News 16:00

BULLETIN 5 December 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet takes a firm stance on foodborne illnesses
# The DA supports the Education Department’s interventions to address the drop in literacy and numeracy skills
# And cycling: Over 900 cyclists are to participate in the world’s longest single-stage bike race across the Namib desert

# Cabinet has decided to strengthen measures against foodborne illnesses to protect public health. Government will focus on better food safety regulations, inspections, and raising public awareness. Addressing the media, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says swift action is crucial in preventing and managing foodborne illnesses, ensuring that proper measures are in place to protect the public from health risks related to food consumption:

# The DA supports the Department of Basic Education’s proposed interventions after studies revealed declines in literacy and numeracy skills. The reports show that many Grade 6 learners are unable to meet basic reading and math standards. The DA welcomes efforts to improve early childhood development and promote mother-tongue bilingual education. The party’s Delmaine Christians says these measures are crucial for ensuring better educational outcomes:

The Western Cape has achieved top scores in South Africa for Grade 5 and Grade 9 Mathematics and Science. This is according to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Despite these successes, performance levels have reportedly decreased in many areas, reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. WCED’s Bronagh Hammond highlights the need for continued improvement:

# Cycling: The world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, the Desert Dash, starts in the Namibian capital of Windhoek early tomorrow morning. It will end at Swakopmund on the coast 24-hours later after a gruelling 401 kilometres across the Namib desert. Over 900 cyclists have entered for the race, which is now in its 20th year. There are 80 two-person teams, 156 four-person teams and 190 solo participants. Fifteen cyclists will also participate in the e-bike category. A new age category for over 50s was introduced this year.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-5-cents and the euro at 19-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 22-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 102-thousand-918-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-650-dollars-79-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-15-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Paris has been named the most attractive city in the world for the fourth consecutive time. This is according to the Top 100 City Destinations Index by data analytics company Euromonitor International. The index ranks cities on criteria including tourism, sustainability, economic performance, and health and safety. Madrid is second on the list followed by Tokyo, with Rome and Milan fourth and fifth. Europe dominates the rankings with six cities in the top ten. 

Stay tuned for more news………….