NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 4 February 7 am

Good morning,

In this bulletin:

# The SABC board chairperson says Phathiswa Magopeni’s grievances are unsubstantiated
# The Centre for Risk Analysis says South Africa’s education system is dysfunctional
# And, the International Monetary Fund says geopolitical tensions are not good for economic growth

# SABC board chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini says grievances made by the sacked head of news Phathiswa Magopeni against him, are unsubstantiated and without merit. She had alleged that Makhathini and SABC CEO Madoda Mxakwe had interfered in editorial policy. Makhathini says it is not true that he coerced the public broadcaster into interviewing president Cyril Ramaphosa. He says he had a conversation with Magopeni to understand her rationale, after he was told she refused the interview for procedural reasons. Makhathini says at no point did he threaten her independence.

# The Centre for Risk Analysis says South Africa has a dysfunctional education system. According to Stats SA, significant numbers of learners experience problems at school including lack of books, inadequate facilities, teacher absenteeism, poor-quality teaching, and striking teachers. CRA’s Gerbrandt van Heerden says the fact that more than 40-percent of Grade 10s do not enter Grade 12 should serve as a major red flag signifying that our education system is dysfunctional:

Play sound: ENG HeerdenOnEducation

Meanwhile, One South Africa Movement leader Mmusi Maimane will today lead a picket outside the Basic Education Department in Tshwane, to hand over a memorandum to minister Angie Motshekga. He says the memorandum will detail OSA’s education rescue plan. Maimane says the plan contains ten interventions that, if implemented immediately, would rescue the country’s education system and provide a stable foundation for progressive development in the coming years.

# The International Monetary Fund managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, says at a time of higher uncertainty for growth in the world economy, geopolitical tensions only make the situation more complex. This as there is a danger of Russia invading Ukraine. She says she hopes a diplomatic solution is found for the citizens of Ukraine and the necessity to sustain the recovery of the world economy. Georgieva says economic recovery is losing momentum due to a slowdown in the two big engines of the world economy, the US and China, and the Covid-19 pandemic:

Play sound: ENG GeorgievaOnEconomy

# Cricket: Laura Wolvaardt was impressive with the bat scoring 117, as South Africa Women defeated the West Indies by 96 runs in the third One Day International at the Wanderers. South Africa posted 299 for eight in their 50 overs with captain Sune Luus also contributing with a measured 56 from 93 deliveries. In reply, Shabnim Ismail took four wickets for 37 runs as the West Indies were dismissed for 203 in 44.4 overs, with Kycia Knight scoring a career-best 69 from 94 balls. The series is now level at one-all heading into the fourth and final match on Sunday.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 15-rand-23-cents and the euro at 17-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 20-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 37-thousand-371-dollar-9-cents. Gold is selling at one thousand-806-dollars-60-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

# And finally, pop star Lady Gaga has been nominated for best actress for House of Gucci for this year’s 75th British Academy of Film and Television Arts or Bafta. Will Smith earned his first Bafta nomination for his portrayal of the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard. Science-fiction blockbuster Dune leads the overall nominations with eleven, while the Jane Campion-directed western The Power of the Dog follows with eight. The awards will be hosted by actress Rebel Wilson at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday.

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