News 13:00

BULLETIN 18 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# RISE Mzansi discloses its donors
# Rising tension in Africa could push up food and commodity prices
# Golf: Tiger Woods recovers after withdrawing from California tournament

# RISE Mzansi has disclosed the donors who have made contributions at the level that must be submitted and declared to the Electoral Commission. Its biggest donor, Rebecca Oppenheimer, donated 15-million-rand. RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana says unlike established political parties, they do not get taxpayer funding:

# Communications and Digital Technologies minister Mondli Gungubele says government is planning to turn schools in rural areas into digital research centres. This forms part the National Cyber Lab Programme aimed at advancing learning beyond the classroom, and bridging the digital divide. Gungubele says the Cyber Labs are cutting-edge computer laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology and digital tools, including laptops, digital screens, servers and internet connectivity:

# The African Development Bank Group president, Akinwumi Adesina, says rising geopolitical tensions in Africa, which could disrupt trade and investment flows, could push up food and commodity prices. It could also delay the much-needed easing of monetary conditions worldwide. Adesina says increased regional conflicts and political instability tend to increase defence spending, diverting resources away from development and social support. He adds boosting Africa’s growth momentum requires bold policies.

# Golf: Tiger Woods has assured fans on social media he is feeling much better after cutting his comeback short and withdrawing from a California golf tournament he was hosting. The 48-year-old icon was suffering flu-like symptoms and was forced to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational in the second round. The 15-time major champion was making his first tournament appearance of 2024. It was also just Woods’ seventh appearance at an official PGA Tour event since The Masters in November 2020.

# And, to end with: Deputy minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Nokuzola Tolashe, is calling for the Public Procurement Bill to be swiftly finalised to foster opportunities for the advancement of these groups. The department’s spokesperson, Cassius Selala, says it is important that women, young people and people with disabilities enjoy equal access to adequate financing to start businesses, increase their incomes, and contribute to the economy:

Stay tuned for more news………….