News 13:00

BULLETIN 10 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A call for focus on growth and jobs for the youth at the ANC’s January 8 celebrations
# The wildfire remains active in the Cape Winelands District
# And African airlines led global air travel in November

# ANC Member of Parliament and Trade Portfolio Committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina has urged ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise economic growth, consumer spending, and investment to drive job creation. Speaking amid January 8 Celebrations at Maruleng Stadium in North West, Masina says export diversification, including stronger BRICS and continental trade, is vital amid global tariff pressures. He has also called for concrete action on youth unemployment and fixing local government:

# The Public Servants Association welcomes Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s commitment to engage government employees’ medical scheme trustees over rising medical aid contributions. The association’s Claude Naicker says recent hikes placed a heavy financial strain on members. He says the PSA appreciates the minister’s timely intervention and will continue advocating to ensure public servants do not have to choose between healthcare and basic living expenses:

# Eastern Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has expressed deep concern over the raging wildfires currently engulfing parts of the Eastern Cape, with some fire fronts also affecting neighbouring areas of the Western Cape. Premier spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga says the premier has conveyed his sadness and regret at the widespread destruction of property caused by these fires, which have placed significant strain on affected communities, farmers, businesses, and critical infrastructure:

Meanwhile, the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services in the Western Cape has confirmed that the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek, remains active. The fire originated in Langrug on Wednesday. The municipality’s spokesperson, Anesca Roodt, says the fire continues to burn high in the mountains above Franschhoek, slowly burning downhill against the wind, behind Wemmershoek Dam, and in the direction of Paarl. She says another wildfire is currently burning above St Croix Estates:

# The International Air Transport Association reports show that African airlines led global passenger performance with demand up 11.2-percent in November 2025. Global passenger demand rose 5.7-percent year-on-year in November 2025, with capacity up 5.4-percent. Load factors reached a record 83.7-percent for the month. International travel grew by 7.7-percent, while domestic demand increased 2.7-percent. IATA says strong demand persists despite aircraft shortages, urging manufacturers to cut a backlog of over 17-thousand aircraft orders.

# And rugby: Loosehead prop Oli Kebble will reach 50 appearances for the Stormers in the Champions Cup encounter with Harlequins in London tomorrow. There are four players set to make their Stormers debut in the Round Three clash at Twickenham Stoop. Luke Burger is on the left wing as the only run-on debutant, with lock Alex Groves, loose forward Wandile Mlaba, and former Springbok Sevens flyer Mfundo Ndhlovu all set to earn their first caps from the replacements bench. Damian Willemse will captain the team from inside centre. Kick off is at 3 pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….