News 15:00

BULLETIN 2 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA says the National Council of Provinces must use its legislative authority to reject the flawed BELA Bill 
# Global air cargo demand sees a significant increase in December
# And motorsport: Formula One is set to race in Japan until 2029

# The DA is urging the the National Council of Provinces to use its legislative authority to reject the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill and have it reconsidered by the National Assembly. Public submissions for the BELA Bill closed yesterday, and it is now before the council for concurrence. The DA’s Baxolile Nodada says while the ANC is hellbent on ramming the bill through, the party will be ready for court action:

# The International Air Transport Association has indicated the world’s total air cargo demand experienced a notable growth of 10.8-percent in December, compared to the previous year. IATA director-general Willie Walsh confirms the increase in international demand was higher at 11.5-percent. In addition, the total air cargo capacity saw a significant rise of 13.6-percent year-on-year in December. Meanwhile, the recent disruption in the Red Sea has led some shippers to pivot to air cargo, resulting in increased demand and a spike in air cargo.

# Japan has announced a grant of nearly 15-million-rand for the emergency cholera response in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, through UNICEF. The country has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since February last year, recording more than 20-thousand cases and over 400 deaths. The funding will specifically target the most vulnerable communities in Manicaland, which bears one of the highest burdens of cholera. The grant will reportedly provide a comprehensive range of life-saving support in areas such as access to safe water, provision of critical hygiene materials, healthcare, nutrition, and child protection.

# Motorsport: Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension with the Japanese Grand Prix that will see the iconic Suzuka Circuit remain on the calendar until at least 2029. The first F1 race at Suzuka was in 1987. This year’s Japanese Grand Prix is moving to a new slot in April, between races in Australia and China, to reduce the distance that freight travels around the globe. The move is part of F1’s drive to be more sustainable, with the aim of becoming net zero carbon by 2030.

# And finally: South Africa’s biggest social sport and lifestyle event, the Cape Town 10s, kicks off an exciting month of events in the Mother City today. The two-day festival features six sporting codes, namely rugby, netball, dodgeball, padel, water polo and a five-kilometre charity run on Saturday morning. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says Cape Town is providing support to at least 21 events taking place in the city this month:

Stay tuned for more news………….