News 09:00

BULLETIN 15 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AgriSA’s CEO Johann Kotzé highlights the urgent need for foot-and-mouth vaccines
# Gauteng’s Roads and Transport MEC emphasises that learner transport must be documented and safe
# And rugby: Ireland beats Italy in the Six Nations and Scotland stuns England

# AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé says the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is a serious biosecurity threat, leaving farmers under financial strain. He welcomed government’s disaster declaration but stressed centralising the vaccine rollout must ensure effective action. Kotzé outlined urgent short-term measures, including importing vaccines from Argentina, Turkey and Botswana, involving private veterinarians, and coordinating national vaccination to contain the outbreak and protect livestock across all provinces:

Meanwhile, the Drakenstein Municipality has been placed under veterinary quarantine following confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in the Vlakkeland, Paarl area. The municipality spokesperson Ilse Schoombee says all cloven-hoofed animals are now considered potentially infected, and movement of livestock, feed, equipment or carcasses is banned without a special permit from a state veterinarian. She confirmed that the provincial Agriculture Department issued the order as authorities move to contain the outbreak:

# Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale‑Tlabela says her department is responsible for ensuring scholar transport operators have the correct documentation to run their businesses legally. Speaking to operators in Soweto yesterday, the MEC discussed safety compliance amid ongoing concerns about unlicensed vehicles and learner safety. She urged operators to apply for permits and stressed that proper licensing and safety standards are essential for the protection of learners:

Public service unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions have planned a nationwide lunch-hour protests on 24 February rejecting the Government Employees Medical Scheme’s 9.8-percent contribution increase for 2026, calling it an attack on workers’ wages. The hike follows a 13.4-percent rise last year, bringing the two-year increase to over 23-percent. The unions argue the move undermines collective bargaining and ignores lower salary adjustments. They also plan a national day of action at GEMS head offices in Pretoria on 26 February.

# Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria’s Niger State early on Saturday. The attacks on villages in the Borgu Local Government Area, near the border with Benin Republic, are part of a surge in attacks blamed on “bandits,” who have carried out deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria. Insecurity is a pressing concern in Nigeria and the government is under mounting pressure to restore stability.

# And lastly, rugby: Ireland coach Andy Farrell praised his side for the character they showed in holding on for a nerve-wracking 20-13 win over Italy in a thrilling Six Nations encounter on Saturday. The Irish were often second-best in the match, trailing 10-5 at halftime, but two tries by Jack Conan and Robert Baloucoune got them over the line in the second half. And at Murrayfield Scotland ended England’s 12-game winning streak with a 31-20 victory.  Next weekend Ireland will face a tough away trip against England, while the Italians will play France in Lille.

Stay tuned for more news………….