News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA Congress adopts several resolutions, including on school safety
# Iran’s new supreme leader recovering from severe wounds
# And, Free State Education Department mourns the death of a learner during a school rugby match

# Delegates at the DA elective congress have voted on several resolutions to the party’s constitution in Gauteng today. A resolution that the party investigate tax incentives for landlords providing affordable rentals, municipal rebates, and incentives to support first-time workers was not passed. Some of the resolutions that passed include agriculture youth enterprise zones and access to sanitary products for girls at schools. The DA’s Refiloe Nt’sekhe, who presented the resolution to build safe, nurturing and violence-free schools, which passed, stated that children cannot learn in fear:

# Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still recovering from severe facial and leg injuries suffered in the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war. Three people close to his inner circle told Reuters Khamenei’s face was disfigured in the attack on the supreme leader’s compound in central Tehran and he suffered a significant injury to one or both legs. The 56-year-old is nonetheless recovering and remains mentally ​sharp, and is participating in meetings with senior officials via audio conferencing.

# The Free State Department of Education has expressed shock following the death of 15-year-old learner Nhlakanipho Buthelezi from HTS Sasolburg, who collapsed during a rugby match in Sasolburg. The Grade 9 pupil experienced breathing difficulties during an under-15 match against Sasolburg High School at DP de Villiers Stadium, and was rushed to Sasolburg hospital, where he was declared dead. Provincial Education MEC Mantlhake Maboya extended condolences to the family and school, saying support will be provided during this difficult time.

# Global brewer Heineken has launched a Bar de Change concept at OR Tambo International Airport, allowing South Africans travelling to Europe to buy beers at local prices. Travelers receive digital vouchers that can be redeemed at partner bars abroad on a one-for-one basis. The initiative aims to offset the weak rand, which makes beer up to 200-percent more expensive in Europe. Heineken says the concept enhances travel experiences by removing currency conversion stress for consumers.

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has called on fans to come out in numbers to support the team in its upcoming international friendly matches against Algeria in Durban this week. Ellis says playing in Durban will help simulate conditions expected at the tournament. She adds strong crowd support has always boosted the team’s performance and hopes to see even greater turnout at upcoming fixtures:

# And finally, Africa’s first radiant art festival, Lumenocity, launched in Cape Town is concluding today, transforming Company’s Garden into a glowing, interactive space. Founder Gareth Hadden says the event blends art and technology, powered partly by electric vehicle batteries in partnership with Mini. Hadden told eNCA that the festival showcases innovative micro-grid solutions, offering a creative response to load-shedding while inspiring communities to rethink energy use and public spaces:

Stay tuned for more news………….