News 17:00

BULLETIN 15 January 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal wants an urgent inspection of the Disaster Management Centre amid floods
# The UN seeks over 78-billion-rand for humanitarian aid in Ukraine
# And, cricket: Top of the log Super Giants hosts JSK in Durban today

# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal is calling on the chairperson of the province’s portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zinhle Cele, to conduct an urgent oversight inspection of the province’s Disaster Management Centre. This is to establish the facility’s state of preparedness and functionality. The DA’s Martin Meyer says this appeal comes as the province is currently being battered by frequent flooding with global climate change having a devastating effect:

# The Gauteng Health Department is calling on residents to play a role in their local clinic committees. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says residents have an opportunity to nominate individuals to serve as clinic committee members in more than 370 public clinics in the province. He says clinic committees play a vital role in ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in the governance of public clinics through public participation, assisting in addressing the health needs of the communities they serve and ensuring accountability:

# The South African Human Rights Commission has raised concerns regarding school uniforms and learners’ appearance rules. A study by the commission highlights the importance of lowering the cost of uniforms. Eastern Cape commission head, Eileen Carter, says South Africa should re-assess the purpose of uniforms. Carter told eNCA there is a need to be practical in pricing as parents continue to battle with the high cost in the current economy.

# The United Nations has revealed this year it urgently needs over 78-billion-rand in humanitarian aid for war-torn Ukraine, aiming to assist 8.5-million people within the country and 2.3-million refugees in Eastern Europe. With the war entering its third year, a recent wave of attacks highlights the urgent need for aid, compounded by a harsh winter. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths says the refugee crisis persists with terrified children on the front lines. Host countries are struggling to provide education, healthcare, and employment, intensifying the need for support amid escalating Russian assaults.

# Cricket: The top team on the SA20 log, Durban’s Super Giants, hosts Joburg Super Kings at Kingsmead this afternoon. The Johannesburg side is currently fifth on the log after winning one of its two previous games and losing the other. Giants won both their first two matches and are level with Paarl Royals at eight points. Tomorrow the third and fourth teams on the log, M-I Cape Town and defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, will lock horns at Newlands. Pretoria Capitals have lost both their opening games and are in sixth position.

Stay tuned for more news………….