News 18:00

BULLETIN 13 January 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Independent Examinations Board Matric Class of 2024 achieves a 98.47-percent pass rate
# SANCO criticises government’s response over the Stilfontein mining tragedy
# And Motorsport: It was almost a 1,2,3 for South Africa in stage 8 of the Dakar Rally

# Private and independent schools writing the Independent Examinations Board exams, have achieved a 98.47-percent overall pass rate, slightly up from 2023’s 98.46-percent. Bachelor’s pass rates rose to 89.37-percent, compared to 88.59-percent last year. A total of 16-thousand-304 candidates from 275 centres participated. A total of 149 candidates achieved results within the top 5-percent of all candidates in six or more subjects and got a distinction in Life Orientation. IEB CEO Confidence Dikgole praised their resilience amid 2020’s disruptions, underscoring their commendable determination.

# The South African National Civics Organisation in North West has accused the government of subjecting trapped Stilfontein miners to inhumane conditions. SANCO spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam, criticised the state for championing global human rights while neglecting domestic issues. Speaking to the media at a Mining Affected Communities United in Action briefing, Jam said the deaths were avoidable and emphasised miners’ right to life:

# The DA has urged Tourism minister, Patricia de Lille, to place SA Tourism under administration after revelations it may forfeit over 800-million-rand from its 2024/25 budget due to under-spending. DA spokesperson on Tourism, Haseena Ismail, highlighted the state owned enterprise’s ongoing instability, citing irregular tenders, board controversies, and failure to promote tourism effectively. She calls for action to restore accountability and functionality within SA Tourism:

# Motorsport: South African Henk Lategan in his Toyota consolidated his lead atop the driver standings of the Dakar Rally by winning the eighth stage today. The 30-year-old is in his fourth Dakar outing. He extended his lead over home hope Yazeed al-Rajhi to 5-minutes-41-seconds in the general classification. Despite a two-minute penalty for speeding on the stage, Lategan finished ahead of compatriot Guy Botterill, also in a Toyota. France’s Mathieu Serradori in his Century prevented an all-South African podium by finishing third, five seconds ahead of Brian Baragwanath.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-21-cents and Bitcoin trades at 90-thousand-826-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-668-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Boitumelo Media has announced the inaugural Community Radio Awards, set for the 25th of April. This event honours community radio stations and contributors advancing local storytelling, social justice, and cultural expression. Categories include Best Community Programme and Hall of Fame inductees amongst others. Nominations, featuring audio profiles and written motivations, close on the 28th of February. Founder Motseki Mabuya highlights the critical role of community radio in fostering dialogue and cultural connection.

Stay tuned for more news………….