News 06:00

BULLETIN 17 January 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Department of Basic Education says it’s all systems go for the reopening of schools
# The Automobile Association warns of a negative outlook for fuel prices in February
# And cricket, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies criticises the removal of the under-19 captain

# The Basic Education Department says all systems are in place for the return of pupils to classrooms across the country today. Unlike previous years, all public schools both coastal and inland will reopen on the same day. Minister Angie Motshekga will be joined by Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and provincial Education MEC Matome Chiloane at the Kgatoentle Secondary School in Tshwane West today. The department’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, explains what they look at to determine the readiness of schools for a new academic year:

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Management Corporation urges learner transport operators to prioritise roadworthy vehicles. Spokesperson Hlobisile Ngcongo stresses the importance of vehicles meeting safety standards to prevent accidents. Ngcongo also highlighted the need for proper wipers and functioning lights, especially with the predicted rainfall in many areas. The corporation says road safety is paramount.

# The Automobile Association warns of a negative outlook for fuel prices next month, as unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund suggests potential increases in all fuel grades, except illuminating paraffin. The AA anticipates slight rises of around 11-cents per litre for 95-octane petrol and 14-cents for 93-octane petrol. Diesel prices are predicted to rise by nine-cents per litre with a marginal three-cents per litre decrease for illuminating paraffin. The weaker rand contributes to the expected increases, while stable international oil prices impact paraffin prices.

# A coalition of 23 aid organisations operating within the Gulf state have warned that military escalation will further compromise their ability to deliver critical services in Yemen. This comes after the US and UK launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets last week, for attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea since November last year. Following the US/UK strikes, some humanitarian organisations have been forced to suspend operations over safety and security concerns. About 21-million Yemenis, which is two-thirds of the population, rely on aid to survive.

# Cricket: The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has slammed Cricket South Africa for removing David Teeger as the under-19 men’s squad captain. CSA justified the decision, citing security concerns and potential protests related to the Gaza conflict during the upcoming World Cup. The cricket board claims to have prioritised player safety based on security updates. The organisation’s Karen Milner views this move as antisemitism, asserting that Teeger’s removal raises concerns about discrimination based on religious or cultural background:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-96-cents and the euro at 20-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-97-cents and Bitcoin trades at 43-thousand-67-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-28-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-73-cents a barrel.

# And finally, president Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated South African comedian Trevor Noah for winning an Emmy award. He won for Outstanding Talk Series with The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. With the win, Noah makes history as the first African and black person to win an Emmy for an outstanding talk series since the category’s introduction in 2015. Ramaphosa says Noah is part of a stellar cast of South Africans globally, whose diverse talents and skills are enjoyed and valued wherever they go.

Stay tuned for more news………….