News 13:00

BULLETIN 25 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC mourns the loss of members in a bus accident
# Germany’s president Steinmeier says it’s high time for genocide-apology to the Namibian people

# And, rugby: The Blitzboks crash out after losing to Ireland

# The ANC mourns the loss of nine party members from Mpumalanga who died in a bus accident this morning. The members were returning from the Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban after attending the ANC election manifesto launch. The fatal accident occurred in Dumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, leaving several others critically injured. The ninth victim died in hospital. In a statement, the ANC has confirmed the deputy chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, along with the ANC’s provincial leadership from Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, are en route to the accident scene.

At the manifesto launch, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to signing the National Health Insurance Bill into law. He emphasised the bill’s significance in improving access to quality healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of income. Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of investing in health facilities, training healthcare professionals, and overhauling the health system to ensure equitable access to healthcare services:

# Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier says it is high time the country apologises to Namibia for the genocide it inflicted on the Nama and Ovaherero people between 1904 and 1908. He attended the burial service of the late president Hage Geingob, underway in Windhoek. Steinmeier says he spoke to Geingob late last year and the Namibian leader’s wish was for Namibia and Germany to successfully conclude a joint declaration, acknowledging Germany’s responsibility for the genocide and committing to reparations and development support. Steinmeier stresses Germany remains committed to reconciliation.

# Rugby: The Springbok Sevens side went down 22-10 to Ireland in their final Pool C game at the Vancouver Sevens last night. News24 reports the loss to Ireland sees the South Africans finish bottom of Pool C. The Blitzboks will now have to be content with a playoff for ninth position later today. They had beaten New Zealand 21-12 in their opening game on Friday, before losing 17-12 to Great Britain. The women’s sevens team also bent the knee, after losing against Japan this morning, 24-5. Last night Brazil beat them 17-12.

# And finally: Western Cape MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagen Allen, has confirmed earlier that six-year-old Joslin Smith remains missing after six days. The girl from Saldana Bay vanished on Monday while in the company of her mother’s boyfriend. Joslin’s mother appeals for her safe return. Allen says an integrated police task team, along with community members and various organisations, continues the search efforts:

Stay tuned for more news………….