News 17:00

BULLETIN 12 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ActionSA blames government infighting as 140-thousand more South Africans lose their jobs
# A new funding model for NSFAS will be rolled out within three months
# And cricket: Dewald Brevis propels the Proteas to a 53-run victory in the second T20 against Australia

# ActionSA has expressed concern over the rising unemployment rate, with 140-thousand more people losing jobs between April and June this year. According to the latest quarterly labour force survey, the official unemployment rate increased to 33.2 percent, meaning one in three job seekers remains without work. ActionSA’s Alan Beesley blames fighting within the government of national unity for causing economic stagnation and job losses. He warns the 30-percent US tariff could make things worse:

# Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, says the government will stabilise the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and begin rolling out a new sustainable student funding model within three months. He told the media this aims to ensure reliable financial support for students and improve access to post-school education, helping more young people to pursue their studies without financial barriers:

# The Home Affairs Department has partnered with Capitec and First National Bank to offer smart ID and passport services at bank branches nationwide. From October, Capitec will launch services at select sites, targeting 100 by early 2026, while FNB will integrate applications into its app. Minister Leon Schreiber says using banks’ infrastructure for biometric verification aims to cut queues. The department plans to expand to one-thousand branches by 2029, prioritising underserved areas. More banks are expected to join the initiative.

# Union federation Cosatu has expressed alarm over reports that the South African National Defence Force personnel deployed on peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have not received their full allowances. Cosatu accuses senior generals of pilfering funds meant for rank-and-file soldiers risking their lives. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks urges Defence minister, Angie Motshekga, to act decisively against corruption and ensure deployed members are fairly compensated:

# Cricket: Dewald Brevis starred for South Africa to win the second of three T20s against Australia in Darwin by 53 runs, ending the hosts’ run of nine successive victories. His undefeated 125 off just 56 balls propelled the Proteas to a mammoth 218 for seven. Australia’s run-chase started good, but the wickets kept tumbling and they were dismissed for 165. Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka both took three wickets. The decider will be played in Cairns on Saturday after Australia won the first match.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-67-cents and the euro at 20-rand-54-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 119-thousand-117-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-347-dollars-46-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-98-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….