News 14:00

BULLETIN 11 December 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Umalusi is concerned by the matric exam breach, but satisfied with the steps taken by the department
# The Referendum Party asks minister Schreiber to clarify the law on racial classification
# And rugby: André Esterhuizen plays his 100th match for the Sharks on Saturday

# Exams quality assurer Umalusi has expressed concern at the breach identified during the marking of the National Senior Certificate examinations. It involves 26 learners from seven schools in Pretoria, who admitted to gaining access to Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language question papers before writing the exams. Two Basic Education Department officials have been suspended. Umalusi spokesperson Biki Lepota says they have received a preliminary report:

# The Referendum Party has asked clarity from Home Affairs minister, Leon Schreiber, on his comments regarding the legality of racial classification. In a post on X, the minister stated no basis exists in law to compel any person to become a racial classifier. Party leader, Phil Craig, says they are delighted at the minister’s approach, but question whether others in the government of national unity have the same understanding of the law.

# The National Sea Rescue Institute has reassured paddlers the SafeTrx app will continue to operate safely, despite the British version being discontinued. The app tracks users in real time, alerts emergency contacts, and dispatches help if they don’t return on time. The institute’s Andrew Ingram urged paddlers to use visibility gear, group paddling, and backup signalling devices:

# Rugby: Utillity Springbok André Esterhuizen will play his 100th match for the Sharks in Saturday’s Champions Cup fixture against Saracens in Durban. He played 81 matches for the team from 2014 to 2020 and returned from a stint at Harlequins in England last year. Esterhuizen says he got to know Saracens well while playing overseas and realises what a good team it is. The game will be the first under former Bok back player JP Pietersen, who took over as interim coach following John Plumtree’s departure.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-91-cents and the euro at 19-rand-78-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 90-thousand-322-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-219-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Crue Invest director, Eric Jordaan, says annual bonuses should be treated as a tool for financial progress rather than free money. In his opinion piece on Moneyweb, he advises using bonuses to clear high-interest debt, boost emergency savings, and top up retirement funds to maximise tax benefits. Jordaan also highlights tax-free investments, children’s education, and home loan repayments as smart options. He adds investing in personal development and reserving a small portion for enjoyment ensures both long-term security and rewards for hard work.

Stay tuned for more news………….