News 12:00

BULLETIN 2 February 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The minister in the Presidency says the NHI Bill is likely to be signed into law before the elections
# RISE Mzansi says Cyril Ramaphosa’s claim of a programme of so-called regime change is a lie
# And cricket: Laura Wolvaardt hopes her Big Bash experience will help the Proteas in the ODI series in Australia

# Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says president Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to sign off on the National Health Insurance Bill before this year’s general elections. Both houses of Parliament passed the controversial bill last year and is now on the president’s desk to be signed into law. The bill seeks to introduce universal public healthcare in South Africa. Ntshavheni says given the lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a priority that the NHI Bill be signed so that the full implementation can be taken in the seventh administration.

# RISE Mzansi says Ramaphosa’s recent comments that there is a programme of so-called regime change, are designed to instil fear and create confusion. Ramaphosa recently said the country’s genocide case against Israel could result in foreign powers interfering with the outcomes of this year’s election. He warned that supporters of Israel might be orchestrating a regime change in South Africa. RISE Mzansi’s Boitumelo Mpakanyane says Ramaphosa’s comments are a complete lie:

# The Home Affairs Department has issued a directive requiring short-term visitors to leave if they haven’t received visa renewals by February 23, causing concern for South Africa’s tourism rebound. The directive impacts so-called swallows, who typically stay for 180 days. The Southern African Tourism Services Association warned of significant losses if visitors do not depart by February 29. Officials and stakeholders criticise the directive for its economic repercussions and procedural concerns, advocating for a reassessment of its terms.

# European farmers blockaded roads, burned tyres and threw eggs in Brussels as European Union leaders converged on the Belgian capital for a summit. The demonstrations are the latest in weeks of protests around the bloc against what the farmers see as costly regulations and cheaper imports. Tractors have also been used to block intersections in France. Earlier this week, the EU announced some temporary measures in an attempt to lower tensions which have been building around Europe for the past month.

# Cricket: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Adelaide Oval as the Proteas Women take on Australia in the first of three one-day internationals tomorrow. The recently concluded T20 series between the two sides was very competitive and ended two-one in the home side’s favour. Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, plays for the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia. She says her familiarity with the local conditions will hopefully be a valuable asset for the team:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-63-cents and the euro at 20-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 43-thousand-16-dollars-62-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-55-dollars-19-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….