T20 game will make their debuts in the SA20 at Kingsmead in Durban this afternoon. Windies batters Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran will represent M-I Cape Town and Durban Super Giants, respectively. Pollard will captain the visitors. Pooran was in devastating form in T20 franchise tournaments worldwide the past year. He says he loves the Durban weather because it’s similar to home. The Durban team is captained by Proteas bowler Keshav Maharaj. The match starts at 5.30 this afternoon.

Stay tuned for more news………….