News 07:00

BULLETIN 20 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# BOSA criticises matric results and calls for education overhaul
# Newly appointed Eskom CEO joins sooner than projected
# Cricket: SA kicks off Under-19 World Cup with victory

# Build One South Africa calls for a critical look beyond the matric pass rate of 82.9-percent. The party calls for urgent reforms, urging president Cyril Ramaphosa to replace Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga through their hashtag AngieMustGo petition. They plan to unveil a comprehensive education rescue plan to address the system’s shortcomings. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane advocates for changes such as raising the pass mark and introducing an impartial education ombud:

# Newly appointed Eskom CEO, Dan Marokane, is set to assume office on the first of March, earlier than initially anticipated. His appointment was announced last month, after the resignation of André de Ruyter earlier last year. Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati believes Marokane’s hands-on leadership style is crucial for the current challenges the power utility faces. Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says acting CEO Calib Cassim will continue in his main role as Eskom’s chief financial official after Marokane assumes office:

# France has implemented a temporary ban on nearly all commercial fishing in the Bay of Biscay to safeguard dolphins. Around nine-thousand of the animals annually face accidental entanglement in fishing gear. The ban, effective from Monday until 20 February, impacts fishing grounds along the Atlantic coast. Local fisherfolk criticised the move as absurd, expressing financial concerns, but the government assures compensation. The measure aims to address the high dolphin mortality rate attributed to fishing-related incidents in the area.

# Cricket: After days of controversy over the removal of David Teeger as captain of the South African Under-19 team following his pro-Israel statement, the young Proteas won their opening game at the World Cup against the West Indies by 31 runs. South Africa posted 285 for five in Potchefstroom, with Dewan Marais, skipper Juan James and Teeger top-scoring. In the Windies’ 50 overs, Kwena Maphaka took five wickets. And in Bloemfontein, Ireland also got their Under-19 World Cup off to a good start with a seven-wicket win over the USA.

# And finally: Deputy president Paul Mashatile is set to host Britain’s prince Edward in Pretoria from Tuesday. Over the three-day visit, discussions will cover key bilateral issues between South Africa and the United Kingdom. Edward will also meet with Forestry, Fisheries and Environment minister, Barbara Creecy, as well as Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister Blade Nzimande. He will engage with recipients of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Stay tuned for more news………….