News 15:00

BULLETIN 1 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The demerit system for traffic offences is delayed 
# The Department of Employment and Labour shuts down a construction site over safety concerns
# And rugby: A blockbuster Six Nations opener is expected between France and Ireland

# The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the decision to postpone the implementation of phase two of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act, or AARTO. Initially set to roll out today, the party has consistently criticised the act for infringing on road users’ rights to administrative justice. The DA’s Derrick America contends the act prioritises fine collection over road safety. He adds the delay signals a lack of readiness in implementing the flawed system:

# The Department of Employment and Labour’s joint blitz inspection has resulted in the shutdown of activities at an estate construction site in Gwendolen Road and Kendall Avenue in Pretoria North. The inspection revealed Central Development Projects had disregarded labour laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company also continued with construction despite the site being declared unsafe. The department’s provincial chief inspector, Michael Msiza, emphasised the importance of compliance and urged companies to prioritise the safety of workers.

# The United States is actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to give details, but told a news briefing the effort has been an objective of president Joe Biden’s administration. British Foreign secretary David Cameron also reportedly told a group of UK lawmakers the government and its allies will look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state.

# Rugby: The Six Nations gets underway tomorrow night with a blockbuster in Paris between France and Ireland. After completing the Grand Slam last season, defending champions Ireland will start a new chapter after the retirement of flyhalf and captain Johnny Sexton. Jack Crowley will take over at number ten, with Peter O’Mahony appointed as the new captain. Coach Andy Farrell says they are excited about the game: 

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-75-cents and the euro at 20-rand-26-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-69-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-189-dollars-57-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-31-dollars-86-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa says he’s deeply saddened by the passing of legendary musician and activist, Tony Cedras. Globally recognised as a multi-instrumentalist and an advocate for the Khoisan heritage, Cedras is fondly remembered for his exceptional contributions to Cape Town jazz. Kodwa says Cedras played a pivotal role in using art as a tool for social change during the liberation struggle. Ministry spokesperson Litha Mpondwana says Cedras leaves behind an enduring legacy as a cultural ambassador:

Stay tuned for more news………….