News 13:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 14 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA says sixteen Gauteng hospitals suffer water shortages and cancel 392 operations
# NSFAS applications open next week
# And Cricket: A former Proteas bowler leaves his coaching position with Pakistan early

# The DA in Gauteng says sixteen public hospitals have experienced water cuts this year, forcing the cancellation of 392 operations. According to the provincial MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Helen Joseph Hospital had seven water supply interruptions from March to September this year, with 36 operations cancelled. The DA’s Jack Bloom says Edenvale Hospital had to cancel 117 operations because of seven periods with low pressure or no water at all, sometimes lasting as long as a week:

Play sound: ENG JackonSufferWater

# The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has announced applications for 2024 funding will open on the 21st of this month and ends at the end of January. The NSFAS board has emphasised the importance of students providing accurate information when applying. The board has introduced new features, including the NSFAS mobile application for iPhone and Android devices. The student app will also include biometric capability. This technological advancement will enable students to track their application status and funding through WhatsApp.

# Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister Blade Nzimande joins the 42nd United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation general conference in Paris. The biennial event guides UNESCO’s budget and programme direction, with specific commissions addressing areas like science and social sciences. Nzimande will actively participate in the Science Commission, including neurotechnology ethics and projects like the transforming mentalities programme and addressing gender biases and stereotypes. He will also engage in celebrating World Science Day and discussing the vital role of science popularisation in enhancing scientific literacy and public awareness.

# Cricket: Former Proteas quick bowler Morné Morkel is leaving his position as fast-bowling coach of Pakistan – a month before his contract expires. He was appointed in June and helped the country to finish the World Cup in fifth place in the standings. The Pakistani Cricket Board announced that Morkel has resigned after the team exited the tournament, without any giving any reason. The governing body says a replacement will be announced in due course. Morkel has become an Australian citizen since ending his playing career in 2018.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-73-cents and the euro at 20-rand-7-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-3-cents and Bitcoin trades at 36-thousand-573-dollars-6-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-946-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The City of Cape Town says as it prepares to welcome an influx of international and domestic travellers, Capetonians are also urged to get out and make the most of the attractions and experiences in their hometown. Cape Town Tourism has compiled a handy 50 things to do for under 50-rand, while the Pocket-friendly Challenge highlights cost-effective activities in communities across Cape Town. Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, says the city will also deploy its largest-ever festive tourism safety operation:

Play sound: ENG JamesonBreak

Stay tuned for more news………….