News 06:00

BULLETIN 16 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says Africa must avoid a new colonialism
# Zambia suspends livestock imports from South Africa over foot and mouth disease
# And rugby: The Bok Women’s Sevens finish second in Nairobi

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Africa to respond to the rapid geopolitical changes with one voice. He was speaking on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which concluded on Sunday. Ramaphosa said the rules-based world architecture has, in a way, collapsed. He stated that what Africa should be avoiding is a new form of colonialism, where big economies begin to target the continent’s critical minerals:

# The Zambian government has suspended all livestock imports from South Africa following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock says all permits for cloven-hoofed animals, related products and transit have been revoked with immediate effect. Authorities describe the move as precautionary to protect Zambia’s livestock industry and food security, with measures to be reviewed as the outbreak develops.

# WaterCAN says South Africa’s National Water Crisis Committee must produce clear, actionable plans to tackle the ongoing water emergency rather than becoming another talk shop. Speaking to SABC News, WaterCAN executive Ferrial Adam welcomed recognition of the crisis but stressed the committee needs firm deadlines, transparency and civil society involvement, to ensure real solutions and accountability for water delivery failures:

# Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale‑Tlabela says the grace period on operating licences is meant to help scholar transport operators who are currently operating without legal permits to legalise their services. The MEC stressed the focus remains on learner safety and compliance, and urged operators to apply for valid licences so they can continue transporting learners lawfully. She highlighted that safety and legality must go hand in hand:

# The Western Cape Education Department has welcomed a decline in school vandalism and theft over the 2025/26 summer holidays. Education MEC David Maynier says 36 incidents were reported at 32 schools, down from 47 the previous year. Maynier confirmed subsidised security at 441 schools and worked with the SAPS to boost monitoring. He warns that stolen items divert vital education funds and urges communities to report suspicious activity:

# Rugby: The Springbok Sevens Women defeated Argentina 17-12 to finish second in the opening tournament of the World Sevens 2 series in Nairobi, Kenya. South Africa’s victory over Argentina came after a commanding 33-5 bonus-point win over China in their opening match on Sunday. Despite the defeat, Argentina finished the tournament top with 13 points, Bok Women second with 12, and Spain in third with eleven points. The Bok Women will now focus their attention on the final two legs, in Uruguay and Brazil, next month.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-91-cents and the euro at 18-rand-90-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-73-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-916-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-42-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-6-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….