News 09:00

BULLETIN 21 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Kodwa says Nelson Mandela is integral to South Africa’s heritage
# The RISE Mzansi leader says crime is driving investment away from the country
# And, a strike on Syria kills Iranian Revolutionary Guards

# Sport, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa says former president Nelson Mandela is integral to South Africa’s heritage. Last month, the South African Heritage Resources Agency, with the department and Robben Island Museum, lodged an appeal application regarding the High Court judgement on the unpermitted export for exhibition or sale of items associated with Mandela. The department’s spokesperson, Litha Mpondwana, says while the matter is still before court, they have noted with concern the impending auction of items associated with the statesman:

# RISE Mzansi’s national leader, Songezo Zibi, says crime is driving investment away from South Africa and people cannot open or run businesses when they get robbed or killed every day. Zibi was speaking during the party’s launch of the people’s manifesto at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. He adds investors cannot invest were there is a power crisis and an economy cannot grow where there is no electricity:

# South Africans will experience a delay in the introduction of the new credit card-style driver’s license, as the current cards, expected to phase out in April, face postponement. The Driving License Card Account cites the lack of a required printing machine as the cause, leading to uncertainty about the rollout. The upgraded license promises enhanced security with biometric data, holograms and watermarks to combat fraud. Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi attributes the delay to challenges in the tender process, seeking a suitable service provider for the updated cards.

# A missile strike on Syria’s capital Damascus has killed five members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards, including the head of the force’s information unit. Reports say a number of Syrian forces were also killed is yesterday’s attack. The Syrian army says the four-storey residential building that was hit was completely destroyed. Iran’s Foreign Ministry blamed Israel for the strike and said it reserved the right to respond. There was no immediate comment from Israel.

# And, cricket: Donovan Ferreira hit the SA20’s fastest ever half-century off only 18 balls to help the Joburg Super Kings beat the Pretoria Capitals by six wickets at the Wanderers. Ferreira finished on 56 not out as the Super Kings chased down the Capitals’ 167 for nine. At Kingsmead, Durban’s Super Giants suffered a five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Simon Harmer, with career-best figures of four for 18, and Tristan Stubbs, with an unbeaten 66 in 37 balls, were the stars for the victorious visiting team.

Stay tuned for more news………….