News 15:00

BULLETIN 25 August 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Road Freight Association says a rail revamp could slash logistics costs and create thousands of jobs
# Minister Gwarube emphasises the foundations of learning is a priority at the G20 Indaba
# And rugby: The Springboks move to second in the world rankings following their victory over the Wallabies

# The Road Freight Association says the success of government’s rail reform will depend on stable regulations, improved infrastructure, and strong collaboration between road and rail operators. This follows Transport minister Barbara Creecy’s announcement that eleven private train companies have been allocated operating slots to boost freight volumes from 160- to 250-million tons annually. The association’s CEO, Gavin Kelly, says the rail revamp could slash logistics costs and create thousands of jobs.

# Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube says the G20 National Education Indaba in Cape Town prioritises strengthening foundations of learning to address long-term challenges in the sector. Gwarube stressed that getting the basics right will reduce obsession with matric results, maths, and science participation. She called for evidence-led reforms, financial recovery plans for struggling provinces, and global advocacy to ensure equal access to quality education for all children:

# Families of victims, and survivors of apartheid-era human rights violations have until 4pm today to register for pre-consultations in the judicial commission of inquiry. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission in May to probe obstruction of Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. The inquiry will examine whether officials influenced police or prosecutors to stall cases, possible collusion, and if constitutional damages are warranted. The commission must complete its work in six months and report within 60 days thereafter.

# Rugby: South Africa has leapfrogged Ireland into second spot in the world rankings following their 30-22 victory over Australia in Cape Town in the second round of the Rugby Championship. New Zealand remains top of the rankings despite suffering a 29-23 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, which was the Los Pumas’ first-ever home Test victory over the All Blacks. New Zealand needed to lose by at least 15 points for the Springboks to reclaim top spot. France is fourth in the rankings and England fifth.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-54-cents and the euro at 20-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-36-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-368-dollars-18-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-66-cents a barrel. 

# And finally: The Forum for South Africa is calling on Sports, Arts and Culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, to urgently implement policies that will ensure actors and actresses receive royalties for their work, both during their lifetime and beyond. The minister has been criticised for opposing the Copyright Amendment Bill, which will secure royalty rights for performers. The forum’s leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says unlike musicians who continue to receive royalties even after their deaths, actors don’t have the same financial security:

Stay tuned for more news………….