News 11:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 18 November 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Blade Nzimande retracts his plan to place Unisa under administration
# Cricket: Pat Cummings urges Australia to embrace the India crowd challenge in the World Cup final
# And, Melinda Gates delivers the Desmond Tutu Peace lecture in Cape Town

# Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande has withdrawn the notice to place Unisa under administration. The department’s spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, says the decision to abandon this action follows Unisa’s urgent court application opposing the move. The court order directed Nzimande to retract the government gazette notice appointing an administrator. The former vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Ihron Rensburg, had been appointed by Nzimande as administrator for two years after dissolving Unisa’s council:

Play sound: ENG-MnisiOnAdministrator

# The Freedom Front Plus criticises Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Thembi Nkadimeng’s optimistic view on municipal improvements, saying it is wishful thinking. According to the party, Nkadimeng’s report shows 89-percent of municipalities are dysfunctional or at risk. The report notes ongoing issues like political fights, corruption, and neglect of Auditor-General recommendations. The FF Plus’s Michal Groenewald attributes these issues to ANC political faction fights, corruption, and maladministration. He accuses Nkadimeng of downplaying ANC failures in a pre-election move.

# Umhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay is suing the government and Transnet over alleged rail neglect causing severe truck congestion, especially for coal transport. Mayor Xolani Ngwezi demands immediate intervention, citing the crisis’s impact on the city, including congestion, noise pollution, and environmental harm. Accusing both of neglecting responsibilities, Ngwezi pursues legal action despite existing agreements. In response, Transnet contemplates blocking truck deliveries to Richards Bay Port due to what it terms a logistics nightmare. Richards Bay Terminals may halt truck processing, raising concerns about potential mine closures.

# Cricket: Australia captain Pat Cummins has urged his side to embrace the challenge of facing a hostile crowd when they play in-form hosts India in tomorrow’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad. A capacity crowd of 130-thousand, which would be a record for any cricket match, is expected to roar on India, who have won all ten of their matches en route to the showpiece game. The hosts are bidding for a third men’s one-day international World Cup title, and second on home soil after their 2011 triumph. Australia has won the World Cup five times.

# And finally: International philanthropist Melinda Gates has praised the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the embodiment of peace. Gates delivered a keynote address at the 13th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Hosted by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, the event centered around the theme ‘Unlocking Women’s Power for Peace and Prosperity.’ The lecture celebrated the remarkable stories of women who played crucial roles in the anti-apartheid struggle, highlighting 90 impactful stories:

Play sound: ENG-GateOnTutu

Stay tuned for more news………….