News 07:00

BULLETIN 10 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Saai warns foot-and-mouth disease is a national crisis
# The Competition Commission cracks down on exclusive school uniform supply deals
# And rugby: A Springbok-packed Bulls team will face the Bristol Bears at Loftus today

# The Southern Africa Agri Initiative says foot-and-mouth disease is a national crisis threatening the livestock industry. The agricultural network warns that the Department of Agriculture lacks the capacity to manage the outbreak and is unfairly shifting vaccine costs onto farmers. Saai’s Francois Rossouw calls for a national disaster declaration. Rossouw argues political interests must be set aside to save the industry before further damage occurs.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture ministry is enforcing strict movement controls on cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs in Gauteng and other high-risk areas to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Minister John Steenhuisen says controlling animal movement is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and protect farmers and national food security. Steenhuisen added that authorities are working with law enforcement to monitor livestock movement as a phased vaccination rollout starts in March.

# The Competition Commission says it’s cracking down on exclusive supply agreements to make school uniforms and learning materials more affordable for parents. The commission states some schools still limit parents to a single supplier, driving up prices. The commission’s Mpho Moate urges schools and governing bodies to follow pro-competition guidelines, appoint multiple suppliers, and avoid long-term exclusive contracts:

# Late applications continue to challenge learner placement in Western Cape schools as the 2026 school year begins. While most learners in grades R, one, and eight have been placed, the department is still working to secure spaces for those who applied after the deadline. The department’s Bronagh Hammond called on parents and guardians to work with schools and district offices to ensure their children are accommodated as soon as possible:

# Pope Leo has decried the use of military force as a means of achieving diplomatic goals. Delivering an unusually fiery annual foreign policy speech and also called for human rights to be protected in Venezuela. Leo told some 184 ambassadors accredited to the Vatican that the weakness of international organisations in the face of global conflicts was a particular cause for concern. The pope called for world governments to respect the will of the Venezuelan people. Both the US and Venezuelan ambassadors attended the event.

# And rugby: Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann selected his best possible team for today’s Champions Cup encounter with Bristol Bears at Loftus. The Pretoria team is under pressure after a dismal season, losing their first two matches in the competition, while the English team won both of theirs. Ruan Nortjé will lead the team, boasting nine fellow Springboks in the starting-15, with Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier the half-back pairing. Other Boks include Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Elrigh Louw, Willie le Roux, and strongman Wilco Louw. Kick-off is at 3 pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….