News 13:00

BULLETIN 18 July 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Ministry of police mourns the SANDF members killed during an illegal mining operation in Johannesburg
# Minister Manamela refers Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA matters to the National Skills Authority
# And, the Western Cape offers free vehicle safety checks for scholar and public transport vehicles

# The Ministry of Police have expressed their deepest condolences following the tragic loss of two South African National Defence Force members during an illegal mining operation conducted under Operation Prosper in Johannesburg yesterday. The department’s spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe says SANDF members were pursuing suspected illegal miners in an underground tunnel when they fell into an abandoned mine shaft. She says the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation:

# Higher Education and Training minister Buti Manamela is concerned by the recent developments relating to governance and leadership at the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority. The department’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat says these developments include governance matters related to the Accounting Authority and executive management. She says the Minister has referred the matter to the National Skills Authority to conduct a rapid governance assessment and advise on a way forward:

# The Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from Tuesday until Thursday next week. The provincial Mobility Department spokesperson, Muneera Allie says the initiative supports safer journeys for learners and commuters by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively assess the condition of their vehicles. She says preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents:

# The Tiger Brands Foundation says 15 years of providing school breakfasts has shown that hunger is not only a food issue but also affects education and child development. The foundation’s Kefiloe Mokoena says learners who go hungry struggle to concentrate and perform at school, while long-term nutrition programmes improve learning and future opportunities. Mokoena calls on the government, businesses and civil society to invest in sustainable school nutrition, as lasting solutions require partnership rather than short-term food relief.

# Motorsport: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc escaped any grid position penalties on Friday when instead Ferrari were fined for a breach of sporting regulations at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Italian team were summoned to the stewards to explain an alleged breach of rules relating to the return of used tyres to Pirelli following opening free practice. Ferrari complied with part of the regulations by returning their used tyres electronically, but not physically in time. As a result they were called to a meeting with the stewards and fined a combined 95-thousand-rand for the two drivers.

# And finally: University of the Free State physicist Hendrik Swart has been awarded the 2026 South African Institute of Physics De Beers Gold Medal, the institute’s highest honour for lifetime achievement. Swart was recognised for more than 40 years of research, scientific leadership and mentoring in the field of materials physics. He has published over one-thousand research papers, supervised more than 120 postgraduate students and helped establish world-class research facilities at the university. Swart says the award reflects the support of his colleagues, students and research partners.

Stay tuned for more news………….