News 06:00

BULLETIN 13 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Health minister says National Health Insurance will ensure equal healthcare for all
# Black Forum SA says AfriForum has undermined the country’s democracy
# And UNESCO highlights the global impact of  World Radio Day

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the National Health Insurance will ensure equal healthcare access for all South Africans, no matter their income. He dismissed critics, arguing that many oppose the system without fully understanding the act. In the debate on the state of the nation address, Motsoaledi also rejected DA criticism, saying private healthcare has failed to achieve universal coverage. He insists NHI will proceed despite opposition:

# The EFF has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to focus on his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo instead of making empty promises. Debating the state of the nation address, the party’s Omphile Maotwe criticised Ramaphosa for failing to address past commitments, particularly as the cost of living rises and unemployment continues to plague the country. Maotwe argued urgent steps such as expropriating land without compensation and nationalising the South African Reserve Bank are needed:

# Black Forum South Africa says AfriForum should be charged with treason, accusing the lobby group of spreading misinformation about the Expropriation Act. Last week, US president Donald Trump accused the South African government of mistreating Afrikaners and confiscating their land through the Act. The forum says AfriForum’s divisive narratives undermine the country’s democratic fabric. It adds that it believes that social justice and redress must come first before a rainbow nation.

# The Gauteng Department of Education has denounced claims of overcrowding at high pressure schools. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says that these concerns have been addressed through interventions like mobile classrooms and satellite schools adding over four- thousand-400 spaces. He emphasised the department’s ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure and improve access to quality education:

# Cricket: Pakistan will face New Zealand in Friday’s ODI tri-nations tournament final, after beating South Africa by six wickets in Karachi, Pakistan. Heinrich Klaasen topped-scored with 87, with Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke chipping in with 82 and 83 respectively, to steer the Proteas to 352 for five. In reply, Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 122 and Salman Agha added 134, as the pair shared a 260-run fifth-wicket partnership to successfully chase down the target. This is Pakistan’s most successful ODI run chase.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-53-cents and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-6-cents and Bitcoin trades at 97-thousand-645-dollar-20-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-902-dollars-3-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-95-cents a barrel.

# And finally: UNESCO celebrates World Radio Day today, recognising radio’s century-long role as a trusted medium delivering fact-based information worldwide. Adopted by the UN in 2012, the day honours radio’s contributions to international objectives, including climate change awareness under the Paris Agreement. UNESCO emphasises that radio remains a steadfast platform, connecting people globally amidst ever-changing technological advancements.

Stay tuned for more news………….