News 17:00

BULLETIN 29 January 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Human Rights Commission doesn’t find any link between the July 2021 unrest and Zuma’s imprisonment
# MEC Chiloane expects a complete probe into a Grade 7 learner’s drowning within seven days
# And soccer: Bafana is looking to cause an Afcon upset against top-ranked Morocco

# The South African Human Rights Commission says it’s unclear what the common purpose or intention behind the July 2021 riots were, but it couldn’t find a link to former president Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment. The commission released its report into the violence and lootings, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Over 350 people were killed and damage was estimated at 50-billion-rand. The violence erupted just a day after Zuma began serving his sentence for contempt of court. Commissioner Philile Ntuli says intelligence gathering should be improved:

# The Gauteng Department of Education has appointed Nchupetsang Attorneys to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning of Grade 7 learner. Latoya Temilton died last Saturday during a one-day excursion to the Wag ‘n Bietjie campsite, organised by Laerskool Queenswood in Pretoria. Education MEC Matome Chiloane says the investigation aims to provide a comprehensive report, with findings and recommendations, within seven days. He emphasised those responsible for the tragedy will be held accountable.

# The Border Management Authority has announced plans to implement One-Stop Border Posts with neighboring countries. Commissioner Mike Masiapato told the media this will be a solution to migration and will enhance efficiency at ports of entry for people and goods. Masiapato emphasises the initiative will align South Africa and its neighboring countries, streamlining border crossings:

# The Economic Community of West African States has expressed its readiness for a negotiated solution following the announcements by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger of their exit from the regional bloc. ECOWAS says it remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse. The leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have stated that their decision to leave ECOWAS is a sovereign one. Tensions between the bloc and the three countries have been strained due to military coups in the region 

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana will take on Morocco tomorrow night in the last match of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. The two nations have both won the tournament just once – Morocco’s triumph coming in 1976, while South Africa were African champions in 1996. Morocco are the top ranked team in Africa, so it will be a tough task for Bafana. But coach Hugo Broos believes his team can cause an upset:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-75-cents and the euro at 20-rand-29-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 41-thousand-995-dollars-23-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-32-dollars-8-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-29-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….