News 12:00

BULLETIN 19 January 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eleven learners die on their way to school in Vanderbijl Park
# Park management lifts restrictions for the southern region of the Kruger National Park
# And soccer: CAF president Patrice Motsepe launches the annual African Nations League

# Eleven learners have been confirmed dead and five others are in critical condition following an accident in Vanderbijl Park, Gauteng, this morning. The provincial Education Department’s preliminary reports indicate a side tipper truck rammed into a learner transport vehicle. The scene remains active as emergency medical services are currently combing the area, providing urgent medical care. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

# The Kruger National Park will reopen its southern gates to day visitors from today following temporary closures caused by severe flooding last week. Visitors can enter through the Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane, and Phabeni gates but are urged to exercise caution on the gravel roads. The northern section of the park remains closed until essential road and bridge repairs are completed.

Meanwhile, government has deployed the South African National Defence Force to flood-hit Mozambique to work with local disaster agencies under Operation Chariot. An Oryx helicopter and a specialist search-and-rescue team have also been deployed. The SANDF says the deployment comes as search-and-rescue operations continue in Limpopo and Mpumalanga following deadly flooding. Government says more air support will join the mission if needed.

# Soccer: CAF president Patrice Motsepe has officially launched the new African Nations League with 54 countries competing. The tournament, staged in one country during FIFA breaks, will feature zonal competitions, with winners advancing to fight for the ultimate prize. Motsepe promises improved officiating, and respect for all nations. He says the league aims to unite Africa through soccer while offering prestige comparable to the Africa Cup of Nations:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-42-cents and the euro at 19-rand-11-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-901-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-667-dollars-50-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Standard Bank’s head of Fraud Complaints Management and Awareness, Riyadh Mahomed, says January’s financial pressure has fueled a spike in scams, as fraudsters target people seeking ways to improve their finances. He highlights a rise in loans, phishing, investment, and other scams. Mahomed urges customers to remain vigilant, verify offers through official channels, and report any suspicious activity to protect themselves from financial fraud:

Stay tuned for more news………….