News 13:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 11 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Eastern Cape government notes the Human Rights Commission’s report on child malnutrition
# Treasury introduces measures to curb double-dipping in the relief grant system
# And, soccer: All eyes are on FNB stadium for the Soweto Derby

# The Eastern Cape government has noted the report released by the South African Human Rights Commission which raises concern about child malnutrition and the right to food. The  provincial government says it has been implementing various policy interventions and strategies towards addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie says this includes addressing the concerning plight of child malnutrition in areas of the province:

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# National Treasury is fortifying the social relief of distress grant system to thwart double-dipping. Despite reducing this fiscal year’s allocation from 44-billion-rand to 35-billion-rand, deputy director-general Mampho Modise clarified it aims to prevent those with jobs from manipulating the system. Stricter criteria include a bank balance limit and scrutiny of multiple accounts. Applicants must re-apply every three months to ensure no employment. These measures aim to protect the grant’s integrity.

# The World Health Organisation says 12 children with cancer or other blood disorders have been evacuated, with their companions, from the Gaza Strip in the occupied Palestinian territory. They have been taken to Egypt and Jordan so their treatment can continue safely. More children are expected to be evacuated for cancer treatment as part of the initiative. The WHO has welcomed the evacuations and emphasizes that sustained, orderly, unimpeded and safe medical evacuations of critically wounded and sick patients into and via Egypt through the Rafah Border Crossing are essential.

# Soccer: Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans have packed the FNB Stadium for this afternoon’s Soweto Derby. This week, Amakhosi and the Buccaneers won their PSL games over Cape Town Spurs and Sekhukhune United, respectively. Chiefs beat Spurs 3-2, while Pirates won 1-0 against Sekhukhune. Pirates are currently 10th in the Premiership standings – two points behind Chiefs. A win this afternoon will see Bucs climb into the top eight. The game kicks off at half-past-three.

# And finally: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has launched a municipal cleaning and greening campaign. As part of the Expanded Public Works Programme, the campaign aims to clear more than seven-thousand-250 illegal dumping hotspots countrywide. Minister Barbara Creecy says the project will be implemented in big cities,  including Cape Town, Sol Plaatjie, Mafikeng, Msunduzi, Polokwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Mogale City, Sedibeng, Mbombela and Mangaung. The campaign will generate over 37-thousand jobs and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Stay tuned for more news………….