News 16:00

BULLETIN 27 January 4pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A fire in Paarl Hospital is contained with no injuries reported
# South Africa records the highest-ever international arrivals with more than 10-million visitors in 2025
# And tennis: Alcaraz reaches the Australian Open’s semifinal for the first time

# The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says an assessment is underway to determine the full extent of the damage following a fire at Paarl Hospital earlier today. Several wards were evacuated as a precaution, but no injuries have been reported. The department’s Leensie Lötter says hospital operations in unaffected areas continue while authorities evaluate the situation and plan the necessary repairs:

# South Africa has recorded its highest-ever number of international arrivals, welcoming more than ten-million visitors last year. Tourism minister Patricia de Lille told the media the milestone confirms tourism’s growing role in driving economic growth, investment and job creation. She says the increase reflects improved visa systems, expanded air routes and stronger destination marketing, with tourism now supporting about 1.8-million direct and indirect jobs nationwide:

# KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has confirmed knowing controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, telling the Madlanga commission Matlala attended his traditional wedding in Pretoria in 2019. Senona revealed his wife shares a surname with Matlala and was introduced to him by his wife’s relative. He however declined to clarify any family connection, citing personal concerns. Senona also indicated he may seek legal advice before revealing more about the relationship:

# Tennis: World number one Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reached the penultimate round of the Australian Open for the very first time. He easily got rid of local favourite Alex de Minaur in their quarterfinal match in Melbourne. Alcaraz won in straight sets in just over two-hours, despite scorching heat of over 40-degrees Celcius. He is still on course to add the Australian Open title to his six other Grand Slam crowns – two at Wimbledon, two at the French Open and two at the American Open.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 19-rand-8-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-99-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-993-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-77-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Higher Education and Training deputy minister, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, led a welcoming ceremony for 36 South African graduates at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria. This follows their successful completion of a specialised training programme at Beijing Polytechnic College in China. The graduates form part of the first cohort to benefit from a collaboration between the college and nine South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges. Dube-Ncube has emphasised the importance of aligning international learning experiences with long-term national priorities.

Stay tuned for more news………….