News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister De Lille says South Africa’s tourism sector’s rising momentum continues 
# NSFAS is to re-open the applications for the academic year
# And rugby: The Stormers eye Duane Vermeulen as the coach

# Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, says the recent official release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to December 2023, underscores the rising momentum of South Africa’s tourism sector. International tourist arrivals totalled 8.5 million, representing a 48.9-percent increase when compared with the same period in 2022. The ministry’s spokesperson, Zara Nicholson, says South Africa welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of Africa between January and December last year, marking a significant 75.6-percent of all arrivals:

# The National Student Financial Aid Scheme says it is extending the 2024 bursary applications from tomorrow until 15 February. This was agreed between the scheme’s acting board chairperson, Lourens van Staden, and South African Union of Students’ president Yandisa Ndzoyiya during a discussion on the state of readiness for the start of the academic year. Spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, says students who have already applied need not submit a new application for the loan scheme:

# The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has still not launched its new high-tech number plates. This is despite the department saying in October last year it would reveal the new number plates to the public before the end of the year. In his state of the province address last year, premier Panyaza Lesufi stated the new tamper-proof number plates were necessary as cars are a common denominator in crimes across South Africa. The department has not released any details relating to the project since.

# The Houthi movement in Yemen says it has struck a US merchant ship in the Red Sea in a fresh attack targeting commercial shipping. It named the ship as the KOI, which it says is US-operated. Maritime security firm Ambrey says a vessel operating south of Yemen’s port of Aden had reported an explosion on board, but it didn’t name the ship. Meanwhile, the US has launched new air strikes in Yemen, targeting ten drones reportedly being set up to launch.

# Rugby: Reports say retired Springbok veteran Duane Vermeulen has held constructive talks with the Stormers over a coaching role. Both parties are apparently waiting for the green light from SA Rugby. According to Netwerk24, he could join Western Province’s junior pipeline as a forwards coach and serve as a consultant to the Stormers. Vermeulen’s agent confirmed his potential appointment needs to be approved by SA Rugby. No confirmation has yet come from the controlling body regarding the possible development.

Stay tuned for more news………….