News 17:00

BULLETIN 5 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the just energy transition investment plan prioritises green livelihoods
# Saftu says the minimum wage increase still falls short of decent living standards 
# And Cricket: India wins the second Test to square the series against England 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is taking significant steps toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy through the just energy transition investment plan. Speaking at the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba, he says the mining sector plays a vital role in this positive disruption. The plan aims to create new industries, support livelihoods in the green economy, and foster collaboration between the government and social partners. Ramaphosa urges the mining industry to actively engage in fostering innovation in green technology for a sustainable future:

# Union federation Saftu insists the recently announced National Minimum Wage increase to 27-rand-58-cents per hour up from 25-rand-42-cents, still falls short of providing decent living standards for workers and their families. Despite being above inflation, the federation deems the wage increment insufficient to meet basic needs. Saftu’s Trevor Shaku says the monthly wage of approximately four-thousand-633-rand falls short of covering necessities, including food, rent, and transportation. Shaku reiterates Saftu’s longstanding demand for a minimum living wage of 72-rand per hour:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has expressed its condolences to the people of Namibia following the death of president Hage Geingob. The union federation has hailed Geingob as a revolutionary who fought against apartheid and colonialism. Cosatu deputy general secretary, Matthew Parks, described Geingob as a true leader who dedicated his life to the fight for freedom, justice, and democracy. Parks also commended the late president for his support of South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.

# Cricket: India won the second Test against England by 106 runs to square the series. The hosts posted 396 in their first innings and the visitors replied with 253. India then scored 255 in their second innings, setting England a target of 399 to take a 2-0 lead after clinching the first encounter. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin then both took four wickets and England was dismissed for 292. Zak Crawley’s 73 was the highest individual score. The third of the five Tests starts in Rajkot next Thursday.

# And finally: Grammy award-winning South African singer Tyla says her father already decided he would keep her prize in his room. The 22-year-old was overwhelmed when she was named winner in the category for Best African Music Performance for her smash hit Water, becoming the youngest South African to win the coveted award. Tyla, hailing from Edenvale in Gauteng, wore a dramatic light green Versace cut-out mesh dress. She won the hearts of the audience when she performed an impromptu dance while holding up the Grammy:

Stay tuned for more news………….