News 13:00

BULLETIN 14 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ActionSA calls for bold reforms to address systemic dysfunction in education system
# An association seeks to tackle extortion by syndicates targeting the construction sector
# And Cricket: The Proteas white-ball coach has full confidence in the Champions Trophy squad

# ActionSA is calling for bold reforms to address systemic dysfunction in South Africa’s education system, despite the 6.9-percentage point improvement in the 2024 National Senior Certificate results. While congratulating the Class of 2024 for achieving record-breaking pass rates and bachelor’s passes, the party’s Mathew George highlights ongoing challenges like poor infrastructure, socio-economic hardships, and unequal education outcomes. He insists that steps should be taken to ensure future matriculants receive quality education in a conducive environment:

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education has confirmed that over seven-thousand learners remain unplaced in Mpumalanga, while one-thousand learners in North West face similar challenges due to a shortage of secondary schools. The department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga cites overcrowding, population growth, and the insufficient infrastructure as key issues. Mhlanga warned of a worsening crisis in Gauteng and the Western Cape, with mobile classrooms as a likely short-term solution. Meanwhile North West spokesperson for the Department of Education, Mphata Molokwane, highlighted plans for new schools and repurposed buildings. 

# The Master Builders Association Western Cape seeks to tackle extortion by syndicates targeting the construction sector. Syndicate activities have reportedly halted up to six projects worth over 400-million-rand in the province last year, with 22 cases under police investigation. The association is urging contractors to adopt preventative measures like community engagement, visible policing, and site surveillance. It further encourages collaboration with industry bodies and government to combat crime and protect legitimate construction activities.

# US Special Counsel Jack Smith says they had sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction of president-elect Donald Trump had he not been re-elected in 2024. Attorney General Merrick Garland has publicly released Smith’s report on his investigation into Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The 130-page report, which has been submitted to Congress, details the president-elect’s criminal efforts to retain power. In response to the report, Trump says Smith is deranged and his findings are fake.

# Cricket: Proteas white-ball coach, Rob Walter, says he is confident the squad he has selected for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy has the potential to win the title. The 15-member squad includes fast bowlers Anrich Nortjé and Lungi Ngidi, who have missed the entire home international season due to injuries. Batters Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs, along with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will play in their first senior 50-over ICC tournament. Walter says the squad has a depth of experience:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-96-cents and the euro at 19-rand-46-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-834-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-669-dollars-47-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-17-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….