News 13:00

BULLETIN 22 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Young Communist League calls on NSFAS to reach every deserving student
# Police plan to intensify their Adopt-a-Cop programme at schools in Tshwane
# And mixed martial arts: The Cape Town Stadium could be the ideal venue for Africa’s first UFC event

# The Young Communist League of South Africa is calling on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to ensure its assistance reaches every deserving student, especially those hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. So far, the scheme has received 1.4-million applications for this academic year. The league’s spokesperson, Ramatolo Tlotleng, says they believe the scheme will resolve 11-thousand outstanding allowances before the end of this week:

Meanwhile, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa is urging those who will be pursuing post-matric studies in nursing to be extra vigilant and beware of possible bogus nursing colleges. Fly-by-night schools tend to proliferate during this time of the year. Denosa’s spokesperson, Sibongiseni Delihlazo, says every institution of higher learning that offers legitimate nursing studies must, by law, be registered and accredited by the South African Nursing Council, which is the country’s regulatory body for nursing:

# Gauteng police are planning to intensify their Adopt-a-Cop programme in Tshwane and maintain a zero crime rate at schools in the inner city. The purpose of the programme is also to encourage learners to reach out to police about any criminality in their midst. Last week, police visited the Christian Progressive, Pretoria Secondary, Northwood, Tshwane Secondary and Voortrekker High schools. Tshwane police spokesperson, Thabang Mkhumise says learners were addressed on bullying, weapons, criminality, drug-use and other unsavoury activities:

# The prospect of a deal to release the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas has receded after a Hamas official reacted to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of their proposals. Netanyahu earlier refused to consider Hamas’ conditions, which he said included leaving the miltant group in power and Israel’s complete withdrawal. A Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told Reuters Netanyahu’s refusal to end the military offensive means there is no chance for the return of the hostages, which are estimated to be 130 in number.

# Mixed martial arts: UFC president Dana White has hinted at a potential Ultimate Fighting Championship Africa event in South Africa following Dricus du Plessis’ historic win, making him the first South African UFC champion. White says plans for such a tournament are in progress, with South Africa, Nigeria and Rwanda as potential locations. Many fans have advocated for Cape Town Stadium as the ideal venue, citing the city’s infrastructure and track record in hosting world-class events. The move aims to establish the UFC’s presence on the continent.

Stay tuned for more news………….