News 09:00

BULLETIN 16 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ANC Youth League is urged to drive national rejuvenation and social cohesion
# The Western Cape government steps in to save Knysna from a water crisis
# And motorsport: There is a big South African presence in the 2026 Dakar

# The ANC Youth League has been called to focus on nation building, social cohesion and empowerment. Speaking at the 27th National Congress in Limpopo, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the League to move beyond aspirations and confront national challenges. Ramaphosa said organisational renewal must complement national rejuvenation. He outlined priorities including renewing the ANC as an agent of change and driving inclusive economic growth:

# The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities says there is an increased risk of financial abuse against women and persons with disabilities during the festive season. This includes controlling access to money, misusing incomes or social grants, forcing debt, and exploiting economic dependence. The department’s Cassius Selala warns that financial abuse is a form of domestic violence, urging communities and authorities to stay vigilant:

# Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says he is deeply saddened by the tragic death of the principal of Samit Christian Academy in Kempton Park. The principal was killed during a house robbery in Tembisa on Sunday. The police have arrested a suspect in connection with the crime. The department’s Steve Mabona condemned the attack, calling for stronger community safety measures and greater protection for teachers and school leaders:

# The Western Cape government is helping Knysna deal with a water shortage during the holidays. A joint operations committee will work with local, provincial, and national authorities to stabilise the town’s water supply. Immediate actions include installing a new pump at Akkerkloof Dam, repairing leaks and restoring boreholes. Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell says Knysna is under level four water restrictions, urging residents to use water carefully.

# Hong Kong’s High Court has found media tycoon and democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. He could face a sentence of life in prison. The trial was the most high-profile under the city’s national security law, imposed by China in June 2020. Beijing sees the 78-year-old as a mastermind of the 2019 protests and a conspirator advocating for US sanctions against Hong Kong and the mainland. A pre-sentencing hearing where Lai can plead for lenience is scheduled for January 12.

# And motorsport: South Africa will again have a big presence in the Dakar Rally, starting at Yanbu in Saudi Arabia on the third of next month. It will end eight-thousand kilometres later on the 17th, also along the Red Sea. South African participants include Saood Variawa, Guy Botterill, Henk Lategan, Brett Cummings, Brian Baragwanath, Leonard Cremer, and Leander Pienaar. Giniel de Villiers ended his illustrious 22-year career in the gruelling race last year. Several South African-built vehicles will also be in action.

Stay tuned for more news………….