News 09:00

BULLETIN 17 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Institute for Security Studies says the government of national unity is absolutely imperative
# Stellenbosch University’s controversial Wilgenhof men’s hostel will be close
# And president Ramaphosa congratulates Algeria’s president on his re-election

# The Institute for Security Studies says by the next general election in 2029, the government of national unity will have to have demonstrated impact and improvement. The institute’s African Futures team will today hold a seminar exploring potential pathways for South Africa’s growth and development, and the effect that pro-growth policies could have on the future. ISS’s Jakkie Cilliers says the government of national unity is imperative, therefore it must last and undertake real structural reforms.

# The Department of Higher Education and Training says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is the main factor of instability in institutions of higher learning. This was revealed during extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including student formations. Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says the department is reviewing the scheme’s funding model to improve its systems and reduce glitches, as the 2025 online applications for funding will open on Friday:

# The Stellenbosch University Council has decided to close the controversial Wilgenhof men’s hostel in its current form. An internal report, commissioned by the institution and accepted by the rectorate, recommended the closure of Wilgenhof, citing allegations of racism and abusive initiation practices involving first-year students. The university says Wilgenhof will be replaced with a reimagined and rejuvenated male residence that complies with the minimum norms and standards for student housing at public universities. It will be opened in 2026.

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election as president of Algeria. The 78-year-old won a second term with 84.3 percent of the vote, in an election that saw 11.2-million out of 24-million registered voters making their mark. Ramaphosa says the successful execution of the electoral process is seen as a testament to Algeria’s dedication to upholding democratic principles, not only within its borders but across the African continent. He adds that South Africa and Algeria share a common history forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. 

# Rugby: All Blacks forward coach Jason Ryan says they have analysed intensely areas to improve on and they have made good gains. New Zealand lost their last two tests against the Springboks in South Africa, and have won just one of their four Rugby Championship matches. The All Blacks face Australia in Sydney on Saturday where the Bledisloe Cup will also be up for grabs. Ryan says the pressure is on for them to start winning again:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-29-cents and Bitcoin trades at 58-thousand-209-dollars-96-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-578-dollars-78-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….