News 11:00

BULLETIN 1 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile says Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will not be scrapped   
# Iran’s armed forces chief of staff and minister of Defence were also killed in airstrikes
# And soccer, Banyana Banyana face Namibia in the COSAFA Women’s final

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will not be scrapped, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing economic inclusion. Speaking at the second Frank Dialogue on Triple B-EE in Durban, Mashatile stressed the need to address entrenched economic inequalities. He acknowledged implementation challenges but emphasised practical action to drive inclusive growth:

# The Department of Military Veterans has announced amended regulations on the Military Veterans Pension Benefit, enhancing socio-economic support for veterans. Following extensive consultations and public input, the amendments provide a structured framework to improve the livelihood, dignity, and financial security of qualifying veterans. Military veterans are urged to familiarise themselves with eligibility and access processes, while stakeholders and support organisations are called upon to help disseminate information to ensure broad awareness and accessibility.

# The KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Department will assist a Ballito family after five children died in a shack fire early this morning. The blaze broke out around 5am, with disaster teams finding the structure engulfed in flames. The Department’s spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says the children’s remains are being investigated by SAPS forensic teams. The mother and one child survived and are in hospital, while the father sustained minor injuries. Counselling and support have been arranged:

# The official Iranian news agency IRNA agency says the Iranian army’s chief of staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were also killed in the US-Israeli attacks on Iran on Saturday. This follows the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, a video clip posted by Iran’s Tasnim news agency showed thousands of people joining the start of the mourning period in honour of Khamenei. The video showed people beating their heads and chests, a practice for mourners in Iran.

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana is seeking bragging rights in Southern Africa as they take on Namibia in the COSAFA Women’s Championship final today at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane at 3pm. South Africa reached the final after a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Zimbabwe following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Namibia upset defending champions Zambia 1-0 to reach their first final since 2006, when they lost to South Africa. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Zambia will contest the third-place play-off at midday today at the same venue.

# And finally, the South African Breastmilk Reserve is calling on more mothers to donate breast milk to save vulnerable newborns. Donor milk helps protect infants from infections and supports healthy growth, especially for babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed. Executive Director Staša Jordan says the reserve currently supports four-thousand infants in public hospitals. She has also stressed the urgent need for public awareness and donations to ensure more babies receive lifesaving nutrition.

Stay tuned for more news………….