News 09:00
BULLETIN 27 January 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Minister Pandor is hopeful the ICJ ruling will change the situation in Gaza
# South Africa’s visa backlogs threaten investments and tourism revenue
# And, the Western Cape premier commends Khayelitsha entrepreneurs
# International Relations and Cooperation minister Naledi Pandor has expressed hope that the ruling by the International Court of Justice will bring about positive change in Gaza. Speaking from the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, Pandor urged Israel to adhere to the ICJ’s decision and to take the necessary actions to prevent and punish direct incitement to genocide in its conflict in Gaza. Pandor emphasised failure to comply with the court order would set a detrimental precedent. She also called for a ceasefire:
# Tourism officials stress the need for smoother visa procedures to capitalise on South Africa’s tourism potential. This as South Africa, particularly the Western Cape, faces potential losses in investment and tourism revenue due to visa backlogs at Home Affairs. A directive requires visitors on 90-day visas to depart by 29 February if not renewed by 23 February. The department’s inefficiencies have drawn fierce criticism. Tourism officials say millions of rands are being squandered because of flawed visa and immigration processes and backlogs.
# Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has encouraged more young people to consider getting into farming. Didiza visited Richmond Farm near Hoedspruit, Limpopo, for the launch of the Moletele Corona Limes project. The initiative, a partnership between SAB, the Komati Fruit Group and the Moletele community, recently harvested its first fruit. Didiza praised the community’s active role, and highlighted that the secret to getting the youth interested in farming lies in the sector’s financial value. The project has created 12 permanent jobs, showing potential to attract youth interest and reshape perceptions.
# Cricket: After a poor run of form in the SA20, Quinton de Kock finally hit his straps for Durban’s Super Giants in their top-of-the-table clash against Paarl Royals in Paarl yesterday. The visitors won a one-sided affair by 57 runs and, in doing so, secured a bonus point to go to the top of the log. After the Super Giants opted to bat after winning the toss, De Kock and Jon-Jon Smuts put on 118 to help their side to 190 for 3. In reply, the Royals struggled as they lost wickets at regular intervals to be 133 all out in 19 overs and three balls.
# And finally: Western Cape premier Alan Winde has encouraged local entrepreneurs to access the government’s small, micro, and medium enterprises booster fund. He expressed gratitude to entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha for their role in making Cape Town and the province remain top destinations. During a visit to iconic tourism attractions, including Siki’s Coffee and Khaltsha Cycles, Winde engaged with entrepreneurs like Sikelela Dibela and praised their positive impact on both the community and the economy:
Stay tuned for more news………….