News 12:00

BULLETIN 13 May 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Twenty-three farmworkers are saved during a mass rescue operation in the Boland
# Minister Siviwe Gwarube says a firm will be appointed to probe the controversial textbook tender
# And: South Africa marks a year without load-shedding this week

# Twenty-three farmworkers and their families were rescued on a farm along the old N1 roadway between Worcester and Rawsonville in the Western Cape. It is believed they had been trapped on the rooftops of farm structures due to the rising floodwaters since Monday. The National Sea Rescue Institute’s Craig Lambinon says the bodies of three farmworkers were also recovered:

# Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, says her department is in the process of appointing a firm to investigate the 1.6-billion-rand textbook tender. A portion of the tender for the publishing of learning and teaching support materials for foundation phase learners was awarded to newly-formed Lighthouse Publishing, with no track record in the sector. Gwarube says a preliminary internal audit has identified some concerns that warrant further attention and proper scrutiny:

# Social security agency SASSA has reassured beneficiaries social grants will continue despite the ongoing legal dispute with Postbank. Postbank is seeking interim relief to stop SASSA from terminating the master services agreement, arguing that millions of grant beneficiaries could face banking charges and lose protection against unauthorised deductions if the agreement lapses. The agency has argued that Postbank failed to meet its contractual obligations. SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi insists all grants will be paid.

# Cricket: Fast bowler Darcie Brown has been left out of Australia’s 15-player squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Selectors have opted for inexperienced left-armer Lucy Hamilton in her place. All-rounder Sophie Molineux has been passed fit and will captain the side. The experienced Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney are also in the squad. Selector Shawn Flegler says leaving out Brown is based on the conditions they are expecting and the make-up of the side. Australia will open their tournament against South Africa at Old Trafford on 13 June.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-44-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 81-thousand-56-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-699-dollars-68-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 104-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South Africa will mark 365 days without load-shedding this week with the last significant load-shedding implemented on 15 May last year. Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the milestone reflects progress towards a stable electricity supply. He told SABC News all provinces are expected to overcome load-reduction by March 2027. Ramokgopa confirmed plans to expand nuclear energy, and a 20-year strategy for coal-fired power stations:

Stay tuned for more news………….