News 09:00
BULLETIN 22 March 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government of national unity has set priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation
# Spain’s cabinet passes a 95.7-billion-rand economic support package to counter Iran war impact
# And, the South African National Blood Service is experiencing low stock levels
# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government of national unity has set itself the priority of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, developmental state. Ramaphosa says there is a need to deepen partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society to create more jobs, uplift people from poverty and improve their living conditions:
# The South African Democratic Teachers Union says while significant strides have been made in expanding access to education since the advent of democracy, serious challenges remain in the education sector. SADTU’s spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi says many learners, particularly in township and rural schools, continue to experience conditions that undermine their dignity. She says these include inadequate infrastructure, shortage of learning and teaching materials, overcrowding and insufficient staffing:
# ActionSA’s provincial executive committee in Gauteng has resolved to place Kholofelo Morodi on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. Chairperson Funzi Ngobeni says this decision follows the consideration of a formal complaint arising from allegations presented before the Madlanga Commission of tender rigging in the City of Tshwane. He says the committee took this step in line with the party’s interim constitution to protect the integrity of the organisation:
# Spain’s cabinet has approved 80 measures split into two packages that will cost 95.7-billion-rand to counter the economic effects of the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the measures, which require approval by Congress, include support for the most vulnerable households and a reduction of taxes on electricity by up to 60-percent. Specific fiscal measures are being finalised for the agricultural and road transport sectors, which have been hit hardest by fuel price volatility. Sanchez added the measures will provide cost savings of 3.89-billion-rand for industries with intensive energy use.
# Motorsport: Max Verstappen took a break from a frustrating Formula One season by driving in a four-hour race at the Nuerburgring in Germany on Saturday. Verstappen’s Winward team won but was disqualified from the endurance series race for using seven sets of tyres instead of the permitted six. The technical commission discovered the infraction during post-race scans, leaving stewards with no option but to exclude the winning car. Verstappen was sixth in Australia before failing to finish in Shanghai. He returns to Asia for the Japan Grand Prix next Sunday.
# And finally, the South African National Blood Service is currently experiencing low blood stock levels. Hospitals across the country, depend on a steady supply of blood to treat trauma patients, individuals undergoing major surgery, cancer patients and people living with chronic blood disorders, and South Africans are encouraged to contribute. The service says blood donations reflect the true spirit of equality. One unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, supporting families, strengthening communities and giving patients a second chance at life.
Stay tuned for more news………….