News 13:00

BULLETIN 13 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Six people die while travelling from Limpopo to the ANC birthday celebrations
# The US agrees on a preliminary deal with Africa on extending Agoa by ten years
# And, Tennis: Sole South African Lloyd Harris starts his Australian campaign tomorrow

# Six people have lost their lives while traveling from Tzaneen, Limpopo, to the ANC’s 112th birthday celebrations in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Police minister Bheki Cele confirmed to Newzroom Afrika on the sidelines of the celebrations that 18 people sustained injuries and have been hospitalised. Cele reaffirms the implementation of security measures at the 43-thousand-seater stadium in Mbombela as the ANC anticipates hosting thousands of supporters:

# The US has reached a preliminary agreement with African nations to extend their preferential trade access by another decade, pending Congressional approval. Trade and Industries minister Ebrahim Patel, has revealed that over 30 African countries will maintain duty-free exports to the American market. The African Growth and Opportunities Act, AGOA, set to expire in September 2025, plays a vital role in fostering economic ties between the US and African nations.

# Non-profit organisation PROTEC has appealed for support in science, technology, engineering, and maths subjects, known as STEM, in disadvantaged South African schools. PROTEC focuses on addressing the critical need for learner and teacher educational support in these subjects. CEO Balan Moodley emphasised to eNCA the importance of providing full exposure to these subjects from the foundation and intermediate phases of education, laying the groundwork for students to pursue degrees in STEM fields:

# Voting was underway earlier in Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections which China has framed as a choice between war and peace. Beijing has ramped up pressure to get the island to accept its sovereignty. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since its first direct presidential election in 1996. It was the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law. Reuters reports the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which champions Taiwan’s separate identity and rejects China’s territorial claims, is seeking a third term in office. Its candidate is the current vice president Lai Ching-te.

# And, tennis: South Africa’s Lloyd Harris will face Frenchman Quentin Halys, ranked 101st in the world, in the first round when the main draw for the Australian Open in Melbourne gets under way tomorrow. Harris qualified for the men’s singles by beating Hugo Gaston from France 6-0, 6-2 in his final qualifying match yesterday. Harris is currently ranked 149th in the ATP world rankings.

Stay tuned for more news………….