News 07:00

BULLETIN 3 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa expresses his condolences with the victims of the Swiss fire tragedy
# SAFTU says the Black Economic Empowerment model has failed to transform the mining sector
# And cricket:  The Proteas squad for the T20 World Cup is announced

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness over the loss of life in a devastating fire at a Crans-Montana ski resort bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Day. Latest reports from officials say sparklers on champagne bottles likely ignited the blaze, killing at least 40 people. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Ramaphosa conveyed South Africa’s condolences and solidarity with the Swiss people as they mourn the tragic incident:

# The Forum for South Africa says red tape, corruption, and delays in accessing permits and funding continue to stifle business growth and must be decisively addressed. It is calling for the creation of inclusive and accessible platforms for business, where local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and informal traders can trade, grow, and participate meaningfully in the economy. FOSA chairperson, Tebogo Mashilompane, says support for small, medium, and micro enterprises is needed:

 # The South African Federation of Trade Unions says the Black Economic Empowerment that was introduced by the government has failed to transform South Africa’s mining sector. In a recent interview, Mineral Resources and Energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, has pointed to ownership statistics in coal and manganese as evidence that BEE has closed historical spatial and economic gaps. SAFTU general-secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, says even if certain ownership figures are accurate, they do not demonstrate real empowerment if black people remain the poorest:

# The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has confirmed that the red tide affecting parts of the West Coast has moved offshore. This follows earlier warnings after large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks, and other shellfish washed up at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai, Western Cape. Authorities said the incident was linked to a harmful algal bloom producing paralytic toxins dangerous to humans. The department continues to monitor conditions and urges the public to remain cautious.

# Cricket: The Proteas selection panel has announced the 15 players for the Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. Aiden Markram will lead the side, with maiden call-ups for Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, and Jason Smith. Kagiso Rabada returns to the group after missing the white-ball tour against India due to an injury. The Proteas are in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates, and will begin their campaign on 9 February against Canada.

# And finally: Actor and activist Idris Elba has been knighted by King Charles the Third in the 2026 New Year Honours. The British-Sierra Leonean star was recognised for his work supporting young people and campaigning against knife crime. Elba co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which creates opportunities for underserved youth across the UK, the US, and Africa. He says the honour belongs to young people whose voices and resilience continue to drive change.

Stay tuned for more news………….