News 17:00

BULLETIN 14 January 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government wishes learners well as the 2026 academic year gets underway
# The World Bank warns of the weakest global growth decade since the 1960s
# And Soccer: Nigeria seeks redemption in the semis against hosts Morocco in the AFCON 2025 showdown

# Government has sent its best wishes to all learners as the 2026 academic year officially got underway today. Millions of learners were returning to classrooms nationwide, including first-time learners. The government has assured parents that unplaced learners will be accommodated as provinces handle late applications. Deputy government spokesperson, William Baloyi, encouraged learners to stay focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies, while urging parents to support learning at home:

# A psychologist, Onke Mazibuko, has urged parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritise the emotional safety of matriculants. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, approximately 29-thousand South African teenagers attempt suicide each year due to academic pressure. Mazibuko says these figures point to a persistent mental health challenge that intensifies annually as National Senior Certificate results are released:

# The City of Cape Town thanks residents, visitors and city staff for their shared commitment to keeping the metro clean during the busy 2025 festive period. The festive season traditionally places increased pressure on waste collection services as thousands of visitors make use of the city’s beaches, parks and public spaces. Mayoral committee member for Urban Waste Management, Grant Twigg, says during this time refuse volumes generally rise across several areas:

# The World Bank says the global economy remains resilient despite trade tensions and policy uncertainty, with growth projected at 2.6-percent this year and 2.7-percent in 2027. According to the Bank, stronger-than-expected performance in the US has supported stability. However, it warns the 2020s are on track to be the weakest growth decade since the 1960s, widening global income gaps and challenging job creation, especially in developing economies.

# Soccer: Nigerian acting captain Alex Iwobi says the Super Eagles are focused on redemption as they take on hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium tonight. Morocco reach the semis for the first time in 22 years. The heavyweight semi-final is anticipated to be a charged attack versus defence thriller. He says Nigeria has no choice but to excel to the finals:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-40-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-4-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-167-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-630-dollars-69-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-89-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….