News 14:00

BULLETIN 12 January 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Gwarube salutes the top achievers’ excellence in the 2025 matric class
# Cricket: The SA20’s group stage passes the halfway mark
# And the SA Weather Service alerts communities to floods, mudslides, and rockfalls with heatwaves

# Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has congratulated the top achievers of the 2025 matric class, praising their academic excellence. Speaking in Johannesburg, she reminded learners that this milestone marks the beginning of a new journey. Gwarube encouraged them to persevere through future challenges and to carry forward curiosity, humility and grit. She also welcomed the support provided by families, leading to their achievements:

Meanwhile, an education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, says while most times the matric pass rate may suggest progress, it does not reflect the deep inequalities in South Africa’s education system. Gwarube is set to announce the matric exam results this evening. Makaneta says many learners continue to drop out before Grade 12, while others attend schools with overcrowded classrooms and limited support:

# Forum for South Africa defends president Cyril Ramaphosa’s US visit, calling it a necessary diplomatic engagement to protect national economic interests. Spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane says while concerns over Ramaphosa’s approach to US leadership are acknowledged, FOSA urges stronger, more assertive diplomacy. He says the forum calls for clearer communication with citizens, and leadership that safeguards South Africa’s sovereignty, rejecting both populist attacks and weak international representation:

# Cricket: The SA20’s group phase has passed the halfway mark, with all the teams now having completed at least six matches. Two-time champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape currently tops the table on 19 points from three victories in seven matches. They are followed by Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, Paarl Royals, and Durban’s Super Giants. Defending champions MI Cape Town languish at the bottom of the log with only ten points. Today’s action sees Pretoria Capitals welcoming MI Cape Town to Centurion.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-42-cents and the euro at 19-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-9-cents and Bitcoin trades at 90-thousand-453-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-591-dollars-33-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African Weather Service has issued warnings of heavy downpours, localised flooding, mudslides, and rockfalls for parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Communities are urged to remain vigilant as these conditions pose serious safety risks. Meanwhile, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape are experiencing a heatwave. Residents are advised to take precautions and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.

Stay tuned for more news………….