News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The SACP deputy chair calls for constructive debate amid alliance challenges with the ANC
# The Gauteng Traffic Police urges road users to prioritise safety amid holiday traffic
# And Tennis: Rain wreaks havoc on day one of the Australian Open

# SACP deputy national chairperson, Thulas Nxesi, says the party’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections is a party decision. The party’s general-secretary Solly Mapaila has accused the ANC of taking a sell-out position. Addressing supporters during the ANC’s 113th birthday celebrations in Khayelitsha, Nxesi emphasised the SACP’s commitment to the tripartite alliance, and urged alliance leaders to participate in constructive debate on pressing issues:

# The Gauteng Traffic Police has called for vigilance and adherence to traffic laws as holiday traffic peaks today. Spokesperson Sello Maremane highlighted expected congestion on major routes, including the N1, N3, and N12. Maremane says road safety tips include vehicle checks, adhering to speed limits, and pedestrian caution. He highlighted that law enforcement agencies will intensify operations to ensure safety:

# The Azanian People’s Organisation has expressed concern over Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s statement that 450 unemployed qualified doctors cannot be hired due to budget constraints as well as his call for unemployed doctors to consider private sector or international jobs. The announcement was made as the country faces critical shortages in public hospitals. AZAPO has warned that without systemic change, the poor will remain trapped in a cycle of unmet promises. The party has called for reforms to improve governance and prioritise public welfare.

# Los Angeles County’s public health authority has declared a local health emergency, as smoke and ash from the wildfires creates poor air quality. According to a statement fires and strong winds have severely degraded air quality, which is posing immediate and long-term risks to public health. The health authority has urged those who don’t have to evacuate to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and to use air conditioners to filter the air. If residents must go outside, a mask is advised.

# Tennis: Visitors to the Australian Open flooded to the tournament’s gift shop to buy ponchos at 300-rand each as wet weather wreaked havoc with the action on the opening day of the Grand Slam. Persistent rain forced the cancellation of a quarter of the scheduled singles matches and fans not lucky enough to have a ticket for the roofed main courts, sought shelter from the elements around the Melbourne Park precinct. The main gift shop ran out of ponchos by early afternoon and umbrellas at around 450-rand each, were selling like hot cakes forcing staff to continually restock.

Stay tuned for more news………….