News 08:00

BULLETIN 14 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says minister Gwarube’s non-attendance at BELA Act signing was a minor issue
# COSATU is disappointed by the delay in the BELA Act implementation
# And, soccer: Messi is back after ankle injury kept him on sidelines for two months

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube’s absence at the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, calling it a minor issue. The president has opted to pause the implementation of two specific clauses of the act for 90 days to allow for further consultation and solutions. During a conversation with various members of the media, Ramaphosa said the focus remains on ensuring effective implementation:

Meanwhile COSATU has noted with disappointment the president’s decision to delay the implementation of two clauses despite signing BELA into law. However, the federation appreciates that the president has set a time limit of three months during which parties can engage further on the two clauses that pertain to school admissions and language policy. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela says the Act’s progressive goals must remain intact including Grade R inclusion and strengthened school safety measures:

The United Democratic Movement has cautiously welcomed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the act into law. The party says it supports the act’s aim to modernise education, however, expressed concern about potential centralisation of power away from School Governing Bodies and local communities. The UDM’s Zandile Phiri stressed the need for better school infrastructure and extensive public consultation:

# Germany, as a key funder of the South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership, says the country’s energy transition is progressing too slowly. Germany is partner to a 165-bilion-rand climate finance pact, and emphasised urgency in reducing South Africa’s coal dependency. The country is willing to help fund the 390-billion-rand South Africa needs to incorporate more solar and wind power into the national grid and ensure its energy security. Speaking at the Presidential Climate Commission meeting in Johannesburg, Environment minister Dion George acknowledged that government’s must reduce its reliance on coal.

# And, soccer: Lionel Messi is set to return to action with his club Inter Miami today after spending over two months out with an ankle injury. Inter Miami, who lead the Eastern Conference and are top of the overall standings, host the Philadelphia Union. Messi injured his right ankle during the final of the Copa America on 14 July when he helped Argentina to victory over Colombia. He has missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country.

Stay tuned for more news………….