News 13:00

BULLETIN 21 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC says the implementation of the BELA Act ends apartheid-era policies
# Five lives lost in two separate crashes in the Eastern Cape
# And, rugby: Lots of local derbies in United Rugby Championship

# The ANC has hailed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act as a milestone for equitable education. Addressing the media, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula praised its role in dismantling apartheid-era policies and promoting inclusivity. He commended president Cyril Ramaphosa and the government of national unity’s clearing house for advancing this transformative legislation, ensuring no child is left behind in South Africa’s education system:

# The Eastern Cape Transport Department has confirmed that five people lost their lives in two separate accidents in the province last night. Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed three fatalities on the R409 between Ndabakazi and Ngqamakhwe. Meanwhile, a single-vehicle rollover on the N2 near Fort Jackson claimed two more lives. He says that cases of culpable homicide have been opened for both incidents:

# The Presidency has lauded the Energy Council of South Africa’s decision to sever ties with Bain and Company. This follows objections raised by president Cyril Ramaphosa’s office. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has described it as a welcome development. The move comes after Bain, barred from government work in 2022 over a corruption scandal and links to state capture, offered unpaid project management services. Earlier, the Presidency urged the council to reconsider its relationship with Bain and criticised McKinsey and Company’s dealings with organised business.

# The United States government has authorized the sale of more than 92-billion-rand in military equipment to Egypt. The African country has become an increasingly close partner in mediating the Gaza crisis despite serious human rights concerns. The deal includes 555 tanks, 2-thousand-183 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and precision-guided munitions. The State Department says the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO Ally country that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East.

# And, rugby: The weekend’s United Rugby Championship action kicked off last night with a closely fought Irish derby which Munster won 22-19 against a 14-man Ulster. Ireland front row Tom O’Toole was red-carded in the 31st minute for dangerously storming into a ruck. Today sees more local derbies as Benetton take on Zebre at 3pm, the Stormers take on the Lions at 3:45, the Sharks clash with the Bulls at 6pm and the Ospreys and the Scarlets meet at 7:15. Leinster and Connacht conclude today’s action at 7:30.

Stay tuned for more news………….